MOSIER, Ore. — A wildfire broke out near the town of Mosier in the Columbia River Gorge Monday afternoon, prompting Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations for an area immediately south of the city.
The evacuation area extends from Rattler Ridge Road east to Huskey Road, north to the border of the city and south to the intersection of Huskey Road and Proctor Road, according to a Facebook post from the Wasco County Sheriff's Office. A Level 2 "Get Set" evacuation expanded to include from Mosier and Huskey Road to Wilson Road and Mosier Creek Road.
A Level 1 "Get Ready" evacuation is in place from Mosier Creek Road to Dry Creek Road to the city of Mosier border and south to Osborn Cutoff Road.
Wasco County Sheriff's Office said that the gym at the Hood River Middle School, located at 1602 May Street, is a designated Red Cross Shelter for those evacuating from the fire. The evacuations will remain in place for the next 24 hours, the sheriff's office said around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Microwave Tower Fire was first reported around 4 p.m., according to an earlier post from the sheriff's office. Strong winds Monday night from the west of 30 to 35 mph fueled the spread.
"We've got really intense wind gusts which is basically what's causing the drama of all of this, said Maren McGeeney, the owner of the Wagon Social Club in downtown Mosier. McGeeney is under a Level 2 evacuation notice.
The wildfire reminds her of the Eagle Creek Fire seven years ago.
"A little unnerving since it's kind of all the same feelings, it's that some color in the sky, the doom, the destruction," McGeeney said. "So just making sure that we're here to protect everything and let our friends know that we're here to help grab whatever they might need."
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Microwave Tower Fire has burned 591 acres and is zero percent contained, according to a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Forestry. There are no known injuries or structures damaged.
A "very large" airtanker is assisting with the fire, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. A group of fire engines and a dozer from the Larch Creek Fire in south Wasco County was diverted to assist.
Currently, the cause of the fire is unknown, the Oregon Department of Forestry said.
PHOTOS: Wildfire near Mosier in Wasco County
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 breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.