Fire grows to 800 acres, voluntary evacuation in effect

MOSIER, Ore. (AP) — The Microwave Fire grew to 800 acres Friday night, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry, while a voluntary evacuation of the town’s 500 residents was still in effect.

From the air and from the ground, fire crews battled to keep the wildfire from encroaching upon this small town in the scenic Columbia River Gorge.

(KATU News reporter Bob Heye shot the above video clip on his cell phone Friday afternoon)

Gov. Ted Kulongoski declared the fire a conflagration, which allows the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist in the fire-fighting effort.

Additionally, FEMA approved federal funds to help fight the fire after the state requested the money.

The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross also opened an overnight shelter for evacuated Mosier residents at Hood River Middle School, 1602 May St. in Hood River.

Volunteers are expected to serve meals as needed.

Fire officials worried that gusty winds could change things quickly. Mosier residents were having do without power, which was cut off by the blaze that started near microwave towers Thursday night and quickly grew to 800 acres.

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More than 150 firefighters from Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clatsop, and Umatilla counties were on the scene .

Officials say they don't yet know what caused the fire, which was burning on steep hills that help give the gorge its postcard scenery, and which also form a tunnel for high winds.

Cascade Locks Fire Chief Jeff Pricher said 12 homes were ordered evacuated. But officials said some residents chose to stay behind.

The fire was about a mile west of the town of 480 residents and 20 percent contained, said Stan Hinatsu, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service. The Mosier area has been growing with retired professionals moving in because of the scenery and opportunities for recreation.

An air tanker dropped fire retardant and two helicopters dropped water, assisting firefighters on the ground.

"They're making a hard attack on it," said Jeree Mills, spokeswoman for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates firefighting efforts in the region.

Hinatsu said fire crews "feel relatively good" about progress they've made in trying to protect the town, and Mosier was not "immediately threatened." But he said wind gusts were expected to intensify Friday afternoon.

"We're concerned about the west wind. That's our biggest issue. It's already kicking in," Hinatsu said.

(This photo was taken at about 2 a.m. Thursday)

The fire was burning between Mosier and Hood River, a city to the west that is a favorite haunt of windsurfers, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Hinatsu said the five-mile stretch of old highway between Hood River and the Mosier twin tunnels had been closed to hikers and bikers.

"I know people are going to want to be gawking as they drive down the freeway," Hinatsu said. "We're asking drivers to keep their eyes on the road and not to pull off on side of the freeway."

At the scene were fire crews from local fire districts as well as from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service, Mills said.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.