Single Publication

Kalama Fire Update – Sept. 19, 2022

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is at approximately 215 acres in size and is currently five percent contained.  We were better able to map the area to give a more accurate account of the acres burned. Additionally, acres also increased with burn out operations to assist in securing the perimeter of the fire. Cooler weather and a trace of rain on Friday evening are assisting in the firefighting efforts.

Fire Behavior: The fire was located on a cliff face and is now on extremely steep ground, fire fighters are preparing indirect lines in more favorable terrain where they can be successful.  Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping. The potential for fire growth remains, but containment lines are being put in place and contain percentage information will be updated when the lines are complete and holding.

Weather: Weather today is predicted to be mostly dry over the burn area, with variable winds. Seasonably warm weather and dry conditions are expected over the next few days.

Closures:

View a Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1059380.pdf

Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A

Roads:

• Forest Road (NFS) Road No.81, from the junction with State Route 503 Spur to the junction with NFS Road No. 8100-830 and all associated NFS spur roads off NFS Road No. 81
• NFS Road No. 8117 and all associated NFS spur roads off of NFS Road No. 8117
• NFS Road No. 8122 and all associated NFS spur roads off of NFS Road No. 8122

         Attention Climbers: *Access to Climbers Bivouac (and climbing route) is open.

Fire Restrictions: Campfire bans, and other public use restrictions are in place across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and much of the region. View Forest Order: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1049107.pdf

Evacuations:   Due to moderating fire weather and additional resources on the Kalama Fire the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources, has issued updated evacuation notifications for Kalama Fire (which is not affecting the City of Kalama or residents along the Kalama River Road at this time). The following updates are effective immediately: 

View an evacuation map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1060104.pdf

Level 2, Set Evacuation Level:

• North to South: From the Headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River, south to Forest Road 7550.
• East to West: From the Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.

Level 1, Ready Evacuation Level:

• North to South: South from Forest Road 7550 to south of Merrill Lake.
• East to West: Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County

Sign up for county alerts: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/196/Emergency-Management

Size: 215 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5% Cause: Under investigation.

Fire Information Phone Line: 360-449-7874

Public Information Officer: David Grubich, 804-503-2363

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420