SPRAY, OR -- Wildfire crews are concerned about efforts to suppress the Solitude Fire near Spray, with a heat wave moving in to the area. The fire was first reported Sunday evening and is burning in dried grass and brush across a steep slope above the John Day River. As of Wednesday morning, it's grown to 750 acres and is 30% contained.
Due to the difficult terrain, aircraft are playing a big role in the firefight – four tankers and six helicopters are dropping retardant and water scooped from the river. Several structures are at risk, including one home and four historic cabins. The John Day River remains open to recreation, but visitors are asked to use caution and be aware of firefighting efforts.
In southern Oregon, a small wildfire just north of Klamath Falls forced Highway 97 to close for about an hour, Tuesday afternoon. It was stopped at 10 acres, with mop-up operations continuing into the night.
