Single Publication

Kalama Fire Update – October 9, 2022

Transfer of Command: At 0700 this morning command of the Kalama Fire was transferred to the Sierra Front Nevada Team 5 with Incident Commander Scott Stephenson. Stephenson’s team will continue to work closely with local Forest Managers and local cooperators to ensure a smooth transition and contiue the current firefighting effort.

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 454 acres in size and is currently five percent contained.

Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are preparing indirect lines in more favorable terrain.  Fire behavior has been minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place.

Weather: Weather today is predicted to be dry and warm. High pressure will keep warm and dry weather through Monday,

Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1065297.pdf 

Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A, Goat Marsh Trail 231D

Roads: Current Road closures.

• NFS Road No. 8100, from the junction of DNR Road 7200 and DNR Road 7600 to the junction with NFS Road No. 8123 and all associated NFS spur roads off NFS Road No. 8100.       
• NFS Road No 8117 and all associated NFS spur roads off NFS Road No. 8117.   
• NFS Road No. 8122 and all associated NFS spur roads off NFS Road No. 8122.        

Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open.

Evacuations:   Due to moderating fire weather and additional resources on the Kalama Fire the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, in co-ordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources, will be re-evaluating current evacuation levels for the Kalama Fire after the holiday weekend (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time). The following updates are currently in effect: 

View an evacuation map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1060104.pdf

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

Sign up for county alerts: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/196/Emergency-Management

Size: 461 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.

Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874

Public Information Officer: Sharon Steriti 360-852-3390

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420   

Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire