EVACUATION LEVEL 2 – BE SET!
All areas north of Butter Creek are at Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation. This includes Upper and Lower Timberline, Goat Rocks, Riverdance, and parts of High Valley. This is precautionary due to Goat Rocks Fire behavior. Packwood proper is not under evacuation status at this time. See accompanying Public Information map.
Monitor https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts or https://bit.ly/LewisCountyEMFB for changes.

Yesterday: A smoke inversion lingered over the Goat Rocks Fire for most of Monday, and this restricted aerial operations on much of the fire. The inversion helped keep temperatures down and relative humidity higher at low elevations, reducing fire activity. The fire continued to creep around in the Coal Creek drainage, but did not move closer to structures near US 12. Crews and other resources worked to get new containment lines around this part of the fire.

At higher elevations above the inversion, temperatures were warmer and relative humidity dropped into the 20% to 30% range. These conditions allowed for active fire growth, including on steep slopes below Three Peaks toward Lake Creek. To the north, fire continued to burn in the Dam Creek drainage to Forest Road 46, where engine crews kept it south of the road.

Since they were unable to fly on the Goat Rocks Fire due to the inversion, helicopters assisted the Kalama Fire and other fires on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Today: Similar weather is expected today, moderating fire behavior. Crews will reinforce containment lines and cool the fire’s edge in the lower part of Coal Creek. Engines will patrol the neighborhoods to the west.

A Hotshot crew will be scouting in the Lake Creek drainage, looking for opportunities to slow the fire’s growth to the south. Fire is spreading in this area from burning debris rolling down steep slopes and igniting fuels, with fire then burning uphill. Helicopters plan to drop water on this area to slow fire spread if conditions allow. Some of these slopes are covered by stands of younger conifer trees, where water dropped by helicopters has a better chance of getting past the trees canopies and reaching the fuels on the ground.

On the north edge of the fire, engine crews will cool the fire as it reaches Forest Road 46. Removal of woody debris along Forest Road 46 is expected to be completed today.

Weather:  Today’s weather should be similar to yesterday’s, but with slightly lower relative humidity. An inversion will reduce fire activity at low elevations. The fire is expected to be more active at higher elevations due to warmer and drier conditions above the inversion. Temperatures and winds will be moderate. Warm, dry weather is expected the next few days before a cold front is predicted to bring showers late this week. 

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder 
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

EVACUATION LEVEL 2 – BE SET! All areas north of Butter Creek are at Level 2* (Be Set) evacuation. This includes Upper and Lower Timberline, Goat Rocks, River Dance, and parts of High Valley. This is precautionary due to Goat Rocks Fire behavior. Packwood proper is not under evacuation status at this time. See accompanying Public Information map.

Monitor https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts or https://bit.ly/LewisCountyEMFB for changes.

Yesterday: Gusty winds and very low relative humidity allowed the Goat Rocks Fire to burn actively on Sunday. Patrols increased in residential areas. Helicopters dropped water on the western tip of the fire and kept it from spreading further down Coal Creek drainage. A dozer and fire crews worked to construct line and cool the fire in this area. The fire continued to spread into the upper Lake Creek drainage near Three Peaks. Helicopters dropped water to slow the fire’s progress, and the fire did not make any major runs. To the north, fingers of fire reached Forest Road 46, where engine crews were able to stop their growth.

Today: Fire is expected to burn actively again today. Patrols will be ongoing in residential neighborhoods. Fire resources will continue to focus on stopping fire from spreading further west in Coal Creek drainage. In the upper Lake Creek drainage, fire will likely spread toward the bottom of the drainage. Short uphill runs are expected where burning debris rolls downhill. Helicopters will drop water to slow fire spread as needed.

On the north edge of the fire, engine crews will cool the fire as it reaches Forest Road 46, to help prevent it from crossing north of the road. Removal of woody debris along Forest Road 46 is expected to be completed today or tomorrow.

Weather:  Winds are expected to be lighter today, with the inversion lasting into the afternoon. Humidity levels stayed low last night and will drop to around 25% this afternoon before a westerly wind shift brings slightly higher humidity. High temperatures will be in the 70s. Warm, dry weather is expected the next few days before a cold front is predicted to bring showers late this week.

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place.
Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

*What does “Level 2” mean?
Level 2 (Be Set) means that residents in that area should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice by having your important personal items packed and ready in your vehicle. If you have difficulties evacuating, leave now. For additional evacuation information or to receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts. Please note that enrollment in these alerts is not always immediate. 

NEW EVACUATION LEVELS: LEVEL 2 – BE SET! The evacuation levels for Goat Rocks Fire have changed: All areas north of Butter Creek are at Level 2* (Be Set) evacuation. This includes Upper and Lower Timberline, Goat Rocks, River Dance, and parts of High Valley. This is a precautionary level change due to the Red Flag warning and Goat Rocks wildfire behavior. Packwood proper is not under evacuation status at this time. See accompanying Public Information map.

Monitor https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts or https://bit.ly/LewisCountyEMFB for changes.

Yesterday: A combination of higher wind speeds and lower relative humidity increased fire activity during the day and overnight. Fire did cross the ridge over the Three Peaks Trail system; however, overall fire growth was minimal. There was also some increased fire activity at the northern-most edge of the fire, in Division W. Fire activity on the western edge of the fire increased as well, near the Divisions A/W break. Helicopters performed multiple water drops to cool the fire’s edge in this area. Crews, engines, and a bulldozer all responded to that activity.

Today: Fire activity in the western portion of the fire (the area closest to communities) increased this morning. Numerous firefighters, engines, and a bulldozer held the control line well.

The increased fire activity in the Three Peaks ridge area led to the change in evacuation levels this morning. Some fire has crossed to the west side of the ridge so smoke and fire might be visible. This area of the fire is in very steep wilderness and is difficult to access. Hand crews are working in the area and helicopters continue numerous water drops over this area today.

Active fire behavior is expected again today due to weather conditions. Residents and guests may continue to see fire, including short runs if winds and terrain align. Additional resources are en route.

Weather:  The Red Flag Warning issued by the Weather Service remains in effect until 5 pm today. Overnight humidity recovery was poor, and today will be dry as well. Minimum relative humidity will be in the low-to-mid 20s. High temperatures will be in the 70s. Winds will be strongest in the morning with gusts to around 25 mph possible. Wind speed is expected to decrease this evening. Dry conditions continue this week; however, a cold front is expected to move in by next weekend. Increased smoke will continue given the increase in fire activity.

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap *What does “Level 2” mean? Level 2 (Be Set) mean that residents in that area should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice by having your important personal items packed and ready in your vehicle. If you have difficulties evacuating, leave now. For additional evacuation information or to receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts. Please note that enrollment in these alerts is not always immediate.

 

RED FLAG WARNING: The Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning that goes into effect as of 11 am Saturday, October 15 until 5 pm Sunday, October 16. This is due to a combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, dry conditions, and average wind speeds along ridges at 15 mph. Gusts may reach 25 mph. Easterly winds will pick up Saturday morning and then peak Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Please monitor emergency alert notifications.

Residents should anticipate an increase in smoke over the weekend.

Fire Activity: An increase in fire behavior is expected today, with creeping and smoldering along the fireline. Most of the fire growth is projected on the northern edge in Division Whiskey. Where winds align, the fire is expected to burn fuels in between the fire’s edge and control lines. Some individual or group tree torching may occur. There was some single tree torching by Bluff Lake yesterday.

Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters patrol communities closest to the fire day and night. Crews test hoses and review the coordinated response plan daily. Firefighters continue to hold all control lines, including the Three Peak Trail system. Helicopter bucket work continues to limit fire spread. Resources are advancing hazardous fuels removal along Forest Road 46.

Weather:  Saturday and Sunday’s Red Flag warning will bring warmer temperatures. Saturday’s high is 76 degrees; Sunday’s high is 77 degrees. Humidity recovery was poor Friday night. Relative humidity may be as low as 20 on Saturday and 24 on Sunday. Saturday’s wind speeds will be 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. Sunday’s average winds will be a bit slower at 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set). Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts. Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

 

 

NOTE: The Packwood Fire Department will be hosting a Firewise USA Information Session on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 6 P.M. at the Packwood Fire Department station, 123953 US 12. The Goat Rocks Fire Incident Management Organization will provide a brief update on the fire at this event.

Barring any substantial changes, the next update will be issued Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.

Fire Activity: Fire activity remains light. The fire is backing and flanking in most areas; some single-tree torching was observed yesterday. The western fingers of the fire continue to close in on one another, slowly consuming flammable vegetation.    

 

Firefighting Efforts: Crews are successfully holding all control lines. Firefighters are patrolling the communities closest to the fire and testing the hoses and pumps. Resources continue training on the coordinated response plan. The Smith River Hotshots are leveraging an area where fuels and terrain allow for safe control of the fire’s edge in the Coal Creek drainage. They are hard at work with hand tools and chainsaws as they secure additional line directly adjacent to the fire. Air operations are still assisting to limit fire spread from the Coal Creek drainage. Hazardous fuels removal continues along Forest Road 1266, Forest Road 46, Forest Road 041, and the Three Peaks Trail system. 

 

Weather:  Temperatures will be higher today, with a high of 78 degrees. Humidity will be lower, hovering at 23%. Easterly, terrain-driven wind speeds will average 6 mph today, with gusts up to 13 mph. Weather patterns will be similar until Monday. 

Highlights: Firefighters continue prioritizing structure protection. Crews have completed chipping in the northern portion of the fire. Hotshots have advanced the control lines into the Three Peaks Trail system as far as is feasible, given the terrain and other safety conditions.

Today, crews will be bolstering existing control lines and working up against the fire’s edge where it is safe to do so. As weather allows, Helicopters will be performing bucket work over the Coal Creek drainage portion of the fire. Logging equipment operators will be removing trees near control lines as part of the wildfire suppression approach. Fire activity may increase slightly with today’s lower humidity, but overall, the fire continues to creep and smolder along the forest floor.

Weather: The forecast calls for a high of 73 degrees today. Smoke will continue to linger, but may lighten after 4:00 pm. Daytime highs will remain in the 70s until next Monday. Easterly, light winds are expected today. Relative humidity will be on the lower side, at 27%.

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set). Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts.

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

Firefighting Efforts: Crews are implementing hazardous fuels reduction along Forest Road 1266, Forest Road 4612, Forest Road 041, and the Three Peaks trail system. Firefighters are patrolling near communities closest to the fire, testing and refining sprinklers and hose lays. The structure protection specialist finalized the coordinated response plan, and crews are rehearsing it. Aerial attack was able to continue yesterday, but to a lesser degree given the high winds. Helicopters will perform additional bucket work today given the weather cooperates.

Fire Activity: Yesterday’s winds tested the control lines, all of which successfully held. Fire activity slightly increased especially near ridgetops. Overall, the fire continues to creep and smolder, and fire activity is minimal.

Weather: The fire received light precipitation last night. Winds will be much lighter today, with an average speed of 6 mph and guests up to 10 mph. The forecast calls for similar temperatures as yesterday, with a high of 67 degrees. Humidity will hover around 32%. Wednesday and Thursday will bring warmer temperatures (low 70s) and lower humidities (27%).

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).

Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts.

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

Highlights: Fire growth continues to be primarily in areas where the fire is closing in on itself, slowly creeping and smoldering along the forest floor. While today’s temperatures will be much lower than yesterday, wind speed will be faster with gusts to 25 mph possible. Additional fire growth is anticipated today. Interagency Hotshot crews and aerial bucket work are successfully holding the fire at Coal Creek Ridge, and other lines are holding as well. Crews continue to scout for opportunities to safely extend control lines in the upper Coal Creek drainage, but the steep terrain is presenting many challenges.
 

Weather: Today will be much cooler than recent days, with a high of 68 degrees. A cold front arrives today, dropping daytime highs to 67 degrees. Winds will be westerly, with average speeds around 12 mph. Gusts may be as high as 25 to 30 mph. This may or may not restrict aerial attack.  

 

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).  

 

Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts.  

 

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder  

Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

A Type 3 Incident Management Organization, led by Incident Commander Ryan Erne and Incident Commander Trainee Jason Lanier assumed command of the Goat Rocks Fire at 6:00 p.m. last night.

Fire Activity: The fire continues to grow about 100 to 150 acres a day, but is mostly closing in on itself. That is to say, areas where the fire has previously formed “fingers” are burning toward one another, at a very slow pace.  It is creeping and smoldering through extremely thick duff, which is resulting in continued smoke in the air. Coal Creek drainage continues to be one of the most active areas of the fire.

           

Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters continue to successfully hold all control lines.Chipping continues along Forest Road 4610 today, and is nearing completion. The Structure Protection Specialist continues to work with local cooperators on refining the coordinated response plan. Engine patrol continues day and night, throughout the communities closest to the fire and along Highway 12. An additional helicopter arrived yesterday, and aerial attack continues.

    

Weather: Today’s high is 80 degrees. Temperatures will drop significantly tomorrow, with a daytime high of 68. Light, westerly winds averaging at 6 mph are expected today. Tomorrow’s winds may increase in speed to an average of 14 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

 

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).   Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts.

 

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

Temporary Flight Restriction in Place:  A drone pilot attempted to violate the temporary flight restriction over the fire area yesterday. When people fly drones near wildfires, aircraft in the area are grounded to avoid the potential for a midair collision. Delaying airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents, and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger. Additionally, violating a Temporary Flight Restriction is a federal offence. Remember, if you fly, we can’t.
 
One Less Spark; One Less Wildfire: Approximately 90% of all wildfires in the United States are caused by human activity. That is why we need your help to prevent them. Actions you can take to prevent wildfires include ensuring your campfire is completely extinguished, keeping your vehicle well maintained to prevent sparks, and practicing fire-safe target shooting.

Fire Activity: Fire growth continues but at low intensity. The fire is backing, flanking, and testing control lines, all of which firefighters are successfully holding. The fire consumed ground fuels near the Forest Road 1266, which reduces the risk of it jumping that road in the future.

           

Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters continue to focus on community protection. There are multiple layers of control line, contingency line, and hoselays in between the fire and the community. Firefighters are actively testing their equipment, under the direction of a Structure Protection Specialist. Other crews are hard at work strengthening the trail system by the southwest edge of the fire, and reinforcing handline and dozerline. Log processing along Forest Road 46 is complete, and that effort has now shifted to Forest Road 4610.

    

Weather: The warm, dry weather pattern will continue today and Sunday. Today’s high is 80 degrees, but temperatures should cool off after tomorrow. Easterly winds will continue to bring smoke into the communities near the fire. However, the up-valley breeze is expected to return this afternoon, providing a bit of relief from the smoke.

 

Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of US-12, including Lower Timberline and Goat Rocks, are still at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline remains at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).  

Emergency Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, sign up at https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts.

 

Forest Closures: A road and trail closure within the Gifford National Forest is in place. Closure order: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksClosureOrder
Closure map: https://bit.ly/GoatRocksFireClosureMap

Thank You! Nevada Incident Management Team 4 thanks the community for all of its hospitality these past two weeks. As of 6 pm tonight, a Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander Ryan Erne will assume command of the fire. Thank you all for allowing us to be part of the Packwood family these last two weeks.