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.