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Cowlitz Complex Fire Update

September 17, 2023

Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex is 34% contained with a total of 690 acres and 360 personnel. Recent increased temperatures and drier fuels have produced an increase in smoke the last couple of days, but fires from outside the area have added to local haze. Water drops from helicopters have been successful in controlling fire activity on the Grassy Mountain, Snagtooth, and Spencer Quartz fires. Six helicopters are available for the Cowlitz Complex and have been active dropping water on the fires.

Crews are reinforcing and strengthening access points near these fires to improve physical barriers for slowing growth, and continue to patrol the smaller fires in the complex. Cooler temperatures and increasing moisture are expected today, Sunday, through the next several days. Current fire activity is not anticipated to threaten the nearest communities of Randle or Packwood, Washington.

Firewise Training: The California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 staff attended the Firewise Community training in Packwood on Saturday, giving an overview of the Cowlitz Complex. The Incident Commander explained the role of the Incident Management Team on the fire. About 25 people attended.

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.