Free Republic

Fires burning on more than 260,000 acres across Oregon The Associated Press 7/28/02 1:04 AM Major wildfires were burning on 264,000 acres in Oregon on Saturday. About 10,495 firefighters are working in the state. The Northwest Interagency Communication Center is tracking at least 14 major fires in Oregon. Top priorities for fire officials were the 9,000-acre Sheldon Ridge fire near The Dalles and the 2,261-acre Skunk Fire in Klamath County. WHITE RIVER Started: 7/23/02, one mile east of Maupin Size: 20,000 acres Containment: 30 percent. Evacuations: mandatory evacuation of White River campground 7/24/02; Bake Oven Road and Buckhollow Road reopened,...

Flames force evacuations in The Dalles By ANDREW KRAMER The Associated Press 7/27/02 3:27 AM THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) -- A contingent of 125 Oregon National Guard troops headed for the Columbia River Gorge Saturday to help fight a 6,000-acre wildfire threatening 270 homes. The Sheldon Ridge fire spewed smoke over The Dalles and burned to within a few feet of some homes perched on the hillsides, some with dramatic views of the river and Mount Hood. Firefighters parked their red and yellow engines in driveways with lights flashing and prepared to fight house to house if the fire picked...