The lightning-caused fire has been burning since Monday in heavy timber and took off on Tuesday, Aug. 6 when winds sent embers ahead spotting new fires.

A community survey asking for ideas on how to use the money received 345 responses and they generally fell into seven categories - schools, tax relief, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, housing, and homelessness.

Nashville singing duo Lance & Lea head for Waterfront Wednesday at the Bargeway on Aug. 7, and the Gorge is smoking with hot entertainment. Find it all here in the Gorge Giggin’ Guide.

Thunderstorms early yesterday morning brought isolated rainfall and lightning with no new fire starts detected near the Whisky Creek Fire. Firing operations were attempted in the northeast corner of the fire, but conditions on the ground were not receptive to fire.

The fire, which appears to have started on the former rodeo grounds just west of Oregon Trail Mini Storage remains under investigation as the Oregon State Police and State Fire Marshal were called in to investigate the scene. 

LEVEL 2 BE SET Evacuation for the City of Antelope. This area has been downgraded from Level 3.

LEVEL 1 BE READY Evacuation for the City of Shaniko.

Interior pockets of fuel continue to burn. During the day they will produce smoke, and at night can provide a visible glow, noticeable from across the river. Along the steep northern edge, roll-out of hot debris is a concern and sprinkler systems were installed to provide continuous water to reduce hot spots.

Fire activity increased yesterday as the relative humidity dropped and dead fuels continued to dry out and become more available for ignition. Smoke was visible from the local communities, which will continue to see an increase in smoke production, despite early morning rain, as drier and warmer temperatures continue over the region.

Well puzzlers, 23 of you got it right this week. Alas, there could only be one winner. But, we got some great stories about “cruise the gutters” and a little extra cheese on the history of this busy block.

So tell us what business is now operating in the former location of the Economy Grocery? Send your answers to tom@cccnews.com by Sunday, Aug. 4 at 4:23 p.m. Those sending correct answers will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift certificate to Shannon’s Ice Cream. If you answer in the chat, you will be notorious and regarded as folk hero, a titan known for stealing fire from the gods.

Hot and dry weather yesterday further dried out forest floor fuels and led to a slight increase in fire activity. A helicopter was used to drop water along the northern edge of the fire to mitigate any potential flare-ups along the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire area while crews continued work on containment lines to the south.

Google announced more than $70,000 in support for Wasco County school districts and other local organizations that provide services to children and families in the Columbia River Gorge.

Moderate fire behavior was observed over the fire yesterday. A ridge of high pressure will build over the region today bringing warmer and drier temperatures to the area. Visible increased smoke production is expected. There have been no recent IR flights over the fire. The acreage size of the fire will be updated as information becomes available.

Hot and dry conditions are forecasted for today and residual pockets of vegetation will continue to burn producing visible flame and smoke.

“We will be having a home blessing on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.,” said Sonia Chavez. “We invite anyone who supports Habitat for Humanity to come celebrate this great accomplishment! with us. Jeanette and Guillermo Chavez applied for the home last year and were selected to take ownership.

Gorge Grown Food Network joins farmers and organizers across the county in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 4 - 10, 2024. Gorge residents are invited to join in on the fun with numerous opportunities to shop at local farmers’ markets this week.

Zac Grooms, Bill Burke and Joe Smart bring their trio of energy and great music to the Bargeway on Friday. The entertainment bounty runneth over in this latest edition of all things entertaining.

Do you have a little time to spare each week to help spark the joy of reading for kids in The Dalles? Children's literacy nonprofit SMART Reading has a high need for volunteer Readers and volunteer Site Coordinators at Chenowith, Colonel Wright, and Dry Hollow Elementary Schools.

Crews took advantage of a break in fire activity brought on by cool, wet weather to continue work on contingency lines across the area south of the fire. Fire activity is expected to increase in the next few days as hot and dry conditions return to the area. Forest visitors are reminded to stay out of closure areas to allow crews to safely prepare protective barriers to the surrounding forest and local communities.

For nearly 25 years, Jan Pearo has been on a journey to support her community, making her the longest-running employee at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).  In January 2000, Pearo began helping people in Skamania and Klickitat counties. She had recently moved to Stevenson, Washington, from Portland, Oregon.