BOISE, Idaho — Wildfires continue scorching Eastern Oregon. In a pre-recorded video posted on Facebook Wednesday night, the crew fighting the Durkee Fire validated people's worries.
"I know there's nervousness and concern, and I'm right there with you," said Sarah Sherman, Bureau of Land Management agency administrator.
As of Wednesday night, the fire had burned roughly 250,000 acres. It is the largest fire in the U.S. and the seventh largest in Oregon's history, a Baker County spokesperson told KTVB.
People who spoke during the meeting said they are doing everything they can to make sure nobody dies and homes do not burn. As of now, no structures have burned down.
The video was pre-recorded because they were concerned about losing power with severe weather moving through the area. Those close to the flames said it is challenging to fight because the weather is not cooperating.
There is a red flag warning in effect for high winds and lightning as well as a flash flood warning.
"We've been at this for a number of days," Sherman said, "and those days keep getting harder and harder."
Incident commander Tyson Albrecht agreed.
"I don't like making excuses, and I don't like fires outpacing me. So, it's a hard thing to admit," he said. "This fire and the weather that we have been experiencing is very challenging, and it will continue to challenge us, but we will continue to keep swinging away out there."
The latest info on a fire mapping website shows the forest service expects the fire to be contained by Aug. 8. Officials did not say whether that is still the case during the meeting. Although, Sherman said it will be a long road to recovery once things are under control.
The whole town of Huntington is under level 3 evacuation – meaning “Get out now.” Huntington is home to about 510 people. Many more are on notice.