The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters from the Department of Forestry, Hood River and Mosier have stopped the forward progress of the Westcliff Fire, located northwest of Hood River near Westcliff Drive, between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River. They are working to strengthen the firelines and starting to mop-up fuels near the existing line. The evacuation levels have dropped. As of 5pm, Westcliff Lodge and Charburger are level 2 (get set) and open for business. The rest of Westcliff Drive between Exit 62 and Ruthton Park are level 1 (ready). The fire was reported just after midnight, spreading from a structure into the wildland. The fire is burning in a rugged area of cliffs, making firefighter access difficult. Steep terrain on the east flank of the fire, with large trees and snags and significant woody material on the ground is a safety concern for firefighters working below as rolling debris moves downslope Resources include structural and wildland engines and structural tenders. Also, a Type 1 helicopter has been dropping water on the difficult east flank of the fire. A Type 3 helicopter was using a bucket to drop water on hot spots. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that drones are not allowed in the area with helicopters in the air. Union Pacific has closed the railroad lines north of the fire. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines near the tracks. The fire is estimated at less than 5 acres Updates on evacuations can be found on the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.  

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has reduced evacuation levels associated with the Westcliff Fire.  Westcliff Lodge and Charburger have been reduced to Level 2 (Get Set) and are open for business.  The rest of Westcliff Drive between Interstate 84 exit 62 and Ruthton Park was decreased to Level 1 (Be Ready). The Oregon Department of Forestry reports firefighters from the Department of Forestry, Hood River and Mosier have stopped the forward progress of the Westcliff Fire, located northwest of Hood River near Westcliff Drive, between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River. They are working to strengthen the firelines and starting to mop-up fuels near the existing line. The fire was reported just after midnight, spreading from a structure into the wildland. The fire is burning in a rugged area of cliffs, making firefighter access difficult. Steep terrain on the east flank of the fire, with large trees and snags and significant woody material on the ground is a safety concern for firefighters working below as rolling debris moves downslope Resources include structural and wildland engines and structural tenders. Also, a Type 1 helicopter will be dropping water on the difficult east flank of the fire. A Type 3 helicopter will be using a bucket to drop water on hot spots. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that drones are not allowed in the area with helicopters in the air. Union Pacific has closed the railroad lines north of the fire. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines near the tracks. The fire is estimated at less than 5 acres. Cool temperatures, low wind and increased humidity helped moderate the fire overnight, but rising temperatures and gorge winds could increase fire activity this afternoon. . Updates on evacuations can be found on the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

    Firefighters from the Oregon Department of Forestry, Hood River and Mosier are working to control the Westcliff Fire, located northwest of Hood River near Westcliff Drive, between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River. Level 3 (go now) evacuations are in effect for all of Westcliff Drive west of the Columbia Gorge Hotel, but not including the Hotel. Residents of Westcliff Drive were sent to the Wal-Mart parking lot. Westcliff Drive is closed to the public in that area. The fire was reported just after midnight, spreading from a structure into the wildland. The fire is burning in a rugged area of cliffs, making firefighter access difficult. Steep terrain on the east flank of the fire, with large trees and snags and significant woody material on the ground is a safety concern for firefighters working below as rolling debris moves downslope Resources include structural and wildland engines and structural tenders. Also, a Type 1 helicopter will be dropping water on the difficult east flank of the fire. A Type 3 helicopter will be using a bucket to drop water on hot spots. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that drones are not allowed in the area with helicopters in the air. Union Pacific has closed the railroad lines north of the fire. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines near the tracks. At last report, the fire was estimated at 5 acres. Cool temperatures, low wind and increased humidity helped moderate the fire overnight, but rising temperatures and gorge winds could increase fire activity. Updates on evacuations can be found on the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Oregon Department of Forestry, Hood River Fire Department, and Mosier Fire crews are continuing to work on containing the Westcliff Fire near Westcliff Drive northwest of Hood River between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River. The fire was reported late Saturday night, spreading from a structure into the wildland.  Currently the fire is estimated at approximately five acres.  Cool temperatures, low wind, and increased humidity moderated fire behavior through the night and this morning, but rising temperatures and gorge winds will increase fire behavior today The fire is burning in a rugged area of cliffs, making firefighter access difficult.  Steep terrain on the east flank of the fire, with large trees and snags and significant down woody material is a safety concern for firefighters working below as rolling debris moves downslope. A Type 1 helicopter was to arrive today to focus on getting water on the east flank of the fire, while a Type 3 helicopter was doing bucket drops on hot spots. Union Pacific has closed the railroad lines north of the fire as a precaution.  Firefighters are working near the tracks to establish containment lines The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the fire claimed one home, and a Level 3 evacuation advisory remains in place for Westcliff Lodge and homes to the west on Westcliff Drive.

    Starting this Monday and continuing through Thursday, August 30, the Hood River City Public Works crew will be resurfacing some city streets with a chip seal overlay. During this period, vehicles must not be parked on these streets between the hours of 7am and 5pm. Vehicles left in the work zone will be towed at the owner’s expense. The streets are: Prospect, from 2^nd St. to 8^th St.                                                                                 Montello, from 2^nd St. to Park St.                                                                                 8^th St. from Montello to May St.                                                                                   9^th St. from Montello to May St.                                                                                Hull St. from 10^th St. to 12^th St.                                                                                       C St. and 21^st St. to 22^nd and May St. If you have questions or concerns, contact Marlo Messmer at (541)387-5201.

      Containment for the Memaloose 2 Fire rose to 75% Tuesday afternoon. Crews are systematically working through the interior of the fire looking for heat and flames. The burn pattern of the fire left a mosaic of unburned fuels inside the perimeter which complicates mop-up as firefighters need to make sure unburned fuels will not be ignited by adjacent heat sources. Firefighters are also challenged by the steep terrain in areas. More than 100 firefighters are assigned to the fire and helicopters are also available if needed. Level 1 evacuation orders remain for the Rowena Dell area near the fire. Updates can be found on the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Interstate 84 and U.S. Highway 30 are open with no restrictions. The Eastbound Memaloose Rest Area is still closed. Authorities remind everyone that fire conditions are extremely hazardous and with firefighting resources growing scarce it is vitally important that regulations in the forest are followed to reduce the risk of new fires. The investigation on the cause of the Memaloose 2 Fire continues.  

Crews made more progress on the Memaloose 2 Fire on Monday. More than 100 firefighters are working on the blaze under the direction of the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Personnel on scene includes hand crews, fire engines and tenders, along with 2 helicopters. Firefighters are working the interior of the fire looking for burning fuel and hot spots. Crews will remain at the scene for the next few days until there is no risk of the fire spreading outside the fireline. The 167 acre fire is now 65% contained. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.  

    Wasco County Sheriff Lane McGill has lowered level 2 and level 3 evacuation notices to level 1. Dropping to level 1 is the intersection of State Road and Marsh Cutoff to Dell Road, including both sides of the road…..the intersection of Highway 30 and Marsh Cutoff all the way east to the bottom of Rowena Loops, that includes both sides of Highway 30, Rowena Dell, Rowena Overlook and Canyon Way all the way down to Rowena Ferry Road. The previous level 1 notices are also lifted so areas without any evacuation notices start at the bottom of Rowena Loops, heading east to the west end of Tooley Lake…..both sides of Interstate 84 and Highway 30 and Mayer State Park. You are encouraged to stay vigilant with fire crews still in the area. At last report, the Memaloose 2 Fire was 167 acres and 50% contained with firelines all around the perimeter of the fire.

    THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say one person was critically injured after a classic car driver accelerated quickly in The Dalles, flipped over and struck several people who were watching nearby.                                                                                                                       According to The Dalles Police Department, police responded to the incident around 10 p.m. Saturday. Investigators say the driver of a 1955 Chevy Bel-Air, Ronald Madorin, rapidly accelerated from a stop light after the light turned green. Police say the Chevy Bel-Air flipped over, struck a parked vehicle and injured people who were watching the classic car cruise. One person suffered critical injuries and was taken to the hospital.                                                                                                                                            The Chevy Bel-Air burst into flames after the crash. Madorin suffered minor injuries. After his release from Mid-Columbia Medical Center, Madorin was arrested on charges of second-degree assault. Other charges may be filed later.                                                                                                                                      Police do not think alcohol was a  factor. Madorin is scheduled to appear in Wasco County Circuit Court this afternoon at 1:15. His current bail is set at $100,000.

    Crews had a good day on the Memaloose 2 Fire Sunday. All level 3 (go now) evacuation areas have been lowered to level 2. That affects the intersection of Highway 30 and Marsh cutoff east to the bottom of the Rowena Loop, including both sides of Highway 30, Rowena Dell, Rowena Overlook, Canyon Way and down to Rowena Ferry Road. Evacuation updates can be found on the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Interstate 84 reopened to two lanes of traffic eastbound. Highway 30 is open with no restrictions. Marsh Cutoff and Dell Road are open to local traffic only as fire suppression efforts continue there. The eastbound Memaloose Rest Area remains closed. Crews were challenged Sunday by “burning rollers” and “flaming snags” that at times carried fire into pockets of unburned fuels within the firelines. Those areas were quickly attacked, using available aircraft as needed. Crews will focus on strengthening containment lines and mop-up activities today. Some crew members are beginning to leave as the conditions improve The latest GPS mapping shows the fire at 167 acres, with containment at 50%. No structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire. The fire was reported late Friday evening burning near the eastbound Memaloose Rest Area, south of I-84 about 3 miles east of Mosier. The cause is under investigation.