Eagle Creek Fire: Crews Begin Removing Unneeded Equipment; Focus On Highway 30 Cleanup

CASCADE LOCKS, OR — Strategic removal of unneeded equipment and continued clean up along Historic Highway 30 and around residential areas in the Columbia River Gorge will be where Eagle Creek Fire crews focus their efforts this week, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which on Monday also said fire updates would begin coming through every other day unless "significant events occur."

Fire authorities on Sunday published via YouTube a video of Operations Section Chief Dan Helterline describing current fire conditions and closures across the the burn zone. According to Helterline, falling rocks and trees remain the greatest hazard for crews working both the fire and highway cleanup. Some heavy firefighting equipment has been removed from the affected area, allowing officials to lift closures in some places, but most other closures will remain in place until the area is deemed completely safe once again.

Oncoming Fall and Winter weather conditions could further erode the now exposed hills and steeps, making it even tougher for crews to continue repair work.

This week, firefighters will reportedly begin tree hazard assessments in the Multnomah Falls area, along the Eagle Creek Trail and near the campground. Repair and suppression work will continue where it's possible, though authorities do not expect fire behavior to increase. Weather this week should also help further suppress the fire, as forecasters call for showers beginning Tuesday and continuing through Friday.

Personnel numbers have decreased to under 150, and containment has increased to 50 percent. The fire is holding at 48,831 acres.

Top Photo Courtesy: Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, InciWeb