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Resources:  415 Total Personnel | 8 Hand Crews | 9 Engines | 8 Heavy Equipment | 10 Water Tenders
| 1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft | 6 Helicopters

(Dufur, OR) The Boulder Fire started on July 8 near Boulder Lake Trailhead 26 miles southwest of Dufur in the Mt. Hood National Forest Barlow Ranger District. The fire is burning in dead and down debris located in steep, rugged and alpine-like terrain. Approximately 233 acres have burned. The change in size is due to ever-improving mapping. As of last evening, the percentage of containment had increased to 15%.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire. Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Boulder Fire. 

Mop-up was in full force around the entire perimeter on Friday. While firefighters focused mainly on ensuring containment lines are fuels-free and cold, crews also stopped a 20’ x 20’ fire that crossed over an established containment line when a burning tree fell across the north perimeter. Crews at the fire’s southwest corner extinguished several hot spots outside the fire perimeter with the help of bucket drops from helicopters dipping out of Boulder Lake.

Today, the unmanned aerial system (UAS) is flying over the fire area. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera, this UAS is most effective operating early in the morning when the contrast between cooler air temperatures and hot spots is strongest. The additional information provided by the UAS will help firefighters improve their efficiency as they seek out hot spots around the Boulder Fire. Work continues further strengthening containment lines. The need for contingency (or back-up) lines has decreased and crews previously assigned to those operations are joining in the mop-up efforts.  The aircraft that had been scooping from Timothy Lake have been reassigned to other incidents but helicopters remain available if needed. 

Weather: Very high temperatures and very low humidity are forecast for today and tomorrow before a cold front on Sunday evening brings some temporary relief. High winds are expected on Monday.

Closures and Restrictions: Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District are closed. Due to the high fire danger, open fire and target shooting restrictions have been implemented. For more information or to view the full closure order, visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.

Evacuations: Boulder Lake Campground, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadows Campground, Badger Lake Campground, Camp Windy, and Post Camp Campground are under a Level 3 –Go Now evacuation. Evacuation levels are Level 1 – Be Ready to Evacuate, Level 2 – Be Set to Evacuate, and Level 3 – Go Now. More information is available from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.

Public Safety: Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to work on and around the area roadways, including Forest Road 48. Motorists can help keep firefighters and visitors safe by driving carefully and avoiding these areas. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV as a staging area. For everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of fire suppression operations.

Smoke: Currently, there are no significant smoke impacts from the Boulder Fire. For air quality updates, visit www.oregonsmoke.org or airnow.gov.