Fire Update: Fire Boss Pilots, Ground crew crush Chenowith Rim Fire

Photo Credit Don Petersen

Photo Courtesy of Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue Facebook page

From Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue:

A quick response by airplanes and multiple agencies was instrumental in stopping the forward progression of a wildfire originating in the southwest area of The Dalles this afternoon.

The charred hill underneath Eagle Caves near Chenowith Rim Apartments in west The Dalles this morning, Sept. 1. Fire hose still in position in the apartment complex back parking lot.

Fire managers reported the Chenowith Rim Fire at approximately 50 acres as of 7:30 p.m. The Oregon Department of Forestry's #FIREBOSS aircraft were instrumental in knocking down the fire’s activity and have been released. Crews will continue constructing containment line, and to mop up and monitor the fire until it is fully suppressed.

The Chenowith Rim Fire reportedly started on private land at approximately 4:20 p.m. but is believed to have burned primarily in steep terrain on U.S. Forest Service lands. The response is being managed under unified command between the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - U.S. Forest Service and Mid Columbia Fire Rescue.

The cause of the fire is unknown currently and is under investigation. This will be the last report unless new information is received.

To read more about Fire Boss pilots and their perilous work, read CCCNews’ recent story on them here.