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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cowlitzcomplex/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GPNF 
Gifford Pinchot National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot 
Incident Photos and Videos for download for public and media use: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/kczcrxz6g5rfbtv7znub7/h?rlkey=794wim8o7dwdzpyauajqilcvn&dl=0

Cowlitz Complex Fire Update 

September 19, 2023

Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex is 34% contained with a total of 695 acres and 352 personnel. The cooling weather and light precipitation led to little or no growth on the complex. Crews are continuing to strengthen containment lines (lines that the fire is not expected to cross) in the southern part of the Grassy Mountain Fire where it will intersect a fortified road boundary. The Snagtooth is holding pockets of scattered heat, partly due to the deep forest duff layer. The Spencer Quartz Fire continues to smolder. Work on constructed hand line will connect to a reinforced road to complete a barrier at the southern end of the fire.

Safety Message: There are many trucks and fire equipment on the Forest Service roads in the vicinity of several of the fires within the Cowlitz Complex. It is also hunting season. There are 86 firefighters at the off-site “spike camp” who travel to the southern fires daily. Please use caution on the roads as you travel through the forest, especially as roads get slippery with wet weather.

Background: There are 30 fires in the complex. The fires started August 25 after a lightning event across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. All fires are being managed under full suppression strategy.

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions remain in effect. Campfires are prohibited across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest – only propane-fueled fire pits, stoves and lanterns are allowed. Additional information is available on the forest’s website at Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). The decision to lift or maintain fire restrictions depends on factors such as current and expected weather conditions, fuel moisture, the level of fire activity, and the availability of firefighting resources to respond to additional ignitions.

Closures: In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails are closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public and firefighter safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341, Boundary Trail #1 (from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A. Forest Road 8410 is closed for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Pothole Fire, and Forest Road 78 is temporarily closed between the 78 and the 22 junction due to hazardous debris rolling out onto the roadway.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Two TFRs are in effect during daylight hours, one located north of US-12 to Mount Rainier National Park, and a new TFR south of US-12 to include Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. Learn more: Know Before You Fly.