PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The public was reminded that the Eagle Creek Fire, while 100% contained, is not out when a hotspot flared up early Tuesday morning.
Firefighters suppressed the fire about a half mile east of Herman Creek Trailhead, north of the Gorge 400 trail. It was reported around 2 a.m.
The fire was found smoldering in heavy downed timber with few ground fuels.
The Eagle Creek Fire started on Sept. 2, 2017 and was contained in November — but has still not officially been declared “out.”
Fire officials said the hotspot is not unexpected and that heavy fuels and organic material known as duff can hold heat underground over winter and flare back up when the weather is warm. Hotspots are one reason trails remain closed six months after the blaze was contained.
“We never officially declared Eagle Creek Fire out for this exact reason,” US Forest Service spokeswoman Rachel Pawlitz told KOIN 6 News. “Between the drying out and winds may be a contributing factor to this type of situation — it can flare back up.”
Officials planned on opening the Herman Creek Trail in June, but the hotspot could complicate things.
“We were hoping to open Herman Creek Trailhead in the next few weeks, by summer, by the end of June, we would get it open, Pawlitz said. “Hopefully this won’t affect plans too much.”
Two fire engines and a fire crew were able to put out the hotspot and there’s no danger to the public. However, Pawlitz said this may not be the last one they see.
“I think this is a good example of why we ask people to put their campfires stone-cold out because when that heat is being held, it can back up later,” Pawlitz said.
A teenager playing with fireworks started the wildfire last Labor Day weekend. The boy pleaded guilty in February and was recently ordered to pay more than $36 million in restitution.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.