Pearl Hill Fire Results in Over 50 Structures Destroyed

The Pearl Hill fire is at 177,605 acres and 41% contained, with much of the containment at the southern end of the fire as of Thursday. The Pearl Hill fire has resulted in over 50 structures destroyed with 17 private residences, 2 commercial buildings and 35 minor structures were lost among the damage.

"We are starting to see some containment on the north end also," said Wayne Patterson, public information officer.

According to Patterson, the fire was most active between Bridgeport and the Columbia River, heading up toward Brewster. Firefighters are tackling this area Thursday in an attempt to get lines in to connect to the river for structure protection. The most difficult places are the areas with rugged steep terrain and continuous fuels.

Patrols and monitoring activity is occurring along the southern and eastern edge of the fire. According to Patterson, Douglas County was anticipating dropping the evacuation Level 3 to a Level 2 for the McNeil Canyon area, top of the McNeil Canyon to the Beebe Bridge.