Rattlesnake Fire wraps up Sept. 1

POMEROY––Fire lines were deemed completed and the majority of crews were working their way out of the 486-acre Rattlesnake Fire as of September 1, reported the USFS Incident Management Team working the fire located twenty miles south of Pomeroy and thirteen miles southeast of Dayton. A type 2 crew was assigned to remain on the fire for a few days.

The Rattlesnake Fire was in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness on the Pomeroy Ranger District, burning in a fifteen-year old fire scar.

Some burning and smoldering in heavier fuels remained last week, particularly in the north east corner where crews were to continue to use hose lays to cool heat near the Tucannon River. As of September 1, some smoke is still visible in the interior as stumps and heavy fuels continue to burn out.

The mastication operation, consisting of clearing and chopping up downed brush, is finished, leaving a good fuel break along the Tucannon Road.

The fire started August 19 by lightning. Firefighters protected private lands, wilderness, recreation and a threatened and endangered fish species.

The Meacham Complex Fire, 10 miles north of LaGrande, Ore., issued its last report on September 7 as 95% of the 765-acre timber fire was considered fully suppressed.

Forest visitors are asked to drive slowly on the Tucannon Road (FS Road 47) due to heavy fire and recreational traffic. Yield to fire vehicles where possible and avoid distracted driving.

-Umatilla National Forest