CANYON CITY — Residents in the vicinity of the Berry Creek fire, seven miles south of John Day in the Strawberry Wilderness, have been told to be ready to evacuate.

The Berry Creek Fire grew from five to 10 acres Wednesday to 52 acres today, due to increased active fire behavior overnight. Five residences and seven outbuildings are threatened.

Due to proximity to homes in the area, the local Type 3 Team, led by Incident Commander Kevin Brock, assumed command of the fire at noon today. Additional crews and rescources have been ordered.

The John Day Interagency Dispatch Center reports 11 confirmed staffed fires on the northern half of the forest yesterday.

Another fire east of Starr Ridge Campground, was successfully contained and controlled at about 9.6 acres.

Crews face steep, rugged, remote terrain with limited access, as well as hot and dry weather. A chance of additional thunderstorms, with winds up to 15 mph, is expected by Friday.

For updates on the Berry Creek Fire, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4489.