Single Publication

September 29, 2023

Team 3 Prepares to transition the Cowlitz Complex to a smaller Type 4 team

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

There are currently 105 resources assigned to the Cowlitz Complex. Western Washington Incident Management Team 3 is working with the incoming Type 4 Incident Commander in preparation of a weekend transition. The type 4 team will take over command Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 6:00 pm. We will have a final update on the fire Saturday. Crews will continue monitoring the fires and working in the area until they have completed the suppression repair work. Suppression work is such an important part of closing out a fire. By scattering brush, creating water bars, smoothing out the ground, and attempting to return the area back to its original state, we can help to minimize water runoff and encourage new growth in those burned and damaged areas.

Our team was notified of an abandoned campfire yesterday. The fire had not been properly extinguished and cooled so it escaped it’s ring and burned some of the surrounding area. Please use caution with campfires. When you are done with a campfire, be sure to fully extinguish the fire and make sure it is cold and out before leaving. Together, we can prevent wildfires.

Weather: A reinforcing trough of low pressure aloft will move across the Pacific Northwest Friday. While the mention of showers will continue, they will be much lighter. Expect the chance of measurable rain to fall from 60 percent in the morning to 25 percent in the afternoon. Temperatures will climb to 57-64 degrees below 4000 feet and remain in the 50s above 4000 feet. Light and variable winds will increase out of the northwest 2-7 mph. Relative humidity values Friday afternoon will range from 45-53 percent. Additional rainfall during the day Friday through Friday night will be a trace-0.05 inch.

Safety Message: As we prepare to transition the Cowlitz Complex to the incoming type 4 team, it’s important to remember there are still hazards all around the fire areas. We still have fire trucks, equipment, and crews driving and working in the area. There may be hidden hazards within the fire areas even after the crews are gone. Grassy Mountain may continue to show some smoke. Burned, damaged, and weakened trees may break or fall causing a safety concern. After the fire burned through an area, it can leave behind hidden holes in the burned ground.

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.

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.

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