Coast Guard closes Columbia River due to fire
TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Columbia River to all vessel traffic east of Portland, Oregon, because of wildfire activity in the Columbia River Gorge.The Coast Guard said Tuesday the closure affecting 20 miles of the river would be in effect overnight to protect personnel and boats from potential hazards created by falling hot ash and firefighting aircraft landing on the water.
TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Columbia River to all vessel traffic east of Portland, Oregon, because of wildfire activity in the Columbia River Gorge.The Coast Guard said Tuesday the closure affecting 20 miles of the river would be in effect overnight to protect personnel and boats from potential hazards created by falling hot ash and firefighting aircraft landing on the water.
Police: 15-year-old Washington boy is suspect in large wildfire east of Portland (VIDEO)
TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say a 15-year-old boy is the suspect in the large Eagle Creek Fire burning east of Portland that was likely caused by fireworks.The Oregon State Police said in a statement Tuesday that the teen from Vancouver, Washington, and others may have been using fireworks on a popular trail in the Columbia River Gorge area.The blaze that has closed an interstate highway and forced hundreds to flee began Saturday.
TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) — Authorities say a 15-year-old boy is the suspect in the large Eagle Creek Fire burning east of Portland that was likely caused by fireworks.The Oregon State Police said in a statement Tuesday that the teen from Vancouver, Washington, and others may have been using fireworks on a popular trail in the Columbia River Gorge area.The blaze that has closed an interstate highway and forced hundreds to flee began Saturday.
Norse Peak Fire scorches nearly 20,000 acres; at least 350 structures in evacuation zones
PIERCE COUNTY -- At least 350 structures are sitting in evacuation zones of the Norse Peak fire in Pierce County.Lightning started the wildfire on August 11, but on Monday it took a dramatic turn, affecting several resorts, cabins and homes.As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire had burned nearly 20,000 acres and was only 8% contained.As of Tuesday night fire officials say they can't give an exact acreage because it's too smokey to fly.
PIERCE COUNTY -- At least 350 structures are sitting in evacuation zones of the Norse Peak fire in Pierce County.Lightning started the wildfire on August 11, but on Monday it took a dramatic turn, affecting several resorts, cabins and homes.As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire had burned nearly 20,000 acres and was only 8% contained.As of Tuesday night fire officials say they can't give an exact acreage because it's too smokey to fly.
Inslee blames fast-growing wildfires on climate change
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. – Gov.
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. – Gov.
Wildfire smoke chokes US West: Ash covers Washington and Oregon cities
A growing Oregon wildfire covered parts of Portland's metropolitan area Tuesday with ash and forced the shutdown of a lengthy stretch of highway through the state's scenic Columbia River Gorge.
A growing Oregon wildfire covered parts of Portland's metropolitan area Tuesday with ash and forced the shutdown of a lengthy stretch of highway through the state's scenic Columbia River Gorge.
Active-duty soldiers from JBLM called to fight Northwest wildfires
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The Department of Defense has agreed to assign 200 active-duty soldiers to help fight wildfires raging in the Pacific Northwest.Civilian firefighting commanders said Tuesday the soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, will undergo four days of training and then be sent to a complex of 14 wildfires in the Umpqua National Forest that have burned 47 square miles.The soldiers will join about 1,000 firefighters already at the site.The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, says 80 large fires are burning on 2,200 square miles in nine Western states.The military has already dispatched three C-130s to drop fire-retardant slurry and two RC-26 surveillance aircraft to help fight Western fires.
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The Department of Defense has agreed to assign 200 active-duty soldiers to help fight wildfires raging in the Pacific Northwest.Civilian firefighting commanders said Tuesday the soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, will undergo four days of training and then be sent to a complex of 14 wildfires in the Umpqua National Forest that have burned 47 square miles.The soldiers will join about 1,000 firefighters already at the site.The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, says 80 large fires are burning on 2,200 square miles in nine Western states.The military has already dispatched three C-130s to drop fire-retardant slurry and two RC-26 surveillance aircraft to help fight Western fires.
Highway remains closed as Oregon fire jumps to Washington
TROUTDALE, Ore. -- A lengthy stretch of highway east of Portland, Oregon, remained closed Tuesday morning as crews battled a growing wildfire that has also caused evacuations and sparked blazes across the Columbia River in Washington stateHundreds of people have been forced to evacuate because of a seven-square mile (18-square kilometers) fire that started Saturday.The blaze, which officials think may have been caused by fireworks, forced the shutdown of more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of Interstate 84 east of Portland through the scenic Columbia River Gorge.Authorities said Tuesday that embers from the fire caused a new blaze across the Columbia River in Washington state.Evacuation orders remained in place in and around Cascade Locks, Oregon, for dozens of structures and businesses.Ash coated cars left parked outside in the Portland metro area Tuesday morning.
TROUTDALE, Ore. -- A lengthy stretch of highway east of Portland, Oregon, remained closed Tuesday morning as crews battled a growing wildfire that has also caused evacuations and sparked blazes across the Columbia River in Washington stateHundreds of people have been forced to evacuate because of a seven-square mile (18-square kilometers) fire that started Saturday.The blaze, which officials think may have been caused by fireworks, forced the shutdown of more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of Interstate 84 east of Portland through the scenic Columbia River Gorge.Authorities said Tuesday that embers from the fire caused a new blaze across the Columbia River in Washington state.Evacuation orders remained in place in and around Cascade Locks, Oregon, for dozens of structures and businesses.Ash coated cars left parked outside in the Portland metro area Tuesday morning.
Ash from wildfires falling in areas of Puget Sound
ENUMCLAW, Wash. -- Smoke from wildfires isn't the only thing hanging around Western Washington.Q13 News viewers have been sending us photos and video of ash falling from the sky and landing on their cars and homes.Reports of ash have come from King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Skagit and Mason counties.
ENUMCLAW, Wash. -- Smoke from wildfires isn't the only thing hanging around Western Washington.Q13 News viewers have been sending us photos and video of ash falling from the sky and landing on their cars and homes.Reports of ash have come from King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Skagit and Mason counties.
Wildfire danger risks worsen as the state prepares for hunting season
TACOMA, Wash. – At Bass Pro Shops in Tacoma, talk is all about the season opener. “It’s been pretty busy so far,” said Joshua Jones. “They’re coming into get powder, primers, everything they need to start practicing and get ready for season.”Major muzzle loader seasons open in 11 days, for some, the hunting began at the beginning of September.
TACOMA, Wash. – At Bass Pro Shops in Tacoma, talk is all about the season opener. “It’s been pretty busy so far,” said Joshua Jones. “They’re coming into get powder, primers, everything they need to start practicing and get ready for season.”Major muzzle loader seasons open in 11 days, for some, the hunting began at the beginning of September.
Air Quality Alert issued as smoke drifts back into Puget Sound
An Air Quality Alert has been issued as smoke from wildfires burning in the Cascades and Montana slowly drifts over Puget Sound. The smoke is expected to get more concentrated Monday night and stick around the area at least through Tuesday.
An Air Quality Alert has been issued as smoke from wildfires burning in the Cascades and Montana slowly drifts over Puget Sound. The smoke is expected to get more concentrated Monday night and stick around the area at least through Tuesday.
More evacuations as growing wildfire burns near Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain Resort is closed Labor Day because of smoke and poor air quality from the Norse Peak fire burning north of State Route 410.
Crystal Mountain Resort is closed Labor Day because of smoke and poor air quality from the Norse Peak fire burning north of State Route 410.
Hot, dry weather challenging wildfire fighting efforts
Hot, dry weather continues to hamper firefighting efforts across Washington state as smoke causes air-quality concerns.
Hot, dry weather continues to hamper firefighting efforts across Washington state as smoke causes air-quality concerns.
Dozens of Oregon hikers await rescue amid wildfires
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) — More than 100 hikers in Oregon are awaiting rescue after they were forced to shelter in place on a popular trail about 90 miles east of Portland because of wildfires.The Oregonian reported the hikers were still awaiting rescue early Sunday morning as the fire near Eagle Creek Trail grows.About 140 hikers were forced to spend the night outside near Tunnel Falls after a fire broke out near the Columbia River Gorge trail.Mountain Wave Search and Rescue president Russ Gubele says search-and rescue-teams will walk the hikers out toward Wahtum Lake once it gets light.He says 14 hikers were brought out and returned to Eagle Creek and three hikers were rescued by National Guard helicopter.Mountain Wave dropped supplies to the hikers.
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (AP) — More than 100 hikers in Oregon are awaiting rescue after they were forced to shelter in place on a popular trail about 90 miles east of Portland because of wildfires.The Oregonian reported the hikers were still awaiting rescue early Sunday morning as the fire near Eagle Creek Trail grows.About 140 hikers were forced to spend the night outside near Tunnel Falls after a fire broke out near the Columbia River Gorge trail.Mountain Wave Search and Rescue president Russ Gubele says search-and rescue-teams will walk the hikers out toward Wahtum Lake once it gets light.He says 14 hikers were brought out and returned to Eagle Creek and three hikers were rescued by National Guard helicopter.Mountain Wave dropped supplies to the hikers.
More than 500 homes threatened by Jolly Mountain Fire near Cle Elum
CLE ELUM, Wash. – The wildfire burning out of control north of Cle Elum grew to nearly 23,000 acres, spurring a new round of evacuation notices for people living and vacationing in the Central Cascades.Gov.
CLE ELUM, Wash. – The wildfire burning out of control north of Cle Elum grew to nearly 23,000 acres, spurring a new round of evacuation notices for people living and vacationing in the Central Cascades.Gov.
Headaches and raspy voices as wildfire smoke chokes US West
The smoke from massive wildfires hangs like fog over large parts of the U.S. West, an irritating haze causing health concerns, forcing sports teams to change schedules and disrupting life from Seattle to tiny Seeley Lake, Montana.Air quality has been rated unhealthy across the region because of blazes that show no signs of abating.
The smoke from massive wildfires hangs like fog over large parts of the U.S. West, an irritating haze causing health concerns, forcing sports teams to change schedules and disrupting life from Seattle to tiny Seeley Lake, Montana.Air quality has been rated unhealthy across the region because of blazes that show no signs of abating.
Officials: Washington wildfire threat could continue into October
ROSLYN, Wash. – As wildfires continue burning in Central and Eastern Washington, forecasters at the National Interagency Fire Center in Idaho worry this year’s fire season could last through October.Our region hasn’t seen significant rainfall in months and firefighters warn the fire danger in most of our state is either in the high or extreme category.One of the wildfires burning in Washington State is the Jolly Mountain Fire in Kittitas County.
ROSLYN, Wash. – As wildfires continue burning in Central and Eastern Washington, forecasters at the National Interagency Fire Center in Idaho worry this year’s fire season could last through October.Our region hasn’t seen significant rainfall in months and firefighters warn the fire danger in most of our state is either in the high or extreme category.One of the wildfires burning in Washington State is the Jolly Mountain Fire in Kittitas County.
Officials predict another month of US wildfires
Federal officials say one of the worst wildfire seasons in the U.S. is likely to continue scorching western states and blanket large swaths with smoke until cooler weather patterns with rain or snow arrive later in the fall.Forecasters at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise on Friday released the four-month outlook that predicts September will continue hot and dry with above normal fire potential in northwestern states, Nevada and California.The 10,600 square miles (27,500 square kilometers) that have burned at this point rank the 2017 wildfire season as the third worst in the last decade.The center says more than 25,000 firefighters and fire support personnel are spread out across the Western U.S. fighting 56 large uncontained wildfires, 21 of them in Montana and 17 in Oregon.NEXT: Construction, wildfire danger concerns for Labor Day weekend travel
Federal officials say one of the worst wildfire seasons in the U.S. is likely to continue scorching western states and blanket large swaths with smoke until cooler weather patterns with rain or snow arrive later in the fall.Forecasters at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise on Friday released the four-month outlook that predicts September will continue hot and dry with above normal fire potential in northwestern states, Nevada and California.The 10,600 square miles (27,500 square kilometers) that have burned at this point rank the 2017 wildfire season as the third worst in the last decade.The center says more than 25,000 firefighters and fire support personnel are spread out across the Western U.S. fighting 56 large uncontained wildfires, 21 of them in Montana and 17 in Oregon.NEXT: Construction, wildfire danger concerns for Labor Day weekend travel
Campfires banned in northwestern Washington starting Friday
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Officials are putting a burn ban into effect starting Friday for northwest Washington because of continued hot, dry weather and extreme fire danger.The Washington State Department of Natural Resources says the ban applies to all outdoor burning including recreation fires on state forests, state parks and forestlands under DNR fire protection within Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan counties.Officials at North Cascades National Park also have banned campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills in the national park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.It includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley.Fires powered by gas or propane stoves are allowed.The burn ban complements similar restrictions in the adjacent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and British Columbia, Canada.
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Officials are putting a burn ban into effect starting Friday for northwest Washington because of continued hot, dry weather and extreme fire danger.The Washington State Department of Natural Resources says the ban applies to all outdoor burning including recreation fires on state forests, state parks and forestlands under DNR fire protection within Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan counties.Officials at North Cascades National Park also have banned campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills in the national park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.It includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley.Fires powered by gas or propane stoves are allowed.The burn ban complements similar restrictions in the adjacent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and British Columbia, Canada.
Jolly Mountain Fire: Evacuated homeowners told it will be a 'long-duration' fight to contain blaze
CLE ELUM, Wa. --- Nearly three weeks after lightning sparked dry terrain in Kittitas County, the Jolly Mountain Fire remains zero percent contained.About 400 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has burned an estimated 10,532 acres as of Thursday night.
CLE ELUM, Wa. --- Nearly three weeks after lightning sparked dry terrain in Kittitas County, the Jolly Mountain Fire remains zero percent contained.About 400 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has burned an estimated 10,532 acres as of Thursday night.