Flare-ups and severe smoke expected as Mosier fire burns out

By KATU.com Staff Published: Aug 29, 2009 at 4:37 PM PST Last Updated: Aug 29, 2009 at 5:33 PM PST
Photo courtesy Zachary Watson, Mosier resident »Play Video
The smoke continues as firefighters continue to brave rocky and steep terrain to fully expel a Mosier, Ore., fire that took out power to the area and caused numerous households to evacuate. (Photo courtesy Zachary Watson, Mosier resident.)

MOSIER, Ore. - The voluntary evacuation order for Mosier, Ore., was lifted 3 p.m. Saturday.

This follows Pacific Power & Light's ability to restore power to the city at 1:30 p.m. As such, residents returning home should have their power restored. Those that do not are asked to call PP&L Dispatch at (888) 221-7070.

Meanwhile, the Oregon State Fire Marshals Office and Oregon Department of Forestry incident commanders tell KATU.com that even though the evacuation recommendation has been lifted, "the threat of smoke is still significant." We're told that flare-ups and severe smoke are expected as the fire continues to burn out.

More than 600 firefighters from across the state are working in steep, rocky terrain to coral the 1,000-acre fire. Two outbuildings and one residence were destroyed by the fire.

The State Historic Columbia River Highway Trail and the Hatfield east and west trail heads remain closed. For current road information, log onto www.tripcheck.com.