The Oregon Department of Forestry says firefighters from ODF’s The Dalles Unit are being aided by Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and local fire departments in battling the blaze that started west of Rattler Ridge just west of Mosier.  What ODF is calling a very large airtanker has been ordered to help on the fire, which was reported at 4 p.m. this afternoon. A task force of fire engines and a dozer from the Larch Creek Fire in south Wasco County are being diverted to assist on the fire. I-84 currently remains open. 

The fire is burning in grass and timber, pushed eastwards by strong westerly winds of 30 to 35 miles per hour. Earlier this afternoon it was estimated at 100 to 150 acres. Cause is not known at this time. 

The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 3 and Level 2 evacuation orders.

Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect from Hwy 30 south to Proctor Rd., east to Huskey Rd and the border of the City of Mosier and west to the Hood River County line.

LEVEL 2 – GET SET to evacuate for the city of Mosier and from Huskey Rd. east to Mosier Creek Rd., and south to Jasper Ln.

The gymnasium at the Hood River Middle School is a designated Red Cross Shelter for those evacuating the fire in Mosier.