Wildfire prompts Hood River hotel evacuation
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) – Fire officials say a blaze that began near a home in Hood River spread to surrounding timber and brush and forced the overnight evacuation of dozens of people staying at a lodge overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
The Hood River Sheriff’s Office says the fire was reported late Saturday near a residence.
Crews helped about 120 people staying at the Westcliff Lodge evacuate the area. A first responder was treated for a leg injury but no one else was injured.
The Oregon Department of Forestry said Sunday that the fire is burning in a rugged area of cliffs making access difficult. The agency says helicopters will help drop waters in those steep areas.
The fire has burned about five acres northwest of Hood River between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River.
Railroad lines north of the fire have been closed as a precaution.
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Oregon Dept. of Forestry news release on the Westcliff Fire:
[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 .
