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Tunnel Five Fire Quick Facts

Size: 556 acres                  Origin: 2.25 mi W of White Salmon, WA            Resources: 40 engines;

Containment: 20%           Cause: Under Investigation                                   11 crews; 5 helicopters;     

Total personnel: 449       Start Date: July 2, 2023                                         6 dozers, 16 water tenders

Weather: Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidities today will help to moderate fire behavior, with temperatures in the 80s and relative humidities in the 30-35% range. West winds this morning will be somewhat stronger and gustier than yesterday, with a chance of cumulus buildup in the afternoon.

Operations: Yesterday, hotshot crews worked to construct containment line along the western perimeter in steep, rocky terrain. Favorable winds pushed the fire away from the western edge and provided some relief in these efforts, allowing for safer access to the area to complete hand line.

Firefighters will monitor and hold control line today along the western edge. Gusting winds across the fire area could present challenges to the line on both the west and east fire edges. Crews will continue to patrol along Highway 14 and Cook-Underwood Road, watching for any embers that could cross the line and create spot fires. Mop up will continue near the old mill site as well as on going structure protection throughout the fire area. Initial Attack resources remain ready to rapidly shift assignments if necessary to assist local agencies with any new fire starts in the area.

Safety and Closures: Washington State Route 14 remains closed between mile markers 56-65 due to safety hazards from weakened trees and terrain that has been compromised by fire activity. Crews are actively engaged in clearing these safety hazards to safely reopen the highway. There is a closure on the Cook-Underwood Road, please find an alternate route if possible. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Tunnel Five Fire area. Wildland fires are a “no fly zone” for drones. If you fly, WE CAN’T. Smoke and aircraft are visible within the I-84 corridor. Travelers, recreationists and boaters in this area of the Columbia River should use extreme caution and avoid areas where aircraft are dipping.

Evacuations: All Skamania County evacuation levels  have been reduced to level 2 (BE SET). Visit Skamania County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaSheriff for more info. A shelter for evacuees has been set up at Skamania County Fairgrounds, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/wases-tunnel-five-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWWaFireInfo

Fire Information Line: (971) 800-0411, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Media Information Line: (509) 508-3311

Email: 2023.tunnelfive@firenet.gov