Kalama Fire Update – Sept. 18, 2022

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 224 acres in size and is currently five percent contained.  We were better able to map the area to give a more accurate account of the acres burned. Additionally, acres also increased with burn out operations to assist in securing the perimeter of the fire. Cooler weather and a trace of rain on Friday evening are assisting in the firefighting efforts.

Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff face and is now 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. The potential for fire growth remains, but containment lines are being put in place and contain percentage information will be updated when the lines are complete and holding.

Weather: Weather today is predicted to be mostly dry over the burn area, with variable winds. Seasonably warm weather and dry conditions are expected over the next few days.

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

Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874

Public Information Officer: David Grubich, 804-503-2363

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420

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

Kalama Fire Update – Sept. 17, 2022

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 224 acres in size and is currently five percent contained.  We were better able to map the area to give a more accurate account of the acres burned. Additionally, acres also increased with burn out operations to assist in securing the perimeter of the fire. Cooler weather and a trace of rain last evening are assisting in the fire fighting efforts.

Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff face and is now 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. The potential for fire growth remains, but containment lines are being put in place and contain percentage information will be updated when the lines are complete and holding.

Weather: Weather today is favorable with light rain, light winds and higher relative humidity. 

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

Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874

Public Information Officer: David Grubich, 804-503-2363

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420

Bolt Creek Fire Update - October 18, 2022

Southeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team

Incident Commander: Leonard Johnson

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170                         Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417                      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo

Estimated Acres: 14,618

Containment: 41%

Cause:  Undetermined

Total Personnel:  277

Resources include: six hand crews, one helicopter, 32 engines, two dozers, and two water tenders

US 2: Hwy 2 is open but may be subject to intermittent delays if debris falls onto the road. Washington State Department of Transportation crews continue to partner with the incident command team managing the fire. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT  real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as road status changes. Intermittent closures may cause delays. For your safety, please remain in your vehicle if stopped in the road.

Fire Update: Yesterday on the Bolt Creek Fire, crews worked on the eastern perimeter where good progress has been made along the Beckler River area. Overall conditions and containment lines are holding well as firefighters continue to monitor a small area of heat detected on the northeast boundary. Otherwise, containment lines are intact and fire spread has been minimal. Along the Hwy 2 corridor on the southern perimeter, aviation resources focused on an area where fire was moderately active. Helicopters spent most of the day dropping water to cool the area and reduce fire spread.   On the western flank of the fire, east of Index, firefighters improved containment lines and connected the fire to the Lewis Creek drainage off of the 120 Road, and worked to push the fire to the north and west along the 6022 Road. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on protecting structures, particularly on the east side of Index and along the Index-Galena Road. The fire continues to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness.  As containment improves, total firefighting resources assigned to the fire are being gradually reduced. Some firefighting resources are being reassigned to other emerging local fires.

Weather: Conditions will remain warmer and drier than normal through Thursday with slight warming each day. Winds will be light and variable and generally follow diurnal upslope/downslope trends. Temperature inversions will develop overnight with increasing smoke in valley locations. The forecast for Friday through the weekend is for cool and moist conditions as a weather system brings substantial rainfall with snow at higher elevations. Winds will increase and become more southerly in advance of the approaching storm.

Evacuation Guidance: In consideration of more moderate weather and good progress on fire containment, the Level 1 Evacuation Guidance for the Baring and Index areas has been lifted as of 6 p.m. October 17. Please see more information here: https://bit.ly/3T7dLfN .

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.

The USFS Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) report for the Bolt Creek Fire can be found on the Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8429/. 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources has issued a Wildfire-Associated Landslide Emergency Response Team Report at:

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ger_hazards_landslide_walert_report_bolt_creek_suiattle_boulder_toketie_2022.pdf

US 2: Hwy 2 is open but may be subject to intermittent delays if debris falls onto the road. Washington State Department of Transportation crews continue to partner with the incident command team managing the fire. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT  real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as road status changes. Intermittent closures may cause delays. For your safety please remain in your vehicle if stopped in the road.

Fire Update: On the Bolt Creek Fire, crews have successfully maintained containment lines during the Red Flag conditions of very low humidity, high temperatures and increased wind. On the western flank of the fire east of Index, firefighters continue to work to control fire spread to the west towards the 6022 Road and north into the Lewis Creek drainage. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on protecting structures, particularly on the east side of Index and along the Index-Galena Road, in the event the fire becomes more active. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. Unburned areas within the fire are increasingly dried out by unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity. Some firefighting resources are being reassigned to other emerging local fires.

Weather: Monday through Wednesday will be up to a few degrees cooler than Sunday, with a very slight increase in humidity. However, it will remain warmer and drier than normal for mid-October. Winds will be lighter and variable in direction, with inversions setting up at night.

Evacuation Guidance: The Red Flag Warning prompted a Level 1 Evacuation Guidance (Be Ready) for the Baring and Index areas. Please see more information here: https://bit.ly/3T7dLfN . Today fire managers will reevaluate the need for Level 1, in consideration of more moderate weather and good progress on fire containment.

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.

The USFS Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) report for the Bolt Creek Fire can be found on the Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8429/. 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources has issued a Wildfire-Associated Landslide Emergency Response Team Report at: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ger_hazards_landslide_walert_report_bolt_creek_suiattle_boulder_toketie_2022.pdf

Beginning at noon today, Sunday, Oct. 16, crews will fully close US 2 between mileposts 46-49 near Skykomish for hazardous tree assessment and removal due to the Bolt Creek Fire. Please check WSDOT’s real time travel map https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ or @wsdot_traffic on Twitter for updates on the status of the road.

Beginning at noon today, Sunday, Oct. 16, crews will fully close US 2 between mileposts 46-49 near Skykomish for hazardous tree assessment and removal due to the Bolt Creek Fire. Please check WSDOT’s real time travel map https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ or @wsdot_traffic on Twitter for updates on the status of the road.

US 2: Hwy 2 may be subject to intermittent delays if debris falls onto the road. Washington State Department of Transportation crews continue to partner with the incident command team managing the fire. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT  real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as road status changes.

Fire Update: On the Bolt Creek Fire firefighters have strengthened and consolidated containment lines along most of Hwy 2 and the Beckler River Road. Operations continued successfully overnight during the east wind event. Road preparation and chipper operations continue on the western end of the fire to control movement westward towards the 6022 Road, east of the Index area. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on protecting structures, particularly on the east side of Index and along the Index-Galena Road, in the event the fire becomes more active. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. Unburned areas within the fire are increasingly dried out by unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity.    

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area for low relative humidity and easterly winds. The Warning is in effect through 5 p.m. Sunday. A combination of moderate breezes, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid rates of spread and down-wind spotting on existing fires. 

Evacuation Guidance: The Red Flag Warning has prompted a Level 1 Evacuation Guidance (Be Ready) for the Baring and Index areas. Please see more information here: https://bit.ly/3T7dLfN . 

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.

The USFS Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) report for the Bolt Creek Fire can be found on the Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8429/. 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources has issued a Wildfire-Associated Landslide Emergency Response Team Report at: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ger_hazards_landslide_walert_report_bolt_creek_suiattle_boulder_toketie_2022.pdf

US 2: Hwy 2 is open but may be subject to intermittent delays if debris falls onto the road. Washington State Department of Transportation crews continue to partner with the incident command team managing the fire. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT  real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as road status changes.

Fire Update: On the Bolt Creek Fire firefighters have strengthened and consolidated containment lines along most of Hwy 2 and the Beckler River Road. Road preparation and chipper operations continue on the western end of the fire to control movement westward towards the Index area. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on protecting structures, particularly on the east side of Index and along the Index-Galena Road, if the fire becomes more active. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness.  Unburned areas within the fire are increasingly dried out by unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity.   

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area for low relative humidity and easterly winds. The Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. today through 5 p.m. Sunday. A combination of moderate breezes, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid rates of spread and down-wind spotting on existing fires.

Evacuation Guidance: The Red Flag Warning has prompted a Level 1 Evacuation Guidance (Be Ready) for the Baring and Index areas. Please see more information here: https://bit.ly/3T7dLfN .

The Murphy Lake Fire began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to 88 acres. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) is closed between Deception Lakes (mile 2447.5) and Hope Lake (mile 2457) due to the Murphy Lake fire. For more information: Pacific Crest Trail Facebook Page  The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed.  Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire situation. 

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.

The USFS Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) report for the Bolt Creek Fire can be found on the Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8429/. 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources has issued a Wildfire-Associated Landslide Emergency Response Team Report at:https://www.dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ger_hazards_landslide_walert_report_bolt_creek_suiattle_boulder_toketie_2022.pdf 

US 2 is now open to traffic: Crews have finished up hazardous tree removal & clearing. US 2 has reopened between MP 46-50 in #Skykomish. There are no planned weekend closures at this time. For real-time information go to:  Travel Center Map | WSDOT.

US 2: All lanes of US 2 have closed as of 9 p.m. last night between mileposts 46 to 50 due to falling trees associated with the Bolt Creek Fire. Earlier yesterday, the road was closed from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for fire mitigation activity. The roadway reopened shortly after 6 p.m. but was forced to close again at 9 p.m. Bolt Creek Fire crews and WSDOT crews began to reassess and continue tree removal at daylight today. At this time, there is no detour and there is no estimated time for reopening. Washington State Department of Transportation crews continue to partner with the incident command team managing the fire. Additional road closures may be necessary should the fire impact the road. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT  real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as road status changes.

Fire Update: On the Bolt Creek Fire firefighters have strengthened and consolidated containment lines along most of Hwy 2 and the Beckler River Road. Road preparation and chipper operations continue on roads on the western end of the fire to control movement westward towards the Index area. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on protecting structures , particularly on the east side of Index, if the fire becomes more active. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness, and previously unburned areas within the fire are increasingly dried out by unseasonably warm temperatures and low humidity.

The Murphy Lake Fire began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to 88 acres. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) is closed between Deception Lakes (mile 2447.5) and Hope Lake (mile 2457) due to the Murphy Lake fire. For more information: Pacific Crest Trail Facebook Page  The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed.  Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire situation.

Weather: Warm and dry weather conditions will continue. Wind will be slightly breezy this morning and weaken into the afternoon. Ongoing elevated temperatures and low relative humidity will continue to influence fire behavior.

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. 

The USFS Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) report for the Bolt Creek Fire can be found on the Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8429/. 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources has issued a Wildfire-Associated Landslide Emergency Response Team Report at: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/ger_hazards_landslide_walert_report_bolt_creek_suiattle_boulder_toketie_2022.pdf

US 2: Today, from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. US 2 will be fully closed between mileposts 46 to 50 to allow fire crews responding to the Bolt Creek Fire to perform fire mitigation work near the roadway. The road will be fully closed through this area while crews are performing fire mitigation work near the roadway as scheduled until 5 p.m. Due to the nature of this work only incident responders and emergency personnel will be permitted through the closure. Travelers need to plan ahead as no detour is available during this time. The previous travel advisory issued on Oct. 12 reflected a 12 p.m. start time for this closure, however as conditions change, crews need to begin their work earlier. WSDOT remains committed to partnering with the incident management team on this fire and reminds travelers that additional road closures may be necessary should the fire pattern change. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as available.

Fire Update: Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor containment lines on the southeast and west perimeters of the fire along Hwy 2 to ensure that the fire stays within the burn area. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on fire protection, particularly on the east side of Index, to ensure protection is in place should fire become more active. Another day of road preparation and chipper operations took place near Index. Along the highway corridor, crews conducted mop-up operations extinguishing residual fire, smokey areas and smoldering stump holes.  The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. This predicted fire behavior is not expected to threaten containment lines.

Other Fire Information:  The Murphy Lake Fire began from a lightning strike on August 18. It is burning about 2 ½ miles southeast of Scenic WA in Wilderness administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Murphy Lakes and is visible from Hwy 2. Fire behavior has become more active over the ridge tops with minimal movement as it slowly backs down the steep slopes. Warm and dry weather conditions will increase fire activity during the day with flare-ups during the afternoon hours. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) is closed between Deception Lakes (mile 2447.5) and Hope Lake (mile 2457) due to the Murphy Lake fire. For more information: Pacific Crest Trail Facebook Page. The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed.  Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire situation.

Weather: Warm and dry weather conditions will continue. Wind will be slightly breezy this morning and weaken into the afternoon. Ongoing elevated temperatures and low relative humidity will continue to influence fire behavior.

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.

The USFS Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) report for the Bolt Creek Fire can be found on the Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8429/.