Emergency Evacuations and Interstate Closure Amid Oregon Wildfire
A fierce wildfire erupted in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, forcing authorities to order emergency evacuations for hundreds of homes and shut down a critical stretch of Interstate 84 spanning 20 miles (32 kilometers) between Hood River and The Dalles.
Statewide Response Under Emergency Conflagration Act
Recognizing the severity of the blaze, Governor Tina Kotek activated the Emergency Conflagration Act to empower the state fire marshal's office to rapidly deploy resources. This proclamation enabled the mobilization of multiple firefighting teams, including an incident management crew and six structural task forces. Three task forces were dispatched immediately on Wednesday night, with three additional units scheduled to arrive early Thursday.
Widespread Impact on Communities and Infrastructure
Interstate 84, a vital artery through the Columbia River Gorge, was closed between Hood River, a city of approximately 8,000 residents, and The Dalles, housing over 15,000 people. The closure disrupted travel and commerce in this scenic but wildfire-prone corridor.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for residents of more than 700 homes stretching northwest of The Dalles, with an additional 1,300 households advised to prepare for potential evacuation as the fire surged.
Community Shelters and Firefighting Efforts
In response, a middle school in The Dalles was converted into a temporary shelter for displaced residents, while local fairgrounds accommodated livestock and horses evacuated from threatened areas.
Firefighters battled the flames with aerial support, deploying water helicopters and planes dropping fire retardant. Images captured alongside the highway revealed intense flames raging through the median and shoulder areas, fanned by gusty winds.
Preparedness Reminder Amid Early-Season Blaze
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple cautioned that this early wildfire season blaze serves as a stark reminder for Oregonians to remain vigilant and prepared for wildfire threats moving forward.
Officials continue monitoring the situation closely as firefighting efforts press onward to contain the Rowena Fire and protect lives and property across the region.
