A wind-blown wildfire burning in Wheeler County grew to 1,200 acres Friday evening as firefighters attacked it from the air and ground. More air tankers are joining the fight.
Central Oregon Fire Information says the Alder Creek Fire is being pushed by winds. It’s heading in an east/southeast direction and is backing down toward the John Day River.
The fire is burning in grass, sage and juniper.
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Four large air tankers and two single-engine air tankers are assisting ground crews. One very large air tanker and two more single-engine air tankers have been ordered, along with more crews.
Service Creek Highway is closed from its junction with OR Route 207 east to milepost 90. Muleshoe Campground is also closed due to fire activity.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire Friday morning.
OR Route 19 — the Service Creek Highway — from its junction with OR Route 207 east to mile marker 90 is accessible by pilot car.
