Weather assists firefighters on Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires
Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Three has assumed command of the Goat Rocks fire from the Great Basin-Rocky Mountain Type 3 Team. Daily updates will now include information for the Goat Rocks fire, in addition to the Siouxon and Sunset fires. On the Siouxon and Sunset fires, yesterday’s fire activity was reduced to mainly creeping and smoldering within the interior due to rain and cooler temperatures. Isolated spots of surface fire continue to burn in pockets of duff that have been protected from the rain by a heavy tree canopy. Firefighters continue to patrol the fire’s edge, and they have made great progress on suppression repair activities.
Chipping and brush removal operations are expected to continue along Forest Road 311 near the Siouxon Fire. Road repair with heavy equipment is still being conducted along FSR 42 near the Sunset Fire, especially around bridges. 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. Firefighter and public safety remains the top priority, and motorists are asked to slow down, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present.
Rain has also reduced fire activity on the Goat Rocks Fire, but flames are still visible where fuels have been sheltered from the rain. Personnel are working in the Dam Creek drainage to keep fire south of Forest Road 46. In the Lake Creek drainage, firefighters are patrolling to ensure the fire stays north of Forest Road 41. Most of this edge of the fire continues to hold along the Three Peaks trail and the ridge between the Coal Creek and Lake Creek drainages.
Engines are patrolling the neighborhoods west of the Goat Rocks fire. With decreasing risk to structures, firefighters are removing some hoses and other equipment at Packwood Lake and in the lower part of the Coal Creek drainage. Surplus equipment is being hauled back to fire camp. Woody debris is being moved from along Forest Roads 1266 and 41. More ditches and culverts are being cleared to re-establish proper drainage.
Weather & Smoke Information: On Saturday, portions of the Siouxon and Sunset fires received over an inch of precipitation, and the Great Rocks fire received roughly one-half inch. Precipitation is expected to continue for the next few days, tapering off by Wednesday. Smoke in the area has greatly diminished. 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 as of 11:00 Saturday morning in the area 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 are at Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation. This includes Upper and Lower Timberline, Goat Rocks, Riverdance, and parts of High Valley. Packwood proper is not under evacuation status at this time. Information at: https://bit.ly/LewisCountyAlerts or https://bit.ly/LewisCountyEMFB.
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.
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