After working all day Saturday and Saturday night, the 65-acre Memaloose Park Fire was 35% contained as of Sunday morning. Firefighters on Saturday were able to complete a fireline around the perimeter of the fire. Sunday’s work includes mopping up heat and flames inside the fire area. Firefighters systematically grid the fire, digging into the ground to expose burning material in the ground and douse it. Firefighters are supported by a Type 2 Helicopter dropping water on flames. Firefighters from Mosier Fire Department, Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area continue in the effort by providing water tenders, fire engines and firefighters. Brian Reel, Acting Unit Forester for The Dalles says “This is an early season fire, we will be mopping-up 100% so we can focus efforts on future fires as we continue into the heart of the fire season”.
Because of the hard work, Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill has changed the Level 2 evacuation notice (get set) to Level 1 (get ready) in the Rowena Dell Area. Highway 30 reopened late Saturday.
Memaloose State Park is currently closed to new campers entering the campground.
The fire was human caused and is under investigation.