Corbett, Gresham send help to fight Mosier wildfire

The Gresham Outlook, Aug 28, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Gresham and Corbett fire departments are sending an engine, water tender and brush unit to help fight the wildfire that flared up late Thursday, Aug. 27, near Mosier.

Gresham Fire & Emergency Services sent an engine, while Corbett sent a water tender and a brush unit. Portland also is deploying firefighters, two engines, one brush unit, a wildland trailer, a reserve mechanic and one chief to help fight the blaze.

The entire city of Mosier, population 450, is under evacuation as the Microwave fire – named for the microwave tower where the fire began – approaches the outskirts of the city.

The fire is burning less than a mile outside Mosier and has cut power to the town. Cascade Locks Fire Chief Jeff Pricher said 12 homes have been evacuated and one barn has been lost to the blaze.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski has declared the fire a conflagration, which clears the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

Oregon State Police are sending troopers to assist with evacuation efforts of the estimated 450 residents.

The Historic Columbia River Highway state trail is closed. There is no indication that traffic on Interstate 84 has been affected by the fire.

According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, the fire has burned more than 650 acres of grass and brush and is threatening more than 50 structures in the city.

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit