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Kalama Fire Update – Sept. 25, 2022Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is currently five percent contained. Air operations was able to do an Infrared (IR) flight yesterday and mapped the fire perimeter at 326 acres.
 Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff face and is now on extremely steep ground, fire fighters are preparing indirect lines in more favorable terrain where they can be successful. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping. The potential for fire growth remains, but containment lines are being put in place and contain percentage information will be updated when the lines are complete and holding.
 Weather: Weather today is predicted to be sunny with warming temperatures and lower relative humidity expected in the afternoon. A warmer and drier pattern is expected to persist until next week. The local area has seen below average moisture which is also expected to continue into next week.
 Closures:View a Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1059380.pdfTrails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242ARoads:• Forest Road (NFS) Road No. 81, from the junction with State Route 503 Spur to the junction with NFS Road No. 8100-830 and all associated NFS spur roads off NFS Road No. 81• NFS Road No. 8117 and all associated NFS spur roads off of NFS Road No. 8117• NFS Road No. 8122 and all associated NFS spur roads off of NFS Road No. 8122Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open.
 Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans, and other public use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region. View Forest Order: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1049107.pdf
 Evacuations: Due to moderating fire weather and additional resources on the Kalama Fire 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 Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time). The following updates are effective immediately:View an evacuation map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1060104.pdfLevel 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-ManagementSize: 326 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5%
Cause: Under investigation.
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