Kalama Fire Update – October 7, 2022

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. 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 likely on Saturday.

Closures: Closures remain in place - View New 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: 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      

Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire      

Kalama Fire Update – October 6, 2022
Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southwest of Mount St. Helens near the town of Cougar, WA, is approximately 454 acres in size and five percent contained.  Containment lines have been completed.  With the inability to safely mop up the fire’s edge, due to steep terrain and overhead hazards, containment percentages will remain low.

Road Closure Description:

Kalama Fire Update – October 4, 2022
 Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southwest of Mount St. Helens near the town of Cougar, WA, is approximately 443 acres in size and currently five percent contained.  Containment lines have been completed.  With the inability to safely mop up the fire’s edge, due to steep terrain and overhead hazards, containment percentages will remain low.
Fire Behavior: Fire is slowly creeping to the southern dozer line where the completed line is holding it.  Overall fire behavior is low intensity creeping and backing.  Potential for large plume dominated fire growth is low.  
Weather:  A marine push last night brought slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity over the fire.  Today’s maximum temperature is predicted to be around 72 degrees with minimum humidity 44-46 percent.  An upper ridge will continue the trend for slightly warmer than normal temperatures this week while keeping winds mainly light and terrain driven.
Closures: A signed Closure Order remains in place.  View the Kalama Fire Update to see which roads and trails are closed, including:• Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A• FS Road 81, from the junction with SR 503 spur to the junction with FS Road 8100-830 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 81• FS Road 8117 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8117• FS Road 8122 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8122
        Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open. 
Evacuations:  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 the Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time).  View an Evacuation Map for more information on the following and sign up for Cowlitz County Emergency Alerts:
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
Size: 443 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.Resources:  2 Initial Attack Handcrews, 2 Handcrews, 1 Type 3 Engine, 1 Type 5 Engine, 3 Type 6 Engines, 2 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Dozer, 3 Water tenders, 1 Masticators, 1 Excavator, 1 Chipper, 1 Feller Buncher, 3 EMTs, 1 Ambulance, and 1 Falling TeamPersonnel: 127
Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420   Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire      

Kalama Fire Update – October 3, 2022
 Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southwest of Mount St. Helens near the town of Cougar, WA, is 443 acres in size and currently five percent contained. Containment lines have been completed.  With the inability to safely mop up the edge, due to steep terrain and overhead hazards, containment percentages will remain low.
Fire Behavior: As the moisture from last week’s rain event continues to dry, firefighters are expected to see a little more fire activity.  On the south flank of the fire there is low to moderate fire spread, with backing towards the dozer line on the south.  Fire behavior on the west flank is similar with low-speed creeping to the west.  Fire is slowly backing and following contour lines toward the north and east with minor uphill spread.  The potential for fire growth remains. 
Weather: A warm, dry airmass is expected over the fire area through Monday night, keeping humidity low.  Winds will be mainly terrain driven.  Temperatures are expected to be a degree or two cooler and humidity a percentage or two higher compared to Sunday.  Onshore flow will bring cooler temperatures Tuesday and humidity is expected to remain above 50 percent.
Closures: A signed Closure Order remains in place.  View the Kalama Closure Map to see which roads and trails are closed, including:• Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A• FS Road 81, from the junction with SR 503 spur to the junction with FS Road 8100-830 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 81• FS Road 8117 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8117• FS Road 8122 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8122       
 Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open. 
Evacuations:  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 the Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time).  View an Evacuation Map for more information on the following and sign up for Cowlitz County Emergency Alerts:
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
Size: 443 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.Resources:  2 Initial Attack Handcrews, 2 Handcrews, 2 Type 3 Engines, 1 Type 5 Engine, 3 Type 6 Engines, 2 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Dozer, 4 Water tenders, 3 Masticators, 1 Excavator, 1 Chippers, 1 Self-loading log truck, 1 Feller Buncher, 3 EMTs, 1 Ambulance, and 1 Falling Team 
Personnel: 157Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874Public Information Officer: Dawn Stender 541-645-3282Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420   Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire   

Kalama Fire Update – October 2, 2022
Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southwest of Mount St. Helens near the town of Cougar, WA, is 443 acres in size and currently five percent contained. Cooler weather and rain last week assisted firefighting efforts. The fire remains within containment lines.  With the inability to safely mop up the edge, due to steep terrain and overhead hazards, containment percentages will remain low.

Fire Behavior: On the south flank of the fire there is low to moderate fire spread, with backing towards the dozer line on the south.  Fire behavior on the west flank is similar with low-speed creeping to the west.  Fire is slowly backing and following contour lines toward the north and east with minor uphill spread.  The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. 

Weather: An upper ridge moving into the area is bringing a warming and drying trend through the weekend.  While today’s temperatures will continue to be warmer, winds are predicted to be lighter and terrain driven in the afternoon.  Monday’s weather should bring slightly cooler with light winds. 

Closures: A signed Closure Order remains in place.  View the Kalama Closure Map to see which roads and trails are closed, including:
• Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A
• FS Road 81, from the junction with SR 503 spur to the junction with FS Road 8100-830 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 81
• FS Road 8117 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8117
• FS Road 8122 and all associated FS spur roads off FS Road 8122     
  Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open. 

Evacuations:  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 the Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time).  View an Evacuation Map for more information on the following and sign up for Cowlitz County Emergency Alerts:

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
 
Size: 443 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.

Resources:  2 Initial Attack Handcrews, 2 Type 3 Engines, 3 Type 6 Engines, 3 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Dozer, 4 Water tenders, 3 Masticators, 1 Excavator, 2 Chippers, 1 Self-loading log truck, 1 Feller Buncher, 3 EMTs, and 1 Falling Team

Personnel: 164
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 

  Kalama Fire Update – Sept. 30, 2022

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 435 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 drier and warmer then the past few days. A surface thermal trough will push up from the south, creating northerly flow with warmer and drier weather. Tonight, the thermal trough pushes west which will allow some drier east winds to filter into the fire area. These east winds will continue through Saturday, allowing for and warmer and drier day, with a 20% chance that wind gusts could exceed 20 mph. East winds continue through Saturday night and warmer and drier weather is expected on Sunday.

Closures: Closures remain in place - View a Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1059380.pdf

Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A

Roads:

• 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. 8122

         Attention 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.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: 435 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 – Sept. 29, 2022

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 435 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 expected over the fire area today will assist 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 cool and rainy this morning with showers dissipating in the afternoon. Mild weather returns for Friday into the coming weekend. A surface thermal trough will push up from the south, creating northerly flow for Friday with warmer and drier weather. Friday night, the thermal trough pushes west which will allow some drier east winds to filter into the fire area. These east winds will continue through Saturday, allowing for an even warmer and drier day, with a 20% chance that wind gusts could exceed 20 mph.

Closures: View a Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1059380.pdf

Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A

Roads:

• 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. 8122

         Attention 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.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: 435 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