8/27/2023 Gifford Pinchot NF Fire Update

 

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Contact: Gala Miller, Public Affairs Officer (360) 891 5014 gala.miller@usda.gov https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot/ Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Update 8/27/2023– 8 pm A significant lightning event late last week triggered 45+ new fire starts across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Fire fighters have been working hard to contain the many fires using both air and ground support.  A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage multiple fires on the forest. They will be arriving Monday to assume management of several of the larger fires. More firefighting crews and equipment have been ordered and continue to arrive to assist with the fires. Overnight an infrared flight will map fire perimeters and hot spots across the forest providing fire managers with valuable information. Some of the fires that are less accessible are currently unstaffed as available resources focus on incidents of greater concern and greater likelihood of successful containment. A map of the fires is expected to be available for the next update. Cowlitz Valley Ranger District – Thirty-five fires are currently burning on the north end of the forest. Two fires, South Fork, and Grassy Mountain, burning outside of Packwood and Randle, WA are high priorities for fire resources. South Fork Fire is now 15+ acres in size and Grassy Mountain Fire estimated to be at least six acres. Several other unnamed fires have also grown to 15- 20 acres in size. Adams Fork Campground Fire is now 50% contained. The Carlton Ridge Fire is currently staffed with firefighters. Mount St. Helens NVM/Mt. Adams Ranger District – Thirteen fires are currently burning on the south end of the forest. Fire fighters have made good headway on containing several of these fires while others are nearing containment. The focus now is on the Snagtooth Mountain Fire. Five fire starts in the Snagtooth Mountain area have merged into one fire. The Snagtooth Mountain Fire is now estimated to be over 200 acres in size. Road barriers have been put in place on Forest Road 93 for public safety and in preparation for transport of large equipment used for fire suppression. Please avoid this area until further notice. Due to the large number of fires starts and dynamic situation forest users are being encouraged to avoid travel on the forest and consider alternative plans until more fire containment is achieved. Road and trail closures are being considered and will be put in place if conditions warrant. It is advisable to check fire updates before venturing onto the forest.  Fire Information Phone Line: (360) 497-1111