The BLM’s Vale Hotshots 20-person firefighting crew will hike in to a remote site in eastern Baker County Friday morning, May 9, to work on a 16-acre wildfire reported Thursday afternoon.

The fire, near Connor Creek about 18 miles north of Huntington, was reported about 4:43 p.m., according to the Vale fire dispatch center.

The cause has not been determined. A BLM fire investigator and fire engine crew, which fought the blaze Thursday, remained at the site overnight Thursday, said Larisa Bogardus, public affairs officer for the Vale District.

The fire is burning in very steep, rough terrain, Bogardus said.

“The fire was creeping in brush and timber last night,” Bogardus said on Friday morning. “We expect minimal growth today and anticipate full containment by the end of the day.”

The fire was 80% contained as of noon Friday, Bogardus said.

The area includes a mixture of juniper thickets, brush and grass.

In addition to the Connor Creek fire, fire crews found and doused two human-caused trash fires on BLM land in the same area, Bogardus said.

“Fire season is here,” she said. “Cheatgrass and other fine fuels are already curing, making them very receptive to fire. Residents and visitors should be extra careful with field, debris and trash burning, as well as campfires. Never leave a fire unattended. Always have a shovel and plenty of water ready in case a fire starts to spread. Extinguish fires completely by pouring water on coals and stirring with a shovel. Do this several times to make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch.”

Connor Creek heads near Lookout Mountain and flows east into Brownlee Reservoir. A dirt road follows the creek from the Snake River Road. The fire is south of the creek, which flows through a steep limestone canyon.