Single Publication

Williams Mine Fire Update for Monday, August 12, 2024

KEY MESSAGE: 

The structure protection group had a successful day as operational resources arrived and built upon previous days’ fire mitigation efforts around private infrastructure within level 3 evacuation zones near Trout Lake, WA. NW-13 continues to work with local government officials prioritizing firefighting efforts within the communities directly adjacent to the fire. 

CURRENT STATUS:

A new fire was detected yesterday approximately one-half mile west of the 23 road. Resources were available to actively engage this new start, and aviation resources were utilized to suppress the new ignition. Ground firefighting resources are constructing perimeter control lines to achieve containment.

On the northwest side of the fire perimeter, crews continue to scout and identify potential containment lines to tie fire spread into natural features. Dozers are being used to connect geographical features along the 8031 road as crews look for opportunities to limit fire spread from progressing to the south.

To the east on the 060 road, crews are suppressing spot fires that were established yesterday around Snipes Mountain. Due to rugged and steep terrain, spot fires to the southeast of the fire perimeter are difficult to access, and a heavy snag component also is present in this area from previous fire scars. Firefighters are developing strategies to gain anchor points in this area utilizing indirect line construction control features. Fire managers anticipate easterly progression to continue due to the strong westerly winds being forecasted.

WEATHER:

Active weather with stronger winds will arrive with gusts possibly exceeding 25 mph; however, relative humidities will rise at elevations below 4000 feet providing moisture to the environment. Fog may also accumulate in lower elevations on Tuesday, and Wednesday morning.  This weather change also has the potential for thunderstorms arriving Thursday, which may provide measurable precipitation which could aid in slowing fire progression on the Williams Mine Fire.

CLOSURES: 

Effective immediately, Washington DNR managed lands near Trout Lake and Glenwood will be closed to entry due to the Williams Mine fire. For more information, please see http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum. The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Tract D Recreation Area is closed, please see Yakama Tract D Road Closure for more information. Level 2 & 3 evacuations are in effect for the community of Trout Lake. An evacuation center is located at 1455 NW Bruin County Road, White Salmon, Washington. Evacuations are coordinated through the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office and the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office. The FS-23 and FS-25 roads are closed, see the Williams Mine Area and Road Closure for more details. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from the PCT's intersection with FS 23 to Potato Hill. The current Forest closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.