Fire activity slows at Backbone Fire in East Lewis County, High Lava Fire as cooler weather arrives

The Backbone Fire in East Lewis County was 89% contained, while fire activity continued to  slow at the High Lava Fire in Skamania County, according to a Saturday news release from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

Officials said minimal fire behavior is expected moving forward, after recent rainfall further reduced the potential for the fires’ spread.

Both fires were caused by lightning strikes.

The Saturday news release is expected to be the last from the agency, unless “significant changes” occur at both sites.

Backbone Fire

The Backbone Fire, located about seven miles northeast of Packwood, south of Mount Rainier National Park, remained at 17 acres on Saturday.

The fire was first reported on Aug. 5.

“Command of the Backbone Fire returned to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Sept. 3,” officials said in the release.

“Over the past two days, consistent rain in the fire area totaled about 2 inches, and fire behavior was minimal.”

High Lava Fire

The High Lava Fire, located about 11 miles northwest of Stabler, was 2,899 acres as of Saturday. The fire, first reported on July 23, was 63% contained.

“Close to 2 inches of rain fell over the last two days, with maximum daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s,” officials said in the release.

“The weather improved on Friday, allowing crews and equipment to complete contingency work on Forest Service Road 54.”

Officials on Saturday said crews would continue to patrol the area, mop up along containment lines and conduct suppression repair operations.

“The Central West Zone Incident Management Teams’ last day in command of the High Lava Fire will be Sunday, Sept. 6,” officials said.

“Command of the fire will return to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Monday, Sept. 7.”

Fire restrictions and road closures

Fire restrictions remain across the national forest. This includes “building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes,” according to the release.

“Propane firepits and cookstoves with an on and off switch are permitted,” officials said.

To view the current road closures in place for both fires, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/alerts.

To learn more about the Backbone Fire and other fires in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area, visit www.facebook.com/GiffordPinchot.

To learn of any potential evacuation notices in Lewis County, sign up for Lewis County Alerts at https://tinyurl.com/9uzvvb4n.