Eagle Creek Fire Burns 3,000 Acres; Potentially Caused By Misuse Of Fireworks

CASCADE LOCKS, OR — The Eagle Creek fire burning in the Columbia River Gorge has burned some 3,000 acres and authorities believe it may have been caused by the misuse of fireworks.

The fire broke out Saturday around 4 p.m. and is about half a mile from Cascade Locks. Groups of hikers stranded near the fire had to be rescued and one group that was safely away from the fire had to shelter in place overnight, according to the Hood County Sheriff's Office. A group of three hikers was airlifted by the Oregon National Guard and a second group of fourteen were able to hike out of the area.

No hikers are unaccounted for and only one hiker was taken to the hospital for issues related to dehydration and exhaustion.

About 130 homes in Cascade Locks were under a level three evacuation order, meaning they needed to leave their homes immediately. The rest of the city was under either a level one or a level two evacuation order.

The Eagle Creek Fire is closed for its entire length.

Oregon State Police say they have identified a suspect in relation to the origin of the fire.

An excessive heat watch was in effect for the area through Labor Day weekend and much of the West Coast is currently facing a heat wave. In California, a massive fire broke out in the Los Angeles area, which city officials described as the largest in the city's history by acreage. Another fire that broke out in Southern California over the Labor Day weekend was also attributed to fireworks.

Image via Oregon State Police