Tunnel Five Fire puts strain on Skamania County water supply as crews continue to fight blaze

KIRO 7 News Staff
·2 min read
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The Tunnel Five Fire has now burned over 540 acres in Skamania County. Homes in the area remain at at a Level 3 evacuation level, which means there is extreme danger and people need to leave the area immediately.

As of Monday, 10 homes have been destroyed, with the fire threatening another 250. Another 15 commercial properties are also under threat, as well as 50 “minor structures.”

(White Salmon Fire Dept)
(White Salmon Fire Dept)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept)
(White Salmon Fire Dept)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)
(White Salmon Fire Dept.)

The fire has also led to a strain on utilities in the area, combined between crews using water to fight the flames and the fire moving close to water systems springs, well houses, and pump stations.

That has some residents under a boil advisory with no time frame on when it could return to normal. It’s estimated that one in every four people in Skamania County doesn’t have water as of Wednesday morning.

For context, the fire has burned an area roughly the same size as Seattle’s Discovery Park, and authorities estimate that it won’t be fully contained until August. It’s currently at 5% containment.

The Tunnel Five Fire started Sunday around 11:30 a.m., according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

There had been increased aid from fire teams and law enforcement, who went door to door to help evacuate people. Nearly 190 personnel are on-site to fight the blaze, including five crews, three helicopters, and 31 engines.

Skamania County is seeing hot, dry conditions, which fire officials have been warning about all week.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

You can monitor up-to-the-minute updates on the fire at this link.

Ready, Set, Go: Wildfire Evacuation Levels

Level 1, Ready: Be aware, gather personal belongings, monitor for updates

Level 2, Set: Be prepared to leave the area

Level 3, Go: Leave the area immediately

GoFundMe has launched a 2023 Wildfire Relief Fund to distribute donations to those in need, as well as community efforts and organizations who are working to help those affected by wildfires.