Indian Creek Fire Update
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 10:00 a.m.
Location: Approximately 20 miles west-southwest of Hood River, Oregon in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness on the Hood River Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest
For the last few days, the Indian Creek Fire has been showing more active fire behavior. An infrared detection flight early on August 23 found that the fire had burned further to the northwest, increasing the acreage to 293 acres. Most of the acreage gains have occurred since Sunday, during a period of warmer, drier weather. This is the first measurable growth on the fire since the beginning of August.
On Tuesday, smoke from the Indian Creek Fire was observed to be blowing east and northeast across Eagle Creek. This increases the chance of spot fires on the east side of Eagle Creek and near Tunnel Falls. In the interest of public safety, the decision has been made to close more of the Eagle Creek Trail.
Due to the increased activity on the Indian Creek Fire, the closure on Eagle Creek Trail #440 will be expanded to the north. The new trail closure is at High Bridge, 3.3 miles south of the Eagle Creek Trailhead near Interstate 84. Punch Bowl Falls will remain open.
Four of the Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” airplanes dropped water on the fire on Tuesday. Each load of water was about 1,600 gallons. A Sikorsky Sky Crane will be assigned to the fire starting today. The Sky Crane is a helitanker, using a snorkel to fill the water tank attached to the helicopter's belly. It will allow for more precise water applications on the fire.
The Cascade Type 2 Initial Attack crew continues to monitor the fire behavior and weather. They are contacting hikers to provide information about the fire and closures. They are also keeping track of how many people are near the closure area and where they are traveling.
Public use restrictions are still in effect for campfires, smoking, internal combustion engines, and off-highway motorized vehicles on the Mt. Hood National Forest. Please contact the Forest or check their website for further details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Trail& Area Closure:
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail remains open but there is a closure in the fire area. The northern portion of Eagle Creek Trail #440 off of Interstate 84 is open for 3.3 miles. The southern part of Eagle Creek Trail, and several other trails are closed. Wahtum Lake and Indian Springs Campgrounds are closed. A map and full list of closures can be found on the websites below.
Fire information:
Fire Information
Indian Creek Fire
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