The Milepost 66 fire in the Columbia Gorge, burning 2 miles east of Hood River, is estimated Wednesday morning at 50 acres. Fire crews provided attack on the fire burning in steep terrain throughout the night after the fire was reported just after 8:00pm Tuesday. The fire is burning along the Mark Hatfield trail between Hood River and Mosier; the trail is closed during the fire response. Cause of the fire is under investigation
The fire crosses several ownership types, and resources from ODF, the U.S. Forest Service, multiple fire districts including Wy’East Fire District and Westside FD are assigned to the fire. An estimated 30 fire personnel from all responding agencies worked the fire Tuesday night. Mutual aid is being provided from a Washington DNR fire engine. Wednesday, 4 ODF engines are working the fire and an ODF helicopter has been ordered for air attack on the fire, in addition to the USFS units and local fire districts providing mutual aid on the fire.
ODOT advises that one eastbound lane of Interstate 84 is blocked between MP 66 and 67 due to fire activity. Motorists are advised to be prepared for slow downs.
Kevin Weeks – ODF Public Affairs Office