BREAKING NEWS: Mosier Creek Fire UPDATES
Update August 21st, 2020 10:00 AM
The Mosier Creek Fire is fully contained. Equipment is being backhauled and only small pockets of mop-up on the interior have been in progress.
On Wednesday, some resources from the Mosier Creek Fire were sent to do some additional work on Sevenmile Hill Road Fire to secure the line.
Update August 18th, 2020 10:00 AM
985 acres, 75% containment.
Level 3, (GO, Evacuate) evacuations have been lifted entirely for the Mosier Creek Fire and the Red Cross will be winding down their relief efforts as the fire danger to structures decreases. They urge anyone still in need of assistance to call (888) 680-1455. Evacuation Levels 1, and Level 2 (Get Ready) are still in affect. The general public should continue to avoid the area as there will be ongoing firefighting traffic.
Yesterday afternoon ODF Incident Management Team 1, which is now in sole command of the Mosier Creek Fire, sent resources to help with a new fire reported south of Hood River near Odell, yesterday, about 6 miles west of the Mosier Creek Fire.
Today firefighters will continue working on mopping-up the Mosier Creek Fire. On Wednesday ODF Incident Management Team 1 will transfer command of the Mosier Creek Fire back to The Dalles Unit of ODF’s Central Oregon District.
Oregon State Fire Marshal’s IMT and the remaining structural Task Forces demobilized yesterday and ODF Incident Management Team 1, is now in sole command of the Mosier Creek Fire. Their final assessment of structural damages include 8 residences which were destroyed along with 28 other structures.
Oregon fire danger continues to be at its highest level. Fire officials are urging caution.
Update August 17th, 2020 10:00 AM
985 acres. Containment increased to 65% overnight.
An updated assessment of structures affected by the Mosier Creek Fire reports that 1 structure has been damaged and 36 structures have been destroyed in the fire. ODF reports 662 structures still considered threatened, however containment efforts are doing well.
Crews worked to achieve a 200’ mop-up marker from containment line to the interior of the fire yesterday and last night. Today firefighters have set the goal of reaching the 300’ mop-up marker. Columbia Gorge Community College is providing its campus in The Dalles to Mosier Creek Fire crews.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal IMT and the remaining Task Forces demobilize today and will release the delegation of structure responsibilities to local fire authorities. ODF will continue to manage the Mosier Creek Fire.
Pictured: Mosier August 17th, 2020 9:00 AM
Update August 16th, 2020 10:00 AM
Oregon Department of Forestry said in their morning update that the fire is holding at 985 acres and containment has increased to 45%. ODF reports there are still 662 structures considered at risk.
Firefighters are working in active weather conditions today. Red flag warnings for thunderstorms have been issued across the region. High temperatures, gusty winds and potential lightning are possible.
OSFM and ODF are currently in unified command. But as risks to structures diminish OSFM will begin planning the transition of structure crews back to their home agencies. ODF will continue to manage the fire after OSFM demobilizes.
Update August 15th, 2020 7:00 PM
Fire is reported at 985 acres and 30% containment, cause still under investigation. 658 structures threatened.
Oregon Department of Forestry released a statement at 7 PM today saying “Today was a good day on the fire line.” OSFM Operations Chief Scott Stutzman shared, “All four sides of the fire were well covered by crews and we are happy with current staffing levels for the job.”
There are currently 751 personnel working the Mosier Creek Fire, including 22 hand crews. 46 engines, 5 dozers, 11 water tenders, and 7 aircrafts are also being utilized to fight the fire.
The Oregon Department of Forestry also said that starting tomorrow they will be releasing a Morning Update only.
Update August 15th, 2020 5:30 PM
A virtual Community Meeting was held on Mosier Creek Fire 2020’s Facebook Saturday, August 15th, 2020 at 4:00 PM. Local and state fire officials and community leaders shared fire updates and answered questions. You can watch the livestream here. Maria Pena provided Spanish translation of the meeting. Pena instructs how to access the translation at the beginning of the livestream. Jake Sparks, provided American Sign Language translation for the program.
Oregon Department of Forestry, the Operations Chief of Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Blue Team, Oregon Department of Forestry, Wasco County Sherriff Lane Magill, Chief Bob Palmer of Mid Columbia Fire and Rescue, Nadine McCrindle of the American Red Cross, Mariana Ruiz-Temple the Oregon State Fire Marshall Officer, Bill Hunt ODF Agency Representative, Joe Hessel ODF Incident Commander, Scott Magers OSF Incident Commander and more spoke to the community about the current state of the fire, relief services, and answered questions related to the Mosier Creek Fire.
Update August 15th, 2020 11:00 AM
Oregon Department of Forestry completed the first assessment of structures affected by the Mosier Creek Fire. In their press release this morning they reported that from the outset of the fire 11 single-family residences, 2 commercial properties and 18 outbuildings were destroyed. An outbuilding was also damaged. Two residences and the commercial properties were uninhabited.
There have been no injuries or fatalities that we know of.
CCC News will continue to report on information about destroyed structures as they are released. CCC News has just heard that Sara Breeze of Gorge Roller Derby, known by her roller derby family as “Pitbull” has lost her tiny home in the fire. To donate to those that have lost their homes in the fire, please follow the links below:
If you or your family have been affected by the Mosier Creek Fire please contact us at news@columbiacommunityconnection.com to have your GoFundMe included in this list.
Update August 15th, 2020 9:00 AM
Fire crews have held the Mosier Creek Fire at 985 acres, 30% contained.
High temperatures are expected in increase fire danger over the weekend.
A virtual Community Meeting will be held on Mosier Creek Fire 2020’s Facebook Saturday, August 15th, 2020 at 4:00 PM. Local and state fire officials and community leaders will share fire updates and answer questions.
The meeting will be recorded for later viewing. ODF has asked that attendees send any questions directly to this page. Information officers will monitor questions about any aspect of the incident. A Spanish interpreter will give instructions at the beginning of the meeting for those who want to listen in Spanish and submit questions in Spanish. For community members who may not have Facebook but would like to ask a question, they are invited to call the public information line at (541) 316-0796 and an information officer will be available to answer your questions.
Update August 14th, 2020 3:00 PM
Pictured: Kramer Field is currently home to Mosier Creek Fire Incident Command Post and Fire Camp on Kramer Field in The Dalles, Oregon. The two camps have been separated for purposes of function as well as a protective measure against COVID transmission between camps.
The livestream of ODF’s Mosier Creek Fire Update is available here on our facebook. Public Information Officer Rich Tyler delivers updates on current fire conditions, COVID compliance in the fire camp and plans for moving forward with fighting this fire.
Tyler reports that the Mosier Creek Fire is still at 10% containment. Tyler explained that although there is line around 75% of the fire, having line around the fire is not the same as containment. “A line is different than containment. The difference is a line can be a dozer blades width…but in the gorge we all know about the wind. Just because you have that short line or that narrow line doesn’t keep a fire from throwing an ember across it. It’s not considered containment until we have a large enough area between the unburned area and the burned area.” Further information about containment percentages and acreage will be available tomorrow morning after fire crews return and debrief this evening.
“A little nuance about this fire, it burned quickly, it’s a dirty burn,” said Tyler. A dirty burn or a “scabby” burn is when a fire burns unevenly. “Which means there’s areas inside the fire that are unburned,” said Tyler, “it’s not a clean burn. When you have a dirty burn it can start it’s own fire inside the fire containment line.”
The Wasco County Sherrif’s Office has also released updated evacuation levels.
Level 3, GO (Evacuate): 2757 Vensel Rd to 3475 Vensel Rd and 1625 to 1631 Behrens Rd. This area is adjacent to the previous Level 3 evacuation area.
Level 1, BE READY: 1600 Mosier Creek Rd to 3650 Mosier Creek Rd, 1755 Goddberson Rd to 1825 Godberson Rd, 655 Wilson Rd to 670 Wilson Rd, Browns Creek Rd to include all of County Way and Douthit Rd.
Most recent Mosier Creek Fire evacuation level updates are available at the Wasco County Sherriff’s Office Facebook Page.
Pictured: Strike team vehicles parked along Webber St at Kramer Field in The Dalles, Oregon
Update August 14th, 2020 10:30 AM
Pictured: Mosier Creek Fire at 10:15 AM August 14th, 2020
Fire is currently at 971 acres with 10% containment. 565 homes are still under threat. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted their air quality advisory in The Dalles and Hood River area.
Firefighters worked through the night continuing to build containment lines around the fire. “Our footprint stayed constant, due to the great work on night shift. Today is our first full day sift and the goal is to improve the line, “ said Joe Hessel, ODF IMT 1 Incident Commander today in a press release by Oregon Department of Forestry.
Today crews will be plumbing the fire (laying hose lines) to support mop up. OSFM will continue to provide structural protection and will also begin structural damage assessment efforts.
Firefighters will also continue to follow COVID 19 guidelines of social distancing and proper personal protective equipment in order to protect themselves and the community. “The health and safety of Gorge Communities is a critically important piece of our mission.” ODF Incident Management Team said this morning in their press release
Wind speeds are expected to drop today hopefully giving firefighters a chance to get a leg up on the blaze. Local Conditions.com reports that weather will be sunny with a high near 90 and light winds of 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Note: Oregon wildfire danger levels across most of state will rise to extreme this weekend as dry conditions and temperatures rise into the 90’s and low 100’s. Please be safe out there.
Update August 13th, 2020 4:00 PM
Firefighters have been able to hold the fire in place and keep it from growing and are working hard to strengthen the fire line which is currently around 75% of the fire. OSFM officials stated that 900 people have been evacuated due to the fire.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office also reports that four structures have been destroyed. Leaving at least 12 people without homes. To donate to those that have lost their homes in the fire please follow the links below:
If you or your family have been affected by the Mosier Creek Fire please contact us at news@columbiacommunityconnection.com to have your GoFundMe included in this list.
Update August 13th, 2020 2:00 PM
As of 2:00 PM all but one of the eight task forces mobilized by the Oregon State Fire Marshall, in response to the Mosier Creek Fire on the Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles, have deployed. The last task force will arrive at 4:30.
The state declared a conflagration for the Mosier Creek Fire outside of The Dalles. Firefighting resources are being mobilized & Clackamas County has sent a Task Force to support the incident. Clackamas County reported early this afternoon that they had sent a Task Force to support the incident. Canby Fire District, Lake Oswego Fire Department, Molalla Fire District & Sandy Fire District have mobilized. The Task Force is led by Battalion Chief, Brent Olson, & IE 309 & BR 310.
Pictured: Cloverdale Fire Tanker Engine 631 filling up in The Dalles on 4th and 3rd Pl. August 13th, 2020
Update August 13th 2020 1:30 PM
Pictured: Nick Widmer and Donda King of the American Red Cross, providing disaster relief services at Shilo Inn this morning. See full article here.
American Red Cross reports that they are providing disaster relief services to 31 evacuated residents who are currently sheltering at Shilo Inn. Numbers are approximate because some evacuees began showing up at Shilo Inn before Red Cross had arrived. For more information on what services are provided see full article here.
Pictured: American Red Cross parked outside of Shilo Inn.
Update August 13th, 2020 12:00 PM
Message from the Oregon State Fire Marshal:
State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Oregon Fire Service Resources to Mosier Creek Fire - 08/13/20
Gov. Kate Brown has declared the Mosier Creek Fire a Conflagration. The Mosier Creek Fire is active outside of the city of The Dalles. It has burned more than 800 acres as of this morning and is 5 percent contained.
The declaration made by Gov. Brown cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.
The Office of State Marshal’s Blue Incident Management Team has been mobilized. Eight structural task forces from Clackamas, Washington, Marion, Yamhill, Deschutes, Columbia, Polk/Lincoln, and Multnomah counties, and personnel from the OSFM, are arriving this morning and this afternoon at staggered intervals using COVID-19 mitigation measures at the staging area in The Dalles. Crews will be working to protect threatened structures.
A COVID Module assigned to the team, consisting of a Health Liaison and two Responders certified as EMT or higher, will be at the incident to ensure COVID-19 mitigation measures are in place to ensure the safety of all personnel. Wasco County Public Health officials also were present today at the incident in-briefing.
The OSFM will be assuming command of the response through a unified command structure in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Additional updates for the incident may be accessed at:
• Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook
• Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District Facebook
Pictured: Mosier Creek Fire at 10:45 AM August 13th, 2020
Update August 13th, 2020 9:15 AM
KGW is reporting that 900 homes are now threatened. Officials State 800 acres and 5% containment. Officials described the fire as aggressive and fast. Images of burned structures have appeared on other news channels. No details available yet.
Updated fire map showing the burned area of the fire has been updated, here’s an image as of 9.15AM
The live interactive map can be found here
Update August 13th, 2020 8:00 AM
The Mosier Creek Fire is at 800 acres this morning.
Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District said that active fire behavior in some areas hampered fire crew's efforts to establish containment lines overnight. Firefighters plan to work today to strengthen fireline and continue direct tactics to establish line around the fire. Crews on the ground will be supported by large air tankers and helicopter water drops. Today ODF will be in Unified Command with Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal. ODF Team 1 will in-brief later today to take command of the fire this evening.
Update August 13th, 2020 6:00 AM
Pacific Power says power outages will continue in Hood River County today as “Crews are on standby until fire department gives clearance to restore service to the remaining 46 customers in Hood River. No ETR (Estimated Time of Restoration) at this time.”
Get the latest information on power outages and learn more about the estimated time of restoration and how power is restored by visiting PacificPower.net/outages.
To report downed lines call 1-877-508-5088.
Text outage reports 722797 or call 1-877-508-5088.
Update August 12th, 2020 11:00 PM
Mosier Creek Fire has grown to 500 acres. Windy conditions expected to die down a little overnight and pick up again in the late morning and afternoon on Thursday.
You can view an Updated Mosier Creek Fire Evacuation Level Map at Sartopo.com.
Evacuees can seek Red Cross assistance at The Shilo Inn in The Dalles which is available as a shelter location to all those evacuating the Mosier Area Fire. 3223 Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles Exit 87 off of I-84. Red Cross Cascades has said in a tweet that “Volunteers are on hand to provide support and immediate basic needs to those evacuated from their homes.”
Large animal evacuation resources can be accessed through the Alpine Veterinary Hospital at 541.386.6658.
Update August 12th, 2020 10:30 PM
The Wasco County Sherriff Office released the following statement on their Facebook. “The Mosier Creek Fire has burned approximately 500 acres at this time. Local and regional fire departments have responded to assist in this effort. Crews will be working the fire overnight and patrolling for any unexpected boundary changes. Please refrain from entering this area unnecessarily so as to not hinder any fire suppression work. All evacuation guidance remains the same and is expected to hold through the night. Incident command will hold a meeting in the morning and subsequently release an update on the situation. Thank You to everyone in our community and beyond for supporting our residents and our fire fighters.”
Our thoughts go out to those in Mosier. Stay safe out there and look out for evacuation orders.
Here’s a video on our facebook sent to us by one of our friends, Heidi Venture, on the ground, within only a few feet of the Mosier Creek Fire. In the video Heidi’s son is heard saying “My only defense,” and holding up what appears to be a wet shirt for beating back the flames.
We’re glad you and your family are safe Heidi.
Update August 12th, 2020 9:30 PM
Governor Kate Brown has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the wildfire, which is threatening 300 homes. The Act makes state resources available to fire crews. On Thursday morning, the Oregon State Fire Marshal will assume command of the fire.
Update August 12th, 2020 8:40 PM
Fire now estimated 200 acres. Stay updated here: Local Wildfire Map and Alerts.
Wasco County Sherriff’s Office has released the following update:
”Attention Fire Evacuees: The Shilo Inn in The Dalles is available as a shelter location to all those evacuating the Mosier Area Fire. 3223 Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles Exit 87 off of I-84.”
Evacuees can access Red Cross Assistance at The Shilo Inn.
Evacuation Levels at time of writing:
Level 3, GO (Evacuate): All of Paradise Ridge Place Rd, and everyone West of State Rd. from Evergreen Terrace to Dry Creek Rd.
Level 2, GET READY: Everyone East of State Rd, from Evergreen Terrace to Dry Creek Rd.
UPDATE: August 12th 2020 7:00 PM
Oregon Department of Forestry confirmed the fire is burning along Mosier Creek Road.
Firefighters on the ground and in the air are working to put out the wildfire. Four air tankers, fire boss aircraft dipping from the river and helicopters are being used to fight the fire.
At time of writing: estimated 50 acres and no containment. Windy conditions continue. West wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Thursday’s wind forecast expects wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
I-84 near Mosier experiencing no delays at this time.
Power is out for much of Hood River County due to the fire.
Expect some delays in Eastbound traffic on I-84 as fire crews use the shoulder of the road.
No update on cause of the fire.
Mosier Wind Forcast from WindAlert.com
August 12th, 2020 6:04 PM
Pictured: Smoke rising from Mosier Creek Fire on August 12th, 2020 6:00 PM
There are two fires in the Mosier area. One along the I-84 freeway and one along Mosier Creek Rd. Fire was first reported burning near I-84 around 4PM this afternoon.
At the time of writing estimates are that the fire has claimed several acres. Evacuations on Carrol Road and Osburne Cutoff in affect. Structures threatened.
The Wasco County Sherriff Office is handling the evacuations.
Evacuation Levels at time of writing:
Level 3, GO Evacuate: Residents of Osburne Cutoff, Vensel, Catron, Dry Creek, Carroll, Morgenspn, and from Chenoweth Airport to Vensel/Ketchum Rd.
Level 2, GET READY: Intersection of Dry Creek across Seven Mile to Foley Lakes intersections back up to Chenoweth Airport.
Level 1: All of Browns Creek Rd from Chenoweth Rd to Wells Rd.
Check out the Wasco County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page for updated evacuation information.
