Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire
September 21, 2022
 
Overview: The Goat Rocks Fire continues to burn 1.5 miles northeast of the town of Packwood, Washington in and around the Goat Rocks Wilderness. The percent of containment on a fire is one measure of progress, but not the only one. Completion of firefighting objectives is another measure of progress. These objectives include construction of control lines and protecting highly valued resources such as the Packwood community, sensitive tribal resources, and historic structures at Packwood Lake. Fire managers continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety. 

Over the past several days, firefighters have been creating “indirect” containment lines around the Goat Rocks Fire. This strategy is deliberate and methodical. Additionally, this strategy is designed to achieve the goals of protecting Packwood, the subdivisions and other values without subjecting firefighters to unacceptable risk. Over 70% of identified control line has been completed and more than 500 structures in and around Packwood continue to be monitored, patrolled or have received fuel reduction. Other objectives include monitoring changes in fire behavior, weather, and terrain to evaluate for additional fire protection measures.  

Firefighting Activity: Yesterday, moderate fire activity was observed due to an increase in temperatures, lower humidity, and terrain driven winds. In response, helicopters began dropping water over the affected areas. Firefighters resumed mastication on the Forest Road 4612. After evaluating conditions, the planned burning operation along a small portion of Forest Road 4610 in the Coal Creek drainage was paused. Control lines along Forest Road 46 have been completed and crews will begin to assess for additional fire suppression opportunities. Fire personnel have completed chipping of fuels around structures within the Upper Timberline and Coal Creek neighborhoods.  

Today, crews will continue to improve control lines using heavy equipment along Forest Road 041 and apply hose lays on Forest Road 46. Fire personnel will reassess conditions for a small tactical burn operation above Coal Creek along the 4610 Road. This will improve and secure the line protecting the town of Packwood. Weather conditions and fuels must prove favorable for burning to take place. There is a possibility that smoke may be visible should burning operations occur.

Forest Closures: For information on current road and trail closures, you can go to this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1060181.pdf    

Evacuations: All of Packwood and areas southwest of Butter Creek, including High Valley, have had their evacuation orders lifted. Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set). 

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans and other use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Campfires are allowed within certain campgrounds identified on: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices. 

Weather: More warm and dry conditions are predicted for today with a shift in winds coming out of the west. Winds will be light and predominately terrain driven, influencing fire activity to creep and smolder.  

Public Safety:  This National Preparedness Month, we are reminding you to build your emergency kit. Don’t forget to include  

non-perishable food and water that can last several days, flashlights, radios and extra batteries, and a first aid kit. To learn more visit: https://www.ready.gov/ 

Sign-up For Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/lewis-county-alert/