Fire Season Comes Early to the Columbia Basin Amid High Temps- Evacuations and Heat Advisory in Affect
Fire season has come early to the Columbia Basin this year.
The first forest fire of the season, the S-503 Fire started on Friday June 18th, just two days before the first official day of summer.
The S-503 Fire has grown to 6,200 acres and continues to burn today 5 miles SW of Pine Grove - on the Warm Springs Reservation in southern Wasco County. Nearly 300 personnel, 14 fire engines, 3 tenders, 6 bulldozers, and 8 air support vehicles, including 4 tankers are currently working to contain the blaze.
The fire threatens some 250 homes in the Pine Grove area and is wreacking devastation on local wildlife habitat.
There is a level 3 GO NOW evacuation in effect for a small portion of Kelley Springs Rd to the northeast of the fire.
There is also a Level 2 GET READY: Anything else previously under level 1 EAST of Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove.
S-503 Fire map. Updated June 21st, 1:00 PM. Source. For most recent map visit Inciweb.
S-503 Fire Map from Columbia Gorge Wildland & Fire Information Page.
The timing of the fire also couldn’t be worse weather wise.
A heat advisory is currently in place for June 21st in the Columbia River Basin.
Although winds are predicted to be light over the next few days there is a potential for thunderstorms on Tuesday and Oregon and Washington are expected to experience an early summer heatwave over the next week which is expected to bring record breaking temperatures to Oregon and Washington.
Message from the National Weather Service: A heat advisory has been issued for the Lower Columbia Basin and Eastern Columbia Gorge for Monday. High temperatures are expected to reach around 100 degrees after a mild night. This could cause heat illnesses in more vulnerable populations. Following guidelines, including staying hydrated, taking breaks and looking out for children and the elderly as well as pets.
Officials warn that the hot temperatures may cause heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Officials urged the public to drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors.
Young children and pets should not be left in unattended vehicles under any circumstances.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will be slightly cooler Tuesday through Thursday before very hot temperatures return at the end of the week.
