news and events » news

News Header

News Item

return to News

Columbia River Gorge fire was caused by humans and threatens 900 homes

by KGW-TV (Portland, Ore.) staff reports |

MOSIER, Ore. – A wildfire that broke out Wednesday afternoon near Mosier in the Columbia River Gorge has prompted evacuations and is threatening about 900 homes, according to state officials.

The fire has grown to 800 acres, said Christie Shaw of the Oregon Department of Forestry. Crews were working Thursday to establish lines around the fire.

The Oregon Department of Forestry said it became aware of the fire between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday. The agency said the fire was about 50 acres as of 6:45 p.m.; by 10 p.m. it had grown to 500 acres.

Gov. Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, meaning resources from around the state can be used to help contain the fire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal assumed command of firefighting operations at 8 a.m. Thursday.