8/12/2018 Memaloose #2 Fire Update

News Release:  Memaloose #2

Sunday August 12, 2018 9 A.M.

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.]  Structural and wildland crews accomplished a strong night of mop-up supported by lower temperatures and higher humidity.  Control lines were improved which decreased the risk of fire spread.  The footprint of the fire remained unchanged and was held at 175 acres. Containment remains at 35%  and control lines are 100% completed. 

Today, Oregon State Fire Marshal structure crews will assist wildland crews from Oregon Department of Forestry, US Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with mop-up efforts along Interstate 84.  East-bound lanes remain restricted to one lane of travel.  The goal is to strengthen the fire line on the northern edge, working with the Oregon Department of Transportation to safely reopen the interstate to two lanes.  Tree fallers will be working in the area to remove snags that could pose safety risks to travelers and residents.  Assets on the Memaloose 2 Fire include 252 fire personnel,  35 engines, 4 dozers and 1 incident management team.  Crews will also be looking for visual smoke, and hot spots for mop-up.  Smoke and flames may be visible within the fire perimeter as areas of unburned fuels consume.  These areas do not pose a risk of escaping the existing fireline and are being allowed to burnout naturally.

Current evacuation levels remain in place.  Updates for evacuation levels can be found on the Wasco County Sheriff’s Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff/.  While Mayer State Park is within the Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation area, both Mayer State Park and Oregon State Park’s Memaloose Campground remain open.  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.  Shelter hours on Sunday are 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 remain cautious of fire vehicles entering and exiting the area.   

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.