HERMISTON — The Hat Rock Fire burning in northern Umatilla County east of Hermiston has grown to 15,000 acres, according to the update Wednesday, June 14, from Umatilla County Fire District No. 1.

The Hat Rock Fire and the Mount Hebron Fire each ignited June 13 in the wake of the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning due to high winds and other conditions that contributed to rapid fire growth and exhausting local resources.

Gov. Tina Kotek declared a conflagration on the evening of June 13, mobilizing the Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Incident Management Team and six task forces from Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah and Yamhill counties.

Three task forces and the IMT arrived the night of June 13 and began integrating and relieving local crews to continue operations throughout the night on both fires. Transfer of command occurred at 7 a.m. June 14 with the arrival of an additional three task forces. The State Fire Marshal is collaborating closely with the Oregon Department of Forestry, which is providing air resources and personnel to battle these fires.

Chief Scott Stanton of Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 credited farmers and the “large community of volunteers who immediately responded” for helping make progress agains the fires.

Fire District No. 1 also reported there are injuries at this time and the cause of both fires is under investigation.

Hat Rock Fire

Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 on June 13 at 10:59 a.m. received a callout to respond to a brush fire at the intersection of Highway 37 and Highway 730. Upon arrival, crews came across a rapidly moving fire through grass and sage brush. Mutual aid resources were quickly dispatched and the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 1 and later Level 2 evacuation notices for Hat Rock State Park and RV Park.

The Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police responded to assist with road closures. The Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal activated a KMAX helicopter through immediate response to assist in fire operations with funding available from Senate Bill 762. Numerous local and state agencies helped fight the fire.

The fire spread northeast, reaching the Oregon/Washington border by nightfall, pushing the fire through Juniper Canyon into Washington. Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 estimated the burn at 15,000 acres in Oregon and the fire remains active as crews continue to strengthen containment lines and monitor flare-ups. The Hat Rock Fire also is active in Washington.

While the strongest winds have passed, winds are expected to continue throughout the day — out of the West-Southwest, 15-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Winds are expected to decrease into the evening with a passing cold front decreasing temperature and allowing for good recoveries in relative humidity. Evacuation levels remain in effect at this time. For up to date information on evacuation levels, refer to the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

A shelter remains open at Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center,1705 E. Airport Road Hermiston, for any residents affected by the evacuation. Red Cross members remain on location for anyone needing assistance.

Mount Hebron Fire

Pendleton Fire and Ambulance at 2:08 p.m. June 13 receive a report of a brush fire northeast of Pendleton near Highway 11. Additional mutual aid resources were quickly dispatched and several crews from the Hat Rock Fire were reassigned to the fast-moving fire in Pendleton.

Local resources were able to stop progress of the fire and by nightfall reported 99% containment at an estimated 600 acres. Resources remained on scene throughout the night and were supplemented by a responding state task force before transfer of command this morning.

Crews worked throughout the night to strengthen containment lines, put out hot spots, and build contingencies on both fires, with no additional reported growth during the night.