InciWeb Articles WA

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...

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, continues to show little growth and is currently approximately 493 acres in size and containment has been increased to 37%. Fire Managers continue their objective of keeping the fire north of Dry Creek, south and east of Forest Service Road 81. Fire Behavior: Fire fighters have taken advantage of the minimal fire activity and have increased their focus on suppression repair activities which include removing hose from firelines, repairing dozer lines by covering them with downed vegetation and constructing water diversion “water bars” to direct water off disturbed soil to minimize erosion damage, and repairing road damage. Crews will continue to reinforce lines on the fire and monitor fire activity. There have been no changes with regard to evacuation orders on the Kamala Fire. The evacuation level remains at Level 1 “Ready’.Weather: Today’s weather will continue to be...

Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 17, 2022 10:00amOverview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire grew to an estimated 1565 acres today as strong dynamic east winds pushed the fire to the south west. An infrared flight was able to fly last night to give a more accurate number of acres burned. Containment is estimated at 5%.  Progress has been limited by strong winds and smoke. A Type 1 Incident Management Team, Oregon Department of Forestry Team 2 will take over command of the fire at 7:00pm today. Evacuations remain in place. Fire Behavior: Around 0730 Sunday morning October 16 night shift resources reported fire across the dozer line, in-between the L-1500 and L 1560 roads. Fire behavior was active, with short downhill runs and flame lengths of 4-8 feet. The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small...

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...

Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 16, 2022 8:00pm Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire grew to an estimated 2000 acres today as strong dynamic east winds pushed the fire to the south west. Visual confirmation of size is difficult due to poor visibility. Containment is estimated at 5%.  Progress has been limited by strong winds and smoke. Evacuations are in place. Fire Behavior: Around 0730 this morning night shift resources reported fire across the dozer line, in-between the L-1500 and L 1560 roads. Fire behavior was active, with short downhill runs and flame lengths of 4-8 feet. Ground and aviation resources did not encage as winds and visibility were not safe to do so. Tonight structure protection is out in the Creswell and Livingston Mt area. The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small...

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...

The Murphy Lake Fire 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. It began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to an estimated 170 acres. The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in moderate additional growth. The ridge top location of the fire is producing primarily backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials. Low relative humidity and easterly winds will likely result in increased fire activity and additional growth. 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. The combination of wind, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid rates of spread and down-wind spotting on existing fires. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) is closed between Deception Lakes (mile 2447.5) and...

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

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...

Evacuations:  Evacuation levels have changed. Due to fire behavior the Clark Regional Emergency Services, in co-ordination with Washington Department of Natural Resources, have issued evacuation notifications for the Nakia Creek Fire.  Please visit http://cresa911.org/blog/ for more information on those areas currently under an evacuation level

 Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 16, 2022 10:50am Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 156 acres in size and is currently 20 percent contained. Additionally, the fire is still uncontained and acres may increase. Fire Behavior: Around 0730 this morning night shift resources reported fire across the dozer line, in-between the L-1500 and L 1560 roads. Fire behavior was active, with short downhill runs and flame lengths of 4-8 feet. Ground resources are engaging the fire and aviation resources are on order. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available. The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Firefighters made good progress yesterday building line around the fire by utilizing a combination of direct dozer and hand line.  Fire...

 Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 16, 2022 9:00am - Updated - 10:50amOverview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 156 acres in size and is currently 20 percent contained. Additionally, the fire is still uncontained and acres may increase.Fire Behavior: Around 0730 this morning night shift resources reported fire across the dozer line, in-between the L-1500 and L 1560 roads. Fire behavior was active, with short downhill runs and flame lengths of 4-8 feet. Ground resources are engaging the fire and aviation resources are on order. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available. The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Firefighters made good progress yesterday building line around the fire by utilizing a combination of direct dozer and hand...

 Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 15, 2022 – 5:00pm Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 156 acres in size and is currently 10 percent contained. Reduction in acreage from Monday October 10 is due to better mapping. Additionally, the fire is still uncontained and acres may increase. Fire Behavior: The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Firefighters continue to make good progress building line around the fire, utilizing a combination of direct dozer and hand line along the fires edge. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed and short range spotting. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: High pressure aloft remains with continued very warm and dry...

The Murphy Lake Fire 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. It began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to an estimated 88 acres. The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in additional growth which has not yet been measured. The ridge top location of the fire is producing primarily backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials. Low relative humidity and easterly winds will likely result in increased activity and additional growth. 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. The combination of wind, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid rates of spread and down-wind spotting on existing fires. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) is closed...

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...

 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...

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 |

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, continues to show little growth and is currently approximately 486 acres in size and is 14% percent contained.  Fire Managers continue their objective of keeping the fire north of Dry Creek, south and east of Forest Service Road 81.Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters continue to reinforce indirect lines on the fire and monitor fire activity.  Fire behavior continues to be minimal with smoldering and creeping observed.  Current containment lines continue to hold and crews are beginning to remove hose lays from the line and will begin the task of fireline and Dozer line repair.  This repair work is done to minimize erosion due to fire activities and bring the land back to a more natural state.   Weather: Today’s weather will continue to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 77-79 with light winds and humidity around 35%.Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map:...

Other Fire Information:  The Murphy Lake Fire began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to 88 acres. 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

 Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 14, 2022 Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 156 acres in size and is currently 10 percent contained. Reduction in acreage from Monday October 10 is due to better mapping. Additionally, the fire is still uncontained and acres may increase. Fire Behavior: The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Firefighters continue to make good progress and existing containment lines held overnight. Firefighters will continue to prepare direct control lines along the flanks of the fire. Additionally, we are utilizing a combination of direct dozer and hand line along the fires edge. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed and short range spotting. The potential for fire growth remains and...