Free Republic

Fires burning across Oregon The Associated Press, 8/18/02 11:20 AM Major wildfires were burning on about 540,699 acres in Oregon on Sunday. About 9,801 firefighters were working in the state. The Northwest Interagency Communication Center is tracking six major fires in Oregon. Top priorities for fire officials Sunday were the Biscuit fire, covering 435,654 acres, the 53,900-acre Tiller Complex, and the 1,953-acre East Antelope Fire, east of Ashland. BISCUIT FIRE (formerly called Florence Fire; name changed on 8/11/02) Started: Florence fire started 26 miles west of Grant Pass, 07/13/02; Sour Biscuit started 17 miles southwest of Cave Junction. Size: 435,654...

Bush to Tour Fire Lines 08/16/2002 By AP Staff President Bush will visit areas devastated by the Squires fire in Ruch next Thursday during a visit to Oregon that also will include a fund-raising dinner for Republican Senator Gordon Smith, the White House announced Friday. Bush, who is taking a "working vacation" at his ranch in Waco, Texas, also plans stops in California, according to a schedule released by the president's office. The president will deliver a speech on the importance of thinning forests to curb future wildfires, and has invited governors from Western states to join him during the...