Burdoin Fire along the Gorge 54% contained; weather conditions pose new fire threats

Fire crews made more progress in containing the Burdoin Fire over the weekend, and officials said the perimeter of the fire has been more than halfway contained.

The fire started 10 days ago along the Columbia River Gorge, east of White Salmon, Washington. It has burned over 11,000 acres, damaged 47 homes and destroyed 19 more.

As of Monday morning the fire was 54% contained. All Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuation orders were lowered over the weekend. Washington State Route 14 reopened Monday afternoon after being closed for over a week.

Klickitat County fire officials are warning of warmer temperatures, in the 90s, and the risk for dry thunderstorms in the area over the coming days, increasing the risk of new wildfires.

Northwest Incident Management team spokesperson Eric Waters is urging residents to continue taking precautions as they return home and navigate the area.

“Folks need to stay vigilant,” Waters said. “They need to pay attention to the weather, pay attention to the sheriff’s office and the emergency management office if there were to be changes in fire conditions.”

With concentrated resources in the area, Waters said officials are well prepared to fight any new fires. Last week lightning sparked the Snyder Canyon fire, also in Klickitat County. Waters credited having nearby resources for containing the fire at 53 acres over the weekend.

“We are positioned with our current resources to support any initial attack that may be necessary for what we are being told by the meteorologists will be a very hot and dry 48 to 72 hours over this area,” Water said.

Meanwhile in Central Oregon, near Madras, the perimeter of the 95,692-acre Cram Fire was 100% contained this weekend. All Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders were dropped for the area.

Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation orders remain in effect along the southeastern edge of the fire. Residents under Level 1 are encouraged to be prepared to evacuate in case any fire conditions change.

Further southeast, in Malheur County, lightning sparked the Little John fire west of Arock, burning 10,000 acres within hours of igniting Sunday afternoon. The fire was 10% contained as of Monday morning and no evacuation orders had been issued.

Malheur and parts of Harney, Lake and Baker counties are under a red flag warning from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m Monday, as winds up to 55 could be combined with scattered lightning throughout the area.

The National Weather Service is warning that any fires that develop will “catch and spread quickly,” and officials are advising residents to avoid all outdoor burning.

A fire weather watch is in effect for the majority of Lake and Klamath counties, including parts of Jackson County, and extending into Northern California.

The watch is in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday. Wind speeds of 35 to 50 mph are possible for the area, with scattered thunderstorms and abundant lighting expected.

Resources: Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous.