UNDERWOOD, Wash. — Evacuation areas around the Tunnel 5 fire were all reduced to Level 1 (Be Ready) as of Saturday morning, according to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office.
The wildfire on the north side of the Columbia River Gorge opposite Hood River has been burning since Sunday. A Saturday morning report from fire officials shows progress in the past day; the fire was 5% contained as of Thursday and had spread to 556 acres, but was upgraded to 35% contained on Saturday and at 559 acres. A total of 485 fire personnel are working on the blaze as of Saturday.
The overall footprint of the evacuation area remained the same through Friday, extending out to about a two-mile radius around the fire, although there have been adjustments along the perimeter of the zone.
The big change on Friday morning is that the entire zone outside of the fire area itself has been downgraded to Level 2 (Be Set). The whole zone was originally Level 3 (Go Now), although some parts at the eastern and western edges were downgraded to Level 2 on Thursday.
The area around Underwood and White Salmon to the east of the fire was initially put under a Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation alert earlier in the week, but it was lifted on Tuesday morning.
A roughly 10-mile stretch of State Route 14 remains closed around the fire area as of Saturday, although officials said crews were "actively engaged in clearing these safety hazards to safely reopen the highway."
On Thursday, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz visited the area to get a fire update and tour the fire lines. News media also joined the tour to get a closer look at the work being done to contain the fire.
Franz talked about improved teamwork between local, state and federal agencies in fighting wildfires, and how the state has invested in firefighting aviation and new visual technology on aircraft as well that allows fire bosses to better see what's happening on the ground. She said it's needed now more than ever, as fire seasons have intensified. And 2023 is no exception.
"We are very concerned, I will say right away, we are seeing and predicting this is going to be one of our toughest fire seasons to date for a number of reasons—first, it’s hot and dry and it’s hot and dry in every single corner of the state," said Franz.
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.