In September 2017, a teenage boy carelessly threw fireworks into the Columbia River Gorge, which forms the boundary between Washington and Oregon states.
The fireworks sparked a wildfire in the gorge that, in 24 hours, covered 3,000 acres, gaining speed and strength until it burned 47,000 acres. It took three months to contain the fire.
Forest fires travel rapidly — up to 6 mph, reaching 14 mph in grasslands.
One factor that enhanced this wildfire (and is common in others) is an upward slope. A slope as shallow as 10 degrees doubles the speed of the fire. In a gorge, the fire picked up tremendous speed.
As people in fire-prone areas know, some fires move so quickly that people have little warning. But if any warning is given, escape early and stay away until fires are contained.
