Eagle Creek Fire: Most Evacuations Lifted In Multnomah, Hood River Counties

CASCADE LOCKS, OR — Firefighter numbers continue to dwindle as resources are pulled back from the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge. As of Tuesday morning, after a night of rain and snow around Mt. Hood, the fire is 46 percent contained with 48,665 acres burned. Just more than 350 fire personnel remain in the area.

Oregon State Fire Marshal officials on Tuesday said roughly three inches of rain fell over the fire's west side and about one inch fell over the east side throughout Monday, with more rain coming throughout this week.

WATCH: Fire Behavior Analyst Dan Pearson explains how the rain could affect the Eagle Creek Fire this week.

Smoldering fires will continue to burn within the fire's perimeter, officials said, noting the small fires will also produce smoke in the area for some time. While the rain will help reduce fire conditions, it will not put the fire out altogether, officials said. Crews will continue to decrease in number, with those who remain working to put out the few lingering hot spots.

Good news came to residents in both Multnomah and Hood River counties Monday, as public safety officials in both areas lifted evacuation alerts. All Multnomah County evacuation orders and all orders for the Hood River Valley have been rescinded, officials said. Only residents in Cascade Locks, Wyeth, and Viento remain subject to Level 1 alerts for possible flash floods along the Interstate-84 corridor.

The flash flood alert is expected to be in place through 12 p.m. Wednesday.

All I-84 Eastbound lanes remain closed Tuesday, though Westbound lanes have been reopened since this past weekend. Falling trees and rocks, as well as the potential for landslides, prevent state transportation officials from safely opening the highway completely. Visit TripCheck.com for the latest closure information on Oregon's roads.

Image via Oca Hoeflein, whereinthegorge.com