Washington fire, north of Hood River, prompts Level 3 evacuations
The Tunnel Five Fire in southeast Skamania County, near Underwood, Washington, has grown to 125 acres and is threatening homes.
UNDERWOOD, Wash. — A fast-growing wildfire burning in timber and brush near Underwood in southeast Skamania County, Washington has prompted Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders by the Skamania County Sheriff's Office (SCSO). The fire is burning across the Columbia River from Hood River in Oregon.
The fire, which started around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, had grown to about 125 acres as of 3:46 p.m. and is threatening about 100 structures. It was previously at 75 acres around 2:04 p.m., Washington fire officials reported. Washington fire officials said it's unclear how many structures have been lost. The origin of the fire is still under investigation.
SCSO said those under an evacuation order are being directed to the Skamania County Fairgrounds, located at 710 Southwest Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson, Washington, where the Red Cross will be on site. Law enforcement officials have been going door to door to alert community members.
At around 2 p.m. Sunday, Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders were activated for Cook-Underwood Road, within a two-mile radius of the fire. Click here to sign up to receive evacuation notices and check the SCSO Facebook page for the latest updates.
The fire in Skamania County is now 125 acres and homes are affected. @SkamaniaSheriff says water and fire retardant are being used to fight the fire from the air. @KGWNews pic.twitter.com/sbkq5Fl8Vf — Ashley Grams (@AshleyGramsNews) July 2, 2023
Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources under the Washington State Fire Resources Mobilization Plan at the request of the Skamania County Fire District 3 commissioner.
Multiple agencies have responded, including Skamania County Fire District 3, Skamania County Fire District 1, Klickitat County Fire District 3, White Salmon Fire, Department of Natural Resources, and United States Forest Service. Air assets have also been deployed, utilizing both water and fire retardant.
Here's what the evacuation levels mean
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.
Source: KGW.com
