The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had three (3) new fires in the last week.  To date, there have been 47 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  41 of those reported fires are out.

Eddy Fire (September 24): The fire, located approximately 12 miles northwest of Challis on the Challis -Yankee Fork Ranger District was estimated at 0.10 acres.  The fire, burning in Douglas fir, is out.

Garfield Fire (September 23): The lightning fire, located approximately 33 miles northeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District was estimated at 0.10 acres.  The fire, burning is spruce and fir, is out.

Wildhorse Fire (September 19): The lightning fire, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District is estimated at 0.10 acres.  The fire, burning in spruce and fir is out.

Elkhorn Fire (September 18): The lightning fire, located approximately 27 miles northwest of Salmon on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, is estimated at 0.10 to 0.25 acres.  The fire, burning in grass and dead/down fuels is out.

Saw Log Fire (September 10): The lightning fire, located approximately 22 miles northwest of Challis on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District, is estimated at two (2) acres.  The fire, burning in timber with a litter understory is out.

Horse Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is estimated at 397 acres.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags.  The fire is being managed under a point protection strategy.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering in the interior of the perimeter.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.

Owl Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 20 miles west of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District, is 747 acres.  The fire, burning in grass, brush, Douglas fir, and snags is 100% contained.  The fire is on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,054 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering with most of the activity on the west side of the fire.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using remote cameras and aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.

Moose (July 17):  The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/.

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is creeping.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/.

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The lightning fire is located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 2,082 acre fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Wolf Fang Fire.  Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and snag hazards a remote camera and aviation are assessing the fire daily.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8273/.

Weather:  High pressure today and Tuesday will support very warm and dry conditions with valley relative humidities dropping to 10-15% and poor overnight recovery at upper slopes, but light winds. A trough of low pressure will bring increasing winds but also increasing humidity and cooling temps from Wednesday through the end of the week. A few light showers may accompany this feature Wednesday night and Thursday.

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangelands within the designated area.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.

Nationally, there are 17 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 81 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger

CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had one (1) new fire in the last week.  To date, there have been 44 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  36 of those reported fires are out.  

Elkhorn Fire (September 18): The fire, located approximately 27 miles northwest of Salmon on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, is estimated at 0.10 to 0.25 acres.  The fire is burning in grass and dead/down fuels.  A storm cell passed over the fire area yesterday afternoon, fire managers will do a reconnaissance flight of the fire area today to gather more information.  Further information will be shared if significant activity occurs.  

Saw Log Fire (September 10): The fire, located approximately 22 miles northwest of Challis on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District, is estimated at two (2) acres.  The fire, burning in timber with a litter understory is 100% contained.  

Horse Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is estimated at 397 acres.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags.  The fire is being managed under a point protection strategy.  Fire activity is minimal.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.  

Owl Fire (September 8): The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.  

Siah Fire (August 17): The 11 acre lightning fire, located approximately six (6) miles northwest of Indian Creek Guard Station on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The fire burning in grass, brush, and fir is out.  

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,054 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity has moderated due to recent precipitation over the fire area.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using remote cameras and aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.  

Moose (July 17):  The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering and creeping.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The lightning fire is located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 2,082 acre fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Wolf Fang Fire.  Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and snag hazards, Middle Fork Peak lookout, a remote camera, and aviation are assessing the fire daily.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8273/.  

Weather:  A low pressure system will remain positioned off the northern California coast through Tuesday resulting in warm, dry, and locally breezy conditions across the region.  The low moves onshore and across the region Wednesday and Thursday resulting in widespread showers and cooler temperatures.  

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the VERY HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangelands within the designated area.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Nationally, there are 24 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 81 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  For information on smoke visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.  

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Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, continues to show little growth and is currently approximately 493 acres in size and containment has been increased to 37%. Fire Managers continue their objective of keeping the fire north of Dry Creek, south and east of Forest Service Road 81. 

Fire Behavior: Fire fighters have taken advantage of the minimal fire activity and have increased their focus on suppression repair activities which include removing hose from firelines, repairing dozer lines by covering them with downed vegetation and constructing water diversion “water bars” to direct water off disturbed soil to minimize erosion damage, and repairing road damage. Crews will continue to reinforce lines on the fire and monitor fire activity. There have been no changes with regard to evacuation orders on the Kamala Fire. The evacuation level remains at Level 1 “Ready’.

Weather: Today’s weather will continue to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures around 71 with light winds and humidity around 39%.

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:  The evacuation level for the Kalama Fire remains at Level 1 “Ready” from the headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill Lake, and from the Skamania/Cowlitz County Border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.  All current road closures remain in effect.

Sign up for county alerts: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/196/Emergency-Management 
Size: 493 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 37% Cause: Under investigation. 
Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874 
Public Information Officer: Nate Leising: 775-720-2749
Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire       

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, continues to show little growth and is currently approximately 486 acres in size and is 14% percent contained.  Fire Managers continue their objective of keeping the fire north of Dry Creek, south and east of Forest Service Road 81.

Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters continue to reinforce indirect lines on the fire and monitor fire activity.  Fire behavior continues to be minimal with smoldering and creeping observed.  Current containment lines continue to hold and crews are beginning to remove hose lays from the line and will begin the task of fireline and Dozer line repair.  This repair work is done to minimize erosion due to fire activities and bring the land back to a more natural state.   

Weather: Today’s weather will continue to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 77-79 with light winds and humidity around 35%.

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.        

Evacuations:  After re-evaluating current evacuation levels and projected fire behavior for the Kalama Fire, in coordination with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s office, United States Forest Service, and Washington Department of Natural Resources, the current evacuation level has been lowered to Level 1 “Ready” from the headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill Lake, and from the Skamania/Cowlitz County Border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.  All current road closures remain in effect.

Level 1, Ready Evacuation Level:

• North to South: From the Headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill Lake.
• East to West: From the 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: 486 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 14% Cause: Under investigation. 

Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874
Public Information Officer: Nate Leising: 775-720-2749  
Forest Website:http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire       

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, continues to show little growth and is at approximately 478 acres in size nine percent contained.  Crews are working to keep the fire north of Dry Creek and south and east of Forest Road 81.

Fire Behavior: Fire fighters are continuing to reinforce indirect lines on the fire and monitor fire activity.  Fire behavior continues to be minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed.  Current containment lines continue to hold and crews are focusing on hotspots near the lines.  Crews are also assessing areas affected by fire activity and are beginning to repair those areas.  

Weather: Today’s weather will continue to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 76-80 with light winds and humidity around 30%.

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:   After re-evaluating current evacuation levels and projected fire behavior for the Kalama Fire, in coordination with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s office, United States Forest Service, and Washington Department of Natural Resources, the current evacuation level has been lowered to Level 1 “Ready” from the headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill  Lake, and from the Skamania/Cowlitz County Border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.  All current road closures remain in effect.

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

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

Containment: 9%
Size: 478 acres with potential for growth.
Cause: Under investigation.
Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874
Public Information Officer: Nate Leising, 775-720-2749
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420
Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, remains at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently nine percent contained.

Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to prepare 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 and reinforced with hose lays and sprinklers.

Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 68-71 with light winds.

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, Tootle Trail #238B, 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:  After re-evaluating current evacuation levels and projected fire behavior for the Kalama Fire, in coordination with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s office, United States Forest Service, and Washington Department of Natural Resources, the current evacuation level has been lowered to Level 1 “Ready” from the headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill  Lake, and from the Skamania/Cowlitz County Border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County. All current road closures remain in effect.

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

Containment: 9%
Size: 461 acres with potential for growth.
Cause: Under investigation.
Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874
Public Information Officer: Nate Leising, 775-720-2749
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420
Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire

 

After re-evaluating current evacuation levels and projected fire behavior for the #KalamaFire, in coordination with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, U.S Forest Service, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources, evacuation levels have been lowered. Current evacuation levels associated with Kalama Fire are now all at Level 1 ”Ready”.

Level 1, Ready Evacuation:

• North to South: From the Headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill Lake.
• East to West: Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.

Be prepared. Make a personal "Ready, Set, GO!" wildfire action plan: https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/ut-cdc/prevention/doc/ready_set_go.pdf 

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, remains at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently five percent contained. 

Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to prepare 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: Today will be mostly with clouds increasing in the late afternoon and evening with a 25% chance of light rain.

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: 

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: 454 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       

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

         Kalama Fire Update – October 8, 2022

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently five percent contained. Acres increased only slightly with burn out operations to assist in securing the perimeter of the fire. Cooler weather and rain over the fire area these past few days has assisted in the firefighting efforts.

 

Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff and is now burning 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 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 the weekend. Easterly winds will weaken Friday, with light terrain driven winds today.

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, 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.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