Single Publication

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two transitions Monday, Sept. 11 at 8pm with California Team 13.

 Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex remains 12% contained with a total of 657 acres and 351 personnel. Weather is expected to become cloudy and cooler by this afternoon and the accompanying marine layer preceding a weak cold front will bring cooler temperatures and drizzle by Monday. During periods of sun today, smoke could be visible. Warmer temperatures arriving mid-week might increase fire behavior in areas where fuels have dried and are receptive to fire, where surface fire exists, and on south-facing slopes. The north aspect on the Grassy Mountain Fire remains wet and fire behavior is expected to remain unchanged in the next seven days.

The fires in Branch I/Division C/F are in patrol and monitor status. Firefighters on the ground and resources in the air, like IAA and UAS, will ensure any lingering hotspots are detected and extinguished.

In Branch II/Division L, heavy fuels are slowly being consumed on the Jackpot fire. Work on existing road systems has been completed on the Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires.  The network of roads there will be used as a holding feature in the event the fires push toward values at risk. The structure protection group is assessing values at risk in the area for the next several days. Rappelers responded to an initial attack call, which was later determined to be drift smoke from the Spencer Quartz Fire.

Safety Message: With hunting season officially open, please be aware of firefighters working in the forest.

A reminder to the public: Private drone use is prohibited within the fire area under temporary flight restrictions (TFR) north and south of US-12.  By doing so, you risk slowing down the success the firefighters have already accomplished.

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.

Weather & Smoke Information: Expect valley fog in the morning, turning into clear skies and a mostly sunny day. We expect a temperature of low 80’s in the valley, which is a sharp increase in the temperature from the past few days. Under these conditions we can expect an increase in fire behavior which may lead to smoke in the air.

Closures: In anticipation of 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 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 7802 junction and the 2278 junction due to hazardous debris rolling out onto the roadway.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  Two TRFs are in effect, one located north of US-12 to Mount Rainier National Park, and a new TFR south of US-12 to include Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires.  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.