Single Publication

Williams Mine Fire Update for Friday, August 30, 2024

Smoke was visible from the Williams Mine Fire yesterday as drying fuels and warmer temperatures led to more active burning. An aerial reconnaissance flight found the area creating the most smoke is on the north side of the fire, in the wilderness area between Morrison and Shorthorn creeks. It is not threatening any containment lines. Fire personnel plan to wrap the Morrison Shelter and do work near the South Climb trailhead in case the fire moves toward them.

This weekend’s warm and dry weather will create conditions for additional fire activity. Edges of the fire that aren’t contained in the wilderness and pockets of residual fuels on the interior of the fire will continue to burn and produce smoke. Fire personnel will monitor the fire and take action if appropriate. A Blackhawk helicopter is available to drop water if needed to cool flare-ups.

Work on the shaded fuel break continues along the FS Rd 23 south of the FS Rd 23/FS Rd 90 junction. Equipment is being used to remove the smaller trees and brush, leaving larger, well-spaced, fire-resistant trees to grow. Removal of the smaller vegetation reduces the fuels that can support a fire moving through this strip and the chance of fire climbing into or through the crowns of the remaining trees. This makes any fire that hits this fuel break likely to be on the ground burning at a low intensity, giving fire personnel a chance to stop a running fire.

SAFETY AND CLOSURES: 

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, please remember that campfires, fireworks, and other potential sources of wildfire ignitions are banned on USFS lands and other forested lands, even in approved campsites. Fire personnel have been working hard this year controlling lightning-caused wildfires. Please be careful and don’t start additional fires.

The Trout Lake Community Rummage Sale is this weekend, 8/30 to 9/2/24. Expect heavy traffic on the roads and watch for pedestrians. 

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Tract D Recreation Area is currently closed, please see Yakama Tract D Road Closure for more information. FS Rd 23 south of FS Rd 90 is still CLOSED to the public due to fire suppression activity. The revised closure for the Mt. Adams Wilderness and FS Rd 23 closure can be found at Williams Mine Fire: Area and Road Closure. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from the PCT's intersection with FS Rd 23 to Potato Hill. The current area closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.