The Eagle Creek and Indian Creek Fires in the Columbia River Gorge have merged and are now being managed as one incident. An infrared fly-over has estimated the combined fires to be 30,929 acres. After experiencing explosive fire behavior on the
Eagle Creek Fire last night, firefighters were successful at holding fire growth to
moderate levels Tuesday. A spot fire, which spread
across the Columbia River early Tuesday near Archer Mountain, is approximately 120 acres today and is
being managed by a Washington Department of Natural Resources Type 3 Team.
Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925. A task force of structural engines and one aerial
ladder truck worked in conjunction with a strike team of water tenders to keep
the lodge wetted down during the fire storm of falling embers. Large trees
nearby torched and fire crews used hose lines to protect the lodge from heat.
Visit the Eagle Creek and Indian Creek Fires Facebook page to see pictures of
the lodge.
Fire Marshal said firefighters were successful in protecting other structures as well. “Firefighters had a good day out there. We lost one small
residential structure and four outbuildings. We will continue to patrol and
access structural protection needs.”
the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, the various State Parks in the area and
the Bull Run Watershed will continue to be top priorities for firefighters.
The I-84 freeway remains
closed from Troutdale to Hood River due to rocks, snags and other debris
entering the roadway. Oregon Department of Transportation will be working
closely with the Unified Command team to determine when it will be safe to
open. Detour routes are in place.
Red Flag Warning will be in effect in the afternoon for potential lightning.
Winds will shift to westerly, which may help improve the unhealthy air quality in the greater Portland metropolitan area. Those west winds, however, could propel fire growth to the east of the
current fire perimeter.
For real time and current evacuation information,
please contact the sheriffs’ offices in Multnomah, Hood River or Skamania County.