The Goat Rocks Fire had burned through 6,196 acres as of Tuesday morning. With a recent change in weather bringing in cooler and wetter conditions, emergency managers and fire officials expect a reduction in fire behavior to continue.
As of Tuesday, the fire was 10% contained and 178 personnel were involved in fighting the fire.
The change in weather conditions led all evacuation notices in Packwood area neighborhoods to be lifted on Monday. According to previous reporting from The Chronicle, winter weather is expected to douse much of the fire, which was started by lightning in early August.
The wetter weather is also helping with fires elsewhere in the state while also raising new obstacles. Growth of the Siouxon and Sunset fires is being limited by what was described by firefighting agencies as “soggy weather,” but that weather has also made it more difficult for firefighters to safely manage containment lines.
The Siouxon Fire is 2,359 acres as of Tuesday and is 0% contained with 96 fire personnel currently assisting. The Sunset Fire is 277 acres and 0% contained with 13 personnel involved.
Chipping and brush removal operations near the Siouxon Fire along Forest Road 311 have been limited by morning snowfall while road repairs on Forest Road 42 will require a couple days of drying before work can resume. While road conditions are being assessed on a daily basis, firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol firelines where it is safe to do so. In addition to wet weather, high winds pose a danger to firefighters working around both dead and fire-weakened trees.
On Monday, rain and snow made it more difficult for firefighters to conduct operations due to slick roadways and low visibility. Slower speeds are strongly recommended, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present.
Current weather is expected to reduce fire activity but smoke may remain visible at times.
For current local smoke conditions, visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ or https://fire.airnow.gov/.
For the most up-to-date evacuation information, visit Lewis County’s Emergency Management website or Facebook page. For more information on defensible space, visit
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire
To receive alerts from Lewis County in case of an emergency, sign up at
https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/lewis-county-alert/.
More information on the Goat Rocks Fire can be obtained by calling 360-370-4168 or emailing 2022.goatrocks@firenet.gov.
