Actualización sobre el complejo norte de Smith River, 17 de septiembre de 2023

Tamaño: 92,142 total/ 12,460 en Oregón                                             

Fecha de inicio:  15 de agosto de 2023

Ubicación: Grants Pass, OR

Contención: 58%

Personal total: 1,651 para el complejo

Causa: Rayo

Recursos: 44 equipos   11 helicópteros   68 camiones de bomberos   10 buldóceres   25 tanques de agua   14 trituradoras   1 excavadora
 

Ayer: Aunque el humo no permitió la ayuda de los recursos aéreos durante la mayor parte del día, los equipos en la esquina noroeste del incendio realizaron operaciones de quema hasta el sistema vial en el lado oeste de Taylor Creek. En el extremo norte, los equipos terminaron las operaciones de quema y están neutralizando, monitoreando la zona y trabajando para alcanzar la extinción total. Asimismo, en el extremo este, retiraron cerca de una milla y media de mangueras debido a que hay poco riesgo de actividad del incendio en dicha zona.

Actividades de hoy:  Se están realizando operaciones de quema táctica a pequeña escala cerca de Taylor Creek para devolver el fuego a la línea de control. Esto le permite a los bomberos operar de forma segura mientras realizan las actividades de neutralización y mantenimiento de la línea. En el extremo norte del incendio, los equipos mantienen la línea, neutralizan y monitorean la zona, y comienzan a identificar los daños a reparar. Los equipos de reparación de terreno comenzaron las operaciones de tala en la línea de control secundaria en la zona de Monkey Ridge, mientras avanzan los trabajos en la línea de control secundaria del oeste en Forest Road 1106.

Humo: Se sumó el condado de Jackson a la advertencia de calidad de humo vigente en los condados Curry y Josephine que estará en efecto hasta la noche del domingo debido al humo de los incendios de los complejos de Anvil y Smith River. El humo disminuirá hoy en toda la zona, pero se mantendrá un alto nivel de neblina. Algunos niveles de humo pueden cambiar rápido según el clima; consulte las condiciones actualizadas en: https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke

Cierres: El Bosque Nacional Rogue River-Siskiyou emitió una orden de cierre para una zona y un corredor de 400 yardas de ancho a lo largo de las carreteras Forest Road 1106 (al sur de Elk Mountain Road), Forest Road 1205 (Lower Wheeler Road) y Forest Road 1983 (Mt. Emily Road) desde ayer, 14 de septiembre, hasta el 31 de octubre de 2023. Este cierre permite realizar con seguridad las operaciones asociadas al complejo norte de Smith River. Asimismo, se mantienen vigentes los cierres en BLM. Visite bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts o https://www.blm.gov/orwafire para tener más información.

Cierres vehiculares y retrasos: Caltrans en el condado Del Norte emitió un horario de cierre de camino y restricciones de canales en la carretera US-199. Durante los días de semana, se mantendrá una combinación de cierres de caminos y restricciones de canales. Durante el fin de semana, la carretera permanecerá abierta, pero con restricciones de canales y camiones señalizadores, por lo que es probable que el tráfico sea lento. Para tener información específica sobre el acceso a las carreteras, consulte el mapa de Caltrans https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ y la página del Departamento de transporte de Oregón https://www.tripcheck.com/. Las fuerzas de seguridad locales recomiendan evitar cualquier traslado no esencial en esta vía. Los programas y aplicaciones de navegación han llevado a los viajeros a zonas activas del incendio. No utilice los caminos del bosque como rutas alternativas.

Evacuaciones: Consulte la página de gestión de incidencias de Rogue Valley y suscríbase para recibir alertas de evacuación y actualizaciones en https://rvem.org/. Aquí también podrá encontrar un mapa interactivo de primera respuesta al incendio con las zonas de evacuación.

Restricciones: Agradecemos que respecte la Restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) vigente para el complejo de Smith River. Mantenga a los drones lejos de las operaciones de extinción y de la zona de TFR. Si usted vuela, nosotros no podemos hacerlo. ¡No sea responsable de suspender una misión contra incendio! Para tener más información sobre la TFR visite https://tfr.faa.gov/.

Ignitions for the prescribed burning operation begin today on the Eastern 5 block within the Southern HD Unit of the #SanJuanNF. Today's operation is located west of Turkey Creek and east of Goose Creek on the southwestern end of the #SanJuanNF. Resources will complete the first burn unit in the Southern HD Unit for a goal of 500 acres. Tomorrow, weather pending, the second unit will be completed for a total goal of 1,000-acres. If you are in the area, please exercise caution when around firefighters and fire apparatuses. Some smoke may be visible in the area.

70 firefighters will work to execute this prescribed fire, aimed at reducing hazardous ground fuels, reducing the risk of unplanned catastrophic wildfire, restoring ponderosa pine ecosystems, and improving wildlife habitat.

Fire Update

2023 SRF Lightning Complex

Saturday, September 17, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Eastern Area Type 2 Gold Team

Brian Jenkins, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 530-536-0767

Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm

This update covers 8 of the 14 fires being managed as part of the SRF Lightning Complex. The remaining 6 fires (Big Foot, Blue Creek, Creek, Flat, Iron, and Merrill) totaling 34 acres, are contained and in patrol status. They are checked daily, and their size and containment are unlikely to change.

Current Situation: The 14 fires in this incident total 25,700 acres and overall containment is 6%. This reduction in containment percentage from days prior is a result of strategic firing operations and the number of fires that are now being managed under the Eastern Area Gold Team and not due to a substantial growth in fire acreage. The 8 uncontained fires described below total 25,666 acres. These fires are all on the Six Rivers National Forest. In total, 919 personnel are assigned to the incident.

Fire, weather, and fuels conditions on the 2023 SRF Lightning Complex continue to be favorable for using strategic firing operations to accomplish fire suppression objectives and protect communities, cultural resources, and other values. Strategic firing under current conditions is proving successful in cleaning up accumulated excess fuels on the forest floor with low intensity understory burns showing 2 to 4 foot flame lengths. Firing is progressing at a methodical pace that permits monitoring of effectiveness and making adjustments as needed. Engines are being deployed at night in locations where firing has occurred to guard against any unexpected fire behavior.

Pearch Fire (6657 acres, 8% contained) – Yesterday, fire managers observed similar fire behavior with fire slowly backing downhill into the Butler Creek and a portion of Somes Creek drainages on the northeastern side of the fire. By mid-afternoon winds began to gust up to 30 mph and the eastern edge of the fire received moderate rain. Due to safety concerns, firefighters were removed from the interior. Once it was safe to do so, crews began checking containment lines and secured any areas of concern. Yesterday, the Structure Protection Group was able to test their plans and water systems and ensure they function well in the event they are needed. They will remain on the fire during both day and night shifts. Today, crews will continue to patrol completed fire lines, mop up and secure the fire perimeter on the south and west sides of the fire. No firing operations occurred on the Pearch Fire yesterday.

Bluff #1 (3621 acres, 29% contained) and Mosquito (4223 acres, 11% contained) Fires – Yesterday, crews were staged along the Onion Road and monitored the southern progression of the Bluff #1 Fire. There was minimal movement and crews will continue to patrol the area. On the north end of Bluff #1, crews mopped up the 50 acres that were strategically fired yesterday. Fire managers assessed the area and observed desired results. This led managers to strategically fire additional acres along a ridgeline to the north. Today as conditions allow, fire managers plan to strategically introduce fire into additional acres to the north of the Bluff #1 fire, along Bluff Creek Road. This tactic, as part of the full suppression strategy, will remove unburned fuels to strengthen containment line.

On the south end of the Mosquito Fire, the fire was moderately active as it continued to slowly back down west into the drainage. Crews utilized some strategic firing and maintained the southwestern containment line. On the north end, crews continued to mop and patrol a few minor hot spots as the fire continued slowly backing down to the west and north, parallel to Cedar Camp Road. Today, similar to Bluff #1 and if weather conditions allow, fire managers will strategically introduce fire along the southwestern and northern boundaries to strengthen containment.

A night shift of engines remained on both fires throughout the nighttime hours.

Blue Creek #2 (7024 acres, 0% contained), Marlow (1867 acres, 0% contained), and Copper (2184 acres, 0% contained) Fires – These fires are bounded by indirect control lines to the east and south and prior fire footprints where fuels are lighter. Fire growth was moderate yesterday with a few interior snag pockets putting up small smoke columns due to the thunderstorm and wind shift. No values are currently threatened. Blue Creek #2 and Copper Fires have now burned together, as expected. An 8-person Wildland Fire Module continues to monitor and assess conditions on the ground and air resources will monitor from above. Masticators finished brush removal work along the Nickowitz Road to open access to the south end of the fires. Fire managers from the 2023 SRF Lightning Complex are coordinating daily with fire managers on the Happy Camp Complex due to the proximity of the Elliot Fire (part of Happy Camp Complex).

Monument (2 acres, 0% contained) and Let er-Buck (88 acres, 0% contained) Fires – Due to limited values at risk, the remote, steep terrain and associated safety concerns for our firefighters, and the low probability of success using standard suppression tactics, these fires are being addressed with a confinement strategy. Terrain, natural fire barriers such as rock outcroppings, and old fire footprints where fuels are limited will be used to confine fire growth until season ending precipitation extinguishes the fires. These fires are checked regularly by aerial patrols to ensure they remain within acceptable bounds, and very little fire growth has been observed.

Weather: Today there is a chance of isolated thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. These will likely stay to the south and east of the Complex. This may bring strong outflow winds near the complex. Up-canyon winds 10-15 mph will develop this afternoon and evening in larger valleys. Highs will be in the upper 80s in the valleys and upper 70s to lower 80s on ridges. Smoke will persist in the valleys through the day. An afternoon westerly sea breeze ridge wind may bring some clearing to western areas above 3000 feet.

Closures

Six Rivers National Forest: Area and campground closures are in effect on portions of Six Rivers National Forest. They can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1096395.

Additional Fire Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-2023-srf-lightning-complex-and-redwood-lightning- complex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2023SRFRedwoodLightning

Hoopa Information Hotline: Phone: 530-618-2995 | Email: serene.oes@gmail.com More Fire Information Links: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio

NOTE: For information about the Elliot or Hancock Fires which are part of the Happy Camp Complex, please visit https://linktr.ee/happycampcomplex2023 .

September 17, 2023 Fire Update
 

Size: 2,055 acres

Containment: 51%

Total personnel: 423

Current Situation: Firefighters have been successful establishing containment lines to hold the fire within the existing footprint. There has been little to no growth of the fire in the last week and fire activity is generally creeping and smoldering in place. Smoke was visible again yesterday from some areas along the Highway 26 corridor. The smoke was largely due to burning well within the interior of the fire perimeter and did not threaten established containment lines. Smoke may be visible again today as the heavy fuels in those interior islands burn out.

Today’s Activities: Today fire crews will continue working to secure firelines to keep the Camp Creek fire as small as possible and protect communities and the Bull Run watershed. They will continue holding the fire within established containment lines to the northwest, west, and southwest edge of the fire. Mop up will continue where needed to cool remaining hotspots and secure the fireline. While much of the chipping of vegetation debris has been completed, crews will continue hauling away additional debris created from fireline preparation. Along the eastern edge of the fire, there continues to be limited fire activity and little to no growth. Aviation resources will also provide reconnaissance support and are available to deliver water to support operational needs. Fire crews are beginning to remove excess equipment such as fire hose from contained portions of the fire.

Pop-up information briefings: Representatives of the Incident Management Team will be available again today to provide fire information and answer questions at two different “pop-up” information briefings. They will be at the Hoodland Thriftway in Welches, OR, from 1 – 4 p.m. and Jonsrud Viewpoint, from 1 – 4 p.m.

Weather: Today will continue to be warm and dry, though cooler and more moist air will start to arrive late in the afternoon. Cooler conditions will continue into the beginning of the week. Less smoke production is anticipated today with the shift to cooler, more moist, conditions.

Smoke: Current smoke outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/2c7a8f9b

Closures: Barlow Wayside Park and the Sandy Ridge Recreation Site are temporarily closed due to fire activity. Clackamas County residents can sign up at https://www.clackamas.us/dm/publicalerts to receive emergency alerts via email, phone, or text.

Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is issued over the fire area. It is illegal for the public to fly drones over or near wildfires because of the potential for accidents and disruption of suppression operations. Regardless of the fire, aircraft is not permitted to fly over the Bull Run watershed.

Operational Briefing Video: View the September 17, Operation Video on Inciweb or Facebook 

Fire Information: (971) 334-7674          Email: 2023.campcreek@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/ormhf-camp-creek-fire

Facebook: Facebook.com/campcreekfire          Twitter: @MtHoodNF         

Northwest Team 6 is managing five fires in the area. In addition to the two fires listed in this update NW Team 6 is managing the Brice, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires further north on the Umpqua National Forest.

Chilcoot Fire: Size: 1,769 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 60%                         

Fire personnel continue to mop up and secure control lines along the western and eastern flanks of the Chilcoot Fire. Crews engaged a one-acre slop over along the southern flank where the fire remains the most active. A combination of direct and indirect containment lines have been constructed along the southern flank that connect a network of roads with dozer and hand lines. Fire managers plan to conduct an isolated, strategic firing operation along those areas of indirect containment lines to secure the fire perimeter. Aviation resources will continue to support ground crews with water drops during the ignition operation and as they work areas of heat that pose a threat to control lines.

Ridge Fire: Size:  214 acres | Start Date: August 25, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 95%

The Ridge Fire is in patrol status with control lines mopped up and secured up to 250 feet interior. An engine will continue to patrol the fire perimeter. Fire personnel are confident the fire will remain within the current footprint. Unless there is an unexpected event or change in situation, this will be the final update for the Ridge Fire.

Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid-80s. Warm and dry conditions resulted in poor overnight humidity recoveries over the fire area. Winds will be primarily out of the west/northwest in the afternoon with terrain aligned ridges and slopes exposed to gusts of 15-18 mph. Hazy conditions are possible due to high-level smoke from regional wildfires.  

Smoke: Smoke outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/467b8c16?

Safety and Closures:  There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. A Closure Order for the Canton Creek area has been issued by Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Chilcoot Ridge Fire Emergency Closure Order BLM Roseburg District. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over these fires.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023
Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM 
Email: 2023.chilcoot@firenet.gov

Happy Camp Complex Daily Update

Sunday, September 17, 2023

WEATHER: A trend to slightly cooler conditions with an increase in relative humidity will continue today and extend into the week. Isolated thunderstorms are predicted to develop midafternoon and into the early evening. Gusty and erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms. In the Happy Camp and Scott Bar areas, air quality has been poor and limits visibility for driving and aircraft.

FIRE BEHAVIOR: There is a potential for active fire behavior when the smoke clears due to persistent hot and dry weather conditions and forecasted thunderstorms. Heavy dead and down fuels and interior islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn.

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (acres/containment): Elliot (9,819 acres, 51%),

UFish (6,475 acres, 33%), Hancock (1,729 acres, 100%).

On the UFish Fire, the plan is to continue to assess the fire, particularly in the Titus and Buzzard Creek drainages. Crews will continue to improve roads as contingency lines. On the Elliot Fire, crews will continue to patrol and mop-up firelines between Pony Peak, Browns Creek and the Klamath River. Resource Advisors continue to work with crews to determine and implement appropriate suppression repairs.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (acres/containment): Head (6,954 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 100%), Scott (918 acres, 100%),

Lake (200, acres, 100%), Kings (2 acres, 100%).

All fires on the east side of the Complex continue to be patrolled by infrared flights, as needed, to detect residual heat in the fire areas.

Due to fires on the Six Rivers Lighting Complex, the Happy Camp Complex, and additional fire activity occurring as far away as the Canadian region, increased smoke can be expected in Happy Camp, Seiad Valley, and surrounding communities.

For more information on the Six Rivers Lightning Complex, go to http://www.linktr.ee/srffirepio.

EVACUATIONS: View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders and warnings by visiting https://community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system at: https://bit.ly/SiskiyouCodeRedEmergencyAlert.

CLOSURES AND DELAYS:

•            One-way traffic control is on Highway 96 at various locations, from 5 miles east of Seiad to the Klamath River. Scott River Road is closed between Highway 96 and Mill Creek Road. Elk Creek Road is closed south of Forest Route 15N10 due to a washout. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from the junction of Shelly Fork Trail at mile 1611.8 north to Seiad Valley at mile 1657.5. An area closure is in effect between Seiad Valley and Oak Knoll, expanding north to FS12 road and south to Scott River Road. Motorists can expect delays in this area. For more information: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/.

•            Two closure orders have been implemented in the Klamath National Forest. Find more information at https://bit.ly/KlamathNFAlertsNotices.

•            As hunting season begins, please be aware of area closures within national forests. Contact local Forest Service offices for specific information.

Even though the temperature was a little lower and the humidities were a little higher the Grizzly fire grew slightly. Smoke limited visibility which impacted the availability of air resources in the morning. Crews working on the ground were supported by aircraft in the afternoon.  

Brice Creek Fire: Size: 588 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 55%

Yesterday, favorable weather conditions allowed firefighting crews to make good progress. With air support, crews continued to mop up hotspots located in the southwest area of the fire.  Firefighters also finished mopping up a spot fire on the eastern flank that occurred yesterday from a torching tree.  Today, firefighters will continue to hold, secure, mop up control lines, and work on contingency lines. Helicopter bucket work is anticipated, and smoke will continue to show within the fire perimeter.

Dinner Fire: Size:  304 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 95%

Crews patrolling located several hot spots that were threatening the integrity of the containment line; in response additional crews worked Saturday to mop up and secure these areas. Today the perimeter will once again be patrolled; any heat found will be mitigated. Suppression repair will be ongoing as crews prepare to transition this fire into patrol status.

Grizzly Fire: Size:  140 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Yesterday, air resources were hampered by poor visibility due to smoke. As the skies cleared, they made continuous laps cooling the fire and slowing its growth. Last night the fire reached Champion Creek. Today firefighters will focus on keeping the fire east of Champion Creek. Air tankers will be supporting crews on the ground. Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will be prepping structures along Champion Creek Road.

Weather:  Cooler temperatures, 82 to 87 and higher humidities 25 to 31% will continue through today and into Monday.

Evacuations:  Lane County issued a Level 2 Evacuation (Be Set) for all private lands and mining claims in the Bohemia areas within the Cottage Grove Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest.

Safety and Closures: Please remember to stay out of the fire area; this includes flying any unmanned aircraft (drones), if you fly we can’t. There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and firefighter safety.  There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area.  

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bricecreekdinnergrizzlyfires2023/
Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM     
Email: 2023.dinner@firenet.gov

Facebook: Facebook/CowlitzComplex Twitter: https://twitter.com/GPNF
Gifford Pinchot National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot

Actualización del Incendio del Complejo Cowlitz

17 de septiembre de 2023

Situación actual: El Complejo Cowlitz está contenido en un 34%, con un total de 690 acres y 360 efectivos. El reciente aumento de las temperaturas y los combustibles más secos han producido un aumento en el humo el último par de días, pero los incendios de fuera de la zona han añadido a la neblina local. El lanzamiento de agua desde helicópteros ha logrado controlar la actividad del fuego en los incendios de Grassy Mountain, Snagtooth y Spencer Quartz. Seis helicópteros están disponibles para el Complejo Cowlitz y han estado activos lanzando agua sobre los incendios.

Los equipos están reforzando y fortaleciendo los puntos de acceso cerca de estos incendios para mejorar las barreras físicas para frenar el crecimiento, y continúan patrullando los incendios más pequeños en el complejo. Se esperan temperaturas más frescas y un aumento de la humedad desde hoy domingo hasta los próximos días. No se prevé que la actividad actual del fuego amenace a las comunidades más cercanas de Randle o Packwood, Washington.

Entrenamiento Firewise: El personal del Equipo 13 de Gestión de Incidentes Interagencias de California asistió a la formación Firewise Community en Packwood el sábado, dando una visión general del Complejo Cowlitz. El Comandante de Incidentes explicó el papel del Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes en el incendio. Asistieron unas 25 personas.

Antecedentes: Hay 30 incendios en el complejo. Los incendios se iniciaron el 25 de agosto tras un rayo en el Bosque Nacional Gifford Pinchot. Todos los incendios se están gestionando con una estrategia de supresión total.

Restricciones contra incendios: Siguen vigentes las restricciones sobre incendios. Fuegos de campamento están prohibidas en todo el Bosque Nacional de Gifford Pinchot; sólo se permiten las hogueras de propano, las estufas y las linternas. Encontrará más información en el sitio web del bosque en Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). La decisión de levantar o mantener las restricciones contra incendios depende de factores como las condiciones meteorológicas actuales y previstas, la humedad del combustible, el nivel de actividad del incendio y la disponibilidad de recursos de extinción para responder a nuevas igniciones.

Cierres: En previsión de la actividad del fuego en curso en las proximidades del Snagtooth Fire las siguientes carreteras y senderos están cerrados al público para reducir la exposición y ayudar a garantizar la seguridad pública y de los bomberos: Carreteras forestales 9300 y 9341, Boundary Trail #1 (desde Elk Pass hasta la intersección con Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A. La carretera forestal 8410 está cerrada para los bomberos y la seguridad pública en las inmediaciones del incendio de Pothole, y la carretera forestal 78 está cerrada temporalmente entre el cruce de la 78 y la 22 debido a los escombros peligrosos que ruedan por la calzada.

Restricciones Temporales de Vuelo: Hay dos TFR en vigor, uno situado al norte de la US-12 hasta el Parque Nacional del Monte Rainier, y un nuevo TFR al sur de la US-12 para incluir los incendios de Snagtooth y Spencer Quartz. Si una aeronave no autorizada entra en el TFR, la respuesta de la aviación al incendio se interrumpe o se retrasa. Las restricciones temporales de vuelo también se aplican a los sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas o drones. Más información: Know Before You Fly.

Facebook: Facebook/CowlitzComplex Twitter: https://twitter.com/GPNF
Gifford Pinchot National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot

Cowlitz Complex Fire Update

September 17, 2023

Current Situation: The Cowlitz Complex is 34% contained with a total of 690 acres and 360 personnel. Recent increased temperatures and drier fuels have produced an increase in smoke the last couple of days, but fires from outside the area have added to local haze. Water drops from helicopters have been successful in controlling fire activity on the Grassy Mountain, Snagtooth, and Spencer Quartz fires. Six helicopters are available for the Cowlitz Complex and have been active dropping water on the fires.

Crews are reinforcing and strengthening access points near these fires to improve physical barriers for slowing growth, and continue to patrol the smaller fires in the complex. Cooler temperatures and increasing moisture are expected today, Sunday, through the next several days. Current fire activity is not anticipated to threaten the nearest communities of Randle or Packwood, Washington.

Firewise Training: The California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 staff attended the Firewise Community training in Packwood on Saturday, giving an overview of the Cowlitz Complex. The Incident Commander explained the role of the Incident Management Team on the fire. About 25 people attended.

Background: There are 30 fires in the complex. The fires started August 25 after a lightning event across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. All fires are being managed under full suppression strategy.

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions remain in effect. Campfires are prohibited across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest – only propane-fueled fire pits, stoves and lanterns are allowed. Additional information is available on the forest’s website at Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). The decision to lift or maintain fire restrictions depends on factors such as current and expected weather conditions, fuel moisture, the level of fire activity, and the availability of firefighting resources to respond to additional ignitions.

Closures: In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails are closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public and firefighter safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341, Boundary Trail #1 (from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A. Forest Road 8410 is closed for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Pothole Fire, and Forest Road 78 is temporarily closed between the 78 and the 22 junction due to hazardous debris rolling out onto the roadway.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Two TFRs are in effect during daylight hours, one located north of US-12 to Mount Rainier National Park, and a new TFR south of US-12 to include Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. Learn more: Know Before You Fly.