Eyerly fire camp still operating

Maria Sanchez works in supply tent at Eyerly fire camp.

Somewhat forgotten today, amid the rash of fires around the state of Oregon, is the fact that the Eyerly fire camp is still in operation.

Located about one mile from downtown Camp Sherman adjacent to the Allingham guard station is a well-stocked fire camp housing about 200 firefighters.

"The camp is well supplied and could grow rapidly to 1,000 or more firefighters if hot spots develop in either the Cache Mountain or Eyerly fire zones," said Bob Elliott, a retired Forest Service employee, now working at the fire camp.

"Five crews (20 people per crew) from the Northeast were released Monday," said Bob Fitzsimmons.

They flew out of Redmond and headed back to Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and other eastern sectors.

Most of the people feel that the fire camp will remain in operation until the end of the month, depending on weather, winds and hot spots -- continuing the mop-up operation.

"I haven't been digging dirt lately," said Elliott. "Fortunately, there are many young people in good physical shape and trained for this type of hard work."

The camp is well supplied and Maria Sanchez works the supply tent area most of the day. Breakfast and dinner are supplied every day at the camp with lunch in the field.

"The food is excellent, including vegetarian choices for those wanting them," said Ed Bridgeman, Order Manager from Carson, Washington.