Firefighting crews on Thursday continued to make progress fighting the Backbone Fire in East Lewis County, according to a joint statement from the Washington state Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Department of the Interior.
The fire, located north of Packwood and south of Mt. Rainier National Park, had grown to about 15 acres and was 0% contained as of Friday. Officials said lightning had caused the fire, which was first reported on Aug. 5.
According to the Friday news release, 132 crew members were now involved in the “full suppression” efforts, an increase from the 100 announced on Wednesday.
“The management objective continues to be full suppression with the goal of reducing potential impacts to the communities of Packwood and Randle, critical infrastructure, recreation sites, natural and cultural resources, and other identified values at risk,” officials said in the release.
Officials noted “persistent heat” within the area’s timber and “old-growth fuels,” and said “steep slopes and rolling debris continue to create conditions that could allow the fire to establish downslope below work areas.”
On Thursday, crews improved containment lines by deploying a “progressive, branching hoselay to help contain expanding fire spread,” according to the release. To support the hoselay, crews reportedly staged portable water tanks, pumps and tender trucks along Stevens Canyon Road.
Officials on Friday said crews will now “focus on improving and holding existing lines and scouting additional options for containment.”
“Resources will also assess forest roads in the fire’s vicinity for additional potential contingency lines,” officials said in the release. “A Structure Protection Specialist is developing a plan for preparation and protection of structures, including the community of Packwood.”
Officials on Friday noted possible unhealthy air quality would likely improve by the end of the day.
Last week, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest issued an emergency closure order for the Backbone Fire. USFS officials said they implemented the order to ensure public safety and “allow firefighters to operate efficiently in the area,” according to a news release.
“The closure applies to Forest Service land to the west of Highway 123 and south of the National Park boundary along Backbone Ridge,” officials said in the release. “There are several roads and trails included in the closure including the Backbone Trail, the Backbone Lake Trail and the River View Trail. The order restricts all motorized use as well as pedestrian access for the duration of the closure.”
The order has no scheduled end date.
To view the Backbone Fire closure order, visit https://tinyurl.com/9kcwrtc2.
The High Lava Fire, located in Skamania County, had reportedly grown to over 1,210 acres and was 8% contained as of Thursday.
To learn more about the Backbone Fire, the High Lava Fire and other fires in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area, visit www.facebook.com/GiffordPinchot.
To learn of any potential evacuation notices in Lewis County, sign up for Lewis County Alerts at https://tinyurl.com/9uzvvb4n.
