19 Jul 2018 | 02:05 AM UTC
US: Wildfire leaves one dead near The Dalles (Oregon) July 18
Wildfire near The Dalles (Oregon) leaves at least one person dead as of July 18; evacuation orders issued for parts of Wasco and Sherman counties
Event
The so-called Substation Fire, burning near The Dalles (Oregon), has left at least one person dead as of the evening of Wednesday, July 18 (local time). The blaze, which ignited on Tuesday, July 17, has burned some 14,570 hectares (36,000 acres) as of Wednesday, prompting authorities to close roads and issue evacuation orders for parts of Wasco and Sherman counties, including the towns of Moro and Grass Valley (Sherman county). Oregon Governor Kate Brown declared a statewide wildfire emergency on Wednesday to facilitate the acquisition of resources needed to battle blazes in what is forecast to be a worse-than-average wildfire season.
The further spread of the Substation Fire is expected in the coming days. Additional evacuations and road closures are possible in areas threatened and affected by the fire.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation.
