The Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Saturday issued an emergency closure order for the Backbone Fire in East Lewis County, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
The fire, located north of Packwood and south of Mt. Rainier National Park, had grown to about 10 acres as of Saturday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
USFS said the fire was estimated to be 10 to 15 acres. Containment percentage had yet to be reported as of The Chronicle’s Monday press deadline.
The fire was first reported on Aug. 5.
USFS officials said they implemented the closure order to ensure public safety and “allow firefighters to operate efficiently in the area.”
“The closure applies to Forest Service land to the west of Highway 123 and south of the National Park boundary along Backbone Ridge,” officials said in the release. “There are several roads and trails included in the closure including the Backbone Trail, the Backbone Lake Trail and the River View Trail. The order restricts all motorized use as well as pedestrian access for the duration of the closure.”
The order has no scheduled end date.
USFS officials said resources have been “on scene since the initial report and are working under a full‑suppression strategy.”
“Crews are navigating extremely steep terrain in mature timber, where tall trees and a dense overhead canopy make access challenging,” officials said in the release. “Helicopters with bucket drops are supporting the operation, helping cool the fire area and slow its spread so ground crews can engage more effectively. Firefighters remain focused on public and firefighter safety while working to protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.”
To view the closure order and map, visit https://tinyurl.com/9kcwrtc2.
The nearby Skyo Fire, located roughly three miles west of Packwood, remained at 254 acres and 99% contained over the weekend, according to the fire-tracking app Watch Duty.
On Aug. 6, Lewis County lifted its Level One evacuation notice for residents in the area adjacent to the blaze. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office issued the notice on July 25.
The Skyo Fire was first reported on July 22.
The High Lava Fire, located in Skamania County, had grown to over 878 acres as of Monday. The Grand Park 2 Fire, located north of Mt. Rainier National Park, had grown to 167 acres.
To learn more about the Backbone Fire, the High Lava 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.
