Ignited in the morning of July 2, 2023,[2] the fire was caused by a BNSF locomotive exhaust.

[6] As of July 7, 2023[update], it had burned 546 acres (221 ha) and was 20% containment, and was moving westward.

[8] Fourth of July celebrations were cancelled in White Salmon and nearby towns of Hood River, Oregon, and local bans on personal fireworks were put into place,[10][9] in addition to a red flag warning.

Other areas around the Columbia River Gorge were under warnings to prepare for potential evacuations.

[6] As of July 6, 2023[update], 461 emergency workers had been deployed to fight the fire using engines and multiple aircraft.