Travelers and truckers rejoice: Eastbound Interstate 84 may reopen this weekend.
The eastbound interstate, which has been closed in the Columbia River Gorge because of the Eagle Creek fire, may open late Sunday or early Monday, according to an Oregon Department of Transportation spokeswoman.
The freeway closed in both directions on Labor Day -- two days after the fire started -- and the westbound lanes reopened last week.
The fire started after authorities say a 15-year-old Vancouver boy was playing with fireworks along the Eagle Creek Trail and has since grown to about 48,668 acres.
Fire officials have said more significant fire growth is "unlikely."
"A clearing trend is forecast for the upcoming weekend, but fuels will have had 96 hours to absorb the recent (and continuing) rainfall," they said in a written update. "This will make continued fire movement unlikely due to unfavorable conditions."
Hundreds of firefighters have been released this week.
Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Allan Brettman is on a media tour of the Columbia River Gorge. Follow along below for updates.
-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
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