Eagle Creek Fire: 'Largest Fire Suppression Repair Project In The Columbia River Gorge'; 15 Percent Severely Burned

CASCADE LOCKS, OR — Following days of analysis and assessment, the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team working on the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge provided the results of their research.

As detailed in the team's Soil Burn Severity map finalized Sunday, 15 percent of the Eagle Creek Fire area has suffered high burn severity, meaning "all or nearly all of the ground cover and surface organic matter (leaves, needles, and decaying plant matter), including fine roots" have been destroyed. Thirty percent of the area suffered moderate burn severity (up to 80 percent of ground cover destroyed), and the remaining 55 percent has suffered either low or very low burn severity. Roots, surface brush and organic matter are generally intact across most of the burn scar based on this assessment, officials said.

The burn zone remains 46 percent contained across 48,831 acres of Multnomah and Hood River counties' forestland.

During their study, the BAER team reported falling rocks and other hazards in areas currently closed by state fire and forest officials, who further noted the importance of adhering to those posted closures not only to avoid risking personal harm but to also avoid putting first responders in harm's way as well.

Fire behavior was minimal throughout the weekend, officials said, as small bursts of rain and cool temperatures helped reduce fire fuels. A clear, sunny week is in the forecast across the region, but cooler temperatures are expected to continue helping firefighters — which now total 208 personnel.

Firefighters this week will reportedly continue to knock back active fire areas and work on fire suppression repair — which, according to state officials, could be the largest operation in the gorge for nearly 30 years.

"This is the largest fire suppression repair project in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area since it was established in 1986," Fire Management Officer Darren Kennedy said in a statement.

Fire officials have kept the estimated 100 percent containment date set for Nov. 30.

Top Photo: BAER Team soils scientist Melissa Waid with exposed tree roots. This shows heavy erosion since the fire burned through the area, from a combination of wind and rain.

Photo courtesy of Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, InciWeb