Headway Made Against Large Wildfire in Oregon

Firefighters made headway over the last 24 hours against the only large fire burning in Oregon as crews across the state brace for new blazes.

Only two new fires were reported in Oregon on Wednesday and both were put out by local crews. They only scorched a total of an acre, giving firefighters a break.

"It's really quiet out there," said Carol Connolly, spokeswoman for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. "Crews are getting prepared for the next event."

One could come this weekend: Scattered lightning is expected east of the Cascades through Sunday. Areas with dry brush will be the most susceptible to new fires.

Connolly said crews battling the Water Tower fire about 13 miles southeast of Fields are focusing on the southeast corner of the blaze. Firefighters dumped retardant on it Wednesday as crews dug in containment lines. It's now 50 percent contained, covering more than 1,300 acres.

The fire is burning in steep, rocky terrain, hampering the efforts of firefighters to contain it. Nearly 90 firefighters and support personnel -- including four crews -- are assigned to the fire.

Copyright 2012 - The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service