Several fire engines, multiple crews and aircraft are working on a 30-acre fire that started late this afternoon near Griffin Gulch about three miles southwest of Baker City.

The fire has prompted evacuation notices for homes along the gravel road that leads west from Highway 7 near the weigh station just south of the city limits.

Russell Elms, who lives on Mule Deer Lane, which branches off Griffin Gulch Lane, said at 6:30 p.m. that fire crews have made great progress in slowing the fire.

“They’ve got some serious manpower on it,” Elms said. “They’ve really got it hammered.”

Elms, who estimated the fire is about three-quarters of a mile northwest of his home, and across Griffin Gulch, said he does not think his home is threatened.

He said friends have brought a water truck and a bulldozer to his property as a precaution.

The fire is burning in grass and timber on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry. High winds are being reported in the fire area and temperatures are approximately 88 degrees. Fire resources responding to the scene include three dozers, 8 engines, one hand crew, two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs). The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and is being investigated.

A Level 3 (GO) evacuation order has been issued for residences of Griffin Gulch. A Level 2 (SET) evacuation order has been issued for the area immediately surrounding Griffin Gulch to the north side of Elk Creek. A Level 1 (READY) evacuation notice has been issued for the Elk Creek, Washington Gulch, Old Auburn and the foothills south of Baker City.