HOOD RIVER, Ore. — One year ago today, on Sept. 2, 2017, the massive Eagle Creek Fire started.
The wildfire burned more than 48,000 acres in the scenic Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest. A representative with the U.S. Forest Service said 121 miles of national forest trails were impacted. A group of hikers had to be rescued after the fire started and several structures burned.
The fire, which happened during peak tourism season, also had a negative impact on many businesses in the area.
Here's a look at how it happened and the recovery effort over the past year:
Saturday, September 2, 2017
The Eagle Creek Fire breaks out around 4:30 p.m. 150 hikers are trapped and forced to stay the night in the mountains.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Search and rescue teams lead the hikers to safety. The suspect is identified and it's determined that the fire was caused by misuse of fireworks.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Winds push the fire west and smoke engulfs the Gorge and into Portland. An air quality warning goes into effect in the Portland metro area as ash falls from the sky.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
The fire grows to 10,000 acres, burning 13 miles in 16 hours. Thirty miles of Interstate 84 east of Portland through the Gorge is shut down. Multnomah Falls Lodge is threatened and the fire crosses the river into Washington. Level 3 evacuations are put into effect for 400 homes.
Early September through late November, 2017
The Eagle Creek Fire burns for three months, torching about 50,000 acres of trees and trails, while having a negative impact on business in the Gorge.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Multnomah Falls Lodge reopens to the public.
Monday, January 22, 2018
After the US Forest Service assesses multiple trails, repair work gets underway on the more than 13 Gorge hiking trails burned by the fire.
Friday, February 16, 2018
The 16-year-old teen who started the fire pleads guilty in court and is sentenced to five years probation and 1,920 hours of community service with the Forest Service.
Monday, March 19, 2018
The viewing platform for Multnomah Falls reopens.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
A judge orders the 16-year-old who started the fire to pay $36.6 million in restitution. The court can grant a full or partial satisfaction of the restitution judgment after 10 years.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Eight trails reopen in the Columbia River Gorge.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
KGW's Pat Dooris gets an inside look at the clean-up of Angel's Rest trail. There is hope for restoring these trails.
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