VIDEO/PHOTOS: The Burdoin Fire, which erupted in the Columbia Gorge on Friday, has exploded to 8,776 acres as of Sunday afternoon, prompting new evacuations. The fire, which began around 2:30 p.m. Friday, is burning east of Bingen, Wash. near Milepost 68, according to the U.S. Forest Service. It is located in Klickitat County near the city of White Salmon, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office said. Evacuation notices were also expanded to the north and east on Saturday, and the entire community of Lyle was placed on Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation that afternoon.
As of 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were expanded on the northwest corner of the fire, as it continues to burn towards the Tracy Hill area. As of Sunday morning, the fire is 0% contained, has destroyed 14 homes, damaged 37 and is threatening 250, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. According to the South East Washington Incident Management Team, eight crews with a total of 289 personnel are currently fighting the fire. One firefighter was also injured. Officials add a fire train is working to extinguish flames along the railroad tracks that run parallel to the Columbia River. Evacuation shelters remain open at Columbia High School in White Salmon, as well as the Dalles Middle School, officials said.
