A helicopter carries a bucket to help battle the Bear Creek fire near Seneca. photo taken by Winnie Browning.

The Bear Creek fire north of Seneca was held at 19 acres and is 100% contained according to Forest Service public affairs specialist Shiloh Burton. Crews are currently mopping up the blaze with the goal of having it fully contained earlier this week, according to Burton.

While it is no longer summer, officials urge everyone to be aware of fire dangers and make sure their fires are “dead out” and not left unattended.

Firewood cutting is allowed all day on the north half of the forest consisting of the Blue Mountain and Prairie City ranger districts. On the south half, firewood cutting is only allowed until 1 p.m. Both require a one-hour fire watch once chainsaw operations cease.

For more information, please contact the Malheur National Forest at 541-575-3000.