Huckleberry Ridge Fire grows to 343 acres, still not threatening residents or structures 

The Huckleberry Ridge Fire in the southwest corner of Lewis County grew to about 343 acres as of Saturday morning, according to a report from the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team.

The fire is burning on Weyerhaeuser land 8 miles from the nearest structure and 11 miles from the closest community. No infrastructure is at risk and there are no evacuations or road or trail closures. 

“Crews continued monitoring the fire overnight,” the incident management team reported. “There was continued fire growth throughout area burning through steep terrain, especially along the southwest side of the fire near the East Fork Chehalis River. Crews will continue to look for a solid place for roads, handline and dozer line to help box in the fire.

“More resources arrived this morning including another engine strike team and a hot shot hand crew. These crews will be used to help with spread our resources covering more ground around the fire perimeter. The fire still has air resources assigned and they are actively fighting the fire.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation. As of Saturday morning, there were 230 personnel battling the blaze. There are 15 engines and tenders eight hand crews. 

“Crews will continue to scout for opportunities to slow and stop the spread of the fire,” the incident management team stated. “They will be working to anchor around the edges of the fire, securing it from forward progression. Hand crews will continue to work where the terrain is inaccessible for heavy equipment and in other areas, we will cut in dozer lines where it is safe to do so.”

Officials are asking the public to stay away from the area of the fire, which is about 20 miles south of Pe Ell. That includes hunters, the incident management team stated. 

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