9/12/2020 Big Hollow Fire Update

 

Big Hollow Fire Daily Update - September 12

The Big Hollow Fire is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Carson and 7 miles southeast of Cougar, Washington. Temperatures will be slightly warmer today with the high around 70. Light winds and smoke are expected.

Yesterday’s Operations:

Growth occurred in all areas of the fire. The region filled with thick smoke from west coast fires, which diminished fire behavior but also decreased visibility. Crews continued to construct control lines using heavy equipment in the DNR Siouxon block. The northeast was scouted for potential containment line locations. Crews began to prep the cabins at Government Mineral Springs for fire protection. Crews conducted firing operations along the 57 road to slow fire spread south. Structures near Yale Lake and Swift Reservoir were assessed for risk. A live public meeting was held via Facebook and is available for viewing at https://www.facebook.com/GiffordPinchot.

Today’s Operations:

Acreage remains the same due to smoke preventing completion of the mapping mission. Scouting for potential containment lines will continue to the northeast and east. Firing operations will be evaluated and implemented along the Wind River Hwy. A sprinkler system will be set up around the cabins at Government Mineral Springs. Indirect line construction will continue to the west. Structures will be assessed for risk in Chelatchie Prairie, Yale, and Northwood. More resources will be arriving in support of the fire.

Closures & Evacuations:

The 42 cabins at Government Mineral Springs are under a Level 3 evacuation order. The areas SE and NW of Yale Lake, including the communities of Yale and Cougar, are under a Level 2 evacuation order. The areas northeast and southwest of the Level 2 evacuation area, including the community of Northwoods and portions of the towns of Amboy and Yacolt, are under a Level 1 evacuation order. The Forest Service has issued area closures in the southwest portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that include most developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, trails, and most forest roads and trails within the closure area. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has issued closures for the Siouxon Block and recreation sites within the Merrill Lake Conservation Area. The Pacific Crest Trail remains open. 

Safety Message:

Please stay out of fire closure areas for your safety and that of the firefighters. There is an air quality alert in place for southwest Washington and northwest Oregon for unhealthy and hazardous conditions. Some areas are also under a dense smoke advisory for low visibility. Air quality information is available at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.