Single Publication

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

Current Situation: A total of 469 personnel are currently assigned to the Cowlitz Complex, which remains at 5% containment, with the size of the complex holding at 697 acres. The cool, wet weather conditions will help suppress fire behavior in the coming days.

As firefighters work in the extremely steep terrain of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, rocks and burning debris continue rolling downhill and exiting fire perimeters. This is not only a hazard to firefighters on the line, but also a risk for creating new spot fires that could become evident later when conditions dry out.

In Branch 1/Division C, Carlton Ridge, Berry, and Deer Creek fires are now in monitor and patrol status. Crews are in place on the Skate, Silver, Yew, and Pothole fires, making good progress under the cool, humid conditions yesterday.

In Branch1/Division F, the South Fork, Davis Creek, and Davis Mountain fires are in monitor and patrol status. Work is progressing on the Willame Fire, and if weather allows, a rappel crew may drop into the Grassy Mountain Fire area to create a helispot to facilitate access and egress for hotshot crews.

In Branch 2/Division L, the Twin Sisters Fire is in monitor and patrol status. Additional firefighters that were working on the Carlton Ridge and Deer Creek fires have been moved to the Adams Fork and Jackpot Creek fires. Crews are expected to be inserted on the Mission fire today to begin taking suppression actions.

In Branch 2/Division W, the McCoy Creek Fire is in patrol status, while another crew is moving in to work the Bear Creek Fire. The Quartz Junior fire continues to be worked by rappelers. Fire managers are working with the local resources to address the best access options for the Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires.

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 Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). The decision to lift or maintain fire restrictions depends on a variety of factors including 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: Today will be overcast with drizzle moving into the area around noon. The forecast calls for continued wet conditions and cooler temperatures through Tuesday, which will help keep fire behavior and smoke production minimal.

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. Forest Road 8410 is closed for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Pothole Fire. 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:  The temporary flight restrictions (TFR) is in effect between 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.