News Summary
A wildfire known as the Burdoin Fire has rapidly expanded, threatening homes and prompting evacuation orders in Klickitat County. Currently at 2,000 acres, authorities are responding with emergency shelters and extensive firefighting efforts, including aerial support. The situation remains critical with fire containment still at 0% and several highways closed due to safety concerns. Residents are urged to evacuate and stay informed as local and state agencies work together to manage the emergency.
Washington – A wildfire that ignited on a hillside overlooking the Columbia River Gorge in Klickitat County has rapidly expanded, reaching approximately 2,000 acres as of the latest reports. Dubbed the Burdoin Fire, the blaze began on Friday at around 2:30 PM near Courtney Road and State Route 14, specifically at milepost 68. Authorities have confirmed the destruction of at least one home, with damage assessments for additional structures currently underway.
Due to the escalating threat, a Level Three evacuation order has been issued for areas closest to the fire’s origin, mandating that residents evacuate immediately. Furthermore, Level Two and Level One evacuation orders have been issued for surrounding areas, although they are not in immediate danger. Local officials have urged residents to evacuate livestock and pets as the fire poses risks to homes, agricultural buildings, crops, power lines, and culturally significant sites.
A Red Cross emergency shelter has been established at Columbia High School in White Salmon, Washington, to provide assistance for those displaced by the fire. This shelter serves as a critical resource for residents left vulnerable by the mandatory evacuations.
As the wildfire continues to spread, a four-mile section of State Route 14, which serves as the main roadway through the Columbia River Gorge, has been closed from Bingen to Lyle. There are reports of falling rocks from the cliffside making the highway hazardous. The combination of high winds has pushed the fire toward the north and east, complicating efforts for firefighters on the ground.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
Multiple fire crews are currently deployed to combat the Burdoin Fire, including seven strike teams and five hand crews. In addition to ground efforts, the use of aerial support for water drops is being utilized to help contain the blaze. Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, the fire was reported as 0% contained in recent updates, with additional resources expected to arrive soon to assist in extinguishing the flames.
The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners has declared a local emergency in response to the fire, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Various state and federal agencies are cooperating to manage the firefighting operation and the evacuation procedures.
Health and Safety Advisory
While air quality in regions surrounding the fire has been assessed as “good,” conditions in Lyle have deteriorated to an unhealthy status due to wildfire smoke. Authorities advise residents to keep windows and doors closed to limit exposure to smoke. Individuals living in the affected area are also encouraged to stay tuned to local media channels and sign up for emergency alerts to remain informed about the situation and any further developments.
In addition to the closures on State Route 14, other highways in the vicinity are also affected, including State Route 197, which is closed to commercial vehicles and other sizes. The Washington State Department of Transportation has recommended detours for drivers in the area to ensure safety.
As the Burdoin Fire continues to evolve, residents are urged to be prepared for rapid changes in the situation and adhere to evacuation orders and local advisories. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, and the community is working together to mitigate the impact of this destructive fire.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- My Northwest: Columbia River Gorge Wildfire
- Wikipedia: Columbia River Gorge
- KGW: Burdoin Fire Evacuations
- Google Search: Burdoin Fire
- NBC Right Now: Burdoin Fire News
- Google Scholar: Burdoin Fire
- Oregon Live: Burdoin Fire Evacuations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- Columbia Community Connection: Evacuation Due to Fire
- Google News: Wildfire
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
