Forty-four structures have been destroyed in the Burdoin Fire, which broke out last Friday and is burning in the Columbia River Gorge, near the town of Lyle, Washington.

Wildfire managers and county officials announced the updated damage report Thursday, but said it was a preliminary estimate. They could not verify whether or not the structures were homes.

State officials met at the impromptu fire camp at Henkle Middle School in White Salmon to discuss progress on the fire and challenges that could come with incoming hot, windy weather this week.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said his office is in communication with federal officials about potential support. Ferguson’s office has at times been at odds with policies from the current Trump administration, but he said communication about the fire has been positive.

“So far at this point, everything has been good on that side and we hope that continues,” Ferguson said.

The Burdoin Fire had burned 11,248 acres and was 13% contained as of Thursday. Officials said it originated “near a road” and the cause is undetermined. Around 900 firefighters are working on the fire. Approximately 900 residents have evacuated in and around the town of Lyle.

Siblings Steven and Victoria Nelson have been staying in a gymnasium at a Red Cross shelter set up in Grace Baptist Church in White Salmon. Their homes were destroyed Sunday.

Victoria Nelson said she was taking a nap when a family member alerted her that her house was on fire.

“I didn’t grab my bag or anything. I just grabbed my purse, ran up to the house to get my momma and my brother,” Nelson said. “We left and we could feel the heat from the side of the road. All the way downtown to Lyle.”

A friend sent her photos of her destroyed home. The siblings are members of the Yakama Nation and Umatilla Tribe. They said the Red Cross has been a big help and they’re trying to contact the tribes for additional support.

After several days of overcast weather conditions, crews are preparing for hot weather and a new wind event, including gusts of up to 35 miles per hour. The new weather system could test the defense lines that have been cut around the fire to stop it from spreading further.

“Today is our biggest concern of the next four days,” said Matthew Dehr, incident meteorologist with Northwest Incident Management Team 13, the firefighting unit managing the fire. “Tomorrow is still pretty windy, but (relative humidities) come up a little bit, we get a little bit more moisture coming through the Gorge.”

In addition to damaged homes and evacuations, a closure order is in effect for a number of popular trails in the federally designated Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With ongoing wildfire activity, Forest Service staff said they have been unable to assess damage to the scenic area.

“When we’re able to do that, we’ll go in and assess the condition of the trail systems,” said Beth Kennedy, public affairs officer with Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Of the approximately 900 people under evacuation orders, around 40 are using facilities set up by the Red Cross in White Salmon and The Dalles.

Ferguson said fire officials and county staff are trying to get evacuees back to their properties as soon as conditions are safe so they can assess the damage.

“That is very much a focus,” Ferguson said. “That came through loud and clear.”

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/24/burdoin-fire-destruction-44-structures-firefighter-columbia-river-gorge/