Aug. 19 update: Mosier Creek Fire containment at 75 percent

The roads surrounding the fire perimeter - Osburn Cutoff Road, Vensel Road, Carrol Road, Dry Creek Road and Digger Road - will still have active fire teams and fire engines, said the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), so people are asked to be extra cautious when going through that area. 

Over the last few days, crews have worked to ensure that control lines are secure, according to ODF. The mop-up standards state that all sources of heat and smoke within 300 feet of the fire line will be mopped up; and these mop-up standards have also been applied to homes and structures that were affected by the fire.

The transfer of command back to The Dalles Unit of Oregon Department of Forestry occurred at 7 a.m. this morning. There will continue to be firefighters working in the area to complete further tasks in the mopping up process.

"Remember, this is still an active fire area and heavy equipment and periods of heavy traffic should be expected," said a press release from ODF, asking the public to refrain from visiting the area. "Fire weakened trees and hot ash pits can be hazardous." 

The Central Oregon District will continue to disseminate information as needed for the Mosier Creek Incident, said ODF. 

"The Incident Management Team would like to the thank the communities throughout the Columbia River Gorge for their welcoming attitudes and assistance through the course of the incident. The support that was shown to firefighters and command post personnel was greatly appreciated." 

UPDATE, Aug. 18

As firefighters continue working on mopping up the Mosier Creek Fire, the Wasco County Sheriff's Office has lifted all Level 3 (Go!) evacuation notices for the fire. However, the general public is advised to avoid the area burned by the fire "unless absolutely necessary" due to ongoing firefighting activity. 

"Some roads are restricted to local access only," said a press release from the Oregon Department of Forestry's (ODF) Incident Management Team. "Fire-weakened trees and burned roots covered by dust or ash might also still be hot enough to cause harm." 

The ODF Incident Management Team will transfer command of the fire back to ODF's The Dalles Unit tomorrow, and several local resources will continue to patrol and monitor the fire. 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and structural task forces completed their structural assessment of the area yesterday, and confirmed that a total of eight residences were destroyed, along with 28 other structures. 

The Incident Management Team has determined that the fire was human-caused, but the specific cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

For the most recent updates on the fire, visit https://www.facebook.com/mosiercreekfire2020/, email MosierCreekFire2020@gmail.com, or call 541-316-0796 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Update: Aug. 15

Minimal growth overnight; virtual meeting scheduled at 4 p.m. Aug. 15

Containment is at 30 percent and perimeter securing continues on the 958-acre Mosier Creek Fire, which saw minimal growth Friday night, according to Oregon Department of Forestry.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled at 4 p.m. Saturday. Access to the meeting is at www.facebook.com/mosiercreekfire2020.

Local and state fire officials and community leaders will share fire updates and answer questions. A virtual meeting allows the management teams to follow COVID best practices while also providing information to the public.

According to the 10 a.m. update from Oregon Department of Forestry on Aug. 15, a total of 658 structures remain threatened; 32 structures, including 11 homes and 18 outbuildings, have been destroyed and one damaged. No deaths or injuries have been reported.

For the most current evacuation information, contact the Incident Management Team Information at 541-316-0796, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As of Saturday morning, here’s the fire by numbers:

• Acres: 958
• Residences destroyed: 18
• Outbuildings destroyed: 11
• Commercial buildings destroyed: 2
• Hand Crews: 22
• Engines: 46
• Dozers: 5
• Water tenders: 11
• Other Heavy equipment: 5

Over the past 24 hours, there has been minimal fire growth. Large equipment, air resources and firefighters are in and around the fire area.

“Public and firefighter safety is our priority,” said Rich Tyler, ODF spokesman. “We want to remind the community this is an active firefighting operation. Please choose alternative driving routes and do not enter the area.”

Tyler said, “The loss of a home during a fire is a tragedy. Thankfully, Wasco County’s evacuation system worked effectively. There have been no injuries or fatalities at this time.”

To receive evacuation alerts from Wasco County, sign up for reverse 911 at member.everbridge.net/453003085612392/login.