Oregon reducing firefighting resources at Mosier Creek Fire

Favorable weather conditions this week should allow the state to reduce firefighting resources at the Columbia River Gorge’s Mosier Creek Fire.

The state fire marshal will remove nearly 100 firefighters as temperatures are expected drop from triple digits into the lower 90s.

The fire was 65% contained Monday morning, and crews estimate they’ll have it fully contained by Wednesday. Eight homes burned in the fire.

Rich Tyler, a spokesman for the fire marshal’s office, said the state is committed to keeping enough firefighters on hand to make sure the Mosier Creek Fire remains contained, while also monitoring other wildfires in Oregon.

“We want to make sure we’re being responsible with those resources, not only getting (firefighters) back home but having them also available if and when they are needed throughout the rest of the state,” Tyler said.

He said the thunderstorms that came through Oregon Sunday started many wildfires, but local crews were able to put most out.

“There are still a few other fires we are keeping our eyes on, and we’ll adjust resources as needed,” Tyler said.

Doug Grafe, chief of fire protection for the Oregon Department of Forestry, said the agency has been aggressive with resources and successful in battling and putting out most of the over 100 wildfires ignited by the thunderstorms.

Grafe said the agency will remain vigilant and focused on containing those fires.

“There’s still a lot of fire on the ground,” he said. “We have the next 48 hours of lightning potential and high winds that continue to push and threaten existing containment lines.”

So far this season, the state has experienced 1,300 fires that have burned 23,000 acres to date. He said usually by this time of year that number is higher. But there are currently several fires throughout the state.

For the 2020 fire season, local, state, and federal fire service agencies implemented new practices to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and help protect the health of fire crews and the communities they serve.

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry partnered to create and staff the new COVID modules, groups of fire service personnel that include a health liaison and at least two emergency technician responders.

The COVID module serves as a first line of defense against the spread of coronavirus within the fire camp and the community. It allows firefighters to focus on fires while members of the module focus on education, prevention, and mitigation of possible cases. The module has so far been used in Fir Mountain Fire and the Mosier Creek Fire.

Gov. Kate Brown on Monday visited the site of the Mosier Creek Fire. She reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant, especially since 90% of all wildfires this season have been caused by people.

“We are forecasted to continue to have a hot, dry summer this year. That means a higher likelihood of wildfires that can wreak havoc on homes, neighborhoods, and Oregon’s precious natural areas. It’s important to follow burn bans and practice fire safety.” Brown said during a press conference.