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Coast Guard Closes Columbia River in Oregon Due to Fire

Hazards on water include falling ash and firefighting aircraft landing on the water

By Molly Priddy

TROUTDALE, Ore. — The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Columbia River to all vessel traffic east of Portland, Oregon, because of wildfire activity in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Coast Guard said Tuesday the closure affecting 20 miles of the river would be in effect overnight to protect personnel and boats from potential hazards created by falling hot ash and firefighting aircraft landing on the water.

The section of the Columbia River was closed after the Captain of the Port deemed it unsafe for vessels to travel the river from Reed Island to the Bonneville Dam.

The blaze that began Saturday also has closed an interstate highway and forced hundreds to leave their homes.

The Coast Guard says some vessel traffic has been impacted and that the need for the closure will be re-evaluated Wednesday morning.