9/30/2022 Kalama Fire Update

 

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 435 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 drier and warmer then the past few days. A surface thermal trough will push up from the south, creating northerly flow with warmer and drier weather. Tonight, the thermal trough pushes west which will allow some drier east winds to filter into the fire area. These east winds will continue through Saturday, allowing for and warmer and drier day, with a 20% chance that wind gusts could exceed 20 mph. East winds continue through Saturday night and warmer and drier weather is expected on Sunday.

Closures: Closures remain in place - View a Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1059380.pdf

Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A

Roads:

• Forest Road (NFS) Road No.81, from the junction with State Route 503 Spur to the junction with NFS Road No. 8100-830 and all associated NFS spur roads off NFS Road No. 81
• NFS Road No. 8117 and all associated NFS spur roads off of NFS Road No. 8117
• NFS Road No. 8122 and all associated NFS spur roads off of NFS Road No. 8122

         Attention Climbers: ·Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open.

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans, and other public use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region. View Forest Order: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1049107.pdf

Evacuations:   Due to moderating fire weather and additional resources on the Kalama Fire the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources, has issued updated evacuation notifications for Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time). The following updates are effective immediately: 

View an evacuation map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1060104.pdf

Level 2, Set Evacuation Level:

• North to South: From the Headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River, south to Forest Road 7550.
• East to West: From the Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.

Level 1, Ready Evacuation Level:

• North to South: South from Forest Road 7550 to south of Merrill Lake.
• East to West: Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County

Sign up for county alerts: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/196/Emergency-Management

Size: 435 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.

Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874

Public Information Officer: Sharon Steriti 360-852-3390

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420   

Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/fire