Single Publication

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

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two transitions today at 8pm with California Incident Management Team 13.

Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex remains 12% contained with a total of 661 acres and 330 personnel.  A weak weather system will increase cloud cover and bring in temperatures that are cooler by 10 degrees during the next 24 to 48 hours. Higher relative humidy will lessen fire behavior  and limit fire spread until warmer and drier conditions return mid-week.  Fire activity is expected to be checked over the next 24 to 36 hours.

In Branch I, fire conditions remain unchanged. Two task forces continue to patrol and monitor those fires. An area of heat  detected near the Pothole fire was later determined not to be a wildfire.

In Branch II, smoke continues to show from the Jackpot and Adams Fork fires, which remain in their footprint, while roll out and heavy fuels are slowly consumed. The structure protection group performed fuel mitigation around values at risk. Snags continue to be a safety concern, as their weakened root systems can cause a tree to fall without notice.

None of the three fires of concern are expected to be active for the next seven days.

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

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: 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 TRF 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.