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Fire Management
Managing Fire in the Forest
This page will provide information about the current fire situation on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, as well as many other great resources to help you understand how the Forest Service tries to balance human needs with ecosystem needs.
Fire is a natural part of Western forest ecosystems. Certain tree species have adapted to require fire to reproduce. Prescribed fire is an essential tool for reducing the risk from wildfire on public lands. When weather and fuel conditions are conducive, prescribed fire can help reduce risk from future wildfires.
However, other kinds and uses of fire are not healthy for the ecosystem and can pose serious threats to human life and property. With more and more people moving into what is called the urban forest interface--where human developments bump up to forests--fire has been a strain on resources and a threat to millions of people.
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Fire Incident Information
Stay up-to-date with the most recent Fire Information on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Prescribed Fire Information
The wildland fire community discusses and coordinates operational needs for responding to wildfires and conducting prescribed burns. When deemed appropriate, and firefighters and equipment are available, prescribed burning may occur during times of active wildfire.
Current Fire Map
Zoom in on any area on this map to see fires and their perimeters in references to their proximity to recreation facilities and sites. This map is kept up-to-date with the most current information available on the size and growth of fires around the Forest.
About Our Crews & Resources
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Burnt Powder Fire Zone
The Burnt Powder Fire Zone was formed in 1983 from Pine Ranger District in Halfway, Baker Ranger District in Baker City and the Unity Ranger District in Unity.
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Wallowa Fire Zone
The Wallowa Fire Zone consists of 3 districts encompassing 1.3 million acres. Eagle Cap Ranger District, Wallowa Valley Ranger District and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
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Grande Ronde Fire Zone
The Grande Ronde Fire Zone is centrally located on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. La Grande is the hub for fire and fire support resources which includes the Grande Ronde Fire Zone, Dispatch, Hotshots, Rappellers, Fire Cache and Tanker Base.
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Grande Ronde Rappellers
The Grande Ronde Rappellers are a 38person crew of highly trained aerially delivered wildland firefighters sponsored by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, based in La Grande, Oregon. The crew consists of 27 permanent and 11 temporary seasonal positions.
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La Grande Interagency Hotshot Crew
The mission of the La Grande Interagency Hotshot Crew is to provide our public and cooperating agencies the highest level of service in wild land fire operations and suppression.
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Union Interagency Hotshot Crew
Union Interagency Hotshot Crew will accomplish all assignments with Integrity, Leadership, Respect and Safe Practices. The purpose of the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew is to provide a safe, professional and highly skilled 20 person hand crew for all phases of wildland fire suppression.
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La Grande Air Attack
La Grande, Oregon is home to one of Region 6 Air Tactical Group Supervisors (Air Attack) duty stations. The air attack position supervises and commands tactical aircraft over a wildland fire and controls the airspace within a fire traffic area.
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La Grande Air Tanker Base
The La Grande Air Tanker Base (LGD ATB) was established in 1973 to provide for the safe and efficient mobilization of Air tanker resources. As accessibility of terrain or the location of a wildfire can delay the deployment of ground resources, and as fire intensity increases, they become more difficult to control and costly to extinguish.
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Blue Mountain Interagency Fire Center
Located in La Grande Oregon, the Blue Mountain Interagency Fire Center is the home for the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center, the La Grande Air Tanker Base and the La Grande Fire Cache
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La Grande Interagency Support Cache
The La Grande Cache’s interagency mission embodies the principles, regulations, rules, standards, procedures and facilities designed to provide equipment and supplies to wildfire management, land management and other emergency incidents.
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Eagle Cap Wildland Fire Module
Our Module vision is to accomplish every task given to us with pride, integrity, respect, and safety, no matter how great or humble the assignment.
Message from USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore and Dr. Paul Hessburg, Senior Research Ecologist
Related Links
Fire as a tool for healthy forests
