Single Publication

Size: 1,313 acres

Start Date: July 22, 2024

Cause: Undetermined

Location: 5 miles west of Mosier, OR

Containment:  89%

Fuels: Brush, timber, and grass

*This will be the last daily update for the Microwave Tower Fire*

Highlights:

Crews are monitoring the few remaining smoldering hotspots within the interior. Smoke may be visible from Interstate 84. No perimeter growth has been observed. For questions or concerns about the fire or smoke, please call the fire information line at 541-208-1744.

Operations:

Interior smoke may increase within the interior of the fire as temperatures continue to rise and low relative humidities remain. As vegetation burns, it can break loose, roll downhill and ignite additional material. This is most likely to occur along the steep northern section of the fire. Crews continue to monitor and extinguish hot spots where access is possible. This work is being done by hand as well as by utilizing hose lays and sprinklers. 

Crews will continue to focus on suppression repair throughout the day. Work includes repairing hand and dozer lines, roads and trails that were used during firefighting activities. Disturbed areas will be returned to a more natural state, allowing for faster revegetation.  The public is reminded to respect closure areas to allow firefighters to work safely. 

Fire Behavior and Weather:

Breezy, sunny and warmer weather is expected today. A ridge of high pressure will build later in the week to bring warmer temperatures and dry conditions.

Evacuations:

Level 2 and 1 evacuations remain in effect for Wasco County: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff 

Level 1 evacuations remain in effect for Hood River County: https://www.facebook.com/hrcso 

Road and Trail Closures:

For public and firefighter safety, closures are in place for The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and for roads in Hood River County. Details of these closures are available on their websites: https://www.hoodrivercounty.gov/closures and https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

To stay informed on the most up-to-date road conditions on Interstate 84, visit https://tripcheck.com/ 

Total Fire Resources Assigned:

Approx. 58 personnel, 1 hand crew, 4 engines, 1 water tender, 1 skidder.  

Contact Information: 

Email: 2024.microwavetower@firenet.gov

Phone: 541-208-1744, 8 A.M - 8 P.M