We have improved our fire map on our website - other vital information at this site also gives wind and weather forecasts as well as fire updates. https://www.columbiacommunityconnection.com/weather

Saul Ascencio with the City of The Dalles spreads a mixture of compost and dirt at the triangle at 12th and Kelly Streets on Friday, Aug. 7. He had previously trimmed the tree seen here and also installed drip-line irrigation. He said they expected to add bark chips and flowers in days to come. It’s part of the city’s overall beautification committee’s plan, which also sends postcards to homeowners thanking them for keeping their yards beautiful.

Firefighters maintain lines around Fir Mountain Fire on Thursday despite high winds. Minimal precipitation aids in effort.

24-year-old "intentionally" wrecks on I-84 in high-speed chase

Steeling catalytic converters from vehicles is not a new crime, but it is emerging anew in our region. Recent thefts in The Dalles and one at Deschutes State Park have vehicle owners coughing as repairs cost thousands, and crooks get pennies on the dollar.

Beverly Krueger, Ruth Beecher and Peggy Progler take a little time out with their dogs, Maddie, Tucker and Rupert, this morning. A cold front has cooled things off today with an expected high of 76 degrees Fahrenheit. But look out for the blasts. Wind gusts could hit 25 mph. Forecasts are calling for more of the leaf blower until Sunday when top wind speeds are projected to be around 7 mph sand 91 degrees. You might want to buy a fan ;)

Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Fir Mountain Fire. The fire remains 313 acres and is now 50% contained. By the end of yesterday’s day shift, the fire was lined around it’s perimeter by dozer line, handline and roads.

A major renovation project designed to improve work flow and enhance resident meals is nearly complete, to the relief and joy of Columbia Basin Care's food service team who prepare and serve over 200 meals daily.

Firefighters continue to make progress on the Fir Mountain Fire. Overnight the fire was held within the existing footprint and this morning the fire has fireline around 75% of the perimeter.

The city of The Dalles Clay Bouy and Dan Roberts flush out a fire hydrant at the corner of Kelly and 11th streets this morning. The maintenance flushes out sediment that could hamper fire fighting efforts. It’s also not such a bad job on a hot day. Temperatures are expected to hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit today.

Despite breezy afternoon winds Tuesday, firefighters on the Fir Mountain Fire held the fire within the perimeter and only saw activity from the consumption of unburned fuels within the interior. Fire behavior moderated from the last few days and fire resources were able to focus on establishing and reinforcing firelines. Containment for the fire has increased to 30% this evening. The fire is 313 acres.

Garrison Wolfgang and JJ Uaide take a double back flip into the Columbia River in The Dalles on Tuesday afternoon., Aug. 4, 2020. We’re all trying to beat the heat these dog days of summer. It was 93 degrees Fahrenheit in The Dalles today and just 71 degrees in the water. Water cooling is always a good bet.

Masks do make workouts a bit more complicated. But after the first few minutes , many can ignore the fact that the mask is even there. It just takes some getting used to it. Options abound for those seeking a good physical challenge, whether taking a class, an online option or tackling the outdoors in the Gorge. Get out there. Get moving. And be safe about it.

Air resources were again used to slow the spread of the spotfires in area east of the main fire while crews and equipment were kept busy working to contain any additional spotfires. Winds blowing embers outside the fireline rapidly ignited the dry fuels and challenged firefighters.

Fir Mountain Fire Update on Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m.

Early risers beat the heat. Temps are expected to hit 95 degrees today, a far cry from Thursday's 108. Better put ice in the water bottle.

North Wasco County School District to use the Comprehensive Distance Learning format until October 16th. Thereafter, a possible hybrid of in-class and online education could be utilized if conditions are safe enough.

Steve Palmer has had a busy week. The tow truck driver was dispatched to Freebridge Road at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and found two fishermen with an Enterprise Rental car that had gone over the edge of the road about 200 yards from the bottom in a tight turn. Freebridge is no ordinary road.