Single Publication

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

Current Situation: Containment on the Cowlitz Complex has increased to 10%, with the size of the complex holding at 697 acres. A total of 456 personnel are currently assigned. Fire suppression objectives are to keep fire away from the communities of Randle and Packwood, private lands, and infrastructure, while committing resources only where they can operate safely and effectively and have the highest probability of success. These fires are being managed to minimize acres burned and minimize water quality degradation.

With increasing sun, lower humidity, and higher temperatures, fire behavior is increasing. Increased smoldering and smoke production was observed on the Grassy Mountain Fire yesterday. Clearer skies allowed use of aircraft for a variety of missions.

In Branch I/Division C/F, the biggest change yesterday was on the Grassy Mountain Fire, where a helicopter dropped water over areas of heat along the edges of Grassy Mountain Fire. A crew of rappelers was also delivered on top of Grassy Mountain to clear a helispot that will facilitate future transport of hotshot crews.

In Branch II/Division L, crews are identifying and extinguishing hot spots on the Adams Fork and Mission fires. The Sanctuary Rock Fire has been placed in patrol status. The Jackpot Creek Fire has a heavy layer of decomposed, unburned fuel that has masked areas of heat under recent wet conditions. With drier weather yesterday and today, areas of residual heat are expected to become more visible. Crews will continue working the Jackpot Creek Fire a few more days to ensure that established control lines are secure.

In Branch II/Division W, the McCoy Creek Fire has been declared out, and the Bear Creek and Quartz Junior fires were placed in patrol status. Hotshot crews have begun working in the vicinity of Spencer Quartz Fire, cutting back brush along closed roads and evaluating what their options are, and where they can safely engage. Snagtooth Fire remains unstaffed.

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: A break in the cloud cover this afternoon is expected to bring a period of sunshine today, though another weak front is expected to pass through this afternoon, bringing clouds and light drizzle. Temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. Very little smoke has been visible from these fires over the past week; however, a shot of sunshine today may result in some visible smoke production from the Grassy Mountain Fire.

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 (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 #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:  A temporary flight restriction (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!.  Lear more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.