Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue calls for service, July 13-20, 2026
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue responded to 73 calls during the July 13-20. Medical emergencies accounted for 53 calls, or about 73% of the total. Thursday, July 16, was the busiest operational day, with 14 responses. Click here to read the call log.
Reporting period: 8 a.m. July 13 through 7:59 a.m. July 20, 2026
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue responded to 73 calls during the seven-day reporting period. Medical emergencies accounted for 53 calls, or about 73% of the total. Thursday, July 16, was the busiest operational day, with 14 responses.
Notable Incidents
Vehicle fire on Interstate 84
Firefighters responded early Wednesday morning to a vehicle fire on Interstate 84 westbound near Milepost 74. CCCNews previously covered the incident.
Brush fire at Five Mile Road and Highway 197
Crews responded early Thursday morning to a brush fire at the intersection of Five Mile Road and Highway 197. The fire is under investigation after reports of fireworks igniting dry grass. CCCNews previously covered the incident.
Mutual-aid response to Hay Creek Complex
Firefighters provided mutual aid Thursday afternoon near Wilcox Lane and Helyer Road, where multiple wildfires continued burning in Gilliam County as part of the Hay Creek Complex. CCCNews previously covered the incident.
Multiple serious crashes
Firefighters responded to four serious motor vehicle crashes during the reporting period, including incidents on Interstate 84, Highway 197, Chenowith Loop Road and Terminal Avenue. See related CCCNews coverage where applicable.
Weekly summary
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue responded to 73 calls during the seven-day reporting period. Medical emergencies accounted for 53 calls, or about 73% of the total. Thursday, July 16, was the busiest operational day, with 14 responses.
Call log
July 13
10:10 a.m. — Burn complaint — 700 block of Sunset Valley Drive
10:22 a.m. — Serious motor vehicle crash — Interstate 84 westbound near Milepost 71
10:37 a.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West 10th Street
12:02 p.m. — Critical medical call — 2100 block of West Sixth Street
1:36 p.m. — Medical call — 1900 block of Montana Street
5:51 p.m. — Medical call — 800 block of West Eighth Street
July 14
6:02 a.m. — Brush fire — Interstate 84 eastbound near Milepost 82
3:09 p.m. — Public assist — 2400 block of East 18th Street
3:11 p.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
5 p.m. — Medical call — 1000 block of Lambert Street
5:04 p.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West Sixth Street
5:24 p.m. — Medical call — 300 block of East 11th Street
6:03 p.m. — Medical call — Interstate 84 eastbound near Milepost 91
July 15
12:42 a.m. — Medical mutual-aid call — 300 block of Northeast Court Street
4:48 a.m. — Vehicle fire — Interstate 84 westbound near Milepost 74
5:02 a.m. — Medical call — 900 block of West Pomona Street
8:25 a.m. — Life Flight medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
9:31 a.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
10:15 a.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West Sixth Street
4:46 p.m. — Medical call — East 19th and Lewis streets
5:54 p.m. — Burn complaint — 1200 block of East 11th Street
8:55 p.m. — Medical call — 800 block of West Snipes Street
11:39 p.m. — Automatic fire alarm — 3100 block of North Old Dufur Road
July 16
2:32 a.m. — Brush fire — Five Mile Road and Highway 197
6:28 a.m. — Medical call — 500 block of Mount Hood Street
10:44 a.m. — Medical call — 1300 block of West Sixth Street
12:17 p.m. — Fire mutual aid — Wilcox Lane and Helyer Road
1:57 p.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of West 10th Street
4:13 p.m. — Brush fire — 1100 block of West Ninth Street
4:13 p.m. — Brush fire — West 10th Street and West Cherry Heights Road
4:39 p.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of West 10th Street
6:45 p.m. — Medical call — 500 block of Mount Hood Street
7:19 p.m. — Exterior smoke investigation — Interstate 84 westbound near Milepost 82
7:40 p.m. — Medical call — 400 block of West Second Street
9:02 p.m. — Serious medical call — 900 block of West Pomona Street
11:43 p.m. — Automatic fire alarm — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
July 17
6:29 a.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West 10th Street
7:28 a.m. — Serious motor vehicle crash — Highway 197 near Milepost 1
7:53 a.m. — Medical mutual-aid call — 300 block of Wildcat Xing
9:31 a.m. — Medical call — 2800 block of West Eighth Street
10:50 a.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
11:38 a.m. — Public assist — 1100 block of East 11th Street
3:14 p.m. — Medical call — 2800 block of West Ninth Street
3:17 p.m. — Medical call — 900 block of Federal Street
6:32 p.m. — Medical call — 500 block of Mount Hood Street
11:37 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
11:51 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
July 18
12:39 a.m. — Serious medical call — 200 block of West Sixth Street
1:17 a.m. — Public assist — 900 block of Cherry Heights Road
5:24 a.m. — Exterior smoke investigation — Interstate 84 westbound near Milepost 77
10:10 a.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
2:06 p.m. — Medical call — 900 block of Federal Street
3:42 p.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
4:45 p.m. — Medical call — 5400 block of Five Mile Road
5:34 p.m. — Medical call — 2300 block of Bridge Street
7:32 p.m. — Medical call — West Seventh and Myrtle streets
8:07 p.m. — Medical call — 500 block of East 13th Street
July 19
1:17 a.m. — Medical call — 2800 block of West Ninth Street
3:43 a.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
5:42 a.m. — Serious motor vehicle crash — Chenowith Loop Road and West Sixth Street
7:45 a.m. — Medical call — 900 block of Federal Street
8:43 a.m. — Medical call — 1700 block of East 10th Street
10:22 a.m. — Serious motor vehicle crash — 200 block of Terminal Avenue
11:25 a.m. — Public assist — 2700 block of West Seventh Street
12:51 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
4:23 p.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West 10th Street
5:56 p.m. — Medical call — 1800 block of Liberty Way
6:36 p.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West 10th Street
7:09 p.m. — Medical call — 2500 block of West Sixth Street
9:02 p.m. — Medical call — 1000 block of F Street
July 20
12:03 a.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West 10th Street
1:41 a.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
1:44 a.m. — Medical call — 6800 block of Mill Creek Road
Editor's note: CCCNews generalizes residential addresses to protect the privacy of residents while keeping the community informed about emergency response activity. Locations, call types and other details are based on information available at the time of dispatch and may change as emergency personnel gather additional information during evolving emergency situations.
Source: Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue weekly run report | Prepared for CCCNews.
Weekly Takeaway
Medical responses accounted for about 73% of all calls.
Thursday, July 16, was the busiest operational day, with 14 responses.
Firefighters responded to nine fire-related incidents, including four brush fires and one vehicle fire.
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue calls for service, July 6-13, 2026
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue responded to 85 calls during the seven-day reporting period from 8 a.m. July 6 through 7:59 a.m. July 13. Medical emergencies accounted for 69 calls, or about 81% of the total. Thursday, July 9, was the busiest operational day, with 18 responses.
Reporting period: 8 a.m. July 6 through 7:59 a.m. July 13, 2026
Notable Incidents
Wrong-way crash on Interstate 84
Firefighters responded late Monday night to a serious motor vehicle crash on Interstate 84 eastbound near Milepost 83. The incident was the wrong-way crash that resulted in multiple injuries and criminal charges against a The Dalles driver. CCCNews previously reported on the crash and subsequent court proceedings.
Vehicle fire outside Ace Hardware
Crews responded Tuesday evening to a forklift fire in the 500 block of East Third Street. The fire was contained to a forklift outside Ace Hardware, and employees helped prevent the flames from spreading before firefighters arrived. CCCNews previously covered the incident.
Vehicle fire at West Sixth and Webber streets
A second vehicle fire was reported Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of West Sixth and Webber streets. The incident marked the second vehicle fire handled by Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue during the reporting period.
Weekly summary
Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue responded to 85 calls during the seven-day reporting period. Medical emergencies accounted for 69 calls, or about 81% of the total. Thursday, July 9, was the busiest operational day, with 18 responses.
Call log
July 6
8:37 a.m. — Medical call — 3800 block of West Sixth Street
9:33 a.m. — Medical call — 3600 block of West 13th Street
10:09 a.m. — Medical call — 1200 block of West Eighth Street
11:16 a.m. — Medical call — 900 block of West Pomona Street
1:26 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Division Street
3:03 p.m. — Medical call — 3500 block of East Second Street
4:21 p.m. — Medical call — 2700 block of West Seventh Street
6:04 p.m. — Medical call — Lone Pine In-Lieu Site
6:06 p.m. — Medical call — Oak Tree Lane and Dell Vista Drive
6:35 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
7:09 p.m. — Medical call — 2700 block of West Seventh Street
9:05 p.m. — Medical call — 1900 block of Thompson Street
10:50 p.m. — Serious motor vehicle crash — Interstate 84 eastbound near Milepost 83
July 7
7:19 a.m. — Medical call — 3600 block of Viewpoint Road
11:38 a.m. — Medical call — 1000 block of West Ninth Street
12:10 p.m. — Public assist — 1700 block of East 19th Street
2:46 p.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
5:37 p.m. — Vehicle fire — 500 block of East Third Street
6:01 p.m. — Medical call — 2100 block of West Seventh Street
6:22 p.m. — Medical call — 4100 block of West Chenowith Creek Road
9:05 p.m. — Burn complaint — 2900 block of Mill Creek Road
July 8
6:24 a.m. — Medical call — 3100 block of Mill Creek Road
7:09 a.m. — Medical call — 2200 block of West 14th Street
9:53 a.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
10:01 a.m. — Medical call — 700 block of West Pleasant Court
1:22 p.m. — Medical call — 800 block of East Third Street
1:48 p.m. — Medical call — 300 block of West Third Street
2:29 p.m. — Mutual-aid medical call — Highway 197 near Milepost 14
3:33 p.m. — Vehicle fire — West Sixth and Webber streets
4:32 p.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
7:05 p.m. — Medical call — 3500 block of East Second Street
9:44 p.m. — Medical call — 3600 block of West Sixth Street
July 9
2:21 a.m. — Medical call — West Sixth and Division streets
2:47 a.m. — Public assist — 100 block of West Ninth Street
4:13 a.m. — Medical call — 300 block of West Third Street
5:59 a.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Lincoln Street
7:45 a.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
8:48 a.m. — Mutual-aid medical call — 57600 block of Saint Charles Avenue
10:14 a.m. — Automatic fire alarm — 1700 block of East 19th Street
10:57 a.m. — Medical call — West Sixth and West Walnut streets
11:31 a.m. — Medical call — 2400 block of East 15th Street
12:57 p.m. — Public assist — 3300 block of West Seventh Street
1:44 p.m. — Medical call — 500 block of Mount Hood Street
5:11 p.m. — Public assist — 1600 block of East 12th Street
5:52 p.m. — Medical call — 1700 block of West 10th Street
6:36 p.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
July 10
2 a.m. — Medical call — 600 block of Cherry Heights Road
2:04 a.m. — Motor vehicle crash — 4400 block of Mill Creek Road
5:32 a.m. — Medical call — 1000 block of West Fifth Place
10:40 a.m. — Medical call — 400 block of Northeast Lone Pine Boulevard
10:46 a.m. — Medical call — Memaloose Rest Area eastbound
11:30 a.m. — Medical call — 400 block of Mount Hood Street
11:32 a.m. — Medical call — 100 block of West 13th Street
1:12 p.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
1:42 p.m. — Medical call — 2100 block of West Sixth Street
3:13 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
4:15 p.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of Bret Clodfelter Way
6:14 p.m. — Public assist — 3300 block of West Seventh Street
6:29 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Lincoln Street
7:34 p.m. — Medical call — 3400 block of Skyline Road
7:45 p.m. — Medical call — 2000 block of Evergreen Terrace
9:37 p.m. — Medical call — 2300 block of Threemile Road
11:31 p.m. — Automatic fire alarm — 500 block of Lone Pine Drive
July 11
1:16 a.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
1:59 a.m. — Medical call — 300 block of East 13th Street
2:05 a.m. — Medical call — 2200 block of West Ninth Place
6:54 a.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
12:01 p.m. — Medical call — 3500 block of East Second Street
2 p.m. — Medical call — West Ninth and Trevitt streets
5:23 p.m. — Medical call — 1700 block of West 13th Street
5:27 p.m. — Medical call — 1700 block of Riverview Street
6:14 p.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
7:15 p.m. — Medical transport — 1700 block of East 19th Street
8:49 p.m. — Exterior smoke investigation — 100 block of West Second Street
8:49 p.m. — Medical call — 3300 block of East Columbia View Drive
11 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Veterans Drive
July 12
7:18 a.m. — Medical call — 3600 block of Threemile Road
1:39 p.m. — Critical medical call — west end of Second Street
4:30 p.m. — Medical call — 700 block of Lincoln Street
6:57 p.m. — Medical call — 200 block of West Third Street
7:38 p.m. — Medical call — 2000 block of Evergreen Terrace
7:45 p.m. — Motor vehicle crash — West 12th and Trevitt streets
July 13
2:29 a.m. — Automatic fire alarm — 1000 block of West Fifth Place
4:08 a.m. — Motor vehicle crash — West 10th and West Walnut streets
6:59 a.m. — Medical call — 500 block of Mount Hood Street
Editor's note: CCCNews generalizes residential addresses to protect the privacy of residents while keeping the community informed about emergency response activity. Locations, call types and other details are based on information available at the time of dispatch and may change as emergency personnel gather additional information during evolving emergency situations.
OSP logs three DUII arrests in 24-hour stretch across Mid-Columbia
Oregon State Police troopers made three DUII arrests April 23 in The Dalles, Hood River and Cascade Locks, including cases involving a reported overdose, high-speed driving and reported multiple collisions with the center median on I-84.
THE DALLES, Ore., April 24, 2026 — Oregon State Police troopers handled three driving under the influence incidents over the past day, according to the agency’s daily desk log, highlighting a busy stretch of impaired-driving enforcement across Wasco and Hood River counties.
April 23, 2026 — 3:50 p.m.
DUII — Controlled Substance | The Dalles
Troopers attempted to stop a gray Subaru wagon near 19th Street and Dry Hollow when the vehicle fled before being boxed in, according to the log. The driver showed multiple signs of impairment and experienced an overdose during contact. Troopers administered Narcan and the driver was transported to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for treatment. A search warrant for a blood sample was obtained. The driver, identified as Lance Ernest Lauritsen, 41, of Parkdale, was arrested and cited for DUII involving intoxicants and a controlled substance, attempting to elude, and drug possession. The vehicle was impounded.
April 23, 2026 — 5:35 p.m.
DUII — Alcohol | Interstate 84 near Hood River
Troopers responded to reports of a vehicle repeatedly striking the median and nearly crashing into other motorists, according to the log. The vehicle was located traveling 81 mph in a 65 mph zone and failing to maintain its lane. The driver showed signs of impairment and admitted to drinking alcohol. After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, he was arrested. A breath test later showed a blood alcohol content of 0.15%. Matthew Todd Artis Bynum, 53, of Lyle, Washington, was cited for DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering. The vehicle was towed.
April 23, 2026 — 9:10 p.m.
DUII — Alcohol | Cascade Locks
A trooper stopped a silver Ford Transit van on Wanapa Street for a lane violation, according to the log. The driver displayed signs of impairment, including watery eyes, the odor of alcohol and confusion. Field sobriety tests indicated impairment, and the driver was arrested. Breath samples later showed a BAC of 0.12%. Samuel David Amador, 32, of Spokane, Washington, was cited for DUII and released.
Police Seek Person of Interest in Hood River Shooting Investigation
Authorities are searching for a man identified as a person of interest after a Saturday afternoon shooting in Hood River; the investigation remains ongoing.
The Dalles, Ore., April 13, 2026 — Authorities are searching for a person of interest following a shooting investigation Saturday afternoon in Hood River, officials said.
The incident was reported at about 1:31 p.m. April 11. Oregon State Police said troopers were assisting the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office and local police in the ongoing investigation.
The report mentions Adrian M. Lopez Ruelas as a person of interest. Police confirmed that he had been contacted by authorities.
The victim with the bullet wound was identified as Erik Antonio Pitones, of Hood River. Authorities did not immediately release details about the victim’s condition.
Officials said a vehicle connected to the case has also been identified.
The Hood River County Sheriff’s office said on Tuesday, April 14, that it was an ongoing investigation and were not at liberty to comment further.
Frustration mounts as chainless semi stalls Highway 35 in snow storm on Saturday, trapping vehicles near Government Camp
Fresh pow skiers hit Highway 35 as a no-traction semi triggered a massive stall, leaving dozens stranded in hinky, snow-choked driving conditions near Government Camp Saturday.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 21, 2026 — A stalled semi-truck without chains triggered a multivehicle traffic hazard involving dozens of vehicles Saturday afternoon on Highway 35 near Government Camp, as heavy snowfall created dangerous conditions on Mount Hood during peak weekend travel.
Oregon State Police Trooper Kurtis Patterson responded at about 12:33 p.m. to milepost 59 after a fully loaded commercial motor vehicle lost traction and stalled, blocking both lanes of the highway, according to the OSP log. The incident quickly caused a buildup of vehicles, likely including skiers and other weekend travelers, who were unable to pass.
Initial reports estimated about 20 vehicles were affected, but responders found nearly twice that number upon arrival. Several vehicles sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported, and drivers exchanged information at the scene before leaving.
Heavy snow fell throughout the day Saturday, with Mount Hood ski resorts reporting between 6 and 8 inches of new snow in about six hours. The snowfall intensified around midafternoon, contributing to hazardous driving conditions across the mountain. The Oregon Department of Transportation also closed U.S. Highway 26 eastbound near Government Camp around 2 p.m. due to unsafe conditions.
Deputies from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene on Highway 35, while ODOT crews helped clear the roadway and applied traction materials to improve driving conditions.
The driver of the commercial motor vehicle was cited for multiple violations, including failure to use required tire chains, which authorities said was the primary cause of the incident.
I will treat lowercase datelines as your permanent house style from now on and apply it automatically.
Moro man hits power pole, cited for DUII; initial tests show ‘extreme’ alcohol impairment
Moro man cited for DUII after crashing into power pole east of Wasco; troopers report driver admitted drinking and initial test show three times the legal limit for blood alcohol content.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026 — A Moro man was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants after crashing into a power pole east of Wasco with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to Oregon State Police.
Trooper Jason Mitro assisted the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Feb. 13, at a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Beacon Road and Emigrant Springs Lane - rural farm roads east of Wasco. Troopers said a blue 2000 Dodge Ram left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a power pole.
The driver, identified as Austin Daniel Olson, 22, of Moro, reportedly displayed several indicators of impairment and admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash. A passenger, identified as Hunter Jeffery Kaseberg, 25, of Wasco, sustained minor injuries.
Olson was transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for medical treatment. Troopers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, and hospital testing showed Olson’s blood alcohol content was 0.258%, more than three times Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Olson was issued criminal citations for DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering another person. He was released to the care of hospital staff.
Sherman County Sheriff’s Office is leading the crash investigation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or higher face exponentially increased crash risk, making Olson’s measured level of 0.258% indicative of extreme impairment.
Appleton man charged with DUI after pickup rollover near Dufur
Washington man cited for DUII after Highway 197 rollover near Dufur; troopers say driver denied driving despite witness account and blood alcohol above legal limit.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026 — An Appleton, Washington, man was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants after a rollover crash late Tuesday night on U.S. Highway 197 south of The Dalles, according to Oregon State Police.
Trooper Isaac Oakes responded at about 10:48 p.m. Feb. 17 to a single-vehicle rollover near milepost 15. Troopers found a black Ford F-150 pickup that had rolled at least once before coming to rest on its wheels down an embankment. The crash did not block the roadway.
A witness reported seeing the pickup traveling too fast for conditions before losing control. Troopers said evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle sideswiped a guardrail, crossed the northbound lane and traveled down an embankment in an uncontrolled yaw before striking vegetation and rolling.
The driver, identified as Anthony James Berge, 39, of Appleton, Washington, reportedly claimed he was not driving, but a witness told troopers no one was seen leaving the scene. Troopers searched the area and located Berge’s dog nearby uninjured. The animal was transported to the Columbia Gorge Humane Society.
Troopers reported observing several indicators of impairment during contact with Berge, and an open container of alcohol was visible inside the vehicle. Berge was transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for treatment of serious injuries.
Hospital staff later informed troopers that Berge’s blood alcohol content measured 0.103%, which is 0.02 above Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08% for drivers. Troopers obtained a warrant for a blood sample, which was collected as part of the investigation.
Berge was issued criminal citations for driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. A charge of obstructing governmental administration was referred to the Wasco County District Attorney for consideration. He was released to the care of hospital staff.
The vehicle was towed from the scene by River’s Edge Towing.
