Single Publication

Williams Mine Fire Update for Friday, August 23, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

Yesterday, members of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council visited the Incident Command Post and received an operational briefing by the Incident Commander and other fire officials at fire camp in Trout Lake.  After successfully establishing containment on the southern flank of the fire, incident objectives then focused on reducing spread towards the Yakama Nation lands. Fire personnel have been successful with this operation as the fire perimeter remains 1.3 miles from tribal lands. 

A local Initial Attack crew has mobilized to the incident to assist in ensuring a successful transition of operations through the mop up phase. Their local knowledge and experience is a welcomed addition to the current operations. 

CURRENT STATUS:  

The interior of the Williams Mine Fire shows little to no heat on infrared mapping. However, there are still some scattered isolated sources of heat pockets that currently have little spread potential. The fire interior has a mosaic pattern of unburned fuels within the perimeter. Interior consumption will likely continue with another warming period in the near future. The public should be aware that smoke may still be visible from hot spots within these mosaic areas. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

Today, over the fire area there will be an early morning break in precipitation, though extensive cloud cover and showers likely will return in the afternoon and possibly stay throughout the weekend. Up to ½ inch or more of rain may fall in the fire area by the end of the weekend. Temperatures will fall into the low 60’s. Winds will come out of the west and have potential for 15-25 mph gusts. 

SAFETY AND CLOSURES:   

Washington DNR managed lands near Trout Lake and Glenwood are 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 1 evacuations are in effect for the community of Trout Lake, and parts of Klickitat County. 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 area closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.