Single Publication

(Dufur, OR) The Boulder Fire started on July 8 near Boulder Lake Trailhead 25 miles southwest of Dufur in the Mt. Hood National Forest’s Barlow Ranger District. The fire is burning in dead and down debris located in steep, rugged and alpine-like terrain. Approximately 237 acres have burned. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire managers have received better mapping data from an overnight flight by aircraft with infrared capabilities.  Firefighters are making good progress with work on the ground and from the air. A temporary flight restriction is in place. Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Boulder Fire. 

Yesterday, initial attack and contingency groups were established. Crews on the fire’s eastern flank were able to build line directly on the fire’s edge, from Spur 123 to the 48 Road.  Along the western flank, firefighters removed brush to improve access on existing roadways and scouted locations for contingency lines. Fixed wing and rotor aircraft helped fire crews stop isolated flare-ups. There were no new fire starts reported yesterday in the immediate area.

Today, a temporary helibase location will be established at Pine Hollow which is located about 12 miles east of the fire.  Helicopters are also operating out of Dallesport. Firefighters will be working along the fire’s eastern flank to tie established handlines to Boulder Creek, a natural containment feature. As additional heavy equipment arrives to the fire, crews will make further progress on improving roads for access as well as for containment of the fire along the western flank.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Evacuations: Boulder Lake campground, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadow 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.

Weather: Trace amounts of rain fell around parts of the fire area yesterday morning, giving way to warm and dry conditions. The forecasted gusty winds did not cause an increase fire activity. Today, warmer and drier weather is expected along with lighter winds.

Closures and Restrictions: Forest Roads 4880, 4881, and 4890 are closed. Restrictions on open fires and target shooting have been implemented in the Mt. Hood National Forest because of wildfire risk. For more information, see the forest’s webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.

Public Safety: Firefighters and heavy equipment are working on and around the area roadways, including Forest Road 48. Motorists can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and avoiding these areas. Timothy Lake, a popular water recreation site, is being used by water-scooping aircraft. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV Area as a staging area. For everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of these fire suppression operations.

Smoke: Currently, there are no significant smoke impacts from the Boulder Fire. For more information, visit oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or airnow.gov for air quality updates.