Alexa Strickland got on the board early this morning near the Bargeway Pub on Riverfront Trail on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Her dog, Bizzo, an Australian Shepherd, didn’t mind the run. But he did take a few bites at that leash. 86 degrees Fahrenheit is the predicted high with more wind. Some blowhards calling for 22 mph. The record for heat on this day is 104 degrees and the low… 49. Clouds and and cooler temps are predicted for tomorrow.

130 firefighters continue to staff the Fir Mountain Fire. Operations continue to focus on mop-up of the interior of the fire and locating any hot spots near the perimeter. Helicopters assigned to the fire will be released mid-day today to return to home areas or staff other fires.

Riverbend Community School will be housed on the Columbia Gorge Community campus this year. Formerly called Wahtonka Community School, it will start the year both with a fresh name and a new location.

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.