Information from Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ColumbiaGorge.WildlandFireInfo
July 3, 2021 – 10:00 a.m.
The Sunset Valley Fire that originally ran 987 acres in the course of a couple hours was held to no new growth yesterday despite high heat and dry winds.
The fire is 42 percent contained and remains at 987 acres. Firefighters’ work yesterday consisted of reinforcing lines, putting out hotspots and tactical patrols. The fire damaged one barn, several outbuildings, multiple vehicles and a portion of a local cherry orchard.
At 7:00 a.m. yesterday the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Red Team took over the fire, which has allowed local firefighters to focus on responding to emergency medical and fire calls within their service area.
Incident Commanders are continuing to evaluate the needs of the Sunset Valley Fire in addition to positioning resources for the dry and hot holiday weekend. “The Sunset Valley Fire was a great example of why having the right resources in the right place makes all the difference in reducing the impact of emerging fires,” said Incident Commander Ian Yocum. While some crews will be demobilized, the remaining fire resources will be strategically located throughout the area where the fire risk remains high.
Amongst the hundreds of firefighters and agencies that were noted in yesterday’s update, Incident Commanders would also like to recognize the efforts of Columbia Rural Fire District and the local farmers and ranchers who brought heavy equipment and joined the initial attack on the Sunset Valley Fire.
The Excessive Heat Warning remains in place and low relative humidities will persist.
Highway 197 has reopened. Some evacuation levels remain, please follow the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information. Local residents can also sign up to receive future emergency notifications through the county.
7/02
8:00 am
This is the second press release from the Oregon State Fire Marshalls Office:
The Sunset Valley Fire burned an estimated 987 acres on Thursday evening. The fire was first reported around 3:45 p.m. on the 3100 block of Valley View Drive near The Dalles. Strong winds pushed the fire, which was burning in mostly brush and wheat, in a southeast direction, forcing evacuations and road closures. The fire damaged one barn, several outbuildings, multiple vehicles and a portion of a local cherry orchard. Firefighters were able to protect the homes in the area and no injuries have been reported.
Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue was the lead agency for the response. The Oregon State Fire Marshal temporarily reassigned task forces from the Wrentham Market Fire while coordinating air attack from Oregon Department of Forestry resources. This decision, along with mutual aid from neighboring fire districts, was critical in stopping the rapidly advancing fire.
“Without the resources we had today, including the three additional task forces and air support from OSFM, we would not have stopped it as quickly and the fire would have grown much larger,” said Chief Robert Palmer. “What the state is doing is working. We were able to better protect properties with their assistance and support.”
Parts of Highway 197 were closed Thursday evening, but are now back open. In all, more than 100 firefighters were part of the initial attack. Responding agencies included Mid-Columbia Fire, Dallesport Fire, Dufur Fire, Mosier Fire, taskforces from Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill and Hood River, Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service. The Dalles Police, Wasco County Sheriff, Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Oregon Transport also assisted onscene.
Today’s forecast calls for increased afternoon winds, although not forecasted to be as strong compared to recent days. The Excessive Heat Warning remains in place and low relative humidities will persist. Taskforces from Marion, Yamhill, Multnomah, and Linn Counties will spend the day mopping up hot spots, monitoring the perimeter of the fire, and expanding the defensible space around homes.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued several evacuations due to the fast-moving flames. Follow the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office for the latest evacuation information. Local residents can also sign up to receive future emergency notifications through the county.
Due to the dynamic nature of this new incident the fire was originally mislabeled as the Sunnyside Valley Fire.
7:30 am
Fire size is being reported at 650 acres.
7/01
This is a press release from the Oregon State Fire Marshalls Office:
Sunnyside Valley Fire Update
July 1, 2021 – 6:30 p.m.
A fast-moving brush fire has started east of The Dalles and forced evacuations and road closures along parts of Highway 197. The Sunnyside Valley fire was first reported around 3:45 p.m. on the 3100 block of Valley View Drive. Strong winds pushed the fire in a southeast direction. The fire was originally reported at 50-75 acres, but has since grown.
Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue is the responding agency. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Office temporarily assigned task forces from the nearby Wrentham Market Fire to rapidly engage the Sunnyside Valley Fire. OSFM also ordered air support and three additional task forces to help support local resources.
The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office issued several evacuations:
- Level 3 Evacuation for Valley View, Old Dufur Rd to 13th/st intersection, and Benson Rd.
- Level 3 Go Evacuation Notice for 197/5 mile intersection to 5 mile/Benson Intersection
- Level 2 Get Set all of Lambert Street
Highway 197 is closed south of Interstate 84.
We will have more information on this fire as it becomes available. End Press Release.
9pm update SUNSET VALLEY FIRE Evening Update: 2045 hours
At this time, all level 2 and 3 evacuation notices will stay at a level 2 (Get Set) throughout the night. Lambert St will remain at level 1 (Get Ready)
Thank you for the quick response from all of our emergency personnel and citizens.
7:25pm updated evacs, also, Highway 197 now open with pilot car.
Location: The Dalles
SIZE: 50-70 acres originally reported; fire has since grown with no official estimate provided as of 7pm
HELICOPTER COVERAGE: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=828895531063198&ref=watch_permalink
7:12pm The forward progression of the fire has been stopped, however, the fire is not contained. The fire will continue to be on patrol status due to continued interior burning, which means it could easily break out again.
6:30pm UPDATE from Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office:
The Fire Marshal’s office temporarily assigned resources and task forces from the nearby Wrentham Market fire to rapidly engage with the Sunny Side Valley Fire. The Marshal’s office also assigned air support and three other task forces to support fire fighting efforts by area agencies.
5:30pm 2 Fire Boss water drop planes are on the fire, along with spotter.
5:27pm Hwy 197 is CLOSED from MP 1 to MP 9 per tripcheck.com
5:18pm Winds continue at ~20mph to ESE – could push fire towards burn created by Wrentham Market fire.
5:13pm PLEASE AVOID FIRE EVACUATIONS AREAS (i.e. Old Dufur Road).There are reports of erratic driving in that area while residents are trying to evacuate. Fire crews need the roads to move from point to point quickly. Police patrols have been dispatched and violators will be cited.
5:05pm All call for manning – Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue
4:27pm Dufur Fire calling in manning to provide additional support.
4:24pm Structures threatened on Five Mile and Hwy 197. Put on Evac Notice. Fire is going to jump 197 at this junction. Fire is pushing away from The Dalles.
4:21pm Flames reported at Five Mile just north of 197; fire whorls reported on east end of fire and will jump 197 on the east side. Crews had to take escape route due to fire.
4:19pm Crews reporting fire is pushing into the 5 Mile draw.4:07pm Fire running to SE following wind through dry grass into orchard. Houses are secure for now with no fire in that area.
4:05pm Mutual aid request to Dufur Fire (tender + Type 6)4:04pm Fire crews staging at Valley View and Old Dufur Rds.
3:57pm LEVEL 3 – GO Evacuations ordered via reverse 911 calls.
Level 3 Evacuation for Valley View, Old Dufur Rd to 13th/st intersection and Benson Rd.
Level 3: Five Mile and Hwy 197 vicinity – GO NOW. Structures threatened. (4:26pm)Level 2: Get Set all of Lambert Street (4:20pm)
3:56pm Another brush truck / tender ordered from Dallesport.
3:54pm Fire is putting out lots of smoke now.
3:50pm Dallesport reporting in to aid with fire.
3:49pm Structure now on fire (house).
3:47pm Structures threatened. Flames visible from Dallesport.
3:46pm 2 task forces responding.
3:42pm 3 brush trucks toned out for 3154 Valley View Drive for report of brush fire in The Dalles.
