Milepost 87 fire under control

August 4, 3:30 p.m.

The fire is now considered to be under control. Exit 87 is now reopen, and Columbia Heights have been dropped to a Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notice.

Power has also been restored by Northern Wasco County PUD.

August 4, 2:30 p.m.

The Milepost 87 fire is currently burning in east The Dalles, at exit 87 on I-84. There is currently no information on the size or containment of the fire, though the 197 bridge has reopened since its initial closure this morning when the fire started.

Firefighters have been on cite since 10:30 a.m. Responding agencies include Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, Dufur Fire and Hood River Fire, and Wasco Emergency Management is coordinating with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Miller Road Fire task force, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Klickitat and others, according to The Dalles City Clerk Izetta Grossman. There is also currently one type-2 helicopter from the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Grossman said.

According to Grossman, school buses and buses from the LINK are currently staged at The Dalles Marina, in case Flagstone needs to be evacuated. There is also an emergency shelter currently available in Dufur, at the Dufur High School.

The Columbia Rivers Heights subdivision in The Dalles is at a Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation notice, and is the only area currently under an evacuation notice due to the Milepost 87 fire. Some businesses in proximity to the fire have temporarily closed while they wait for the fire to be put out, including Big Jim’s Drive In.

Additionally, power is currently out to 660 customers in the area, as Northern Wasco County PUD have de-energized power at certain locations to “ensure the safety of firefighters and first responders,” according to a post on the NWC PUD Facebook page. There is currently no estimated time of power restoration to the area.

Those wanting updates on the fire are invited to call 541-370-1208. Do not call 911 for updates on the fire, as it can clog up the lines and hinder dispatch for emergencies.