Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire
September 12, 2022 5:30pm Update  
Overview: Northwest Incident Management Team 10 (NWT10), under the leadership of Incident Commander Alan Lawson, assumed command of the Goat Rocks Fire at 6 a.m. this morning. The fire is burning 1.5 miles northeast of the town of Packwood, Washington. Suppression efforts continue to be challenged by steep rugged terrain in dense stands of timber in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Incident objectives will remain the same with the priority on protecting the life and safety of the public and firefighters.

Fire Activity: Yesterday, firefighters worked throughout the day conducting structure protection in the areas of Timberline, Goat Rocks, and High Valley in the event the fire continues to approach those neighborhoods. Crews also cleared several Forest Service Roads and US-12 to create a fuel break along the road systems. The fire did advance down the Coal Creek, Dam Creek, and Lava Creek drainages. Due to poor visibility from smoke conditions, aircraft were prevented from flying and fire lookouts were unable to get a good reading on how far the fire had spread.

With the continuing spread to the north and south, resources will be identifying additional locations to construct fuel breaks that can contain the growth. By improving existing natural or man-made features, crews reduce the impact their work will have on the critical habitats and natural resources in the area.

Forest Closures: US Hwy-12 and Highway 123 are both now open for traffic in both directions but fire managers are asking the public to exercise caution on the roads as fire vehicles and personnel are operating in the area. Forest Roads 1260, 1262, 1266, 4600, 4610, 4612, 4830 and all connected spur roads remain closed. Additionally, #65 (Bluff Lake), #69 (Three Peaks), #74 (Pipeline Road), #61 (Clear Fork Trail from the trailhead to the Clear Lost Trail), #76 (Clear Lost Trail from the junction of the Clear Fork Trail to the junction of the Packwood Lake Trail), and #78 (Packwood Lake Trail).

Evacuations: All of Packwood and its surrounding communities except for Upper Timberline are at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline is now at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set). The evacuation shelter at White Pass School is now closed.

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

Weather: An onshore flow began last night bringing in cooler temperatures and higher humidity to the area. There is a potential for rain to develop over all of Western Washington, consisting of a light rainfall and a small chance of isolated thunderstorms. Cooler conditions will persist for the remainder of the week.