The fire southeast of Mount Hood in Wasco County has burned around 160 acres as of Monday afternoon, while the Tunnel Five fire on the Washington side of Columbia River Gorge is mostly contained.
The Boulder fire, near the Boulder Lake Trailhead, is burning in dead foliage and debris on steep, rugged terrain, officials said. Fire crews and air support have been battling the blaze over the past two days.
There are 200 firefighters on scene along with four helicopters, officials with the Mount Hood National Forest Service said in a statement. Gusts of wind up to 24 mph are expected in the area throughout the day.
Boulder Lake, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadow, Badger Lake, Camp Windy and Post Camp campgrounds are under Level 3 (go now) evacuation orders. Forest Roads 4880, 4881 and 4890 remain closed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, the forest service said. All campfires are banned in the Mount Hood National Forest due to hot and dry conditions as of Monday.
Smoke is expected to fill the area as the fire grows. The public can check for air quality at oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or airnow.gov.
Tunnel Five fire
The Tunnel Five fire is now 80% contained as of Monday morning. Increased humidity and lower temperatures over the weekend helped fire crews beat back the blaze, officials said.
Washington State Route 14 remains closed between mile markers 56 to 65.
Firefighters will be monitoring the fire perimeter as warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds are expected to return to the area throughout the week. The blaze still spans 529 acres.
The fire, which started July 2, prompted evacuations, with a shelter opening at the Skamania County Fairgrounds. The fire damaged an estimated 10 structures and affected at least 1000 residents.
All Skamania County evacuation orders have been lifted.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
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