Small hotspot flares in Columbia Gorge fire area
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) – Firefighters are trying to suppress a flare-up from last summer’s wildfire in the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Rachel Pawlitz says a glow from the small hotspot was reported Tuesday about a half-mile east of the Herman Creek Trailhead. It was found smoldering in heavy downed timber.
Pawlitz says the discovery was not a big surprise. Though the Eagle Creek Fire was contained in late November, it has not been declared out.
She says hotspots are one reason trails remain closed six months after the blaze was contained.
A teenager playing with fireworks started the wildfire last Labor Day weekend. The boy pleaded guilty in February and was recently ordered to pay more than $36 million in restitution.
