2 hunters safe from eastern Oregon wildfire
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PORTLAND, Ore. - Authorities say two bow hunters safely escaped a wildfire burning in rugged terrain in eastern Oregon.
Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer says two law enforcement officers helped the pair get out of harm's way late Tuesday or early Wednesday. No helicopter was used to get them out, despite earlier reports.
The Parish Cabin wildfire has scorched 5,000 acres in the Malheur National Forest.
The blaze was sparked days after the start of bow-hunting season, and deputies evacuated 30 to 40 people from campsites. Palmer says the flames destroyed tents, a bicycle and some plastic furniture.
No part of the wildfire is contained, and its cause is unknown.
Elsewhere, firefighters say they've established containment lines around a large wildfire that's been burning for three weeks in south-central Oregon and northern California.
The Barry Point fire has burned across 145 square miles since it started in a series of lightning strikes Aug. 6.
Several other large fires are burning in Oregon or along its borders.
During college, I fought fire in John Day. When bow season would start they would up the hours we worked because it was usually pretty hot and dry out but the mornings would be cold. Hunters would start warming fires and leave them. The day would warm up and wind would flare the fire ups. I am pretty sure this how this one started.
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Have heard rumors that the fire jumped the 16 road and burned up Parish Cabin Campground.
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People need to remember, just cause it is cold out doesn't mean it isn't dry and won't warm up. Campfire this time of year is a stupid risk, even in designated campgrounds.
 @lgb6 You are correct, the hunters starting fires are a problem. There is also a problem with local firefighters starting fires to ensure an income for the summer and fall. Many firefighters in the area spend the winter and spring collecting unemployment, welfare, and food stamps. They don't care about the woods and will destroy it for a few dollars.The government needs to find a way to employ firefighters without it being a job program for welfare losers.
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I morn the loss of such beautiful and rare wilderness, which is one of my favorite camping spots and hope the worst of the people who are responsible for its destruction.