Tunnel 5 Fire cancels Fourth of July events, 5% contained

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said 10 single residents are reported to be destroyed and another 250 threatened. In addition, 15 non-residential commercial properties are threatened, as are 50 minor structures.

In an update released around 10 a.m. on July 4, Skamania County Sheriff's Office said evacuation levels have not changed, and the sheriff plans to meet again with the Incident Management Team at 2 p.m. today to review evacuation zones. "The priority as always is for the safety of residents, response personnel, and visitors," said the release.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Tunnel 5 Fire area. Wildland fires are “no fly zones” for drones, said a sheriff’s office release: “If you fly, WE CAN’T.” Travelers should use caution as smoke is visible within the I-84 corridor; recreationalists and boaters on the Columbia River should use extreme caution and avoid areas where aircraft are dipping into the river.

Even before the flareup, communities began canceling Fourth of July events out of concerns for fire danger. Community Partners canceled the White Salmon parade “due to the local impact of the Tunnel 5 Fire on people and resources.” The Lions Club of Hood River canceled the annual fireworks show at the waterfront out of respect to those affected by the fire. “This is a community event, and it will not feel the same to celebrate while such a large part of our community is actively undergoing loss,” said organizers. “Our thoughts and focus should remain on this wildfire." 

The City of Hood River, the City of White Salmon and the City of Cascade Locks have all issued emergency bans on personal fireworks, and the Port of Klickitat County canceled the annual DIY fireworks event at Bingen Point, all due to active fire in the region.

As of this morning, July 4, SR-14 remains closed in both directions near milepost 61 (Spring Creek Hatchery and Underwood Road) due to smoke. Officials are asking the public to use I-84 via the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks, or via The Dalles Bridge, both on the Oregon side, as an alternative route until further notice. The Hood River Bridge remains open, but could be closed at any time given unpredictable fire conditions.

Before traveling, it is advised to visit WSDOT.COM (Washington) and/or tripcheck.com (Oregon).

Fire growth potential remains high.

"This is not the way we expected to spend July 4, especially for those who had to leave their homes or are still worried about having to evacuate," said the sheriff's office press release. "We want to express gratitude to all the people living in the community - residents, homeowners, and business owners for being patient, offering support, and showing kindness to their neighbors."

Updates will be posted below as information becomes available. 

WSDOT updated the road closure for State Route 14 on the Tunnel 5 Fire at approximately 11:15 a.m. It is still closed, but the closure has been changed to mileposts 56-65. Drano Lake is not accessible.

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An update from Skamania County Sheriff's Office at 10 a.m. asked the community to be cognizant of the high fire danger. "Due to the high fire danger and the lack of free resources, we implore the community to do everything possible to avoid igniting new fires. Please carefully consider your use of fireworks or any other ignition sources."

The sheriff's office also reports that firefighters on the Tunnel 5 fire will be available to assist in the initial attack on any new fires in the area if required. 

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An update from the Southwest Washington Fire Information Facebook page at 8 a.m. reported Level 3 Evacuations “GO NOW” have been issued for a two-mile radius around the fire. Visit Skamania County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaSheriff for more info. A shelter for evacuees has been set up at Skamania County Fairgrounds, 710 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson.

Level 1 “GET READY” evacuations are in effect for Klickitat County east of the fire. Visit https://www.klickitatcounty.org/249/Emergency-Management for more details.

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An update issued by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center at 8:36 a.m. on July 4 said 10 single residents are reported to be destroyed and another 250 threatened. In addition, 15 non-residential commercial properties are threatened, as are 50 minor structures.

Five crews and 189 total personnel are on the scene, as are five helicopters and 31 engines.

Management of the fire transitioned to the Northwest Incident Management Team 12 at 8 p.m. last night. NICC said additional resources are expected today, July 4, including hand crews, heavy equipment and five strike teams of fire engines.

“The incoming fire engines will augment the state mobilization resources already on scene, and some engine crews will work on structure assessments on the north/northeastern fire perimeter,” said a press release. “Firefighters will improve dozer line on the eastern fire edge and will install hoselays today to deliver water along the eastern fire perimeter. Helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers will continue to be used as needed today to hold the fire in check and assist ground crews. Firefighters on the Tunnel Five Fire will also be available to assist with initial attack on new fire starts in the area.”