Single Publication

Size: 1,311 acres

Start Date: July 22, 2024

Cause: Undetermined

Location: 5 miles west of Mosier, OR

Containment:  84%

Fuels: Brush, timber, and grass

Highlights:

The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Scott Schuster, assumed command of the Microwave Tower Fire today, August 4, 2024, at 6 a.m.  Fire operations assessed the fire by air and reported minimal fire activity.

Operations:

The hot spots identified during the aerial reconnaissance were smoldering stumps and vegetation within the fire’s interior, and away from the fire perimeter. Located in inaccessible areas with steep rocky terrain, these hot spots are expected to burn out. Crews patrolled the perimeter to strengthen and secure firelines. 

Today, engine crews will continue to patrol the fire’s perimeter looking for smoke and mopping up accessible hot spots. Suppression repair will begin along fire lines to reduce erosion and return disturbed areas to as natural condition as possible.  Resources have also been identified to support the local unit with initial attack of any new fires.

Fire Behavior and Weather:

Clear skies return with northwesterly winds. Temperatures remain hot and forest vegetation is dry. Isolated interior pockets of unburnt fuel will produce visible smoke as consumed. Drivers are asked to please use caution on Interstate 84 as firefighters are still working in the area. 

Evacuations:

Level 2 and 1 evacuations remain in effect for Wasco County: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff 

Level 1 evacuations remain in effect for Hood River County: https://www.facebook.com/hrcso 

Road and Trail Closures:

For public and firefighter safety, closures are in place for The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and for roads in Hood River County. Details of these closures are available on their websites: https://www.hoodrivercounty.gov/closures and https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

To stay informed on the most up-to-date road conditions on Interstate 84, visit https://tripcheck.com/ 

Total Fire Resources Assigned:

Approx. 107 personnel, 3 hand crews, 8 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 dozers, and 1 skidder.                                   

Contact Information: 

Email: 2024.microwavetower@firenet.gov,

Phone: 541-208-1744, 8 A.M - 8 P.M   Scan QR code for information.