Crews say Eagle Creek Fire 5% contained

The Norse Peak fire has burned more than 19,000 acres, with smoke from the fire prompting Crystal Mountain Ski Resort to close.

Estimated 10,000+ acres and 0% containment.

The fire spread Monday as afternoon and evening winds pushed flames west across the steep flanks of the OR side of the Columbia River Gorge, causing mandatory evacuations that included the communities of Dodson, Warrendale, Latoruell and Bridal Veil.

“Do you realize how risky that is, there is a fire raging at Mile 3”, Fitzgerald said to the group.

Some evacuation orders have been lifted in populated areas near Montana wildfires but many are still burning and officials said residents should be prepared for some of to last for at least another month.

200 businesses and individuals remain at a Level 1, “get ready” status.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted by the Oregon State Police, U.S. Forest Service, Hood River Sheriff’s Office, Hood River District Attorney’s Office and fire personnel. “It was just billowing up and I could distinctly smell fire”.

Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman Don Hamilton said the freeway is closed due to poor visibility from smoke and the fire getting closer to the road. The fire threatens more than 5,000 structures, including about 4,200 houses.

A person snaps a cell phone photo of the Eagle Creek Fire, visible from the nearby town Cascade Locks.

“The goal is to keep the fire in the footprint that it’s already in”, said DNR spokeswoman Nancy Marvin. Shifting winds forecast for Monday could drive it farther into Multnomah County.

Parts of Utah were engulfed in flames as well: more than 1,000 residents were evacuated north of Salt Lake City, while at least five homes were destroyed by the blaze. They will also be cared for by people with big hearts.

Officials with Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue shared an image over their Twitter account, thanking the men and women fighting the fire near the falls. “We literally are waiting until the smoke clears to go out and assess what’s there, what we’ve lost and then try to move on from there”.

The million dollar question: Will the fires raging around the state create a new sense of urgency around climate change and forest fire management? They’ve identified a suspect but have made no arrests.

Low-slung smoke obscured views of the Columbia River during the trip east from Troutdale on a closed stretch of Interstate 84.

The Oregonian/OregonLive (http://bit.ly/2ezDZJY ) reported the hikers were still awaiting rescue early Sunday morning as the fire near Eagle Creek Trail grows.

Oneonta Falls, famous for a hike that includes wading in waist-deep water through a steep-walled canyon, was also endangered.

“We get to see thousands of people on the trail”, said Taylor.

Dones said he tried to scout a route around the wildfire, but it was impossible to pass. “It makes me think everything’s going to be OK”.