Early Morning Fire Along Highway 197 Under Investigation

Jul 17

Written By Columbia Community Connection

Photo from the Mid-Columbia Fire Rescue Facebook page.

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles, Ore., July 17, 2026 — An early morning vegetation fire along Highway 197 is under investigation after reports that individuals were shooting fireworks into dry grass, according to Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue.

At approximately 2:32 a.m., Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue and Wasco County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Five Mile Road and Highway 197 following reports of a fire and individuals igniting fireworks in dry vegetation along the roadway.

Before firefighters arrived, a nearby resident, assisted by Wasco County Sheriff's Office deputies and the Oregon State Police, was able to stop the fire's forward spread, keeping it contained to a small area. Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue crews then extinguished the remaining fire and completed mop-up operations.

During the investigation, responders located two Roman candles near the burned area. Officials said the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Fire officials warned that current dry conditions significantly increase the risk of wildfire, noting that even a single firework can ignite vegetation and quickly lead to a fast-moving fire.

Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue expressed appreciation for the quick actions of the reporting parties and responding law enforcement officers, whose efforts helped prevent the incident from becoming a larger wildfire.

Anyone with information about the fire or the individuals involved is asked to contact the Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal at firemarshal@mcfr.org or by calling Station 1 at (541) 296-9445.