A wildfire burning west of state Route 503 near Hidden Meadows Drive and Mountain View Drive prompted Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation orders during the afternoon on Monday, Aug. 24, as multiple fire agencies continued to battle the blaze as of press time.
911 calls came in shortly after 11 a.m. reporting a large column of smoke, flames and heavy ash falling near a logging road south of Hidden Meadows, according to Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.
Firefighters initially estimated the fire at 10 to 15 acres, with poor visibility hampering operations.
Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue said water tenders, brush rigs and fire engines were added to the response. The agency was assisting Clark County Fire District 10 and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The response included multiple helicopters, five water tenders, seven engines, one truck, 12 squad and brush units, multiple chief officers and DNR personnel, according to Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue.
A rehab unit was also en route to provide care for evacuees.
As of 1:48 p.m. on Aug. 24, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) had issued updated evacuation zones surrounding Hidden Meadows Drive and Mountain View Drive.
A Level 3 “GO NOW” evacuation zone was established for people within a half-mile of 14302 Northeast 346th St.
“LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Failure to act now may result in injury or death,” CRESA said in its emergency message.
Level 2 “BE SET” and Level 1 “BE READY” evacuation areas also were issued around the fire.
A temporary evacuation assembly area was established at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church on Rock Creek Road and Highway 503 but was since pushed south to Charter Oak Community Church at 12212 NE 299th Street.
Residents were encouraged to monitor CRESA and Clark Public Alerts for the latest evacuation information.
As of press time, the situation was still actively progressing and the cause remained unclear.
The latest evacuation map is available through: experience.arcgis.com.
Residents can sign up for emergency notifications through Clark Public Alerts: member.everbridge.net.
