Crews hope to contain Gorge fire

NEAR UNDERWOOD, Wash. - A wildfire broke out late Thursday morning in the Columbia River Gorge and quickly moved its way up a bluff, burning four homes to the ground, forcing firefighters to call in air support to suppress the blaze and later forcing evacuations.

The fire was 50 percent contained Friday morning after firefighters say cool weather and light winds helped the blaze lay down overnight.

However, several flare-ups were visible in the pre-dawn darkness and crews were preparing to venture back into the steep terrain to secure full containment.

By the afternoon, smoke from the fire was nearly gone, but helicopters continued to drop water on hot spots.

Fire investigators continue to suspect a piece of railroad equipment known as a "rail grinder" for causing the blaze.

The rail grinder moves slowly along the tracks grinding down the high spots in the rail line caused by normal wear from freight trains. As it works, showers of sparks flow from under the machine.

Rail grinders reportedly cause many small fires along the tracks and have their own fire suppression equipment on board.

About 60 homes in the area were evacuated. Early on, residents were being sent to the Underwood Community Center, but that was later changed to the Mill A School in Cook, Washington, which is further away from the wildfire. 

Drivers were advised to avoid SR 14 in the area and take an alternate route due to roadblocks. 

The fire was first spotted close to milepost 62 along Highway 14 in Washington near the town of Underwood just before noon. The Oregon city of Hood River is nearby but across the Columbia River.

By late afternoon on Thursday, the blaze had grown to around 150 acres and the State Fire Services Mobilization Plan was ordered so more resources could be tapped.  Enacting the plan means personnel, equipment and other resources from around the state can be used to fight the wildfire.

Winds that had been fanning the flames and spreading the fire showed signs of dying down later in the afternoon on Thursday, allowing firefighters to get more of a handle on the situation.  The fire was about 15 percent contained by Thursday evening.