Untitled Post

[The Dalles, Ore.]  Firefighters responded to three fires Friday
morning burning adjacent to Interstate 84 near Rowena, while working to put
these fires out two additional starts were discovered along the freeway.  These fires, named the Milepost 78 Fire,
burned grass, brush and timber primarily within Mayer State Park protected by
the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). 
The three larger fires burned approximately seven acres between I-84 and
the railroad tracks, the other two fires were limited to a “spot”.  When resources arrived the fire was running,
spotting and torching with 8-10 foot flame lengths at the head of the fire.  This fire behavior was mitigated by numerous water
drops from Fire Boss aircraft.  Moderating
fire behavior with the water drops allowed firefighters on the ground to engage
the fire and begin fire line construction.

In
addition to the two Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Boss aircraft, a Type 1
helicopter on loan from the S-503 Fire, and an air attack platform from Central
Oregon Fire Management Services engaged in the fire suppression effort.   The
fire was managed in Unified Command between Oregon Department of Forestry and
Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue. 

“The
Fire Bosses were critical for keeping the fires north of the highway and protecting
numerous structures in Rowena,” says Rick Fletcher, Incident Commander for ODF.

Tonight,
the fire is 20% contained with fire line nearly complete around the perimeter.  Overnight Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue will
provide patrols to ensure the fire does not move outside the fire line.  Tomorrow two engines, one crew, one faller,
and overhead will be working to secure the fire.    

Evacuation
information is available from the Wasco County Sheriff on their facebook page: www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.  One westbound lane of the freeway remains
closed due to firefighting activity.  Drivers
should use caution in the area due to heavy congestion.

Two
contract hand crews, an ODF crew, engines and overhead from Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area, BLM Prineville, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon
State Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation were involved in
suppression of the fire and ensuring public safety.  Fire departments across the Columbia Gorge also
provided resources to the fire fighting effort, working to protect their
community.  These departments include Mid-Columbia
Fire and Rescue, Dufur, Mosier, Dallesport, Hood River, Cascade Locks,
Westside, Wy’East, and Parkdale.

The
cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

Regulated-Use
Closure is in effect for the Oregon Department of Forestry.  Mowing of dried grass and chainsaw use is
restricted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.  Additional restrictions can be found at www.odfcentraloregon.com.