9/14/2022 Goat Rocks Fire Update

 

 Overview: The Goat Rocks Fire continues to burn 1.5 miles northeast of the town of Packwood, Washington in the Goat Rocks Wilderness area. The steep rugged terrain and dense stands of timber have challenged suppression efforts, but cooler weather conditions are now assisting fire crews in suppressing the fire. The Goat Rocks Wilderness is a congressionally designated area with special considerations in maintaining this unique location on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

Community Meeting:  Today, September 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m., there will be a meeting held at the Packwood Community Hall, and broadcast on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Facebook page. Fire officials will update the public on the current fire situation on the Goat Rocks Fire. 

Fire Activity: Firefighting personnel made good progress with their road clearing project today along the 1266 and the 46 road systems. Ahead of this clearing work crews were identifying locations where additional fire breaks could be constructed. Several engines patrolled around the area last night and finished out their last night shift. All resources will now be working days. 

Today, the road clearing work will continue along the 1266 and 46 roads using masticators, a machine that grinds brush from under the forest canopy leaving wood chips behind. A hand crew will be working along the northern boundary of the fire to identify areas where they can build direct line on the fire’s edge. Structure preparation will continue along US-12 and the structures around Packwood Lake. Crews are working to remove brush, vegetation and flammable materials from around those structures. 

Forest Closures: US Hwy-12 and Highway 123 are both now open for traffic in both directions, but fire managers are asking the public to exercise caution on the roads as fire vehicles and personnel are operating in the area. Forest Roads 1260, 1262, 1266, 4600, 4610, 4612, 4830 and all connected spur roads remain closed. Additionally, #65 (Bluff Lake), #69 (Three Peaks), #74 (Pipeline Road), #61 (Clear Fork Trail from the trailhead to the Clear Lost Trail), #76 (Clear Lost Trail from the junction of the Clear Fork Trail to the junction of the Packwood Lake Trail), and #78 (Packwood Lake Trail) are closed. Hikers can continue to access the Clear Lost Trailhead but can only hike south on the Clear Fork Trail.  

Evacuations: All of Packwood and its surrounding communities except for Upper Timberline are at an Evacuation Level 1 (Be Ready). Upper Timberline is now at an Evacuation Level 2 (Be Set).  

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans and other use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region. Campfires are allowed within certain campgrounds on an approved list at:  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices 

Weather: After a couple of cloudy days, the clouds should break this afternoon bringing some sunshine back to the area. This sun will help drive some light winds along the terrain in the fire area. These light winds will be paired with a continuation of cool temps and a moist environment that should be conducive to minimal fire activity.  

Public Safety:  Firefighters and heavy equipment are working on and around the area roadways. You can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and by adhering to the closure orders until they are officially lifted.  

Sign-up For Alerts: To receive alerts from Lewis County in the case of an emergency, please sign up for Lewis County alerts at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/lewis-county-alert/