Single Publication

Management of fires transitioning back to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) Three will return management of the fires to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. Rocky Mountain CIMT Three would like to thank the businesses, hoteliers, restauranteurs, and the community at large for their kindness and support of the IMT and firefighters.

Current Situation: Rainy, cool weather is expected to continue into next week around the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires. With the low probability of fire spread and difficulties completing repair work until after soils dry out, many resources are being released from the fires today and through the weekend.

The Goat Rocks, Siouxon and Sunset fires are still burning, including in logs, stumps, roots, and deep duff. Work will continue on the fires as needed and as the weather allows. A limited number of engines, crews, and other fire personnel will remain to conduct fire patrols and continue suppression, clean-up and repair operations when and where it is safe to do so. Fire activity and smoke production will increase during warmer and drier weather, and may be visible from Packwood and US 12. Additional resources will be assigned to the fire as needed to conduct fire suppression and repair work.

Forest closures will remain in effect for the fire areas for the foreseeable future. Hazardous conditions persist in the burned areas, including fire-weakened trees, areas of active burning, hot ash pits, and rolling debris. Falling trees are blocking roads and could strike passing or parked vehicles. Trees and rocks will fall in greater numbers during heavy rains and when it is windy. Many roads are also narrow with little room for passing vehicles. Forest officials urge the public to continue to observe the forest closures for both public and firefighter safety.  

Information for the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires will be available on InciWeb and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Facebook sites. Future updates will occur twice a week starting next week.

Weather Information: Rain will return today into tomorrow, with the snow level rising to around 5,000 to 6,000 feet. Monday will be the start of a cooling trend, with snow levels falling Tuesday to around 3,000 feet. Please slow down and watch for slick roads.

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.

Fire Danger: The Fire Danger Rating on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is LOW. Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) Zones 659S (Goat Rocks Fire) and 660 (Siouxon and Sunset fires) are Level I on USFS lands.

The Temporary Flight Restriction has been lifted for the Goat Rocks Fire vicinity.