Single Publication

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

Current Situation: Containment on the Cowlitz Complex has increased to 12%, with the size of the complex holding at 697 acres. A total of 412 personnel are currently assigned. Campfires are still banned at all locations on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lewis County, Washington is in severe drought conditions, which recent moisture has done little to abate, and fuels remain dry. 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.

A warming weather pattern is expected to aid firefighters in locating heat that has been inhibited by recent wet conditions. The Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) will continue to check for residual heat on each fire, using a variety of heat detection resources, including thermal and other imaging by manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as by ground resources. We are applying the right tool for the job depending on access, slope, and other considerations. Twenty of the 30 fires that are being managed by the CIMT are considered out or in patrol status, and their regular inspection remains a large task.

In Branch I/Division C/F, helicopters were used to deliver water over areas of heat along the edges of Grassy Mountain Fire again yesterday. The rappeler crew dropped in Tuesday continued to prepare a helispot that will allow a hotshot crew to be inserted begin to create a holding feature along the ridgetop. Crews continue working the Pothole, Willame, and Yew fires. An engine is assigned to keep close watch on the Carlton Ridge Fire, ensuring fire does not escape control lines.

In Branch II/Division L, crews are identifying and extinguishing hot spots on the Adams Fork, Jackpot, and Mission fires. The Jackpot Creek and Adams Fork fires have 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.

In Branch II/Division W, crews are working in the vicinity of Spencer Quartz Fire, cutting back and masticating brush along closed roads. Moving forward, the Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires will be managed as one fire, due to their proximity and the similarity of available protective actions for limiting spread.

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).

Weather & Smoke Information: A passing frontal system brought increased cloud cover last night, which is expected to break up, bringing some sun in the mid-day today before another weak frontal system moves through late this afternoon or evening. Very little smoke has been visible from these fires over the past week; however, warming and drying trend, increased fire behavior and increased smoke production can be expected over the coming days or weeks.

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: 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! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.