The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8:00 tonight (8/12) for parts of 10 Oregon counties, including Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Morrow. Washington counties include Skamania. In Washington it also includes Highway 14 between mile markers 40 and 62 and in Oregon on I-84 between mile markers 42 and 62. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 15 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. The storm can include half inch hail and winds in excess of 40mph.

According to updated numbers, the Rowena Fire is now 68% contained and stands at 3,680 acres, up 7 acres from Sunday morning. That is due to a small spot fire that flared up Sunday afternoon in grass and scrub oak on McCall Point. It was quickly knocked down at approximately 7 acres by using water bucket drops from a helicopter, engines and crew personnel already on the fire. Following the helicopter drops, snags were felled and mop-up continued on the steep slopes above the homes along Highway 30. Infra-red cameras were used at night to locate remaining hot spots around McCall Point and around structures. Five Department of Corrections crews were utilized in the spot fire last night to further improve the line and mop-up. The only areas still with evacuation level 1, which means be ready, are in the Rowena area from 5220 – 6464 on Highway 30. Most of Highway 30 is now open, except roadblocks will be placed in the area between 4877 and 5220 while crews are in the area. They will be removed by early evening. According to fire officials, the remainder of the fire looks good, with crews close to meeting mop-up objectives. Today will see aggressive mop-up continuing on McCall Point and bucket drops continuing on the steep slopes. At last count there were402 personnel battling the fire, but barring unforeseen complications, that number will continue to go down. The public is still urged to be mindful of personal safety around the ongoing operations. Structural protection is now provided by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue through the 911 system. Wildland resources remain on the fire for mop-up. The Wasco County Evacuation Hotline is still open at (541)506-2792. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It was earlier determined that the fire was NOT lightning-caused. Estimated cost of fighting the fire so far is over 3 and a half million dollars. Fire danger remains high in the Northwest, with a possibility of thunderstorms continuing through most of the week in the region.  

Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1 John Buckman, Incident Commander Rowena Fire Morning Information Update  August 10, 2014 Summary Steady progress has been made to extinguish remaining hotspots and smokes in the Adeline Way, Simonelli Road, and Foley Lakes communities within 200-300 of homes and structures. Crews also continue with aggressive mop-up to secure the fireline. A small section of Highway 30 will remain closed for the safety of the public and firefighters, as work is completed to fall remaining snags from steep slopes above the road. Rolling debris also remains a hazard in the area. Structural protection Structure protection is once again being provided by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue through the 911 system. Wildland resources remain on the fire for mop-up. Evacuations / Road Closures Evacuation levels remain at a Level I (Get Ready) for all residents living on Highway 30 West. Residents that choose to return home are again reminded to be cautious of ongoing firefighting efforts. Roadblocks on a small portion of Highway 30 West remain in place with no through traffic on Highway 30 between the addresses of 4877 and 5220. Residents living to the east of 4877 Highway 30, the intersection with Adeline Way, should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 82. This includes Tooley Terrace, Adeline Way, and Simonellli Road. Residents living to the west of 5220 Highway 30 should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 76. Safety tips and information for residents who are returning to their homes can be found here on the Oregon Fire Marshal’s website:http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.pdf Fire strategy for today An infra-red flight is being conducted this morning with a helicopter to help with detection of remaining fire hot spots. Firefighters will continue to secure fireline and areas around homes and structures with a minimum 300 foot objective. Crews will remove unnecessary hose lays and equipment. They will also remove berms and construct waterbars along bulldozer-constructed lines. Warnings Increased traffic can still be expected in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Rowena Fire may be an attraction for Portland metro area visitors who have followed its progress in the news for the past few days. Law enforcement reminds travelers on I-84 not to stop on the Interstate to view the fire or take pictures. The public is urged to be mindful of personal safety around ongoing firefighting operations. Snag falling, aerial work with helicopters, and fire related traffic increase hazards in the area. Size: 3,673 acres Location: The Dalles, OR Containment: 65% Cause: Under Investigation Personnel: 610 Estimated ODF/OSFM Cost: $3,205,216 Evacuations and Road Closures: Wasco County Sheriff Evacuation Hotline: 541-506-2792 Closures/Restrictions: Hwy 30 between The Dalles Country Club and Rowena For More Information: Information phones are staffed 8:00 am to 8:00 pm 971-701-4186 971-701-4212

With residents back in their homes…structural fire engine crews at the Rowena Fire will begin to demobilize and return home this evening.  The Oregon Department of Forestry…U.S. Forest Service…and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue will remain to finish mop up operations.  MCFR will patrol the perimeter of the fire from Foley Lakes to Tooley Terrace…with State Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service patrolling the remainder.  With containment lines in place…incident commanders and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office allowed all residents who had been under a Level 1 or Level 3 evacuation order back into their homes…with residents asked to be alert for changing conditions and cautious of firefighting efforts.  If residents see smoke…flame…or other hot spots close to the edge…about a standard garden hose length of 50 feet…call the Wasco County non-emergency number at 541-296-5454.  Fire containment is now at 55 percent…and firefighters will continue today to focus on removing unburned fuel and holding containment lines.  Updates are issued on a Facebook page…Rowena Fire Oregon 2014…and the Twitter feed atrowenafire2014.  Fire officials are asking recreational boaters and windsurfers to be vigilant of helicopters using the Columbia River to draw water for fighting the fire…and keep clear of aircraft in the area.

Just received from Rowena Fire officials: Incident commanders and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office have determined that all 740 residences that had been under a Level 1 or Level 3 evacuation order are now at Level 1…or “be ready to leave.” All residents may return to their homes, but are asked to be alert for changing conditions. Roadblocks on Highway 30 West have been reduced and there will be no through traffic on Highway 30 between the addresses of 4877 and 5220. Residents living to the east of 4877 Highway 30, the intersection with Adeline Way, should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 82. This includes Tooley Terrace, Adeline Way, and Simonellli Road. Residents living to the west of 5220 Highway 30 should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 76.

Rowena Fire Daily Morning Information Update August 9, 2014 Summary Despite strong winds and low humidity, burnout operations yesterday and through last night were successful. Fire containment has increased from 35 to 55 percent. Containment lines are in place and the fire threat to the Adeline Way, Simonelli Road, and Foley Lakes communities is diminishing. Incident Commanders and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office evaluated the evacuation order and have determined that all 740 residences that have been under a Level 1 or Level 3 evacuation order will be at Level 1. All residents may return to their homes. Please read below for specific information on roadblocks. Today, firefighters will continue to focus on removing unburned fuel and holding containment lines. Structural protection Burnout operations took place along the slopes above the affected communities and were successful, taking out unburned fuel from Old Highway 30 to the flame front. There was no report of structural loss overnight. Evacuations A total of 740 residences have been under a Level 1 or Level 3 evacuation order. Evacuation levels have been reduced to a Level I (Get Ready) for all residents living on Highway 30 West. Residents may return home at this time, but are asked to be alert for changing conditions and cautious of firefighting efforts. Roadblocks on Highway 30 West have been reduced and there will be no through traffic on Highway 30 between the addresses of 4877 and 5220. Residents living to the east of 4877 Highway 30, the intersection with Adeline Way, should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 82. This includes Tooley Terrace, Adeline Way, and Simonellli Road. Residents living to the west of 5220 Highway 30 should access their homes via Interstate 84 exit 76. Safety tips and information for residents who are returning to their homes can be found here on the Oregon Fire Marshal’s website: http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.pdf The evacuation shelter, which has been set up by the Red Cross at Dry Hollow Elementary School located at 1314 E 19th, The Dalles, OR, remains open at this time. Fire strategy for today Some crews will be demobilized today while other crews will be engaged with mop-up and watching for any additional hotspots. Today’s objectives will be to continue burning off unburned fuel and holding established containment lines. Warnings This weekend a high level of public traffic is expected in and through The Gorge area. The public is urged to be mindful of personal safety and ongoing firefighting operations, use caution when traveling near or around the fire, and to not stop along Interstate 84 to take photos or observe firefighting operations. Governor’s visit On Friday, Governor Kitzhaber visited the Rowena Fire area and the Incident Command Post. He called this year’s fire efforts “exceptional,” and expressed thanks for the fire suppression efforts to date. Unified command The fire is being managed under a unified command between the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office and Oregon Department of Forestry. This Unified Command is working for ODF Central Oregon District, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mid Columbia Fire & Rescue. FIRE AT A GLANCE Size: 3,565 acres Location: The Dalles, Oregon Containment: 55% Cause: Under Investigation Personnel: 832 Estimated Cost: $2,122,066 Evacuations and Road Closures: Wasco County Sheriff Evacuation Hotline: 541-506-2792 Closures/Restrictions: Hwy 30 between The Dalles Country Club and Rowena For more information: Information phones will be staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 971-701-4186 971-701-4212

The initial count of ballots in Klickitat County show Jeff Baker easily topping the three-way primary for West District Court Judge.  Baker has received 959 votes through counting on Tuesday night…while Dave Brown led for the second spot on the general election ballot with 340 votes…and Elizabeth Hallock trailing with 284.  The other local three-way primary was for PUD Commissioner number three…with Dan Gunkel topping the count with 703 votes and Sherry Carver second with 509…while Jonathan Lewis trailed with 280.  Races with only two candidates will see both reach the November ballot…but the Tuesday night count showed Lori Hoctor receiving just under 51 percent of the vote to edge David Quesnel…David Sauter leading Mike Richards in the County Commission polling by a two-to-one margin…Bob Songer with over 62 percent of the vote for sheriff over Marc Boardman…Crista Schroder receiving just under 55 percent in the assessor’s race over Darlene Johnson.

In Skamania County…Robert Waymire appears on the way to winning one of the spots on the general election ballot for auditor…receiving 885 votes.  BreAnna Mendoza is currently second with 597…while Keith Chamberlain has received 531.  In a four-way primary for PUD Commissioner for District 3…Liz Green has 310 votes and Thomas Linde 216…while Bob Wittenberg is at 183 votes and Dan Gunderson 120.  An educational and operations levy in the Skamania School District was being defeated 110 to 102…while the Home Valley Water District maintenance and capital improvement fund levy was being approved 52 to 28.  In the Skamania County Commissioner District 3 vote that will see both candidates move on to November…Bob Anderson has 455 votes to 381 for Bob Hamlin.

It appears Gina McCabe and Paul George will be the candidates that reach the ballot in November for 14th District Position 2 in the Washington State House.  McCabe…a Goldendale Republican…had 43 percent of the vote and George…a Yakima Democrat…33 percent through evening counts.  Adam Yoest had received just under 13 percent of the ballots and Ben Shoval…who dropped out of the race a month ago…had received a little over 11 percent.  Ballots only had to be postmarked by Tuesday night…and counting will continue for a couple of weeks.  In the other 14th District vote…incumbent Norm Johnson was unopposed…but Yakima attorney Michael Brumback had launched a write-in campaign and needed to get one percent of the vote to advance.  Those numbers are not yet available.  There was a similar story in the Third Congressional District primary…with Republican incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler leading with just over 48 percent and Democrat Bob Dingethal at 39 percent.  Republican Michael Delavar trailed at just under 13 percent.

The Goldendale woman accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter and severely cutting her teenage daughter at a Cannon Beach hotel said nothing during her first court appearance Monday.  40-year-old Jessica Smith appeared in court via a video link from the Clatsop County Jail after being arrested late Sunday.  Authorities began looking for her Friday after a housekeeper at the resort found Smith’s toddler dead in a room. Police say the older daughter was badly cut and taken to a Portland hospital for surgery. She is expected to recover.  Smith was silent at her arraignment and looked down during most of her time on screen. She did not enter a plea and is being held without bail.  Her lawyer, William Falls, declined to comment.