Single Publication

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two

Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two is working to improve situational awareness for operational planning. Breaks in the cloud cover yesterday allowed for aerial reconnaissance flights. Due to the large area covered by more than 40 wildfires on the forest, the fire complex has been divided into two branches and four divisions, with Branch 1 and Divisions C and F north of U.S. Highway 12 and Branch 2 and Divisions L and W located south of Highway 12. A total of 294 personnel are currently assigned to the Cowlitz Complex, which encompasses a total of 400 acres.

In Branch 1/Division C, crews have established containment line around the Carlton Ridge Fire perimeter and are securing the edge and mopping up heat sources near containment lines. Crews expect to continue working on Carlton Ridge Fire for two to three more days before it will transition to monitor and patrol status. Evacuation orders for Carlton Ridge have been lifted.

On other portions of Division C, crews are making progress establishing containment line around the Pothole Fire located near the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The South Fork Fire, located 5.5 miles west-southwest of Packwood is in monitor and patrol status and its crews have been shifted from the South Fork to the Yew Fire, which is located near the intersection of Forest Roads 47 and 4773.

In Branch 1/Division F, crews are working on gaining access over steep, difficult terrain to the Grassy Mountain Fire, located 4.5 miles northeast of Randle. It remains unstaffed while strategic plans are developed.

In Branch 2/Division L, crews have established containment line around the Jackpot Creek Fire and are mopping up heat sources within the fire perimeter. Crews are assessing other fires nearby to identify next steps.

In Branch 2/Division W, road work is underway to repair landslide damage and improve access to the Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz Fires. A suppression response strategy is being developed.

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are 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 at Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov).

Weather & Smoke Information: More rain moved in overnight and is expected to last into the afternoon. The forecast calls for four-tenths to one inch of rain, depending on location. Temperatures in the valley temperatures will be in the 60s, with highs in the 40s to 50s at higher elevations. Light westerly winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour are predicted on ridgetops, with light, variable winds in the valley. Friday will bring continued cool temperatures, drizzle, and overcast conditions.

Closures: In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails will be closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341 (currently off limits), 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 #3 A, Quartz #5 B, Quartz #5 C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80 A.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area between U.S. Highway 12 and Mount Rainier National Park. 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. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.