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The Microwave Tower Fire is now at 14% containment. Further containment is expected as the south end of the fire moves into mop up. Because the area has difficult terrain, crews are leveraging local knowledge and experience to enhance the effectiveness of using the railroad tracks as a line tie-in feature for the west and east ends of the fire. When completed, this would remove fuels and reduce the risk of fire spread.
The fire continues to show moderate activity with the potential for increased spread through spotting, single tree torching and group torching in the timber draws. We may see an increase in fire behavior depending on changing weather conditions. Along the north end of the fire, pockets of burning and smoldering smoke can be seen from I-84.
Today, crews will work to improve dozer line connecting to the Historic Columbia River Highway State trail. There are 115 personnel assigned to the fire, up 43 from the previous day. The weather forecast predicts cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and lower winds that will provide an opportunity to increase progress for firefighters.
Evacuations
The evacuation preparedness level was set to Level 1 – Be Ready, west of the fire as a precautionary measure. Existing evacuations remain in place. Power was restored to the City of Mosier, but a Red Cross center remains open at the Hood River Middle School for anyone needing a place to go.
The Mosier Senior Center at 500 E. 2nd Ave., is being used as a cooling center for the public where they can also charge their devices. For up to date information on evacuations please visit https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Estimated Size: 704 acres
Containment: 14%
Location: 5 miles west, southwest of Mosier, OR