With Level 2 - Set and Level 3 - Go evacuation orders in effect, visitors and residents are reminded and expected to avoid the area with zero exceptions
HOOD RIVER — Whether by land, water, wind, or snow, outdoor recreation and Hood River go hand in hand. But with the Grasshopper Fire now encompassing more than 39,000 acres in Mt. Hood National Forest, Visit Hood River offers some timely and important reminders about visiting Hood River in the midst of an active fire event.
The Grasshopper Fire, which started from a lightning strike in Wasco County on July 23, has now burned more than 39,000 acres and sits at 20 percent containment as of Aug. 5 at noon. Although the fire is burning approximately 30 miles south of Hood River, it has prompted Level 3 - Go evacuation orders for Mt. Hood Meadows and surrounding areas, and a Level 2 - Set evacuation order for Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and surrounding areas.
Visitors and travelers with upcoming plans to visit Hood River are encouraged to monitor the situation carefully and to make informed decisions about their trip. Following are some official resources and important information to help them do so:
Know Before You Go: Conditions can and do change quickly. Be aware of the latest circumstances, including evacuation orders, air quality, closure orders, and more. Some useful links include:
- Visit Hood River fire restrictions and updates: https://visithoodriver.com/fire-restrictions/
- Grasshopper Fire official information:
- Watchduty: https://app.watchduty.org/i/110721
- InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ormhf-grasshopper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrasshopperFire
- Mt. Hood National Forest Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/alerts/closure-place-grasshopper-fire
- Air Now real-time air quality for Hood River and surrounding areas: https://www.airnow.gov/?reportingArea=Hood%20River&stateCode=OR
- Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck road conditions: https://tripcheck.com/
Respect Closures & Restrictions: Mt. Hood National Forest has issued a Closure Order for many roads, trails, and recreation sites in the affected area. There is also a forest-wide Open Fires Ban, including campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, and any other open fires.
Give Them Space: With more than 1,250 firefighters working to contain the Grasshopper Fire, there is a significantly increased presence of emergency vehicles, personnel, road crews, and more. Giving them the space they need to do their work is not only common sense, it’s critical to containing the fire as quickly as possible.
Keep Drones Grounded: The presence of a private drone will immediately ground all critical firefighting air support, including tankers, helicopters, spotter planes, and other aircraft. Knowing or intentional interference with firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, or emergency response is a Class A misdemeanor under ORS 837.374, with a Class A felony on the books when death or serious physical injury results.
Recreate Elsewhere: When restrictions or closures are in effect, such as those related to the Grasshopper Fire, visitors and residents are asked to recreate far away from wildfire activity. Hood River County is a vast landscape, and suitable alternatives can be found elsewhere.
Consider Postponing or Rescheduling Travel: If your plans involve a visit to Hood River, particularly Mt. Hood National Forest, the upper Hood River Valley, Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur, or any area near active fire operations, consider postponing or rescheduling. Contact lodging properties, tour operators, and event organizers directly for the latest information. Conditions vary significantly throughout Hood River County and can change without notice. No reservation, itinerary, hike, ride, or view takes precedence over evacuation orders, closures, or public safety.
Take Smoke Seriously: Air quality can shift quickly. Check the Air Quality Index before heading outdoors and limit strenuous activity when conditions worsen, especially for children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart of lung conditions.
Prevent Another Fire: Fire danger remains Very High throughout Mt. Hood National Forest. While the Grasshopper Fire was lightning caused, nearly 90 percent of wildfires are human caused and could be prevented. Do not drag tow chains, park on dry vegetation, discard smoking materials, or use flames or equipment prohibited under current restrictions. For more information and prevention tips visit https://smokeybear.com/.
“Visit Hood River asks visitors and residents to care for the region and one another by remaining flexible, following official orders, and giving fire crews the space they need to work,” said Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood River. “Choosing a different trail, changing a reservation, or returning another day are simple acts of stewardship that help protect the landscapes and communities that make Hood River special.”
Commented