HOOD RIVER, Ore. (October 16, 2024) — The Top of the World Fire is located on USDA National Forest Service land west of Catherine Creek recreation area in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area between Bingen and Lyle, Washington.
The Top of the World Fire resulted from a planned prescribed burn that was initiated on October 14, 2024, as part of continuing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health surrounding the popular Coyote Wall and Catherine Creek trail systems. Following a shift in wind direction and an increase in wind gusts the fire spotted outside the burn unit.
While the fire remained on National Forest System lands, it was declared a wildfire late in the afternoon on October 14, 2024, and additional resources from adjacent National Forests, Klickitat County Fire Districts, Washington State DNR, Oregon Department of Forestry and Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue responded to help contain the fire. An airtanker was ordered to minimize spread towards Old Highway 8, State Route 14, and private properties to the south and west of the fire. There were no structures threatened and no evacuations ordered. Forward progress was stopped in the early morning hours yesterday, October 15, 2024.
Yesterday, firefighters used two helicopters to help cool down hotspots as crews completed construction of fire line. Firefighters were able to walk the perimeter of the fire and more accurately map the fire footprint at 170 acres, including the planned prescribed burn area. Fire activity remains moderated by cooler weather.
Today, firefighters will continue full suppression efforts and work to reinforce containment lines. Crews will focus on extinguishing hot spots closest to the fire perimeter.
The public is asked to avoid the area surrounding the popular Coyote Wall and Catherine Creek trail systems as firefighters are actively working in the area. Smoke will remain visible from Washington State Route 14 and Interstate 84.
Additional information about prescribed burning on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/crgnsa/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1204750.