Microwave Fire Information Update, September 2, 2009
Incident: Microwave Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/2/2009
Daily Update
A local Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Fire Management Team assumed management of the fire yesterday at 2:00 p.m.
Yesterday at 2:00 p.m., management of the Microwave Fire was transferred from The Oregon Department of Forestry's Incident Management Team #3, to a local fire management organization. The fire is now managed jointly by the Oregon Department of Forestry and USDA Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The incident command post will remain at the Hood River Fairgrounds.
Fire activity has moderated significantly over the last 24 hours. Yesterday, firefighters continued mop up operations (extinguishing hot spots) on all flanks of the fire. Gusty winds during the afternoon, however kindled some hot spots to flames in the interior of the fire.
As areas within the fire boundary continue to smolder, residents will likely see smoke and flare-ups of flame for some time. Please do not call firefighting agencies unless the new flames are clearly outside of the boundaries of the Microwave Fire. If you are uncertain, please call 911.
The fire remains at 1,225 acres and 90 percent contained.
Today, mop-up operations will continue in earnest. Firefighters are concerned with predicted warm temperatures and gusty afternoon winds, however they are confident fire lines will hold. Planning for rehabilitation of the burned area and fire suppression activities is underway.
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail between Hood River and Moiser remains closed. The closure is necessary to accommodate firefighting activities and to protect the public. The fire has caused steep slopes above the trail to become unstable resulting in a very hazardous situation of rolling rocks and debris.
The Fire Information contact number will change to 541-490-0961 at 12:00 p.m. today.
For More Information: Call Microwave Fire Information 541-490-0961 or visit: www.oregon.gov/odf/microwavefire.shtml and www.inciweb.org/incident/1866
Quick Facts - Microwave Fire
Location: West of Mosier, OR
Approximate Size: 1,225 acres
Containment: 90 percent
Start Date: August 27, 2009; 2:00 p.m.
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Containment Date: September 5, 2009
Resources on the Fire: 10 crews, 1 helicopter, 11 engines, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders
Total Personnel: 250 personnel
Estimated Costs to Date: $2.75 million
Incident Commanders: Rick Wagner, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Roland Rose, U.S. Forest Service
Cooperating Agencies: Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State Police, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area of the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, Pacific Power and Light, Union Pacific Railroad, the American Red Cross and Rural Fire Districts.
