Single Publication

September 25, 2023

Suppression Repair Continues at the Cowlitz Complex

(RANDLE, Wash.) – The Cowlitz Complex is 39% contained with a total of 731 acres burned.

The Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Kent Stanford has management of the Cowlitz Complex fires. There are currently 247 resources assigned to the Cowlitz Complex. Crews will continue working with Resource Advisor (READs) to help with recommendations for fire suppression repair strategies. Firefighters continue to hike into the fire as part of assessing and patrolling. Yesterday firefighters identified no smoke, nor active movement. As the fire becomes more secure, the team will continue sending extra resources home.

Weather: Rain will continue through the week decreasing fire activity among the remaining complex fires. We received an estimated one-half inch of rain across the fire area yesterday.

Safety Message: With heavy rains, the ground is wet with standing water in places. Everything is slick so use caution when traveling. As the fires continue to come under control, more resources will be heading home. Please be mindful of fire traffic in and around the fire areas. It is also hunting season so please use caution and wear bright colors when recreating in the area.

Background: There were 30 fires in the complex. The fires started August 25th after a lightning event across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Most have been contained and are in patrol or monitor status as suppression repair continues.

Forest Burn Restrictions: The Mount Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forest have rescinded public use fire restrictions. For current information, please visit their website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire and https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/fire.

Lewis County Burn Restrictions: A burn ban in unincorporated Lewis County remains in effect. Only recreational fires and charcoal or wood BBQs are permitted. For information on burn restrictions on land use regulated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) please visit their website at https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov

Closures: Due to ongoing fire activities, 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 (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 or drones. For more information: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_3758.html

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