Residents told to evacuate due to Columbia River Gorge fire

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MOSIER, Ore. – A wildfire that started between Hood River and The Dalles in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge grew quickly Wednesday afternoon, prompting mandatory evacuations.

The Oregon Department of Forestry tweeted about the fire near Mosier Creek Road Wednesday afternoon, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

At about 7 p.m. department spokesperson Christie Shaw estimated the blaze at about 50 acres (20 hectares).

Shaw said it started just as crews were mopping up another fire in the same area along Interstate 84 near Mosier. She said crews contained that fire at about 2 acres.

Shaw said investigators do not immediately know the cause of either fire.

Winds caused the second fire to spread, and around 6 p.m., the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for people who live on several roads in the Mosier area. Other nearby residents were told to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Shaw said the department of forestry estimates about 200 structures are threatened by the fire.

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