Microwave Fire Update, Saturday, August 29, 2009
Incident: Microwave Fire Wildfire
Released: 8/29/2009
Oregon Department of Forestry
Incident Management Team 3
Nancy Hirsch, Incident Commander
Oregon State Fire Marshal
Incident Management Green Team
John Ingrao, Incident Commander
Microwave Fire
Morning Information Update
For 08-29-09
Daily Update
Firefighters continue to make progress on the wind driven Microwave Fire near Mosier. Wildland and structural fire crews worked side by side overnight to keep the fire west of the small Columbia Gorge town.
A voluntary evacuation of Mosier remains in effect. An evacuation center has been set up at the Hood River Middle School. Residents should be aware that once they have evacuated the area they will not be allowed re-entry until further notice.
The Microwave Fire, which started late Thursday evening has burned about 1,000 acres and destroyed two outbuildings. Over 150 homes remain threatened.
The fire has burned down to I-84 in some places near Mosier. The interstate was closed for less than 30 minutes Friday night. For current road information, log onto www.tripcheck.com.
Suppression objectives today call for strengthening established containment lines on the east flank of the fire and continuing to build fire line along the north end that parallels the State Historic Columbia River Highway Trail. Firefighters are being challenged by the steep, rocky terrain and the prevalent winds associated with the Columbia River Gorge.
Other cooperators include Oregon State Police, Columbia River Gorge Natural Scenic Area of the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State Parks and the Red Cross.
NOTE: A FIRE INFORMATION LINE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AT THE INCIDENT COMMAND POST. THAT NUMBER IS 541-354-1578.
Fire-At-A-Glance:
Size: 1,000 acres
Location: Mosier, OR
Containment: 20%
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: Team 3, I.C. Nancy Hirsch, Oregon Department of Forestry and the Green Team, I.C. John Ingrao, Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office.
Estimated Cost: in progress
Evacuations: Oregon State Police have initiated a voluntary evacuation for Mosier, OR.
Closures/Restrictions:
State Historic Columbia River Highway Trail and the Hatfield
East and west trail heads.
For More Information: Microwave Fire Information 541-354-1578 www.oregon.gov/odf/microwavefire.shtml and
