U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, visited the High Lava Fire Incident Command Center last week to learn about efforts to contain the wildfire, which had grown to about 1,300 acres during her visit.
The fire is about 10 miles northwest of Stabler in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Hot, dry weather and easterly winds are fueling its growth. Steep terrain, near-vertical slopes and cliff bands make access difficult for firefighters.
During her visit, Gluesenkamp Perez spoke with firefighters and other personnel working the incident, including crews from Southwest Washington, Tennessee and Colorado. She said seeing their dedication was encouraging.
“The sense that what we have is worth protecting and fighting for, it’s a huge encouragement,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a video discussing her visit.
The fire had grown to 1,717 acres as of press time, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association. The public is asked to avoid the area and follow instructions from local officials. Updates are available at shorturl.at/qfp1d.
