At Least 36 Homes Destroyed by Oregon Wildfire

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office says at least 36 homes have been destroyed by an Eastern Oregon wildfire, 10 more than previously reported.

Gov. Kate Brown met Wednesday with victims of the fire near John Day and visited the command post where crews are overseeing the effort to contain the blaze that has charred 67 square miles, mostly on the Malheur National Forest in Eastern Oregon.

The Oregonian reported that fire commanders told a community meeting at Grant Union High School that crews have concentrated on protecting a string of homes tucked in a small river canyon south of John Day. Shifting winds pushed the fire toward homes earlier thought safe.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Homeowners Oregon