Single Publication

September 30, 2023

Final Update for Cowlitz Complex 

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

Western Washington Incident Management Team 3 is leaving today. The fire is being turned back to the Forest Service with a small type 4 team on site to complete the remaining work. Today’s update will be the last for the Cowlitz Complex fires. Any further information will be shared on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s Facebook page, Twitter page, or website. As the type 3 team members head home, we reflect on the hard work completed by all teams and firefighters. We especially want to thank the community for all your support. It plays a very important role in our job.

The type 4 team will continue to monitor the fires. The Grassy Mountain fire may continue to show some smoke from within the burned area. Burned, damaged, and weakened trees may break or fall causing a safety concern. After the fire burns through an area, it can leave behind hidden holes in the burned ground. Please be safe when recreating in and around these areas. Always use caution when having a campfire and make sure it is completely extinguished and cooled before leaving.

Weather: A ridge high pressure will continue to build into the Pacific Northwest, allowing for additional drying and a quick warming trend. Expect dry conditions under a mostly clear sky. Temperatures will rise into the low to mid 60s below 4000 feet, while still lingering in the upper 50s above 4000 feet. Relative humidity values will fall into the 40 percent range. Expect winds mainly out of the northwest 3-8 mph with a few gusts 

Background: There were 30 fires in the complex. The fires started August 25th after a lightning event across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Three incident management teams were assigned and help bring these fires under control ending with suppression repair work before turning them back over to the local forest.

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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