Air support helped to knock down a brush fire along Interstate 84 at milepost 76 near Rowena.  A helicopter and water dropper based in Dallesport and two air tankers out of Redmond made significant progress on the fire detected around 10:45 Friday morning.  The fire led to traffic delays through the area on Interstate 84, and the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation advisories in the area of the Historic Columbia River Highway, Rowena River Road, and Mayer State Park.  As of early this afternoon the aerial support were returning to their bases, while firefighters from numerous area agencies were doing mop-up.  There was the potential for more freeway delays while that work takes place.  

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council has partnered with the City of Hood River, St. Vincent DePaul of The Dalles, Hood River Shelter Services, the City of Hood River, Hood River County Emergency Management, Hood River Public Health, Columbia Area Transit, and LINK Public Transit to offer cooling centers for those who need them.  Hood River County’s cooling center will be the Hood River Fire Station Community Room behind the Hood River Aquatic Center on 1785 Meyer Parkway.  In Wasco County, it will be St. Vincent DePaul on 315 West 3rd in The Dalles.  Both locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today through Tuesday.  Guests of the Cooling Centers will be required to comply with COVID-19 guidelines and face covering requirements.  Transportation to and from cooling centers will be offered by Columbia Area Transit.  The City of White Salmon will operate a cooling shelter in its Fire Hall at 220 NE Church from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday.  Washington Gorge Action Programs will have a cooling center open Saturday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hegewald Center in Stevenson.

Crews continue to report good progress on the S-503 Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation, with containment Thursday evening moved up to 50 percent.  No growth was reported, with the fire remaining listed at 6,679 acres in size and remaining in its current footprint.  Kurt Solomon of Northwest Interagency Team 8 says the fire perimeter is completely lined.  Two hotshot crews, three engines, and miscellaneous overhead resources from the S-503 Fire responded to assist the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation with a 600 acre fire in Warm Springs. Solomon said that fire was in mop-up.

Northern Wasco Parks and Recreation District says it has been able to source enough liquid chlorine to be open the Northern Wasco Aquatic Center for the next four days on a modified schedule.   Open swims are scheduled Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.  The district says the rest of the week is still to be determined, as it hunts for chlorine during the current shortage to be open as much as possible.  Issues at a major chlorine production facility in Longview has led to a liquid chlorine shortage throughout the Northwest.

With temperatures in the triple digits forecast for the weekend, local health officials are reminding people to stay cool and hydrated.  Find air-conditioned shelter, avoid direct sunlight, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, take cool showers or baths, and do not rely a on a fan as your primary cooling device.  Drink more water than usual, even if you’re not thirsty, avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar, and remind others to drink enough water.  Also remember that you should never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle.

Crews continue to report good progress on the S-503 Fire on the Warm Springs Reservation.  No growth was reported this morning, with the fire listed as 6,679 acres in size with 30% containment.  Kurt Solomon of Northwest Interagency Management Team 8 says they now have lined placed on the northern and eastern flanks of the fire with a cold black edge, and mop up continues today.  He says most of the work today will focus on the southern and western ends of the fire.  There are 472 personnel currently involved in the firefighting effort.

Columbia Gorge Community College is taking registrations for its new construction technology and advanced manufacturing programs.  Dean of Career and Technical Education Mary Kramer says the construction technology offering is an entry level program.  The advanced manufacturing program includes machine press and lathe operation and fabrication of products including quality control.  Kramer says they are trying to spread the word that program is available and taking on students.  Those interested can call CGCC Student Services at 541-506-6000.

The S-503 Fire on the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs Reservation remains listed at 6,201 acres in size and at 10% containment.  An update from Northwest Incident Management Team 8 this morning indicated firefighters will continue to strengthen lines on the fire’s northern flank one mile south of Highway 216 and the eastern side four miles west of Highway 3.  On the southern and western flanks of the fire approximately two miles east of Highway 26, resources are constructing direct fire line where feasible while securing and holding existing containment line.  Predicted afternoon winds and potential thunderstorms may test the eastern side of the fire.  Initial attack activity is expected to increase as lightning activity moves through the area.  Northwest Incident Management Team 8 will assist the Confederated Tribe of the Warm Springs Reservation with any new fire starts.

Two people died in a late Sunday night motor vehicle accident on Interstate 84 just east of Hood River.  The Oregon State Police say a preliminary investigation showed a car driven by 21-year-old Enrique Sosa of Mosier was westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 67 when it crashed through a guardrail, went down an embankment, and stopped in the Columbia River.  Sosa and a juvenile passenger sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.  The accident occurred Sunday at about 11:47 p.m.  The OSP was assisted by the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Fire Department, Skamania County Dive Team, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.  

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, fire officials are reminding people if they choose to use fireworks to use those that are legal.  Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue District Chief Bob Palmer says in Oregon any kind of fireworks that can fly through the air or travel more than 12 feet horizontally are illegal.  Use of illegal fireworks in Oregon is a Class B misdemeanor.  Palmer adds legal fireworks can still cause fires, so if you use them be in an area with no dry grass or debris that can be sparked.