Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire
September 10, 2022 11:00am Update 
Overview: Located 2 miles NE of Packwood, WA in the Goat Rocks Wilderness on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. The Goat Rocks Fire is estimated to be 1500 acres in size. The incident was discovered on Aug. 9, 2022 and was partly suppressed by a rappel attack crew. Crews suppressed what they safely could and the fire was monitored. On September 9, 2022 the fire began to increase in size during a high wind event. 

Size: Approximately 1500 acres 

Forest closures: US Hwy-12 is closed from Skate Creek and White Pass. Highway 123 is closed from US Hwy 12 to Ohanapecosh Visitor center in Mount Rainier National Park. Forest Rd. Additionally, 4600, 4610, 4612 and all connected spurs, and Trail #65 to Bluff Lake.

Evacuations: Currently Timberline, Goat Rocks, and High Valley neighborhoods east of Packwood are under a level 3 evacuation, or Go status, and are required to evacuate. The remainder of the neighborhoods and businesses in Packwood is currently under a level 2 evacuation, or Set status, and should be prepared to evacuate. Evacuees should head to the White Pass School, located at 516 Silverbrook Road in Randle. Small animals are welcome at the school in a kennel or cage. Large animals are all sheltered at this time and there is no need for more assistance with these creatures.

Cause: Lightning

Fire Operations: Last night crews patrolled all the evacuated neighborhoods monitoring for any potential fires that were in the area. There was a small fire located near the High Valley community, but it was quickly suppressed. It is unknown at this time if that fire is related to the Goat Rocks incident or if it was a new start. Resources are continuing to work in and around these structures building a plan and preparing the areas in case the fire does make another push in that direction.

Additionally, an Infrared flight went over the fire last night and mapped the fire at 1500 acres, increasing the overall acreage due to better mapping. This data allows crews to have a better idea of the exact location of the fire currently and can begin taking action to slow further fire growth.

This morning crews are utilizing aircraft where they can to slow fire growth and lower fire intensity before weather conditions deteriorate. As wind speeds increase aircraft become less effective and conditions become difficult and dangerous to fly in. Once those winds pick up aircraft will return to their bases for safety. Additional resources arrived this morning and they are working to continue identifying and constructing fire breaks where they safely can.

Weather: There is a red flag warning that remains in effect through 7pm Sunday September 11. Continued high temperatures, low humidity, and winds out of the east gusting up to 35 mph will continue critical fire weather conditions. All these conditions are conducive for additional fire growth over the next 48 hours. Weather conditions are forecasted to moderate Sunday afternoon, providing an opportunity for fire crews to begin getting a handle on this incident.