About 2400 fire fighters continue to battle the large High Cascades Complex burning near Warm Springs. Its been a tough fight, and they already missed one goal for containment. Fire bosses had initially hoped for full containment on Labor Day; but that did not happen, and now it's pushed back to tomorrow. The High Cascades Complex is now made up of seven fires burning in the Warm Springs area; total acreage is at least 106,000 acres. And the fires have been described as aggressive and fast, especially when the weather has been hotter and drier; some have even created their own weather systems. The last few mild days have given crews some of the break they've need as they prepare for the next round. For the next 6 to 9 days a number of thermal troughs will pass over Oregon and Washington, causing more prolonged hot, dry and unstable weather.
Crews are making progress on another lightning sparked fire in Oregon: the Dollar Lake Fire burning near Mount Hood is now about 4200 acres in size; as of Monday is was 10% contained. If you plan a trip in that area fire officials warn that smoke can be especially thick in the early morning and evening hours. You're asked to use your headlights, drive slower and watch for fire traffic.
