Single Publication

Resources: 395 Total Personnel | 7 Hand Crews | 9 Engines | 3 Heavy Equipment | 10 Water Tenders | 1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft | 3 Helicopters

(Dufur, OR) The Boulder Fire started on July 8 near Boulder Lake Trailhead 26 miles southwest of Dufur in the Mt. Hood National Forest Barlow Ranger District. The fire is burning in dead and down woody material located in steep, rugged, alpine-like terrain. An estimated 233 acres have burned. The percentage of containment has increased to 58%. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire. Ensuring public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Boulder Fire. 

On Monday, lower temperatures and moderate relative humidity persisted over the fire area. Gentle winds had little impact on the fire area, restricting fire activity to the interior of the fire where crews observed limited smoldering and creeping. Containment increased to 58% as crews continued to clear and grade Forest Road 4860 to the east of the fire. Clearing forest roads creates accessible routes for firefighters to build secondary containment lines as needed. Crews continued to make strong progress “mopping-up” around the entire fire perimeter, using water and hand tools to ensure that the ground remains cool and free of flammable materials. This ongoing process ensures that the fire will not spread beyond existing containment lines.

Today, mop-up continues as firefighters venture further into the fire’s interior. Crews expect to finish their grading work on Forest Road 4860 and will start removing heavy equipment from the fire area.

Weather: In the fire area, temperatures will slightly increase to highs in the mid-70s and relative humidity will drop back to levels around 25%. Gentle upslope winds will blow around 5 mph.                                                

Closures and Restrictions: Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District are closed. Due to the high fire danger, open fire and target shooting restrictions have been implemented. For more information or to view the full closure order, visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.

Evacuations: Boulder Lake Campground, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadows Campground, Badger Lake Campground, Camp Windy, and Post Camp Campground are under a Level 3 – Go Now evacuation. Evacuation levels are Level 1 – Be Ready to Evacuate, Level 2 – Be Set to Evacuate, and Level 3 – Go Now. More information is available from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.

Public Safety: Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to work on and around the area roadways, including Forest Road 48. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV as a staging area. Drivers can help keep firefighters and visitors safe by avoiding these areas. Recreationalists planning to use trails and roadways must check closures and restrictions before entering the forest; for everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of all fire suppression operations.

Smoke: Currently, there are no significant smoke impacts from the Boulder Fire. For air quality updates, visit www.oregonsmoke.org or airnow.gov.