Fire size: 1869 acres
Resources assigned: 553
Containment:  23% 

CAMAS, Wash. – Weather conditions today were favorable to firefighting efforts.  Cooler temperatures and higher humidity moderated fire behavior.  Skies cleared in the afternoon increasing visibility allowing the use of aircraft which focused on hot spots on the northeast corner of the fire. Ground resources continued improving containment lines in the southern area along Jones Creek and along the western portion of the fire perimeter.  Tomorrow tree fallers begin identifying hazardous trees for removal. A large spot fire near Four Corners merged with the main body of the fire and fire personnel continued working on keeping the fire from moving outside of the containment lines. Fire containment improved to 23%, and the size of the fire is 1,869 acres. 
 
Today, four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters, two CL415 water scooper planes and an air attack platform remained assigned along with 553 personnel.
 
Looking forward, firefighters are monitoring the incoming weather patterns, including a slight increase of westerly winds predicted on Thursday afternoon. Flare-ups are more likely to occur in these conditions, and these factors are being discussed in both the team’s 48- and 72-hour operations plans. On Friday, rain is expected to start and continue into the weekend, which, while helpful in extinguishing hot spots, presents its own safety challenges, particularly on steep, muddy terrain.
 
Evacuations: Evacuation levels decreased today allowing some residents to return.  To find out the most current information on evacuation levels or to sign up for emergency mobile alerts visit: http://cresa911.org/.
 
Evacuations also include the Larch Mountain Corrections Center. Please check with the Washington Department of Corrections for further information. 

Fire Size:  1,869
Resources Assigned:  496
Containment:  12% 

 CAMAS, Wash. – Weather conditions overnight aided firefighters on the Nakia Creek Fire, once again decreasing natural fire behavior. Between cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity and minimal wind, flare-ups on the line were minimal and crews were able to steadily continue creating containment lines and mopping up hot spots that have the potential to spread. Overall, containment remains at 12%, and the size of the fire has slightly increased to 1,869 acres, up just 73 acres from Tuesday morning. This small growth is expected as resources work to complete fire lines. 
Weather continues to be a big factor in the Oregon Department of Forestry IMT 2’s operational planning. On Monday, dense fog and smoky conditions hindered the use of aircraft, removing the use of a vital resource assigned to the incident. Today, there’s significantly less fog and smoke in the area, and managers are hopeful that aircraft will be able to fly the fire, dropping water on areas that are difficult and sometimes dangerous to reach on the ground. Four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters, two CL415 water scooper planes and an air attack platform remain assigned to the fire and additional aircraft are available to call in if needed. 
Firefighters working on the ground today are continuing to complete fire line and bolster existing containment lines to keep the fire in check. This is extremely hard work that often involves hiking on steep terrain with a 45-pound backpack, hand tools, chainsaws and water throughout a 12-hour shift. Firefighters use these tools to break up vegetation so spreading fire hits the bare dirt and can’t grow beyond that point. This is the most important work at this stage in the fire in order to keep its size as small as possible. Safety on the line and on the roads surrounding the fire remains a top priority. 
 
Looking forward, firefighters are monitoring the incoming weather patterns, including a slight increase of east winds and warmer temperatures predicted on Thursday. Flare-ups are more likely to occur in these conditions, and these factors are being discussed in both the team’s 48- and 72-hour operations plans. On Friday, rain is expected to start and continue into the weekend, which, while helpful in extinguishing hot spots, presents its own safety challenges, particularly on steep, muddy terrain.
 
Evacuations: Evacuation levels from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office are being evaluated daily but have not changed as of 9 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2022. Residents can search their address for current evacuation levels here: https://tinyurl.com/NakiaCreekEvacs
 Evacuations also include the Larch Mountain Corrections Center. Please check with the Washington Department of Corrections for further information. 
 Sign up for county alerts: http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/alerts-warnings/

Fire size: 1,796 acres
Resources assigned: 496
Containment:  12%

CAMAS, Wash. – Containment lines on the Nakia Creek Fire are continuing to hold and firefighters made solid progress during Tuesday’s dayshift, both bolstering existing lines and creating and connecting new ones. Due to this progress, overall containment of the fire has been increased to 12%. The fire remains an estimated 1,796 acres and an infrared (IR) flight overnight should provide an updated size Wednesday morning, as long as conditions allow for it. 
 
A combination of dense fog and smoky conditions on the fire provided some relief to crews today, naturally moderating fire behavior and creating favorable conditions on the line. Temperatures hovered around 60 degrees and light winds kept fire intensity low. Newly arrived resources were able to integrate seamlessly with existing crews and provide added support on the ground. 
 
Tonight, firefighters continue to chip away at the goals set by Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2; create fire lines to contain the fire to the smallest size possible and preserve the area’s natural resources while keeping firefighters and residents safe. Along with building containment lines, firefighters will be watching for potential flare-ups and mopping up existing hotspots. Weather conditions overnight are expected to mirror Monday night, with dense fog expected to create visibility challenges. However, it also allows for higher relative humidity; in combination with minimal wind, fire behavior will naturally decrease. Structural firefighters will also be stationed in residential neighborhoods overnight once again to protect and monitor homes in and around the fire. 
 
Safety on this incident remains a top priority, both on the line and around fire camp. Firefighters are being hosted at East County Fire and Rescue Station 91 near Grove Field, a private airport along NE 267th avenue outside of Camas; please be aware of firefighters crossing the roadway and heavy fire vehicle traffic at all hours of the day and night in this area. Traffic flaggers may also be present. 
 
Evacuations: Evacuation levels from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office have not changed at this time. Residents can search their address for current evacuation levels here: https://tinyurl.com/NakiaCreekEvacsEvacuations also include the Larch Mountain Corrections Center. Please check with the Washington Department of Corrections for further information. 

Sign up for county alerts: http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/alerts-warnings/

Ignitions are planned to start as early as 10/25/22 and continue through 10/30/22.

Lewis County lifts evacuations; fire operations slowed by weather

 

Current Situation: Yesterday, all evacuation notices were lifted for areas near the Goat Rocks Fire. Emergency managers, in consultation with fire officials, determined that enough precipitation had fallen to reduce fire behavior in the coming days and weeks. Additional rain is expected the rest of the week, with snow likely at higher elevations.

 

Snow, slick road surfaces, and falling trees are restricting access on many forest roads. Some firefighters are patrolling the area, looking for opportunities to safely work on cooling remaining pockets of heat. Other personnel are pulling more hoses, pumps, and other supplies from around structures in neighborhoods west of the fire. They are also removing flagging and cleaning up any other items left behind by the firefighting efforts.

 

The Siouxon and Sunset fires also experienced soggy weather, although scattered hot spots still remain in areas with heavy canopy and deep duff. Continued moisture is helping limit growth potential, but it is also making it difficult for firefighters to patrol or improve containment lines safely. Chipping and brush removal operations along Forest Road 311 near the Siouxon Fire were limited by snow in the morning. Road repairs on Forest Road 42 from Sunset Falls Campground to the first bridge will need a day or two of drying before work can continue. Road conditions will be assessed daily; in the meantime, firefighters will monitor and patrol the fireline where it is safe to do so. High winds will also pose hazards for firefighters working around both dead and green fire-weakened trees.

 

Weather & Smoke Information: With the recent precipitation and cooler weather, the fire danger on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has reduced to LOW and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) has been lowered to 1. On Monday, rain and snow hampered operations, with slick roadways and limited visibility. Snow remains a possibility for Tuesday. Gusty winds combined with fog, ice and snow will affect driving conditions. Slower speeds are highly recommended, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present. Current weather conditions will keep fire activity to a minimum but smoke may be visible at times.

 

Forest Closures: A full list of closures in place for the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires can be found under “Alerts & Notices” on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.

 

Evacuations: On Monday at 11:30 a.m., Lewis County Emergency Management lifted evacuation notices for the Packwood area near the Goat Rocks Fire. This includes all areas north of Butter Creek (Goat Rocks, Lower and Upper Timberline, River Dance, and parts of High Valley). Residents are encouraged to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts to stay up to date on evacuation status and closures related to evolving incidents. Links to county emergency alerts can be found on the GPNF Fire Overview Page.

 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place on the Goat Rocks fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can ensure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Winter Weather predicted for Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires

Current Situation: Light rain and some snow fell on the Goat Rocks Fire Sunday, with heavier rain and gusty winds expected today. Snow level is expected to drop to 2,000 feet before rising again late today. Fire personnel are running into snow-covered roads and fire lines in some areas, restricting work opportunities. Fire personnel are changing their plans to work in areas without snow. Yesterday firefighters removed structure wrap, hoses and pumps from around the structures by Packwood Lake. They also began removing portable water tanks, pumps, and hoses from the Timberline neighborhoods.

On the south edge of the fire, damaged trees are frequently falling onto Forest Road 41. Crews had been patrolling this road to check fire spread south toward Lake Creek. The level of hazard to firefighters from falling trees has been determined to be greater than the risk of the fire spreading south under the current weather conditions. Part of this road is now closed to fire personnel.

Scattered heat also remains on the Siouxon and Sunset fires; however, there is little to no growth potential. Firefighters continue to patrol and improve containment lines, mop up hot spots, and backhaul equipment. Suppression repair continues with chipping and brush removal operations along Forest Road 311 near the Siouxon Fire. Road rehabilitation with heavy equipment will continue along FSR 42 from Sunset Falls Campground to the first bridge. Progress is slow as roads are slick and sloppy, with a risk of black ice in the morning following overnight temperatures that are expected to dip into the 20s. High winds will also pose hazards for firefighters working around fire-weakened trees.

Weather & Smoke Information: On Sunday, the region experienced mostly clear skies under a cold northerly air flow. Rain is expected later in the day on Monday, with the potential for snow beWlow 2000’ overnight. Wind gusts up to 45 mph with a mix of ice and snow will affect roadways. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and slow down, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present. Current weather conditions will keep fire activity to a minimum but smoke may be visible at times. For current local smoke conditions, visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ or https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Forest Closures: A full list of closures in place for the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires can be found under “Alerts & Notices” on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.

Evacuations: Evacuations were lifted in the areas north and east of the Siouxon fire, although there are still several road and trail closures in the area. On the Goat Rocks Fire, all areas north of Butter Creek remain at Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation. For the most up-to-date evacuation information, please visit Lewis County’s Emergency Management website or Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts to stay up to date on evacuation status and closures related to evolving incidents. Links to county emergency alerts can be found on the GPNF Fire Overview Page.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place over the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can ensure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

  

Weather assists firefighters on Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Three has assumed command of the Goat Rocks fire from the Great Basin-Rocky Mountain Type 3 Team. Daily updates will now include information for the Goat Rocks fire, in addition to the Siouxon and Sunset fires. On the Siouxon and Sunset fires, yesterday’s fire activity was reduced to mainly creeping and smoldering within the interior due to rain and cooler temperatures. Isolated spots of surface fire continue to burn in pockets of duff that have been protected from the rain by a heavy tree canopy. Firefighters continue to patrol the fire’s edge, and they have made great progress on suppression repair activities.

Chipping and brush removal operations are expected to continue along Forest Road 311 near the Siouxon Fire. Road repair with heavy equipment is still being conducted along FSR 42 near the Sunset Fire, especially around bridges. Progress is slow as roads are slick and sloppy, with a risk of black ice in the morning following overnight temperatures that are expected to dip into the 20s. Firefighter and public safety remains the top priority, and motorists are asked to slow down, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present.

Rain has also reduced fire activity on the Goat Rocks Fire, but flames are still visible where fuels have been sheltered from the rain. Personnel are working in the Dam Creek drainage to keep fire south of Forest Road 46. In the Lake Creek drainage, firefighters are patrolling to ensure the fire stays north of Forest Road 41. Most of this edge of the fire continues to hold along the Three Peaks trail and the ridge between the Coal Creek and Lake Creek drainages.

Engines are patrolling the neighborhoods west of the Goat Rocks fire. With decreasing risk to structures, firefighters are removing some hoses and other equipment at Packwood Lake and in the lower part of the Coal Creek drainage. Surplus equipment is being hauled back to fire camp. Woody debris is being moved from along Forest Roads 1266 and 41. More ditches and culverts are being cleared to re-establish proper drainage.

Weather & Smoke Information: On Saturday, portions of the Siouxon and Sunset fires received over an inch of precipitation, and the Great Rocks fire received roughly one-half inch. Precipitation is expected to continue for the next few days, tapering off by Wednesday. Smoke in the area has greatly diminished. For current local smoke conditions, visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ or https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Forest Closures: A full list of closures in place for the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires can be found under “Alerts & Notices” on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.

Evacuations: Evacuations were lifted as of 11:00 Saturday morning in the area north and east of the Siouxon fire, although there are still several road and trail closures in the area. On the Goat Rocks Fire, 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. Packwood proper is not under evacuation status at this time. Information at: https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts or https://bit.ly/LewisCountyEMFB.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place over the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can ensure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Effective September 26, 2022 an area closure order is in effect for areas near the Siouxon Fire on the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative District within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

The full area closure order and an area closure map is available on the forest website.

For more information on the fires and closures on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, please visit the forest's Alerts and Notices page.

Effective October 21, 2022 an area closure order is in effect for areas near the Sunset Fire on the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative District within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

The full area closure order and an area closure map is available on the forest website.

For more information on the fires and closures on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, please visit the forest's Alerts and Notices page.