Firefighters are making progress in containing the Tunnel Five Fire in the Columbia River Gorge east of Stevenson, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The fire is now 5 percent contained and has remained at just over 530 acres.
The fire, which started on Sunday morning, quickly grew due to dry and windy conditions in the area. It has threatened over 250 homes, commercial properties, and other structures. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to be human-caused.
A Level 3 evacuation order remains in place for areas around the fire, with the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office urging residents to leave immediately. Evacuation alerts for Klickitat County have been canceled.
State Highway 14 is still closed in both directions from Milepost 56 to Milepost 65. Travelers are advised to use Interstate 84 in Oregon as an alternate route.
The area is still under a Red Flag warning, according to the National Weather Service. Fire crews have been working to clear vegetation and protect homes and structures. They are also monitoring for burning debris rolling downhill to prevent the fire from spreading. The Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team managed the fire until Monday evening when it was handed over to the Northwest Incident Management Team 12.
Various resources, including 31 engines, five crews, three helicopters, and four air tankers, have been deployed to combat the fire. Additional resources, including hand crews and heavy equipment, are expected to arrive on Tuesday. Helicopters and air tankers have been utilized to cool the fire and establish a fire line.
Around 1,000 residents have been affected by evacuation orders and are being assisted by the authorities. Firefighters on the Tunnel Five Fire will also be available to help with any new fire starts in the area.
The firefighting efforts continue, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.