8/3/2017 Indian Creek Fire Update

The Hood River Valley and Columbia River Gorge experienced high levels of smoke and low visibility yesterday, reaching west to Portland, Oregon.  Much of this smoke is coming from fires around the region and British Columbia and is not solely the result of the Indian Creek Fire.

 An infrared (IR) flight mapped the fire at 83 acres yesterday.  The Indian Creek Fire is a suppression fire with a confine strategy.

Yesterday, the Type 1 (heavy) helicopter dropped over 100,000 gallons of water on the fire over areas showing persistent smoke.  We will continue utilizing aerial support today.

Firefighters will continue to identify potential contingency lines as well as take hourly weather observations and monitor fire behavior.  Firefighter, aviation, and public safety on the Indian Creek Fire continues to be the highest priority.  

A Red Flag Warning in effect until 11pm Thursday, August 3rd.  Red Flag Warnings indicate critical conditions are in place for new fire starts and for existing fire growth.

All forest visitors are asked to help prevent forest fires by doing the following:
·         Do not leave your campfire unattended – even for a moment.
·         Ensure your campfire’s ashes are 100% cold prior to calling it a night or leaving the site.
·         Do not drive your vehicle over dry grasses or other burnable material.
·         Smokers are asked to either smoke in a vehicle or in an area cleared to mineral soil.
·         Hood River County has a burn ban in place.

The Pacific Crest Trail is open. The northern portion of Eagle Creek Trail #440 off of Interstate 84 is open for 4.8 miles Water is available for PCT hikers at Indian Springs but not Wahtum Lake.  No camping is allowed within the closure area. A map and full listing of closures can be found in the websites below.

Websites:  Indian Creek Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5403/
Mt. Hood National Forest Facebook: http://facebook.com/mthoodnf