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Boulder Fire Contained
August 1, 2023
By Ty Walker
rcent of the Boulder Fire after two weeks of battling the wildfire that consumed an estimated 233 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The fire started July 8 near Boulder Lake Trailhead, 26 miles southwest of Dufur. About 200 National Forest Service personnel responded to the fire that grew daily in hot, dry weather conditions.
Forest Service firefighters were supported by three engines, a water tender, a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. Crews aggressively fought the fire as it burned in the dead and down debris scattered in steep, heavily forested terrain.
“Firefighters have worked diligently to ensure that the Boulder Fire no longer poses a threat,” Incident Commander Alan Lawson of the National Forest Service said. “The public should not be alarmed if light smoke is visible from time to time from the fire’s interior. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area as a safety measure until the end of fire season. The public should call 911 to report any visible flames or smoke columns.
Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District remain closed at this time.
Due to hot and dry weather conditions, campfires remain prohibited across the Mt. Hood National Forest. All open campground fires, including charcoal, briquette and pellet fires, are prohibited.
Anyone with information that could help investigators determine the cause of the fire is asked to contact the tip line website: SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov
For information about campground closures, contact the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office on the web: www.facebook.com/wascocountysheriff. Phone (541) 506-2580.