McCully Fire containment reaches 59% amid changing weather

Containment of the McCully Fire, located west of Baker City and north of Sumpter, has increased to 59% following recent cool and wet weather. The fire, which was ignited by lightning on August 22, covers approximately 13,500 acres.

Firefighters are currently focusing on cooling hot spots and improving control lines. While the fire no longer poses an immediate threat to approximately 40 cabins in the Bourne and Sumpter areas, crews continue to patrol for heat. Officials warned that warmer, drier weather expected this week could lead to moderate fire growth.

In response to recent rainfall, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has lowered its Public Use Restrictions to Phase B and its Industrial Fire Precaution Level to two. Despite this reduction, fire danger remains high. Under Phase B restrictions, activities such as campfires, smoking, and the use of certain internal combustion engines remain strictly regulated or prohibited on National Forest System Lands.