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Gifford Pinchot National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot

Cowlitz Complex Fire Update 
September 23, 2023

Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex is 39% contained with a total of 724 acres and 252 personnel. Repair work continues in the complex to return fire suppression activities to a more natural state. Fire equipment no longer needed for the incident continues to be removed. The Grassy Mountain Fire is still holding in place. The Pothole Fire has no remaining heat and is now in patrol status. There is still hose around the Jackpot Fire where heat continues to pop up in the duff layer. These sources of heat can be as deep as five feet and take a great deal of digging and water to extinguish. 

Safety Message: Remember that it is hunting season. Please be mindful if you are travelling off trail or in remote areas. While hiking, wear bright colors so hunters can see you. Be courteous to fellow recreationists as everyone is there to enjoy themselves. 

Background: There were 30 fires in the complex. The fires started August 25 after a lightning event across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Most have been contained. The Grassy Mountain Fire continues to be the main priority.

Fire Restrictions: With increasingly cooler weather, and recent precipitation across Northwest Oregon and Washington, fire managers for the Mount Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forests have rescinded public use fire restrictions, effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 22.

Lewis County Fire Marshal Modifies Burn Restrictions: A burn ban in unincorporated Lewis County has been modified, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 23. Only recreational fires and charcoal or wood BBQs are permitted. For information on burn restrictions on lands regulated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) go to https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov 

Closures: Due to ongoing fire activity, the following roads and trails are closed to the public to help ensure public and firefighter safety: Forest Roads 25, 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. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: The TFR is reduced to one single area encompassing a 5-mile radius east of Randle. The TFR is in effect during daylight hours to include support for the Grassy Mountain Fire. 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. For more information: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_3758.html