Single Publication

Kalama Fire Update – October 2, 2022
Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southwest of Mount St. Helens near the town of Cougar, WA, is 443 acres in size and currently five percent contained. Cooler weather and rain last week assisted firefighting efforts. The fire remains within containment lines.  With the inability to safely mop up the edge, due to steep terrain and overhead hazards, containment percentages will remain low.

Fire Behavior: On the south flank of the fire there is low to moderate fire spread, with backing towards the dozer line on the south.  Fire behavior on the west flank is similar with low-speed creeping to the west.  Fire is slowly backing and following contour lines toward the north and east with minor uphill spread.  The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. 

Weather: An upper ridge moving into the area is bringing a warming and drying trend through the weekend.  While today’s temperatures will continue to be warmer, winds are predicted to be lighter and terrain driven in the afternoon.  Monday’s weather should bring slightly cooler with light winds. 

Closures: A signed Closure Order remains in place.  View the Kalama Closure Map to see which roads and trails are closed, including:
• Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A
• FS Road 81, from the junction with SR 503 spur to the junction with FS Road 8100-830 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 81
• FS Road 8117 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8117
• FS Road 8122 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8122     
  Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open. 

Evacuations:  The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources, has issued updated evacuation notifications for the Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time).  View an Evacuation Map for more information on the following and sign up for Cowlitz County Emergency Alerts:

Level 2, Set Evacuation Level:
• North to South: From the Headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River, south to Forest Road 7550.
• East to West: From the Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.

Level 1, Ready Evacuation Level:
• North to South: South from Forest Road 7550 to south of Merrill Lake.
• East to West: Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County
 
Size: 443 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.

Resources:  2 Initial Attack Handcrews, 2 Type 3 Engines, 3 Type 6 Engines, 3 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Dozer, 4 Water tenders, 3 Masticators, 1 Excavator, 2 Chippers, 1 Self-loading log truck, 1 Feller Buncher, 3 EMTs, and 1 Falling Team

Personnel: 164
Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874
Public Information Officer: Dawn Stender 541-645-3282
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420   
Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire