Two brush fires spark emergency responses on both sides of Columbia River today, May 23
White and black plumes of smoke were obscuring the gorge above The Dalles Bridge at around 6:30 p.m. this evening, May 23.
The Dalles, Ore., May 23, 2026 — Firefighters responded to separate vegetation fires on both sides of the Columbia River on Saturday, forcing evacuations near Dallesport, Washington, and temporarily closing Interstate 84 east of Biggs as smoke reduced visibility and contributed to multiple traffic accidents.
The more significant of the two incidents broke out shortly before 2 p.m. near Horsethief Park and Columbia Hills State Park, just north of The Dalles Dam on the Washington side of the river. Meanwhile, a second fire in Sherman County prompted the closure of I-84 near milepost 105 east of Biggs before the roadway was reopened later in the evening.
The Dallesport fire quickly grew as gusty winds pushed flames eastward through dry vegetation. Fire crews reported the blaze at approximately 20 acres by midafternoon.
According to updates posted by the Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information page, emergency officials issued a "Go Now" evacuation order for Horsethief Park shortly after 2 p.m. Firefighters arriving at the scene checked the park for campers and visitors who needed assistance leaving the area.
At one point, fire crews requested that BNSF Railway halt train traffic as the fire moved toward the Columbia River corridor. Officials also warned the public not to attempt to enter Horsethief Park and asked drone operators to stay away from the area to avoid interfering with firefighting aircraft and emergency operations.
Responding agencies included Dallesport-Murdock Fire Department, Klickitat County Fire District personnel, sheriff's deputies and the Washington State Patrol. Fire officials reported no structures were immediately threatened when crews first arrived, though some buildings were located east of the fire's path.
By late afternoon, firefighters reported flare-ups that produced additional smoke as crews continued working to establish containment lines.
The fire was visible from several locations throughout the Mid-Columbia region, with fire engines observed operating near Columbia Hills State Park, which provides public access to the She Who Watches petroglyph overlook.
Photo courtesy Sherman County Sheriff’s Office
Across the river in Sherman County, a separate fire near Interstate 84 prompted transportation disruptions Saturday afternoon.
The Sherman County Sheriff's Office reported that I-84 at milepost 105, just east of Biggs Junction, was closed because of the fire. By 6 p.m., officials announced all lanes had reopened.
Photo courtesy Sherman County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff's officials said multiple vehicle accidents occurred during the closure because smoke reduced visibility along the interstate. No information had been released Saturday evening regarding the cause of the fire.
Firefighters and Oregon Department of Transportation crews remained in the area after the roadway reopened.
Both fires occurred during warm, dry conditions, with temperatures nearing 80 degrees and afternoon winds creating challenging conditions for firefighters. No injuries had been reported in connection with either fire as of Saturday evening.
