UPDATED July 10, 2023 at 9 p.m. A 3,500 acre fire is burning in wheat fields near Cottonwood Canyon State Park. The fire began at approximately 10:35 a.m. on July 10th, 2023 and was reported to be in the are of Ajax Lane and highway 206 west of Condon, OR.

The Boulder Lake Fire, designated as #BoulderFire, has grown rapidly from 60 to 500 acres since it started on July 9th, 2023. Located approximately 13 miles west of Wamic, Oregon, weather conditions mean greater potential for fire growth.

Firefighters are being pulled in multiple directions as multiple fires have broken out in Oregon, including the uncontained 60-acre Boulder Fire just 13 air miles west of Wamic in tall timber in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

“Firefighters will monitor and hold the control line today around the fire perimeter. Windy, hot and dry conditions will contribute to the ongoing consumption of interior pockets of fuel within containment lines,” according to this morning’s update.

“I just want to give my insight and knowledge (as a student) to the board to help them make more beneficial decisions,” junior Kaleb Blaylock said. “It’s hard to see problems on the ground…” 

By infusing the Ghost Walk with robust lessons in history, Cody Yeager manages to create a strangely grounded event—this despite the amount of time we spent talking about, say, the ghost cat who lives on the 3rd floor of the old Gates Hotel building.

Several families lost their homes in Milepost 86 fire on June 14th, 2023. But while some families GoFundMe’s quickly met their goal, others have been lagging behind. Fortunately, community organizers are working hard to ensure that they don’t get left behind.

When asked about the factors that will shape her decision-making as a school board member, Dayna Wynn-Elledge emphasizes her commitment to fairness and thoroughness. She pledges to review all relevant information presented, listen attentively to all perspectives, and make decisions that best serve the needs of the situation at hand. 

Fire Managers continue to add to their arsenal of equipment and personnel to stem the Tunnel 5 Fire burning 2 miles west of White Salmon, according to the latest stats shared by the Northwest Incident Management Team 12 this morning. 

The Tunnel Five Fire which began the morning of July 2, 2023 continues to burn in Underwood, WA. CCCNews has the latest update on the fire from Inciweb.

Wasco County Commissioners held their regular meeting on July 5th, 2023. Commissioners made decisions regarding drug prevention outreach, Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding, and discuss adoption of the Wasco County Transit Development Plan.

A fire has been reported in Mosier near Vensel Rd. A structure fire has also been reported in Dufur and units are on scene.

Columbia Riverkeeper’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of a new member, Portland-based Carlos Marroquin. Columbia Riverkeeper’s volunteer board of directors oversees the organization’s advocacy goals and policies, finances, and public relations.

Mt. Hood National Forest is implementing new camping fees at seven campgrounds on Barlow and Hood River Ranger Districts beginning Friday, July 14.

The City of The Dalles Beautification Committee has proudly declared Christina Dauenhauer as the recipient of July's Beautification Award.

There is still plenty of entertainment on the table as we finish out our Fourth of July week. Check out everything going on in the gorge here or visit our calendar on our home page at cccnews.com. The Bargeway Pub is loading the cannon yet again with 7 shows in 5 days and check out the newly announced Cascadia Campout music fest.

Yakama Nation Tribal Forestry announced that Tract D Recreational Area will be open for recreation from July 26th to September 7th, 2023.

While the parade serves as a significant highlight, this year's celebration takes on an added level of excitement with the highly anticipated firework show. As the sun sets on July 4th, families and friends will gather along the banks of the Columbia River, eagerly awaiting the moment when the night sky transforms into a mesmerizing display of colors, patterns, and sparkles.

July 5 - The total personnel on fire has more than doubled, growing to 372, and today 36 fire engines, 8 hand crews made up of 18 to 20 firefighters each, 3 helicopters and 4 single-engine air tankers were reported working the blaze. 

I'm reminded of my dependence on the sun and rain and plant wisdom. When the bigger world is grim with human violence, the garden provides a peaceful salve against despair. To pull weeds, quench the thirst of new sprouts, and transplant a daisy longing for more sunlight, this is happiness.