Single Publication

Goat Rocks Fire

• Size: 6196 acres
• Containment: 35%
• Personnel: 12
• Location: NE of Packwood, WA
• Reported: August 9, 2022
• Cause: Lightning/Natural   

Siouxon Fire

• Size: 2359 acres
• Containment:100%
• Personnel: 2
• Location: 13 miles NW of Stabler, WA
• Reported: September 22, 2022
• Cause: Abandoned Campfire      

Sunset Fire

• Size: 277 acres
• Containment:100%
• Personnel: 2
• Location: 8 miles E of Moulton, WA
• Reported: October 16, 2022
• Cause: Undetermined       

Kalama Fire

• Size: 500
• Containment:100
• Personnel: 2
• Location: NE of Cougar, WA
• Reported: Aug. 31, 2022
• Cause: Undetermined

Wet weather subdues fires; reduced areas closures expected by the week's end

Current Situation Goat Rocks Fire: The fire is still producing visible smoke from residual pockets of heat, but at a reduced rate due to the cool, wet weather pattern. As winter approaches snow, slick road surfaces, and falling trees are restricting access on many forest roads. Yesterday, two engines patrolled the fire while security and road guards staffed road closure gates.  Type 4 team personnel working the fire will be demobilizing in the upcoming days given the increased containment level and forecasted weather.  The fire will be transitioned back to the Forest to manage at this time. Temporary Forest closures will remain in effect due to concerns about public safety, resource protection and fire suppression repair that will need to be done next spring. Hazardous conditions persist in the burned areas, including fire-weakened trees, areas of active burning, hot ash pits, and rolling debris. Temporary gates and barricades will be in place until the closure order is either rescinded or modified as determined by Fire Management Officer, District Ranger, and Forest Supervisor.

Current Situation Kalama, Siouxon and Sunset Fires: These fires have all been passed back to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest personnel to manage. The fires continue to be impacted by cool, wet weather, although scattered hot spots remain in areas with heavy canopy and deep duff. Continued moisture is helping limit growth potential. Recreation, fire, and law enforcement personnel are currently reviewing closure orders and getting ready to significantly reduce the closure areas. In the meantime, firefighters will monitor and patrol the fire line where it is safe to do so.

Weather & Smoke Information: Additional rain is expected the rest of the week, with snow likely at higher elevations. Expect below normal temperatures. Be prepared for winter conditions, especially at higher elevations across the Forest. Check local forecasts at www.weather.gov and contact local ranger district offices for local conditions. Slower speeds are highly recommended, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present. Current weather conditions will keep fire activity to a minimum, but smoke may be visible at times.

Forest Closures: A full list of closures in place for the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires can be found under “Alerts & Notices” on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.

Evacuations: There are no evacuation notices currently in place. Residents are encouraged to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts to stay up to date on evacuation status and closures related to evolving incidents. Links to county emergency alerts can be found on the   Forest’s  Fire Information Page.

Fire Information:

• Phone: (360) 891-5000
• Email: sm.fs.r6_gp_forest@usda.gov
• Gifford Pinchot National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiffordPinchot
• Goat Rocks Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8415/
• Siouxon and Sunset Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8436/
• Kalama Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/wagpf-kalama-fire