Evacuation notices have been lifted for Packwood and all areas southwest of Butter Creek, including the High Valley, a little more than a week after the Goat Rocks Fire grew rapidly and raised fears the fire would reach the East Lewis County communities.
The change went into effect at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to Lewis County Emergency Management. It applies to all areas southwest of Butter Creek,
Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of U.S. Highway 12 to include lower Timberline and Goat Rocks will remain at a level one, “be ready” evacuation.
Upper Timberline, areas south of U.S. Highway 12, remain in a level two, “be set” evacuation.
“There is still fire suppression activity in the area,” the county wrote in a news release. “Please be cautious as heavy equipment and firefighters continue to work on the fire.”
Here’s the latest on the fire, which has burned more than 3,000 acres, from the U.S. Forest:
Overview: The Goat Rocks Fire continues to burn 1.5 miles northeast of the town of Packwood, Washington in and around the Goat Rocks Wilderness area. The fire has been relatively quiet in movement and overall fire behavior. The cooler weather conditions are aiding fire crews with suppression efforts. Crews are taking advantage of this opportunity to strengthen contingency lines around the fire and enhance protection measures around structures. In the wilderness areas, Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are guiding the work that is ongoing there. MIST is focused on doing enough work to suppress the fire safely, while impacting the landscape as little as possible.
Fire Activity: Fire crews yesterday were able to complete their work along Forest Roads 1266 and 041. Hand crews completed removing brush along the 46 Road where it was inaccessible to machinery, and equipment was brought in to begin chipping the removed material. Additionally, engines continued to patrol around the neighborhoods and improving their work where needed.
Today, equipment will be used to continue with clearing along the 46 Road. Crews will begin clearing an alternate line to act as a contingency to the established break along the 041 Road. Another chipper has been ordered, and crews will begin chipping the material cut from around structures. The Wildland Fire Use Module will continue to scout and monitor the fire’s progression into the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area.
Forest Closures: For a current map of all the roads and trails that are closed due to the Goat Rocks Fire, see this link https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1060181.pdf
Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans and other use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region. Campfires are allowed within certain campgrounds on an approved list at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices
Weather: We have been seeing an onshore flow, bringing in cool temperatures and more moisture. Starting today, we will be experiencing a switch to an offshore flow, with warm dry air blowing from east to west. This will bring some drier and warmer conditions along with the potential for more smoke, due to light winds out of the east. There is a chance of showers late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
Public Safety: Increased traffic is expected with the ongoing weekend activities and fire personnel continuing to work in the area. Please use caution when traveling near the area and adhere to the posted speed limits.
Donations: Northwest Incident Management Team 10 would like to extend to the community a heartfelt thank you for all your generous offers to provide donations to firefighters. Firefighters are well-provisioned, so we invite you to donate to your local Red Cross, Lewis County Fire District #10 (Packwood) and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
