Fast-Moving Brush Fire burning east of Dallesport, Closes Highway 14, Threatens Structures
The Dalles, Ore., July 3, 2026 — A fast-moving brush fire near Crawford Oaks east of Dallesport burned about 10 acres Friday afternoon, closing state Highway 14, threatening structures and drawing a large air and ground response, according to updates posted by the Columbia Gorge Wildland Fire Information page.
The fire was reported at about 1:20 p.m. north of Highway 14 near Crawford Oaks and quickly spread east of Horsethief Butte and Horsethief Lake State Park. As of 2:37 p.m., containment had not been reported.
Driven by dry grass and gusty winds, the fire spread rapidly along the Columbia River corridor. Incident commanders reported the fire had stretched to about a mile long by 1:40 p.m., with wind gusts reaching about 20 mph.
From Klickitat Emergency Services — July 3rd, 2026 - 2:45PM - Crawford Oaks Fire - Level 3 "GO NOW" and Level 2 "GET SET" Evacuation Notiications have been issued.
Highway 14 is closed from Highway 197 to Avery Park
Link to Ineractive Map https://sartopo.com/m/54FAUVP
At 1:43 p.m., firefighters requested traffic be stopped on Highway 14 because of zero visibility from smoke. Minutes later, the highway was closed between Dalles Mountain Road and the Highway 197 junction. By 2:08 p.m., crews reported the fire had crossed the highway, and by 2:15 p.m., incident commanders said structures were threatened.
Firefighters focused suppression efforts along and south of Highway 14 while the Horsethief Butte trailhead was established as the incident staging area. A small boat also responded from the Columbia River to assist where steep terrain limited ground access.
The response included Dallesport-Murdock Fire Department, Lyle Fire & Rescue District No. 4, Wishram Fire Department No. 11, West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority, Centerville Fire District, Goldendale Fire Department, Rural 7 Fire & Rescue, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Patrol and the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office.
Aircraft assigned to the fire included a Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter, two Fire Boss scooper aircraft and a Washington State Department of Natural Resources helicopter.
At 2:35 p.m., the incident commander reported crews were pulling out of the state park and said no additional ground resources were immediately needed, although additional air tankers were recommended. Less than 10 minutes later, more engines were requested for the state park area as resources continued to be repositioned.
Weather at the scene was reported at 81 degrees with 39% humidity and sustained winds of 11 mph. Fire officials classified the fire growth potential as high.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area unless evacuating or assisting with evacuations and reminded residents that drones are prohibited near wildfire operations because they can force firefighting aircraft to stop flying.
This is a developing story. Columbia Gorge Wildland Fire Information said it will continue posting confirmed updates as information becomes available.
