Oregon wildfire updates: Burdoin Fire erupts in Columbia Gorge, closes Highway 14
(This story has been updated to include additional information)
A new wildfire erupted on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge on the afternoon of July 18, which has brought evacuation warnings and closed Lewis and Clark Highway 14.
The Burdoin Fire has burned 1,258 acres just east of White Salmon and appears to be growing.
The new fire followed an active day for wildfires. Oregon's largest wildfire grew to 94,000 acres, a fire in Grants Pass brought new evacuations and the Anvil Fire brought evacuations near Mount Hood.
Here's the latest on the major wildfires burning around Oregon.
Fast-moving wildfire near Bingen, Washington
A rapidly expanding wildfire broke out east of Bingen, Washington, near Lyle and White Salmon. The Burdoin Fire started near Highway 14 milepost 68 and has quickly grown to 1,258 acres, officials said.
Highway 14 is closed in both directions between milepost 66 and 74.
WSDOT advised drivers to use alternative routes as it was unclear when the road will reopen.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation orders have been issued for the area.
Cram Fire in central Oregon nears megafire status, community meeting planned
The blaze burning north of Madras reached 94,293 acres, according to a morning report on July 18. A megafire is one that burns more than 100,000 acres.
A community meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on July 18 at Jefferson High School in Madras.
Firefighters continue to secure lines and extinguish hot spots south of Highway 293. In the southern perimeter, units will reinforce and open the line finished by excavators, improving the line and its ability to contain the fire, the report said.
An aircraft helps fight the Cram Fire on July 17. As of the morning of July 18, the fire had spread to more than 94,000 acres.
Air quality in Madras remains moderate as of July 18, and improved to moderate in Prineville and has improved to good in the Bend and Redmond area.
A red flag warning remains in effect July 18, meaning the fire is likely to grow, but cooler temperatures are expected to tamp the blaze down over the weekend.
The forecast shows an increased chance of rain for July 21 or July 22 but not enough to extinguish the fire.
Widespread evacuations are still in effect. Jefferson and Wasco County sheriffs have extended level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in several areas.
A Red Cross evacuation shelter is available at Jefferson County Middle School, 1180 SE Kemper Way in Madras.
Board Shanty Fire brings evacuation warnings in Grants Pass
The Board Shanty Fire ignited the evening of July 17 just south of Grants Pass and brought evacuations to the southern Oregon town.
"Firefighters continued direct suppression tactics amid very active fire behavior, which generated a large column and smoky conditions," the Oregon Department of Forestry wrote in a evening report for July 18.
Smoke rises from the Board Shanty Fire on July 17. The fire was estimated at 300 acres by the morning of July 18.
The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has extended level 1 and 2 evacuations in several areas. Additionally, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has placed new areas under a level 1 evacuation notice. For the latest updates, go to protect.genasys.com.
Anvil Fire leads to evacuation from Anvil Lake area
Mount Hood firefighters and a hand crew from the Willamette National Forest are working to contain a small 3-acre blaze that broke out on July 17, called the Anvil Fire.
Willamette National Forest hand crew created a fire line around the perimeter of the fire on July 18. Hard work from firefighters combined with favorable conditions have kept the Anvil Fire small and personnel are optimistic. On the afternoon of July 18, the Forest Service issued what it expects to be its last update on the situation.
Crews have begun mop-up operations, using hand tools and water to extinguish “hot spots” along the fire’s perimeter.
Law enforcement previously evacuated the Anvil Lake Trail. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office issued a level 3 evacuation notice for a 2-mile radius around Dinger Lake, including Anvil Lake, northwest of Timothy Lake.
The fire is not expected to impact visitors to Timothy Lake, but people are asked to stay near the lakeshore if they see aircraft dipping from the lake.
A zoomed-in camera view of smoke from the Anvil Fire from Timberline Lodge. The fire broke out on July 17.
Hagelstein Fire at 13% containment in Klamath County
Very warm temperatures and dry conditions continue over the Hagelstein fire in Klamath County.
Strong wind gusts are expected to reach 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon, keeping firefighters on high alert. The blaze had reached 672 acres and was at 13% containment as of July 18.
On the east side of the fire, the handline completed by night shift held strong, preventing the fire from crossing the fireline. Fire crews are performing fuel reduction and grading on roads to strengthen contingency lines and improve access for firefighters.
Areas of smoke can be expected in the Klamath Basin, and air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive groups at times.
For air quality information, go to oregonsmoke.org.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky at oregonoutdoors.bsky.social.
