Wildfires in Oregon continue, grows to 31,000 acres
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Eagle Creek Fire and Indian Creek Fire have merged into one 31,000-acre fire in the Columbia River Gorge Wednesday.
Officials said firefighters have kept the fire’s growth moderate Tuesday after it exploded over Monday night. It jumped 13 miles and across the Columbia River in 16 hours and is still 0% contained.
The Indian Creek Fire started on July 4, 2017 in the Eagle Creek Trail system. Before it merged with the Eagle Creek Fire, it was burning 1,090 acres and 10% contained. The cause is unknown.
Oregon Fire Marshal incident commander Ian Yocum said firefighters lost one residential structure and four outbuildings Tuesday, but crews managed to save countless others.
The Hood River Sheriff’s Office decided to close all of the Hood River Forestland, roads and trails to recreation due to the extreme fire danger.
Hundreds of people are staying in shelters in Skamania County and Gresham after they were forced to evacuate from their homes on Monday and Tuesday.
There are 602 personnel fighting the Eagle Creek Fire, including seven crews, nine helicopters, 88 engines, two dozers, 21 water tenders and 20 structural OSFM task forces.