Boulder Fire in Mt. Hood National Forest enters 9th day at 30% contained
File Photo by Darlene Ashley - looking at the Boulder Fire on July 9, 2023. The 233-acre blaze now in its Ninth day is 30 percent contained. Firefighters are shredding vegetation on the forest floor to help stem the blaze.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., July 16, 2023 - Firefighters continue to gain ground on the 233-acre Boulder Fire in the rugged terrain in the Mt. Hood National Forest 26 miles southwest of Dufur, bringing the blaze under 30 percent containment.
Today, crews are pushing toward the fire’s center, creating cool and fuels-free ground 100 feet inside the perimeter.
Resources and personnel remain ample as a concerted effort is made to stop the fire in its current footprint. Fire managers report that 408 personnel, 8 hand crews - made up of 18 to 20 firefighters each, 9 fire engines, 10 fire tenders, 4 pieces of heavy equipment, 6 helicopters, and 1 spotter plane are working the blaze today, July 16.
“Despite Saturday’s high temperatures (in the 90s), fire activity was minimal though crews observed isolated single tree torching within the fire’s interior where scattered pockets of unburned fuels remain,” according to the Northwest Incident Management Team 10.
“The unmanned aerial system equipped with heat-sensing equipment flew over the fire area in search of hot spots, and none were detected.”
“The percentage of containment doubled to 30% as firefighters completed line along the fire’s western flank. Work to strengthen containment lines continued to the north, south and east sides of the fire.
“In addition, masticating and grading was underway as crews improved access north to Grasshopper Point along the 4860 Road. Mastication involves reducing the size of forest floor vegetation and downed material by shredding it.
“Efforts were interrupted several times when recreationalists, who apparently missed notices of area and road closures, appeared near where crews were working,” the statement reads.
The public is asked to avoid the area.
Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to work on and around the area roadways, including Forest Road 48. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV as a staging area. Drivers can help keep firefighters and visitors safe by avoiding these areas. Recreationalists planning to use trails and roadways must check closures and restrictions before entering the forest; for everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of all fire suppression operations.
Weather
Temperatures are expected to be slightly lower on today, July 16, than Saturday and humidity, slightly higher. A cold front is forecasted to push in today, bringing gusty winds during the evening hours and into Monday, July 17.
Closures and Restrictions
Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District are closed. Due to the high fire danger, open fire and target shooting restrictions have been implemented. For more information or to view the full closure order, visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.
Evacuations
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Boulder Lake Campground, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadows 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.
Smoke
Currently, there are no significant smoke impacts from the Boulder Fire. For air quality updates, visit www.oregonsmoke.org or airnow.gov.
