Microwave Fire Information Update for September 3, 2009
Incident: Microwave Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/3/2009
It was another productive day on the Microwave Fire as firefighters continue to mop-up (extinguishing hot spots) 300 feet in from fire lines. Last night crews used hand-held infrared devices to identify hot spots. Only a few were discovered and will be extinguished by firefighters today.
The fire remains at 1,225 acres and 90 percent contained.
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail between Hood River and Mosier remains closed. Fire Managers and State Park officials are very concerned about the hazards to the public caused by rolling rocks and debris. The fire has consumed much of the ground vegetation above the trail which has caused the steep slopes to become unstable.
Specialist will evaluate the instability to determine if the hazards can be mitigated and when the trail could be opened. Officials warn that the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail at a minimum will be closed over the Labor Day Weekend.
Today crews will continue to mop-up and remove hazard trees along access roads. Predicted cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity should aid firefighters, however strong gusty winds are expected. Fire managers remain confident that fire lines will hold. Planning for rehabilitation of the burned area and fire suppression activities is underway.
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.
This will be the last update unless there are any significant events that arise.
The Oregon Department of Forestry and Forest Service would like to thank the community for their support and patience during the Microwave firefighting efforts.
Quick Facts:
Location: West of Mosier, OR
Approximate Size: 1225 acres
Containment: 90 percent
Start Date: August 27, 2009, 9:00 p.m.
Cause: Under Investigation
Estimated Containment Date: September 5, 2009
Resources: 9 crews; 13 engines; 1 dozer; 1 water tender
Total Personnel: 200 personnel
Estimated Costs to Date: $2.75 million
Incident Comanders: Rick Wagner, ODF, and Roland Rose, USFS
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.
