Oregon DOT
Oregon DOT
loading...

HUNTINGTON, Ore. (AP) — The four lanes of Interstate 84 helped protect an Eastern Oregon city from a wildfire that has scorched 19 square miles. The Lime Hill fire started Wednesday and strong winds pushed it to the west edge of the freeway, about two miles from Huntington.

Larry Moore, spokesman for the BLM's Vale District, tells the Baker City Herald that crews used the wide concrete strip as a firebreak to protect the city. Huntington Fire Chief Eric Bronson said Thursday the sky was clear and the city is fine. The BLM said Thursday afternoon the priorities are to protect Huntington and limit damage to protected sage-grouse habitat. The cause of the blaze is still being investigated.

Elsewhere, crews keep making progress on a large wildfire in southwestern Oregon's Cascade foothills. The Stouts fire has burned more than 30 square miles east of Canyonville; it is now 20 percent contained.

More From News Radio 1310 KLIX