Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire
September 11, 2022 10:00am Update 
 
Overview: Located 1.5 miles NE of Packwood, WA in the Goat Rocks Wilderness on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. The Goat Rocks Fire is estimated to be 2228 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 2842 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.

Cause: Lightning

Fire Operations: Yesterday the fire grew to 2842 acres but most of the growth was to the north and south. The fire has moved about a half mile closer to Timberline, but the fire is still 1.5 miles away from those structures. The fire has backed down from the mountain slowly and remained on USFS property. Fire was observed at the 4610 road where a fuel break was created earlier last week. Resources patrolled the evacuated neighborhoods, but had an uneventful night

This morning crews will be back out on the line continuing to protect the structures in Timberline, Goat Rocks, and High valley. With weather forecast to moderate today, resources will continue to construct new and improve existing fire breaks. As these breaks are constructed, a box is being built around this fire to eventually contain this incident. Depending on the visibility due to smoke, aircraft will be utilized to help keep the perimeter of the fire in a smaller footprint. Additionally, the Northwest Incident Management Team 10 will begin managing this incident starting Monday, September 12, 2022.

Weather: There is a red flag warning that remains in effect through 7pm today, September 11. Continued high temperatures and low humidity will persist and continue these critical fire conditions through today. This evening a stronger onshore flow will bringing in some higher humidity, lower temperatures, and a slight chance of some rain. Smoke will continue to linger in the area and with that air quality will be lower, especially in the morning and evenings as nighttime inversions settle in to place.

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans, and other use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region.

Forest Web Site: Go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8415/ to view closure map and latest news.

Fire Information Email: 2022.goatrocks@firenet.gov

Fire Information Number: 360-389-2653