Fire near Bickleton at 13,000 acres; one firefighter injured; gas plant threatened
Klickitat County Sheriff’s office captured this image of the Big Horn Fire on Monday, July 22.
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., July 23, 10:30 a.m. — More than 13,000 acres are estimated burned in the Big Horn Fire near Bickelton in east Klickitat County.
Currently, the fire is threatening residential and agricultural lands, critical infrastructinge and a natural gas plant.
The fire started at 1:07 p.m. on Monday, July 22 and was driven by high winds estimated at 30 plus miles per hour.
The cause of the blaze is undetermined at this time, according to the Southeast Incident Management Team which is now managing the fire.
Multiple resources including an initial air attack and 100 fire personnel responded to the fire after its discovery.
At 5 p.m. on Monday, Washington State Fire Mobilization was activated to support the firefighting efforts.
One firefighter has suffered from smoke inhalation but it was non-life threatening.
On a positive note, The National Weather Service is predicting winds at just 9 mph today in the region of the fire, likely slowing its progression.
Google Map - General location of fire. The natural gas plant is located at the Roosevelt Regional Landfill.
Evacuations
Level 3 - GO NOW: East Road to Sand Ridge Road to the East and Alder Creek South to the Columbia River.
Click to Enlarge Image.
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