WHITE SALMON — A wildfire burning near White Salmon was 80 percent contained as of Friday afternoon, but continues to create potential hazards and slowing on state Highway 14 in the Columbia River Gorge, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
The Cooper Fire, which sparked this week, is burning on steep terrain and has already damaged “a few homes,” according to DNR. Crews have established fire breaks to the east and west of the fire, and will allow the inside portion to burn out, the agency said. That could take several days, depending on the weather.
Drivers on Highway 14 may encounter drifting smoke, falling cinders and other debris during the next few days, causing possible delays, officials said.
The fire has not destroyed any structures, and none are currently threatened, according to DNR. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A burn ban on all DNR-protected land in the state continues through at least Sept. 30. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning indicating high fire danger in Clark County and the western Columbia River Gorge.
