Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve Closed Indefinitely Due to Lyle Wildfire
A super scooper plane makes a water drop over Friends’ Lyle Cherry Orchard preserve to slow the Lyle Hill Fire on Sunday, June 28. Photo by Myrna Anderson.
From Friends of the Columbia Gorge:
By Gabe Sheoships, Executive Director
The Dalles, Ore., June 30, 2026 — The Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve will remain closed indefinitely after portions of the property were burned in the Lyle Hill Fire, Friends of the Columbia Gorge announced Today.
Gabe Sheoships
The wildfire ignited Sunday afternoon, June 28, near Lyle, Wash., and spread into the preserve. Fire officials estimate the fire has burned about 233 acres. While the fire has been brought under control, it is not yet fully extinguished, and officials said gusty winds could create unpredictable conditions.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge thanked firefighters from Lyle and neighboring agencies for their rapid response, crediting coordinated efforts on the ground and in the air with protecting the community. Air tankers, helicopters and Super Scooper aircraft were used to slow the fire's advance.
"We are profoundly thankful that the town was protected and that no lives have been lost," the organization said in a statement. "As of now, no structures are known to be lost."
Evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of the Lyle area.
Because the fire burned sections of the preserve, the Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve is closed to all public access until further notice. Officials said no one other than fire personnel and Friends of the Columbia Gorge staff is permitted to enter the property.
The organization said staff will need time to assess damage and repair trails before reopening the preserve. Wildfires often leave behind hazardous trees, unstable ground and other safety concerns that must be addressed before visitors can safely return.
For updates on the Lyle Hill Fire, the public is encouraged to monitor the Watch Duty app, which provides real-time wildfire information, evacuation notices and incident updates.
Lyle Fire Chief Brian Beaulaurier said the department's greatest current need is financial support. Those wishing to assist are encouraged to make a donation to help support ongoing firefighting and recovery efforts.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge said it will continue to provide updates as conditions change and will announce when the preserve is safe to reopen.
