It was a hot and dry weekend as crews in Oregon and Washington battled several large fires; but the weather is expected to cooperate going forward. The Northwest Fire Coordination Center is monitoring 14 large fires in Oregon right now and two in Washington. The most destructive fire seems to be is the Monastery Fire near Goldendale, Washington. “All it does is burn so many homes up. It’s at 4,251 acres with 50% containment.” That's fire spokesperson Jeree Mills. She says the largest fire in Oregon is still the High Cascades Complex near Warm Springs at 108,000 acres and 85% containment. The fire on Mt. Hood is now at 5800 acres and doesn't appear to be threatening Portland's water supply as previously feared. And near Sisters the Shadow Lake fire is now at about 10,000 acres.
Firefighters are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to aggressively build fire line along the Shadow Lake Fire’s northwestern flank this week, and hope to shut the door on the fire’s westward movement. Lower temperatures and relative humidity, combined with a moderate westerly wind are expected to suppress the fire’s growth through the remainder of this week. Because of the favorable fire and weather outlook, Clear Lake Resort and Coldwater Cove Campground area will reopen this weekend. The fire is approximately 10,000 acres, no change from Monday. “We’ve been looking for a way to shut the door on this fire,” Operations Chief Mike Matarrese said. “On Monday, we found the hinges. This week, we hope to install the door.” It’s close to 10,000 acres, and 30% contained.
