After experiencing explosive fire behavior on the Eagle Fire last night, firefighters were successful at holding fire growth to moderate levels during the day. An infrared fly-over has estimated the fire to be 20,000 acres. The Eagle Creek and Indian Creek Fires have merged together and will be managed as one incident in the future. A spot fire, which spread across the Columbia River early this morning, is approximately 30 acres and is being managed by a Washington DNR Type 3 Team.
Unified command is happy to report that the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, was saved by Oregon State Fire Marshal’s structural firefighters. A task force of structural engines and one aerial ladder truck worked in conjunction with a strike team of water tenders to keep the lodge wetted down during the fire storm of falling embers. Large trees nearby torched and fire crews used hose lines to protect the lodge from heat. Visit the Eagle Creek and Indian Creek Fires Facebook page to see pictures of the lodge.
Ian Yocum, Incident Commander with the Oregon State Fire Marshal said firefighters were successful in additional structure protection efforts. “Firefighters had a good day out there. We lost one small residential structure and four outbuildings. We will continue to patrol and access structural protection needs.”
Defending private property, historical structures in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, the various State Parks in the area and the Bull Run Watershed will continue to be top priorities for firefighters tonight and tomorrow.
In addition to structure protection, I-84 remains closed from Troutdale to Hood River due to rocks, snags and other debris entering the roadway. Oregon Department of Transportation will be working closely with the Unified Command team to determine when it will be safe to open.
East winds are expected to continue tonight, but overall the weather will be calmer than the previous night when substantial fire growth occurred. Temperatures are expected to be cooler tomorrow, but a Red Flag Warning will be in effect in the afternoon for potential lightning. Winds will shift westerly which could propel fire growth to the east of the current fire perimeter.
For real time and current evacuation information, please contact the Multnomah, Hood River, or Skamania County Sheriff Offices.
The investigation surrounding the Eagle Creek Fire is still underway.
The suspect has been identified as a fifteen year old male from Vancouver, Washington. It is believed he and others may have been using fireworks which started the forest fire along the Eagle Creek Trail. The suspect was then contacted by law enforcement in the parking lot of the trailhead and was interviewed.
The Oregon State Police is seeking witnesses or those with information about the cause of the fire to come forward. Anyone who heard fireworks or other explosions in the area of the Eagle Creek Trail/ Punch Bowl Falls on Saturday between 10am to 5PM is urged to contact OSP at 503-375-3555.
OSP is being assisted by the United States Forest Service, Hood River District Attorney’s Office, US Attorney’s Office and the Hood River Juvenile Department.
This investigation is continuing and no arrests or formal charges have been made. The identity of the juvenile will not be released at this time.
