Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire
September 13, 2022 11:00 a.m. update

Acres: 3,096
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 198
    
Overview: 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. Public and firefighter safety remain the highest priority on the Goat Rocks Fire.

Community Meeting:  On Wednesday September 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m. there will be a meeting held at the Packwood Community Center, and broadcast on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Facebook page. Fire officials will update the public on the current fire situation on the Goat Rocks Fire.

Fire Activity: Yesterday, crews finished prepping structures in Timberline and moved on to other areas along US-12. With the continued fire spread to the south, crews began prepping the 1266 road system to the south and the 46 road system to the north of the fire. Due to the moderated fire activity, firefighters did not observe any new growth.

Today, resources will continue structure prep in the Coal Creek area and patrol the Timberline neighborhood. Work will continue along the 1266 and 46 road systems, clearing edges to create a fuel break ahead of the fire. Additionally, crews will be wrapping the historic structures at Packwood Lake with a protective covering in the event the fire reaches that location.

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) are closed. Hikers can continue to access the Clear Lost Trailhead, but can only hike south on the Clear Fork 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. Campfires are allowed within certain campgrounds on an approved list at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices

Weather: The rainfall we received yesterday morning was very beneficial. The increased moisture that came in along with that rain helped to reduce overall fire activity. The onshore flow that began yesterday will continue through the remainder of the week, bringing in cool temperatures and higher humidity. There is a chance for more precipitation later in the week.

Public Safety:  Firefighters and apparatus are working on and around the area roadways. You can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and by adhering to the closure orders until they are officially lifted.