FIRE UPDATE: Boulder Fire Grows to 500 Acres, Tunnel 5 On Mop Up, Alder Creek Fire 50% Contained
The Bolder Fire burning just 13 air miles west of Wamic is burning in tall timber in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Photo from Wasco County Sheriff’s Facebook page.
By Cole Goodwin
Wamic, OR, July 10, 2023 — The Boulder Lake Fire, designated as #BoulderFire, has grown rapidly from 60 to 500 acres since it started on July 9th, 2023. It is located approximately 13 miles west of Wamic, Oregon and poor weather conditions mean greater potential for fire growth.
Authorities have warned of the fire's growth potential, especially considering the predicted weather conditions. Winds are forecasted to be 5-15 mph in the morning, increasing to 15-20 mph in the afternoon, with gusts up to 35 mph. These conditions pose a challenge to containment efforts and may limit the use of aircraft for firefighting operations.
The blaze, characterized by extreme fire behavior including crowning and running, has prompted mandatory evacuation orders for several campgrounds and recreational areas.
A crowning fire is one that has ascended from the ground into the forest canopy and is spreading through it, usually in conjunction with surface fuels.
As of the most recent update on July 9th at 10:00 a.m., the evacuation orders remain in place for:
- Boulder Lake Campground
- Bonney Meadow Campground
- Badger Lake Campground
- Camp Wendy, and
- Post Camp Campground
Forest Roads 4480, 4481, and 4890 have also been closed by the Wasco County Sheriff's Office to ensure public safety.
Screenshot on July 10, 2023 from gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/firemap.php
Smoke impacts are expected in the vicinity of the Boulder Fire, and the public is advised to monitor air quality updates on oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or airnow.gov. The warm and dry conditions forecasted for the following week further contribute to the fire's intensity.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and a Type 2 Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire starting tomorrow morning. Currently, the fire is being fully suppressed, with firefighting efforts underway by various agencies. Four engines, four hotshot crews, and two heavy helicopters are actively combating the flames, with additional resources en route.
The Wasco County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, continues to share information regarding the fire. However, they emphasize that the dissemination of updates relies on official confirmations from relevant agencies. The public is urged to refrain from flying drones near the fire and to avoid the area unless assisting with evacuation efforts.
For the latest information, residents can visit the Wasco County Sheriff's Office Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff or the Mt. Hood National Forest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mthoodnf.
As the Boulder Lake Fire remains active and continues to pose a threat, residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution, adhere to evacuation orders, and stay updated through official channels. The cooperation of the community and firefighting personnel is crucial in ensuring the safety of all individuals affected by this incident.
Please note that this article is based on the information available as of July 9th, 2023, at 1 p.m. and the situation may have evolved since then.
The Boulder Fire is just one of several fires burning in Oregon and Washington.
Currently the Tunnel 5 Fire, Alder Creek Fire, and a new fire spotted today at 11:30 a.m. in the wheatfields near Cottonwood Canyon in Gilliam County are burning.
Update on the Tunnel 5 Fire
Photo from Columbia Gorge Fires Facebook page
The Tunnel Fire, a 529-acre fire that has been burning for days in Underwood, WA has reached 80% containment as of July 10th, 2023 at 8 a.m. and crews are mopping up and preparing for demobilization. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
From Southwest Washington Fire Information Facebook Page:
Weather: Increased humidity and lower temperatures over the weekend decreased fire activity within the perimeter, but an expected increase in temperature and wind speeds may contribute to more interior burning over the next few days, producing more smoke in the fire area.
Operations: Fire crews will continue to monitor containment lines around the fire perimeter, along Cook-Underwood Road and Highway 14. Please slow down near working crews and use extreme caution for the safety of firefighters.
NW Team 12 and many of the firefighting resources assigned to the Tunnel Five Fire will be demobilized at the end of shift today. Tomorrow, a Type 4 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire. Remaining fire crews and equipment will be utilized to patrol the fire area for the next several days as warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds return to the area throughout next week and pockets of interior fuels continue to consume. Smoke from this interior burning will be visible for some time to come. Please do not call 911 to report smoke in the immediate vicinity of the fire area.
This will be the final update for the Tunnel Five Fire unless significant activity occurs.
Safety and Closures:
Washington State Route 14 remains closed between mile markers 56-65 due to safety hazards from fire 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. For closure upates, visit: https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ or call: (360) 905-2000.
Evacuations:
All Skamania County evacuation orders have been lifted. Visit Skamania County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaSheriff for more info. The evacuation shelter at Skamania County Fairgrounds has been closed.
Update on the Alder Creek Fire
Photo from Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page
The Alder Creek Fire was reported to have reached approximately 1,550 acres as of July 10, 2023 at 11 a.m. However, fire growth potential is high due to weather conditions. The fire is at 50% containment.
OR Route 19, which parallels the northern edge of the fire area is now open. There is still potential for the road to be close at any time due to fire activity.
Muleshow Campground is reopened.
BREAKING NEWS: Devil’s Butte Fire
Photo credit: Abby Phelps
From Columbia Gorge Wildland and Fire Information Facebook Page
COTTONWOOD CANYON STATE PARK FIRE - Gilliam County, Oregon - 07/102023 - 11:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Wheatfields near Cottonwood State Park / John Day River
GPS: 45.391000, -120.453667
SIZE: TBD
% contained: TBD
WEATHER: 75°F | Humidity: 39% | Wind: 16 mph
FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL: High due to winds
DO NOT FLY DRONES ANYWHERE NEAR THIS FIRE. Please stay away and let firefighters get in and do their work!
Fire Timeline:
2:39 p.m. 4 aircraft working the fire now, including Tanker 168
2:28 p.m. Sherman County Sheriff reports: Traffic Advisory-
Highway 206 near mile post 21 is temporarily shutdown due to a wildfire. This is between Wasco and Condon near the mountain identifier.
12:35 p.m. Air attack on fire; winds blowing now close to 20 mph from the west. Wind map attached.
12:30 p.m. BLM responding
11:49 a.m. Fire has jumped into Sherman County.
11:35 a.m. Cottonwood Canyon State Park being evacuated.
AI was used in the development of this content.
