Evacuations issued for parts of The Dalles due to wildfires

THE DALLES, Ore. — Level 3 and Level 2 evacuations have put in place for parts of The Dalles due to wildfires burning Wednesday afternoon. Other fire activity closed SR 14 east of Stevenson on the Washington side.

Estacada Fire is sending resources to help with the fire as part of Clackamas County Task Force 1

• Level 3: Go Now evacuations have been issued from Rowena Ferry Road east to River Road, along with Seven Mile Hill Road to Mountain View Drive, south to Chenowith Creek Road and Browns Creek Road, east to West 7th Street.
• Level 2: Get Set evacuations have been issued for Snipes, west to Chenoweth Loop Road, Chenowith Creek Road, to Browns Creek Road.
• Level 1: Be Ready evacuations have been issued for the Port area of The Dalles.

The Gloria Center will be opened as a temporary shelter until 8 p.m. at 2505 West 7th Street, The Dalles, OR 97058. 

The Dalles Middle School at 1100 East 12th Street will also be open at 4:30 p.m. as a temporary shelter.

Interstate 84 and Highway 30 is closed from Rowena to milepost 82. Use alternative routes; ODOT said closures will be “today and indefinitely.”

Find the latest evacuation areas on Perimeter Map

At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, they reported being under Level 2 evacuations and are working to get visitors and staff out; a sheriff’s deputy was posted on top of their driveway and not allowing anyone new down to the museum. The director of the museum, Cheryl Ragar, reported very thick smoke.

Initial Attack Interagency resources are responding to a new fire, estimated at around 3 acres, located about 4 miles east of West Butte. The fire’s cause was a lightning strike. 

The brush fire broke out Wednesday around 2 p.m. There is another unnamed fire next to it. 

Level 2: Get Set evacuations are in place for milepost 47 to milepost 55, according to Skamania County Fire District 5. 

Skamania County deputies and crews are going door to door to warn residents about possible evacuations.

Skamania County Fairgrounds are open for evacuees and livestock.

State Route 14 is closed in both directions from milepost 47 near Wind River Road/Carson Junction to milepost 53 near Collins State Pit, according to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). 

The Dog Mountain Trail System near Carson, including Augspurger Trail and the Dog Mountain parking area, is closed until further notice, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Hood River Bridge is open, according to the Hood River Sheriff’s Office. 

Follow traffic updates on Trip Check

Level 1 Notice – Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.

Level 2 Notice – Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment’s notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

Level 3 Notice – Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.