Wildfires Are Raging Through This Beloved Natural Wonder In Oregon And It’s Beyond Heartbreaking
While some areas of our country are currently underwater, others in the Northwest have been experiencing quite the opposite issue by battling enormous fires. Saturday one of America’s newest disasters was created after a pair of teenage boys allegedly set off firecrackers along a popular hiking trail in Oregon’s forest. Here’s what we know so far about the Eagle Creek Fire that’s setting the Columbia River Gorge ablaze.
Now burning up over 20,000 acres as of Tuesday night, the Eagle Creek Fire has taken over the Columbia River Gorge.
While the police are still waiting to release details on the situation at hand, they have confirmed that one of the suspects of the Eagle Creek Fire is in fact a teenage boy. Those hiking near the Eagle Creek Trail claim that on Saturday two boys were seen lighting and throwing firecrackers off of the cliffside of the trail that where the huge fire started.
Known for being one of the most scenic areas of Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge's fire has residents all over the state completely heart broken.
The fire that started on Saturday left over 150 hikers stranded overnight and has led to handfuls of evacuations for those who are living in the area. Those who are living in the town of Cascade Locks have specifically been affected by the Eagle Creek Fire, with evacuations forcing them to relocate to other areas of the state.
Burning for days, the Eagle Creek Fire has now worsened even further after combining with the Indian Creek Fire near the Columbia River Gorge.
The Eagle Creek Fire may have only started on Saturday afternoon, but firefighters have reported that the fire has been moving unusually fast. Between Monday and Tuesday over a short 16 hour period, the Eagle Creek fire was said to have maintained a quick pace and managed to move a total of 13 miles. Now after making its way over and around the Columbia River Gorge, the Eagle Creek fire has merged with the Indian Creek fire to set even more land ablaze.
Amongst all the sadness we're also able to report good news. Firefighters have been able to save the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge.
Wednesday morning it was reported that after fighting the fires throughout the night, firefighters were able to save the Multnomah Falls Lodge that was in danger. Instead of visitors being able to view one of Oregon's most stunning waterfalls, over the past day the scenes have including nothing other than severe fire and smoke. The historic lodge dates back to 1925 and was at risk of being lost as the fire intensified and moved closer to the structure. The fire engulfing Multnomah Falls has been one of the most heartbreaking realities to face this week for Oregon residents.
While this disaster may feel unstoppable, the latest weather reports show that the fire may have a chance to calm down a bit at the end of this week.
Weather reports are showing that toward the end of this week winds will begin to clam down and cooler temperatures are due to set in, helping to slow down the speed of the rapid Eagle Creek Fire.
If you are living in areas of Oregon that are being affected by these fires, here's what you should know. The Multnomah County official website has an updated list of current evacuations that you can view if you click here. Another thing to know? Mt. Hood Community College has an evacuation shelter open at the Yoshida Event Center that's located at 3691 NE 17th Drive Gresham OR 97030.
To see just how much the Eagle Creek Fire quickly grew, check out this heartbreaking time lapse captured by Oca Hoeflein at WhereintheGorge.com via YouTube:
To find out further information about Oregon’s fires you can call 211 or stay up to date through Multnomah County’s social media here.
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Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
