Mosier Creek Fire 30% contained, 400 firefighters deployed

THE DALLES, Ore. (KOIN) — Nearly 400 firefighters continue to battle the Mosier Creek Fire, which has torched nearly 1000 acres of brush, oak and timber after erupting Wednesday.

The Oregon Department of Forestry reported the fire was 30% contained Saturday morning.

In total, 31 structures have been destroyed: 11 single-family homes, two commercial properties, and 18 outbuildings, according to ODF. The two Red Cross evacuation shelters in The Dalles have consolidated into one location at the Shiloh Inn, which is sheltering 30 people.

The fire containment line was strengthened Friday and hazardous trees were cut down while helicopters doused hot spots. Evacuation levels were updated Friday because of the high winds and easterly winds. As for the fire line, ODF said this weekend’s forecast could prompt incident managers to call for statewide backup.

Incident command adjusted shifts for firefighting crews to better patrol the perimeter. There are 109 firefighters and 33 incident managers working on the fire at any given time.

The Level 3 “Go” evacuations are adjacent to the previous Level 3 evacuation area and now include 2757 Vensel Road to 3475 Vensel Road plus 1625 to 1631 Behrens Road.

Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuations include 1600 to 3650 Mosier Creek Road, 1755 to 1825 Godberson Road, 655 to 670 Wilson Road, plus Browns Creek Road including all of County Way and Douthit Road.

A total of 658 structures are threatened. Authorities believe the Mosier Creek Fire will be contained around August 31.

Below is the community update on the fire from Saturday afternoon.

Mosier Creek Fire — official updates