Single Publication

Winter Weather predicted for Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires

Current Situation: Light rain and some snow fell on the Goat Rocks Fire Sunday, with heavier rain and gusty winds expected today. Snow level is expected to drop to 2,000 feet before rising again late today. Fire personnel are running into snow-covered roads and fire lines in some areas, restricting work opportunities. Fire personnel are changing their plans to work in areas without snow. Yesterday firefighters removed structure wrap, hoses and pumps from around the structures by Packwood Lake. They also began removing portable water tanks, pumps, and hoses from the Timberline neighborhoods. 

On the south edge of the fire, damaged trees are frequently falling onto Forest Road 41. Crews had been patrolling this road to check fire spread south toward Lake Creek. The level of hazard to firefighters from falling trees has been determined to be greater than the risk of the fire spreading south under the current weather conditions. Part of this road is now closed to fire personnel. 

Scattered heat also remains on the Siouxon and Sunset fires; however, there is little to no growth potential. Firefighters continue to patrol and improve containment lines, mop up hot spots, and backhaul equipment. Suppression repair continues with chipping and brush removal operations along Forest Road 311 near the Siouxon Fire. Road rehabilitation with heavy equipment will continue along FSR 42 from Sunset Falls Campground to the first bridge. Progress is slow as roads are slick and sloppy, with a risk of black ice in the morning following overnight temperatures that are expected to dip into the 20s. High winds will also pose hazards for firefighters working around fire-weakened trees. 

Weather & Smoke Information: On Sunday, the region experienced mostly clear skies under a cold northerly air flow. Rain is expected later in the day on Monday, with the potential for snow below 2000’ overnight. Wind gusts up to 45 mph with a mix of ice and snow will affect roadways. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and slow down, 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. For current local smoke conditions, visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ or https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

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: Evacuations were lifted in the areas north and east of the Siouxon fire, although there are still several road and trail closures in the area. On the Goat Rocks Fire, all areas north of Butter Creek remain at Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation. For the most up-to-date evacuation information, please visit Lewis County’s Emergency Management website or Facebook page. 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 GPNF Fire Overview Page. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place over the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can ensure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.