The latest update on the Goat Rocks Fire from the U.S. Forest Service reports that the blaze is now 150 acres in size and growing toward the East Lewis County town of Packwood.
Sparked by lightning 7 miles northeast of Packwood Aug. 9, the fire is now about 2 and half miles from the town, Lewis County reported Friday.
“Today, the fire has had significant growth and has grown towards the town of Packwood,” a news release from the Forest Service stated. “Crews are working to evacuate communities around Packwood and areas that are under evacuation orders. Additional resources have been ordered and will be arriving to assist with suppression actions and ongoing evacuations. The fire has been expanding westward, being pushed by high eastern winds. All of this growth has occurred while under a red flag warning that is expected to continue through Sunday, Sept. 11. Resources from across multiple agencies and states are assisting with this fire and working to protect the community of Packwood.”
Currently, communities east of Packwood are under a level three evacuation — or “go” status — and are required to evacuate. The community of Packwood is currently under a level two evacuation — or “set” status — and should be prepared to evacuate. Evacuees are directed to the White Pass School, located at 516 Silverbrook Road in Randle.
U.S. Highway 12 is closed from Skate Creek and White Pass. Highway 123 is closed from U.S. Highway 12 to 410 for all southbound travel. Also closed are Forest Roads 4600, 4610, 4612 and all connected spurs, and Trail #65 to Bluff Lake.
There is a red flag warning in effect from noon Friday through 7 p.m. Sunday.
“High temperatures, low humidity, and winds coming out of the east with forecasted gusts up to 25 mph all are creating critical fire weather conditions,” the Forest Service stated. “All these conditions are conducive for fire growth and crews are prepared if significant growth occurs. Resources from USFS along with state, and local cooperators are all standing by prepared for any potential significant growth or new starts that may occur during these critical fire conditions.”
Go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8415 to view closure map and latest news.
Fire Information Phone Line: 253-260-4581
Fire Information Email: 2022.goatrocks@firenet.gov
