Government Flats The Dalles Fire August 21, 2013

 A significant increase in fire activity, aided by east winds, has resulted in the Blackburn Fire, one of three fires in the Government Flat Complex, spreading to the north and west. Fire officials mounted an aggressive air and ground attack on the fire front throughout the afternoon and evening to slow its spread.

Spot fires were being observed up to one-quarter mile ahead of the fire front. Heavy smoke and ash fall have been observed in portions of Hood River County and western Wasco County. These conditions are normal and temporary but may extend several miles downwind of an actively burning wildfire. The full extent of today’s fire spread and an update on fire containment will be reported in tomorrow morning’s news release.
 
Residents in areas with Level II evacuation orders should remain on alert, as conditions could change quickly.

Residents of the affected areas should prepare for immediate departure in the event that a full evacuation (Level III) be ordered.

When you hear the terms Level I, II, or III evacuation notice, remember “ready, set, go.” Level I means be aware of the fire in your area and start getting ready, Level II means make final preparations and get set to evacuate, and Level III means evacuate immediately—GO NOW.

 Other developments:
Fire officials report one residence and two additional outbuildings were burned today, bringing the total to four residences and nine outbuildings damaged or destroyed since the fire began on August 16.

The fire has burned onto the Mt. Hood National Forest. It has been burning on a mix of private ownership, City of The Dalles ownership, and Bureau of Land Management land.

• Yesterday, the northeast corner the fire burned slowly down slope into the Mill Creek drainage along Upper Mill Creek Road and South Fork of Mill Creek drainage along Reservoir Road. Firefighters are further securing these firelines today.
• Structural fire engines and firefighters are continuing to secure and patrol homes, other structures along Upper Mill Creek and Reservoir Roads, as well as the water treatment plan

 There are 823 firefighters and support personnel working the fire complex. Efforts are being supported by 29 hand crews, 27 engines (both wild land and structural), 9 helicopters, 11 dozers, and 8 water tenders. The National Guard has arrived with 3 additional helicopters. Three air tankers are available for today.

NOTE:  The view from Happy Tails last night was a chilling, blood red sun, engulfed in smoke, as the wind had shifted to the North which went right over us, although it was fairly high up and caught in a chemtrail which contained the smoke, it was bizarre.....I may have captured a photo of it, will check and see..