Lyle Hill Fire snuffed out, no structures burned

LYLE — By last Friday, July 3, the Lyle Hill Fire was completely contained, and most resources went home the morning prior.

No structures were impacted and the fire burned a total of 226 acres, down from an initial estimate of 1,500 acres made a few hours after the 1:45 p.m. ignition on June 28. With gusts measured at 40-45 miles per hour that afternoon from Rowena Crest Viewpoint, and 75 structures under threat, clouds of smoke made it difficult to visualize the fire’s footprint.

“That was an estimate from an aircraft looking down on what they could see of the terrain. Again, folks just using their eyes and giving their best guess based on experience,” said Carissa Silvis, public information officer for the SE Washington Type 3 Interagency Management Team, last Wednesday.

Silvis and crew took over command the morning of June 29. Initial attack resources successfully laid dozer line around the fire’s head overnight, so with forward progress halted, primary objectives last Monday were to strengthen those lines and keep the fire within its already-established footprint.

Beyond the wind, Silvis noted that steep terrain and having just one access road proved challenging. Vegetation at higher elevation still had some moisture left, however, so the fire slowed as it crested the hills behind Lyle. Having a full suite of air support, from a couple of helicopters to four single-engine scoopers and more, helped immensely, too.

Ground resources peaked last Tuesday with six crews, three dozers, three water tenders and 27 engines. Washington’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) responded out of Dallesport, alongside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Forest Service, Lyle Fire, Klickitat Fire and other local units.

A DNR type 4 team, the second-lowest level of command for fires, assumed control of the incident last Thursday morning, with a focus on extinguishing remaining hotspots, felling burning trunks and repairing any damage caused by suppression operations. As for Silvis, she cautioned folks to be mindful of any activities or equipment that could spark another blaze.

“I’m still waiting to see what the summer is going to bring. We just had this cold front come through. The west end of the Gorge did receive more precipitation out of it than, of course, the east,” Silvis said. “The east side of the Gorge is still very ripe and ready to burn if there are ignitions.”

And compared to years past, fire risk in the wetter forests toward Portland is higher due to poor snowpack, as previously reported by Columbia Gorge News.

Additionally, while all evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted, travelers should be alert for responders still working in the area. Friends of the Columbia Gorge also announced that the Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve is closed indefinitely until trails can be repaired and hazards removed. The fire’s cause is still under investigation.