Bear Creek Fire Ignites North of Carson, WA
Photo from Skamania County Fire District 1’s Facebook page.
by Cole Goodwin
Carson, WA July 17, 2023—A wildfire, known as the Bear Creek Fire (PCC-167), broke out on the afternoon of July 16th, 2023, in Skamania County, Washington, North of Carson. The fire started at approximately 3:33 p.m. and quickly spread in the heavily forested area near Wind River Highway and Bear Creek Road. Officials estimate the fire's size to be around 5 acres, as reported by Air Attack.
Weather conditions on the day of the incident included temperatures reaching 90°F, relative humidity at 32%, and a westward wind blowing at 10mph with gusts up to 18mph, which contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
In response to the situation, authorities issued evacuation notices to ensure the safety of residents and to provide firefighters the space to combat the blaze effectively.
Bear Creek Road was placed under a Level 2, BE SET evacuation notice. The road is currently closed to the public, but residents were allowed to return to their homes. Meanwhile,
Old State Road was placed at a Level 1, GET READY evacuation notice, advising residents to be prepared for potential evacuation.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and vigilant, and follow Skamania County Fire District 1 for updates.
Yesterday evening, helicopters were deployed to assist in firefighting operations, and the Skamania County fairgrounds were opened to provide shelter for evacuees. Fire investigators were also dispatched to determine the cause of the fire.
Firefighting efforts were supported by multiple agencies, including Skamania Fire District 1, Stevenson Fire Department, Skamania County Fire Districts 3, 4, and 5, as well as resources from Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - U.S. Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot National Forest - U.S. Forest Service, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Authorities reminded the public to avoid the affected area and refrain from using drones, as they could interfere with firefighting efforts. They urged everyone to sign up for Skamania County emergency alerts and stay informed about the latest developments through reliable sources.
