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Cowlitz Complex Fire Update 
September 22, 2023

Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex is 39 % contained with a total of 723 acres and 265 personnel.  Crews continue to work suppression repair on dozer lines, hand lines, and helispots.  Infrared detection from the air showed that there is still intense heat on the Grassy Mountain Fire on the west side and in the fire perimeter as well. The fire grew about three acres but otherwise there was not any significant growth in the complex. 

On the smaller Jackpot Fire, a hot spot was found 150 feet off the fire’s edge. Firefighters had to dig 5 feet into the duff layer to get close enough to the hotspot to put it out. It took 300 gallons of water to extinguish the hotspot. This is an example of how challenging it is for firefighters to fight these fires directly. Deep hotspots along with intense surface fire is dangerous for fire crews. Digging lines to prevent the fire from moving at the fire’s edge is challenging, if not impossible. In these types of “dirty burns” emphasis is put on creating a “containment line” a distance from the fire. This has been completed on the Grassy Mountain Fire on the west and north sides to protect the communities of Randle and Packwood, Washington in the unlikely event the fire grows. 

Weather: Temperatures will be a few degrees warmer today, with light southwest winds. Chance of showers is 60% starting Saturday afternoon. Expect ¼ to ½ inch of rainfall every 12 hours from Sunday morning through Wednesday.

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions remain 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 Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). The decision to lift or maintain fire restrictions depends on factors such as current and expected weather conditions, fuel moisture, the level of fire activity, and the availability of firefighting resources to respond to additional ignitions.

Closures: With the ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails are closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public and firefighter safety: Forest Roads 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. Forest Road 8410 is closed for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Pothole Fire, and Forest Road 78 is temporarily closed between the 78 and the 22 junction due to hazardous debris rolling out onto the roadway.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: One TFR remains in effect during daylight hours located north of US-12 to 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