PHOTOS: Crews make progress on Microwave Tower Fire amid cooler temps, higher humidity
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon firefighters are making good progress on the Microwave Tower Fire in Wasco County, though evacuation levels have remained the same since Monday night.
According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, crews working through the night on the fire near Mosier took advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity to help slow the fire’s spread.
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“Much of the progress was along the southern portion of the fire, while the northern portion continues to present challenges due to limited access and steep slopes,” Oregon DOF said in a release. “Air resources played a critical role in helping slow the fire’s spread in difficult terrain.”
Crews make progress on the Microwave Tower Fire in Wasco County. July 23, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry). Crews make progress on the Microwave Tower Fire in Wasco County. July 23, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry). Crews make progress on the Microwave Tower Fire in Wasco County. July 23, 2024 (courtesy Oregon Department of Forestry).
The fire was still being mapped Tuesday afternoon. By 9:50 p.m., the fire was sized at 704 acres, officials said.
Smoke is still visible from I-84 as the fire continues “backing down north-facing slopes just west of Mosier,” Oregon DOF said.
Crews are expected to continue making good progress on the fire with calmer winds predicted in the forecast.
A challenging aspect of the fire remains that resources across the state a stretched thin with so many wildfires currently active.
“So resources are strapped right now with all of the fires around the state. but we do have crews from all over the region and the state that have come in to respond to this fire,” said Stephanie Krell, a spokesperson for Wasco County.
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Officials said they estimate 100 homes are still under Level 3 evacuations and 500 residences are threatened in the Mosier area.
A Red Cross shelter for evacuees has been set up at Hood River Middle School. The current evacuation levels, which haven’t changed since Monday at 10 p.m., are listed below.
The Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations apply from Hwy 30 south the Proctor Rd., east to Huskey Rd and the border of the City of Mosier and west to the Hood River County line.
Level 2 “Be Set” warnings have been issued from the city of Mosier and from Huskey Rd. east to Mosier Creek Rd., and south to Jasper Lane.
Level 1 “Be Ready” warnings were also issued from Mosier Creek Rd., east to Dry Creek Rd., north to the City of Mosier border and south to Osborn Cutoff Rd.
No new update about how the fire started has been released. For the latest on evacuation levels, check the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
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