BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Fire personnel more than doubles to 372; Fire grows by 13 acres
This McDonnell Douglas MD-87 Aero Tanker out of Redmond has been dropping retardant on the fire. These can hold up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant with a 900-mile loaded strike range.
By Tom Peterson
July 5, 2023 - The Tunnel 5 Fire grew to 546 acres in the last 24 hours as low humidity and temperatures in the 90’s helped advance the flames marginally while air and ground crews continued to stem the blaze, according to the Northwest Incident Management Team 12.
Footprint of the 546-acre Tunnel Fire is seen above in the bright red outline.
The total personnel on fire has more than doubled, growing to 372, and today 36 fire engines, 8 hand crews made up of 18 to 20 firefighters each, 3 helicopters and 4 single-engine air tankers were reported working the blaze.
Another red warning flag for high heat and low humidity was also issued by the National Weather Service for today. Dry conditions such as these increase the likelihood of combustion of dry timber and brush making it favorable for rapid fire growth.
With the terrain being extremely steep, aircraft have been relied on to keep the fire in check. Some helicopters utilize a longline and bucket system while others have an internal tank.
Fire Boss scooper plane at the Tunnel 5 Fire. Photo by Dawn Rasmussen
Winds were predicted to be northeast-southeast at 8-12 mph with gusts up to 15 mph, shifting to the west and increasing a bit in the late afternoon.
However, forecasters are calling for gusts in the 25-30 mph range on Thursday and Friday making it increasingly difficult to contain the blaze.
“Fire activity increased late yesterday afternoon, July 4, on the western edge of the fire near Tunnel Four. Helicopters dropped water buckets and “fire boss” air tankers kept the fire in check in this area,” the Management Teams report stated this morning.
“Fire engine crews patrolled again overnight, locating and securing hot spots around the fire perimeter. Trees and vegetation remaining inside established fire control lines will continue to torch and burn over the coming days, creating smoke even with minimal fire growth,” the report states.
“Firefighters mopped up and patrolled along the Cook-Underwood Road yesterday, identifying and extinguishing remaining heat sources. Fire crews yesterday improved the dozer line on the eastern fire edge, tying control lines into a rocky area to stop the eastern expansion of the fire. Fire engine crews worked yesterday on structural assessments along the northern fire edge and will continue this work today, July 5,” it stated.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined and eyewitnesses have estimated some 10 structures have burned including multiple homes. No injuries have been reported.
Northwest Team 12 will host a virtual community meeting July 5 to discuss the wildfire. This meeting will be hosted on the SW WA Facebook page via Facebook Live. Click below.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094369835205
July 4 at 11:50 a.m. - Firefighters have thwarted the Tunnel 5 Fire’s progression thus far, keeping it to its original 533-acre estimate with intense work by aviation crews and an increasing number on the ground. But temps are expected to climb over 90 today with another red flag warning for low humidity, making it a tough slog for those battling the blaze on our nation’s birthday.
High temps and low humidity with wind greatly increase the chances of fire spreading as grasses, timber and other fuels become more easily combustible. Winds are predicted to be in the 8-12 mile per hour range with gusts up to 15 - similar to the past two days.
Fire managers continue to bring in the big guns to battle the blaze that is burning near Underwood and White Salmon.
“Additional resources are expected today, including hand crews, heavy equipment and five strike teams of fire engines,” according to the Northwest Incident Management Team 12 which took over on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Currently, 5 hand crews consisting of 18 to 20 members are working the fire, including digging a fire containment line around the fire’s perimeter.
And strike teams of fire engines consisting of five identical engines either used for structure defense or wildland fire fighting are expected to join the battle today. The efficiency of the teams through common equipment saves time and intend to provide a unified effort in tackling intense fire situations.
“Firefighters will improve the dozer line on the eastern fire edge and will install hose lays today, July 4, to deliver water along the eastern fire perimeter.
5 Helicopters and 4-single engine air tankers will continue to drop water today to keep the fire from growing outside of the 533-acre perimeter of the fire.
Grumman Commander twin engine jetissons its payload of water on the Tunnel 5 Fire. Photo from White Salmon Fire Department Facebook Page / Photo by Stevie Datnoff
On July 3, Blackhawk helicopters, Fire Boss scooper planes smaller helicopters and twin-engine planes were utilized extensively to cool and dampen fire activity.
Washington State Route 14 is closed between mile markers 53-63 due to fire activity and safety concerns.
A “Go Now” level 3 evacuation order remains in affect for the two-mile radius around the fire.
A fire shelter for those evacuated is operating at the Skamania County Fairgrounds, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson.
July 3, 2023, 3 p.m. - There are now 10 aircraft - a mix of 7 planes and 3 helicopters - working the Tunnel 5 fire near Underwood and White Salmon as they continue to knock down the blaze that had grown to 533 acres at last report this morning.
Pilot Brad Bauder walks away from a Blackhawk that was to be refueled this afternoon, July 3, at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport.
The Ground crew has also grown to 150 strong which includes hand crews multiple engines and fire tenders. Reports of 10 structures being burned are being circulated, but those have yet to be confirmed by the command team managing the fire.
The Columbia Gorge Wildfire and Fire Information page said a spotter, multiple twin-engine drop planes, as well as the Fire Boss scooper planes that are stationed in Dallesport at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport, are working the fire.
The airport is front and center for refueling these aircraft as they come on and off the blaze during daylight hours. The airport added 24,000 gallons of fuel storage back in 2020.
Stitch in time - The airport added 24,000 gallons of fueling capacity in 2020. The newer tanks can pump twice as fast, providing more efficient service. That’s important when multiple crafts need fueling.
Today at about 2:30 p.m., HP Helicopters out of California landed a Blackhawk at the airport so that pilots could refuel and get a bathroom break.
Darren Leacock Fixed Base Operator for Tac Aero at the airport said they had 25,000 gallons of fuel on site with another delivery of more than 10,000 gallons expected on July 4.
Pilots under contract with the U.S. Forrest Service and the Washington Department of Natural Resources are flying twin-prop Grumman Commanders.
On the Ground
“We’ve had more engines, hand crews and heavy equipment arrive, including a skidder and heavy equipment to fall burned, hazardous trees and snags along State Route 14,” said Heather Appelhof, public information officer with the SE Washington Incident Management Team
Appelhof said the fire has yet to grow much today as it is staying within that 533-acre footprint.
At the same time, firefighters are working to remove logs and limbs and other burning materials that can roll down banks and cliffs and possibly ignite homes in the area.
“Crews are prioritizing structure protection by clearing overgrown vegetation and setting irrigation and sprinklers at residences that are at higher risk,” she said.
UPDATE from July 3, 10 a.m.
Crews and additional equipment are on the way to the 533-acre Tunnel 5 Fire burning near Underwood and White Salmon and threatening 100 structures, according to Heather Appelhof, public information officer with the SE Washington Incident Management Team.
Priorities have been set to provide for public and firefighter safety while protecting structures, critical infrastructure, and natural resource values at risk.
Firefighters are engaging in a full-suppression effort to maintain the fire east of Drano Lake, south of the east/west portion of Cook-Underwood Rd., west of the north/south portion of Cook-Underwood Rd., and north of the Columbia River.
“We’re expecting a lot more resources throughout the day,” she said this morning at 9:50 a.m. “They will be arriving constantly throughout the day.”
As of this morning, there were 166 personnel working the fire that has forced dozens of people to evacuate their homes.
While Appelhof was unable to say the total number of additional firefighters that would be arriving, she did say it was going to be “quite a bit. We will get whatever resources we can get.”
Currently, there are 26 engines, 19 water tenders and 4 helicopters working the blaze in steep and treacherous terrain. Appelhof said they are using two Blackhawk helicopters and two smaller helicopters that have tank and bucket capabilities to pinpoint drops to quash the flames.
Photo of a Blackhawk with bucket.
The helicopters are expected to be dipping or snorkeling out of the Columbia River.
Fire Boss Scooper planes, flying out of Dallesport, are also at the ready. Appelhof said they could be requested if needed.
There are currently 5 hand crews - typically 18 to 20 firefighters in each - working on containing the fire.
No Injuries reported
“We don’t have reports of injuries,” Appelhof said. “We do know there have been some structures destroyed - no confirmation on how many or where those structures are at yet.” She said the team began assessing the destruction after daylight this morning and more information will be available on that later.
Appelhof said the fire, because of its location in steep terrain, is tending to move westerly away from White Salmon.
However Level 1 evacuation alert for those living in White Salmon is still active - the advisory alert means be aware of the danger, prepare for evacuation, and begin moving people with special needs.
Weather
There is a red flag warning issued for today in the area of the fire, meaning low humidity and high temperatures will provide more energy to the fire.
The high today is expected to be 90 with winds up to 12 miles per hour and the humidity could drop as low as 16 percent, she said.
533 Acres Burning
July 3, 2023, at 8:10 a.m. - The Cook Underwood Tunnel 5 Fire has grown to 533 acres as 5 crews are battling the blaze near the town of Underwood and White Salmon.
100 homes were reported threatened on Sunday, July 2.
As of this morning, July 3, 166 personnel are battling the blaze, according to a press release from the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team - 1.
A total of 26 engines and 19 water tenders are reported on site.
The Skamania County Sheriffs’ office has reported that several structures were burned in the Cook Underwood Tunnel fire as of 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 2 as aircraft and crews continued to battle the 300-acre blaze.
No one has been reported injured at this time.
Cool temperatures in the 60s this morning will give way to a high of 88, according to weather forecasts as winds are predicted at 5 to 10 miles per hour. Lower winds, cooler temperatures and higher humidity are helpful as firefighters attempt to build a line around the blaze to contain it. The relative humidity was at 78 % at 6 a.m. this morning, July 3.
Here is the Level 1 evacuation map for White Salmon recently posted by the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office. The advisory alert means be aware of the danger, prepare for evacuation and begin moving people with special needs.
“Go Now” evacuation orders are still in place for Cook Underhill Road and a 2-mile radius around the fire. White Salmon residents are on a Level 1 warning - meaning be aware of the danger, prepare for evacuation and begin moving people with special needs.
On Sunday evening, Aero Tankers and twin-engine planes could be seen into the evening hours of moving in and out of the fire, making dumps late into the evening. Fire Boss scooper planes were also making water drops on the blaze. Earlier in the day, police authorities in boats cleared a portion of the Columbia River of private boats east of Hood River for scooper planes to skim the water, filling the pontoons of their planes.
State Route 14 near Milepost 61 and Spring Creek Fish Hatchery and Underwood Road was closed between Drano Lake and Underwood on July 2 and remains so this morning, July 3.
The Air Quality Index at 6:30 a.m. this morning is 423 in Underwood, between 258-271 in White Salmon, 152 in Lyle, and in the 100s in The Dalles, according to the Columbia Gorge Wildland and Fire Information. Anything greater than 300 means that there is a health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected within 24 hours of exposure. If you are in the smoke-affected areas, do what you can to eliminate your time outdoors and try to shelter in place inside with air purifiers.
July 2, 2023, 4:28 p.m. - The Cook Underwood Train Tunnel fire which started near milepost 61 on Highway 14 at 11:19 a.m. near the towns of Underwood and Cook has grown to 125 acres and is moving quickly with high threat potential, according to fire officials. Immediate evacuations were ordered.
Fire size is based on conservative estimates and it could be as large as 200 to 300 acres and the potential for it growing remains high, according to the Columbia Gorge Wildland and Fire info page. And seven aircraft are involved in battling the blaze.
Multiple fire resources responded, including Skamania County Fire District 3, Skamania County Fire District 1, Klickitat County Fire District 3, White Salmon Fire, Department of Natural Resources, and United States Forest Service. Air assets were deployed, utilizing both water and fire retardant.
Additional ground crews have also been deployed to fight the fire.
Skamania County Sheriff’s Office sent a reverse 911 call to residents in the area for evacuation. Law enforcement personnel also went door to door to assist in evacuation measures, according to the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office. At this time, the fire is not contained and has been deemed a Type II incident. An estimated 125 acres and several homes have been affected at the time of this release.
The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office will continue to release current information as conditions change.
Those evacuated are being directed to the Skamania County Fairgrounds where the Red Cross is providing resources.
The fire is burning through grasses and timber in steep terrain. It is now being reported 100 homes are being threatened by the fire. Evacuation orders are in place for Cook Underhill Road and a 2-mile radius around the fire, per DNR.
At about 2 p.m., evacuation orders went out for Cook Underhill Road and a 2-mile radius around the fire, per DNR.
John Hardham
“ We have evacuated to the Underwood Community Center,” John Hardham posted on the Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Facebook Page at about 2:30 p.m. “It's cool inside and out of the smoke. About 25 people from the immediate area that has been affected. The pictures and video you post from Hood River really help us track the situation, so please keep them coming. Dense smoke and ash falling and the situation is a bit tense.”
Additional resources including more air support are on the way.
For evacuation notices or questions, contact the Skamania County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line 509-427-9490 or sign up for notices on HyperReach https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper.../sign_up_page_2/...
Photo by Vince Ready showing Fire Boss scooper plane dropping water in a defensive move to save a home.
This McDonnell Dougal MD-87 Aero Tanker out of Redmond has been reported to be dropping retardant on the fire. These can hold up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant with a 900-mile loaded strike range.
Winds are forecast to be at 8 mph today with gusts up to 15 mph blowing out of the west.
CCCNews will provide additional information as it becomes available.
The fire is reported uncontained.
FROM Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Facebook Page:
Cook Underwood TRAIN TUNNEL FIRE - Tunnel 5 - MP 60 on Hwy 14 - Skamania County, WA - 06/07/23 - 11:25am
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GPS: 45.720268, 121.590935
Screen shot taken from instagram from Willow Wines at 10481 Cook-Underwood Rd, Underwood, WA.
It appears fire retardant is being dumped on the blaze from this recent photo taken by Joel Yang.
Click to enlarge. Here is a Google map showing the neighborhoods near the fire - the river to the east is the White Salmon.
Photo taken from Hood River
Photo taken from SR 141 in Washington.
This is the second fire in about 12 hours as a blaze broke out along Interstate 84 between Hood River and Cascade Locks late last night. Here is the information from that fire:
7/1/23 - fire reported at mile marker 52 on I-84
1:10 am - multiple engines responding, west side and cascade locks
1:20 am - fire is reported to be on the westbound side of the highway.
1:25 am - fire is reported as “slow to medium moving wildland fire in brush and timber, estimated half an acre at this time”
