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Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, remains at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently five percent contained. Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to prepare indirect lines in more favorable terrain.  Fire behavior has been minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Today will be mostly with clouds increasing in the late afternoon and evening with a 25% chance of light rain.Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1065297.pdf  Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A, Goat Marsh Trail 231DRoads: Current Road closures.NFS Road No. 8100, from the junction of DNR Road 7200 and DNR Road 7600 to the junction with NFS Road No. 8123 and all...

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 2 Is Open: US 2 is subject to closures.  Check the WSDOT TRAFFIC website and twitter for up-to-date information before committing to using the highway. Flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area, please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area. Law enforcement emphasis and additional signage by WSDOT will be used to help slow traffic. Train traffic through the area will be slowed for safety of firefighters and to prevent fire spread.Fire Update: Warm and windy conditions will move in with overnight increasing humidity. The winds will be picking up over the next couple of days, pushing the smoke back out of the low areas to the east. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky...

Cedar Creek FireOctober 10, 2022 | Update 8:30 AM | Size: 122,210 acres | Contained: 38% | Start Date: August 1,2022 | Origin: 15 miles east of Oakridge, OR Cause: Lightning | Total personnel: 730| Resources: 22 engines; 16 crews; 3 heavy equipment; 8 helicoptersWeather: A weakening cold front will move through this afternoon, resulting in much cooler temperatures and increased northwest winds. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity will linger into Tuesday as high pressure rebounds over the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s today, with widespread smoke and haze persisting in the fire area. Operations: Dry fuels and unseasonably warm temperatures contributed to fire growth in the “slopover” area actively burning along the southern fire edge near Lucas Lake yesterday. Firefighters used water bucket drops from heavy helicopters combined with retardant drops from air tankers again as dozers and Interagency Hotshot Crews...

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...

Overview: The Bolt Creek Fire continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain, but expected to have limited growth. Crews are working throughout the area.  Please use caution when traveling near the fire area and adhere to the posted reduced speed limits. Law enforcement emphasis patrols and additional signage by WSDOT will be used to help advise and slow traffic for safety of firefighters and to prevent potential fire spread. US 2 Is Open throughout the fire area and no additional planned closures are scheduled. However, additional flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the roadway may force temporary short closures or reroutes.Fire Update: Warmer and drier conditions returned Friday afternoon and overnight increasing fire activity. These conditions will persist for the next few days which will likely contribute to moderate fire spread and additional smoke production. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire along US 2 and near...

 Kalama Fire Update – October 9, 2022 Transfer of Command: At 0700 this morning command of the Kalama Fire was transferred to the Sierra Front Nevada Team 5 with Incident Commander Scott Stephenson. Stephenson’s team will continue to work closely with local Forest Managers and local cooperators to ensure a smooth transition and contiue the current firefighting effort. Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 454 acres in size and is currently five percent contained.   Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are preparing indirect lines in more favorable terrain.  Fire behavior has been minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Weather today is predicted to be dry and warm. High pressure will keep warm and dry weather through Monday, Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map:...

Cedar Creek FireOctober 9, 2022 | Update 8:30 AM | Size: 121,762 acres | Contained: 38% | Start Date: August 1,2022 | Origin: 15 miles east of Oakridge, OR Cause: Lightning | Total personnel: 627| Resources: 21 engines; 14 crews; 3 heavy equipment; 8 helicopters Weather: Weather conditions will be near critical conditions throughout the week. Today will be warm and dry, with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s. Widespread smoke and haze will continue across most of the fire area.  Operations: Northwest Incident Management Team 12 took command of the fire at 8:00 PM last night. Extremely dry fuels and high temperatures led to increased fire behavior on the southern edge of the Cedar Creek Fire, enabling the fire to escape containment lines near Lucas Lake and close to the existing spot fire. Firefighters focused their efforts on this new “slopover” area where the fire crossed containment lines, estimated to be 30-50 acres yesterday. Heavy helicopters...

Bolt Creek Fire UpdateOctober 8, 2022 Southeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management TeamIncident Commander: Leonard Johnson Estimated size: 13,060 acresCause: UndeterminedContainment: 36 percentResources: 194 personnel – Two type-2 initial attack hand crew, one hand crew, one helicopter, 20 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 94 overhead US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area and no additional planned closures are scheduled.   However, additional flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area so as the weekend approaches and traffic increases please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.Fire Update: Friday again saw limited growth. Warmer and drier conditions returned during the afternoon and overnight increasing fire activity. These conditions will persist for the next few days which will...

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team measures two different elements, soil burn severity and vegetation mortality, to help guide their assessment of emergency risks and imminent threats to critical values, including life and safety, Forest Service property and critical natural resources following a wildfire.Soil Burn Severity: We tend to think of wildfire burn severity in terms of the visual impacts to above-ground vegetation, but the post-fire landscape response (erosion, flooding, and mass movement) is generally more strongly correlated to soil burn severity. Soil burn severity is a critical indicator of recovery. Even when the soil looks lifeless, fine, hair-like roots can still persist beneath the surface. These roots not only store energy for fire-adapted plants to recover more quickly after a fire, but they also act as a net that can help stabilize the soil against erosion. When assessing soil burn severity, soil scientists examine the condition of these fine roots to...

Beginning tomorrow (Sat. Oct. 8th), the forest closure for the Cedar Creek Fire on the Deschutes National Forest will be reduced, opening up the Cascade Lakes Highway.Tomorrow (Sat. Oct. 8th) at 12:01 a.m. the forest closure will be adjusted, opening up recreation areas on the eastern side of the Cascade Lakes Highway. Recreation areas including Crane Prairie, North and South Twin Lakes, and Wickiup Reservoir will be accessible. Davis Lake and Cultus Lake areas will remain closed.Campgrounds will reopen at Lava Lake, Little Lava Lake, and in the Twin Lakes area; however, Sheep’s Bridge and Crane Prairie campgrounds will remain closed.Please check with local resorts for information about the services they will be

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...

         Kalama Fire Update – October 8, 2022Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently five percent contained. Acres increased only slightly with burn out operations to assist in securing the perimeter of the fire. Cooler weather and rain over the fire area these past few days has assisted in the firefighting efforts.   Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff and is now burning on extremely steep ground. Fire fighters are preparing indirect lines in more favorable terrain where they can be successful. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Weather today is predicted to be dry and warm. High pressure will keep warm and dry weather through the weekend. Easterly winds will weaken Friday, with light terrain driven winds today. ...

         Kalama Fire Update – October 7, 2022Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 454 acres in size and is currently five percent contained. Acres increased only slightly with burn out operations to assist in securing the perimeter of the fire. Cooler weather and rain over the fire area these past few days has assisted in the firefighting efforts.   Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff and is now burning on extremely steep ground. Fire fighters are preparing indirect lines in more favorable terrain where they can be successful. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Weather today is predicted to be dry and warm. High pressure will keep warm and dry weather through the weekend. Easterly winds will weaken Friday, with light terrain driven winds likely...

Fire Activity: Yesterday’s wind and fire activity tested the control lines, all of which successfully held. The fire consumed additional vegetation in the Coal Creek drainage, reducing the chance that it will cross the control lines in the future. Last night’s humidity was lower than normal, meaning that the fire will be more active earlier today.            Firefighting Efforts: Engine patrols are continuing both day and night, throughout communities closest to the fire and along US-12. A combination of handlines and dozers line now provides communities with four layers of control/contingency lines. Firefighters are in place near structures, testing sprinklers and patrolling.      Weather: Winds today will be lighter, with an average of 9 mph and gusts up to 15 mph. Easterly winds continue to bring in dry air. Relative humidity remains low, dropping to 24%. Temperatures in the fire area will peak around 80 degrees, while it will be 85-87 degrees in Packwood.  ...

Bolt Creek Fire Update October 7, 2022 Southeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management TeamIncident Commander: Leonard JohnsonEstimated size: 12,927 acres Cause: Human; Under investigationContainment: 36 percentResources: 194 personnel – Two type-2 initial attack hand crew, one hand crew, 17 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 95 overhead. As of 0600 today, management of the Bolt Creek Fire was assumed by a Southeast Washington Type 3 Team; Incident Commander Leonard Johnson.US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area and no additional planned closures are scheduled. However, additional flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area so as the weekend approaches and traffic increases please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.Fire Update: Thursday saw very limited growth – less than 100 acres. A heavy...

Cedar Creek FireOctober 7, 2022 | Update 8:30 AM | Size: 121,249 acres | Contained: 38% | Start Date: August 1,2022 | Origin: 15 miles east of Oakridge, OR Cause: Lightning | Total personnel: 624| Resources: 16 engines; 17 crews; 8 heavy equipment; 5 helicopters Operations: Yesterday, firefighters spent another day working patrol, mop up and repair across the entire Cedar Creek Fire. Road repairs remain a high priority to allow safe access for firefighters and resource advisors (READs) to enter interior regions. The east wind event on Wednesday night caused a spot fire in Division T near the southern tip of the fire, northwest of Lucas Lake. Air resources were utilized to slow spread and two hotshot crews worked on the spot fire throughout the day yesterday. Air operations as well as ground resources will continue working to contain the spot fire today. The wind event has contributed to increased fire activity in this area and other locations on the fire, producing...

 Fire management officials on the Heppner Ranger District are implementing a prescribed natural fuel burn today, which is one of two units planned this week.    The Sunflower Bacon prescribed burn activities are anticipated to take 2-5 days per unit to complete and include 520 acres of grass, brush, and timber located approximately 20 miles south of Heppner and seven miles east of the Morrow County OHV park. The objective of the burns are to improve foraging habitat for big game, reduce long-term wildfire risk through reductions in existing fuel loading, and to restore the ecological functions of a fire adapted ecosystem to the area.    Additional information about this prescribed burn is available by visiting the Umatilla National Forest’s prescribed fire interactive map. This map displays burning activities. The interactive map allows the user to zoom in on certain areas and click on a burn unit for more information (such as acreage, status, etc). When burning...

 PENDLETON, Ore. (October 4, 2022) — Fire management officials on the Umatilla National Forest are preparing to implement the Forest’s fall prescribed burn plan, which could impact camping and hunting opportunities in several hunting units across the Forest.  Any associated road and trail closures will go into effect prior to and during burn operations, which typically take 2-5 days to complete. Hunters are advised to plan ahead and avoid camping in the designated prescribed burn areas during the 2022 hunting season. Frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for healthy forests and reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire caused by excessive fuel buildup. Prescribed burning is an effective tool for removing excessive amounts of brush, shrubs, and trees, while also encouraging the growth of native vegetation. Prescribed burning is also highly dependent on weather conditions, which must be within a narrow criteria window to use prescribed fire. Factors such as wind...