The Cowlitz Valley Ranger District in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has downsized the emergency closure orders for the Skyo and Backbone Fires.
The closures, which previously encompassed larger areas, now apply only to specific roads where suppression repair and road maintenance activities continue.
The restrictions remain necessary to protect public safety and to ensure crews and heavy equipment can conduct their work without interruption, the U.S. Forest Service stated in a news release.
The closures will stay in effect until they are modified or rescinded.
In the Skyo Fire area, the following National Forest Roads will remain closed:
• NFS Road No. 4710000 beyond its junction with NFS Road No. 4710040
• NFS Road No. 4710040
• NFS Road No. 4710041
• NFS Road No. 4710049
The Skyo Fire was reported on July 22 and is fully contained at 254 acres. The lightning-caused fire is located west of Packwood. The full closure order and a map can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/3x2wfht2.
In the Backbone Fire area, the following National Forest Roads will remain closed:
• NFS Road No. 5290000 (and all associated spur roads)
• NFS Road No. 5290082 (and all associated spur roads)
The Backbone Fire was reported on Aug. 5. The 17-acre fire was also caused by lightning and is located northeast of Packwood, just south of Mount Rainier National Park. The full closure order and a map can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/222a8v4n.
No recreation sites or trails are closed, but the Tatoosh Wilderness area remains inaccessible from the south due to the road closures in the Backbone Fire area. Visitors are asked to respect the restrictions for their own safety and the safety of crews working in the area. Law enforcement officers continue to patrol the closed roads and enforce the orders.
