WASCO COUNTY, Ore. — A fire burning near Mount Hood was last estimated at 233 acres with containment growing to 30% as of Sunday morning, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC).
All Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders remain in place for campgrounds and recreational areas evacuated as the fire grew.
The fire started on July 8 just after 4 p.m. near Boulder Lake Trailhead, 26 miles southwest of Dufur in the Mount Hood National Forest Barlow Ranger District and roughly 22 miles from Mount Hood and Government Camp.
Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders are in place for Boulder Lake, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadow, Badger Lake, Camp Windy and Post Camp campgrounds, according to NWCC. Many roadways and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 are closed.
Oregon Forest Service and Oregon Department of Forestry first responded to the fire. A spokesperson with the Northwest Incident Management Team 10 said that crews battling the fire have been dealing with steep terrain and dense forests. Dan Omdal said that even driving along the forest roads leading up to the fire can be challenging.
Despite high temperatures on Saturday, fire officials reported minimal activity. Crews saw isolated tree "torching" within the fire's interior, where pockets of unburned fuels remain. A drone flyover of the area found no hot spots remaining, however, and fire crews were able to complete lines along the fire's western flank.
Now crews are working to strengthen containment lines on the north, south and east sides of the fire and mopping up inside of the lines, working to cool areas up to 100 feet inside the perimeter.
As of Sunday morning, officials reported around 408 personnel working to fight the fire in different capacities.
Fire officials have not released any details on the cause of the fire.
Here's what evacuation levels mean
Level 1 Notice - Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Level 2 Notice - Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment's notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3 Notice - Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
