Tunnel 5 Fire - FINAL UPDATE - July 10, 2023

FINAL UPDATE July 10, 2023

For the most current and accurate updates please follow the Southwest Washington Fire information page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094369835205.

Tunnel Five Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 529 acres

Origin: 2.25 mi W of White Salmon, WA

Containment: 80%

Cause: Under Investigation

Start Date: July 2, 2023

Weather: Increased humidity and lower temperatures over the weekend decreased fire activity within the perimeter, but an expected increase in temperature and wind speeds may contribute to more interior burning over the next few days, producing more smoke in the fire area.

Operations: Fire crews will continue to monitor containment lines around the fire perimeter, along Cook-Underwood Road and Highway 14. Please slow down near working crews and use extreme caution for the safety of firefighters.

NEW: NW Team 12 and many of the firefighting resources assigned to the Tunnel Five Fire will be demobilized at the end of shift today. Tomorrow, a Type 4 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire. Remaining fire crews and equipment will be utilized to patrol the fire area for the next several days as warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds return to the area throughout next week and pockets of interior fuels continue to consume. Smoke from this interior burning will be visible for some time to come. Please do not call 911 to report smoke in the immediate vicinity of the fire area.

This will be the final update for the Tunnel Five Fire unless significant activity occurs.

Safety and Closures: Washington State Route 14 remains closed between mile markers 56-65 due to safety hazards from fire weakened trees and terrain that has been compromised by fire activity. Crews are actively engaged in clearing these safety hazards to safely reopen the highway. For closure upates, visit: https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ or call: (360) 905-2000.

Evacuations: All Skamania County evacuation orders have been lifted. Visit Skamania County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaSheriff for more info. The evacuation shelter at Skamania County Fairgrounds has been closed.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident.../wases-tunnel-five-fire

All inquiries: 509.310.3229

In situations like this connected neighbors are prepared neighbors. Use the helpful documents included in the app for this alert to be ready should the situation change abruptly. You can also access these materials at https://www.white-salmon.net/fire.