Wildfire in Oregon, August 15 to 16, 1998

Two grass fires near Pendleton burned more than 40,000 acres of grass land and wheat stubble, one home, several unoccupied buildings, and ten cars. The 35,000 acre Coombs Canyon fire started at about 12:30 pm by exhaust form a vehicle in wheat stubble about 15 miles southwest of Pendleton. Strong wind pushed the fire to Birch Creek, about five miles southwest of Pendleton. The 5,000 acre Rieth-Barnhart fire started around 3:30 pm by a target shooter. Strong wind pushed this fire through the Pendleton Regional Airport and burned one home, several other buildings, vehicles, power poles, and communication cables. The fire crossed Interstate 84 at 6:30 pm and prompted police to close the freeway for a few hours. Highway 37 was also closed to allow fire fighters to access the fire. Fire fighters were able to stop the fire before it crossed Highway 37. In all, over 250 fire fighters from as far away as central Oregon and southern Washington battled the blazes. Three Oregon National Guard helicopters were also used to help put out one of the fires. No injuries or deaths were reported. Numerous apartments, residences, and businesses were evacuated. The National Weather Service office in Pendleton was also affected by the evacuations, power outages, and communications failures.