“Factors such as wind speed and direction, temperatures, relative humidity, and moisture levels of understory vegetation are all taken into consideration prior to implementing a prescribed burn operation,” Silvas said. “The Top of the World Prescribed Fire Project met these conditions.”

Firefighters are working to contain the Top of the World Fire after windy conditions caused the prescribed burn to escape its perimeter Monday afternoon, spreading to approximately 240 acres in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area between Bingen and Lyle.