[Hood River,
Ore.] This morning firefighters from
Oregon Department of Forestry, Hood River Fire and Rescue, and Mosier Fire are
working to contain the Westcliff Fire.
The fire is located northwest of Hood River near Westcliff Drive,
between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River.
Hood River County Sheriff has implemented evacuations for residents in
the area of the fire. Visit www.facebook.com/hrcso/ for updates.
The fire was
reported just after midnight Sunday morning, spreading from a structure into
the wildland. Currently the fire is estimated
at approximately five acres. Cool
temperatures, low wind, and increased humidity moderated fire behavior through
the night and this morning. Rising
temperatures and gorge winds will increase fire behavior today, challenging
firefighter’s efforts to control the fire.
The fire is burning in a rugged area of cliffs, making firefighter
access difficult. Steep terrain on the east
flank of the fire, with large trees and snags and significant down woody material
is a safety concern for firefighters working below as rolling debris moves
downslope.
Resources on
the fire include structural and wildland engines and structural tenders. A Type 1 helicopter will arrive this morning,
focusing on getting water on the east flank of the fire in the cliffy area
where access is difficult. A Type 3
helicopter will also be using a bucket to drop water on hot spots in the
fire. Oregon Department of Forestry is
being assisted by the U.S. Forest Service Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia
River Gorge National Scenic Area and Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Union
Pacific has closed the railroad lines north of the fire as a precaution. Firefighters are working near the tracks to
establish containment lines.
The weather
forecast calls for continued dry hot days.
Please remember that wildland fuels are extremely flammable under these
conditions. Regulated Closure is in effect
for ODF’s Central Oregon District.
Specific restrictions can be found at www.ODFcentraloregon.com.
