A 3,000 acre brush fire, now dubbed the Hat Rock fire, ignited in Umatilla County on Tuesday morning in Juniper Canyon.
Hat Rock State Park is under Level 2 (be set) evacuation orders, and the fire is now spreading through Juniper Canyon toward the Washington state line, officials said.
Fire crews responded to the brush fire on U.S. 730 near Oregon 37, approximately 9 miles northeast of Hermiston, just before 11 a.m.
A helicopter was sent from La Grande to drop water on the blaze. The Walla Walla Fire Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are assisting Umatilla fire crews.
As areas of Oregon declare the beginning of fire season, officials warn residents to prepare and familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures.
Oregon fire officials and Gov. Tina Kotek predicted a more tame wildfire season than previous years, but they warned that hot weather conditions will continue to present wildfire risks.
Hot and dry weather paired with strong winds last year extended the fire season into fall, and led to dangerous bouts of unpredictability in fire growth. Similar conditions may return this summer, officials said.
A large portion of Umatilla County is currently under a red flag warning due to a predicted cold front that could bring strong westerly winds with low humidities, according to the National Weather Service. It will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
