8/11/2018 Memaloose #2 Fire Update

Contact:  Christie Shaw, Oregon Department of Forestry

                541-263-0661

                Rachel Pawlitz, US Forest Service—Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

                503-758-2624

[Mosier, Ore.]  Firefighters today were successful in maintaining the perimeter of Memaloose #2 Fire in its existing 175 acre footprint, despite strong winds testing the firelines. Containment increased to 35% this evening.  With the completion of fireline around the fire late today, crews are turning attention to plumbing hoselays (firehose) around the fire and beginning to mop-up areas of heat in the interior of the fire near the perimeter.  Tonight resources will continue this work and ensure the fire stays inside the firelines.

Wildland and structural crews were supported today by Washington Department of Natural Resources FireBoss air tankers (scoopers) and two helicopters that dropped water on the fire to cool hot spots. Tonight’s resources include a twenty-person crew, three engines, one dozer and several overhead.  Structural task forces are in place, working to provide point protection for homes threatened by the fire. Additional structural task forces will integrate into night shift operations. No structures have been destroyed or damaged.

Earlier this morning Governor Brown invoked the Conflagration Act to increase resources available for protection of the Rowena Dell community.   Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team (IC Walker) was in-briefed by the local fire department and is in unified command with Oregon Department of Forestry and the US Forest Service-Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 

The fire is threatening homes in the Rowena Dell community and evacuations are in place for the area.  Updates for evacuation levels can be found on the Wasco County Sheriff’s Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff/.  Mayer State Park is within the Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation area, however Oregon State Park’s Memaloose Campground is not impacted by the fire or suppression activities.  Red Cross has opened an information center at The Dalles Middle School, 1100 E. 12^th Street, The Dalles for anyone impacted by the fire.  The shelter will operate until 7 p.m. on Saturday and will re-open on Sunday, operating 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.   

US Highway 30 remains closed from the Memaloose Overlook (MP 61.5) to the Rowena I-84 interchange (MP 66.5) for firefighter and public safety. Travelers along Interstate 84 should not stop to view or take pictures of firefighting activities.

Memaloose #2 Fire was reported late Friday evening burning near the eastbound Memaloose Rest Area, south of Interstate 84, three miles east of Mosier, Oregon. The fire is burning on US Forest Service-Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area managed lands and state and privately owned lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Mosier Fire and Rescue. The cause of the fire is under investigation.