Top of the World fire at 240 acres (includes slideshow)

“The Top of the World Fire resulted from a planned prescribed burn that was initiated on Oct. 14 as part of continuing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health surrounding the popular Coyote Wall and Catherine Creek trail systems,” said the news release. “Following a shift in wind direction and an increase in wind gusts, the fire spotted outside the burn unit.”

The release said that, while the fire remains on National Forest System lands between Bingen and Lyle, Klickitat County Fire Districts, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Oregon Department of Forestry and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue responded to help contain the fire. On Oct. 15, an airtanker was ordered to minimize spread towards Old Highway 8, State Route 14, and private properties to the south and west of the fire. There were no structures threatened and no evacuations ordered.

The public is asked to avoid the area surrounding the popular Coyote Wall and Catherine Creek trail systems as firefighters are actively working in the area. Smoke will remain visible from Washington State Route 14 and Interstate 84.