A fire that broke out about 20 miles southwest of Pe Ell Wednesday afternoon had burned an estimated 150-200 acres of clearcut forest and 1-year-old trees as of Thursday night, incident commanders and responders reported.
Fire managers asked the public to stay out of the area as they continued fighting the Huckleberry Ridge Fire Thursday night into Friday morning. The fire is not currently a threat to any residents or buildings.
“This area is also extremely steep with variable winds. It is located near the connecting corners of Lewis, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties,” the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team said in a Thursday news release.
Fire personnel, including 66 people, five hand crews and four engines and tenders, worked Thursday to establish containment lines and a water supply for all divisions, according to an update issued at about 9 p.m. on Thursday.
Helicopters and scoopers are supporting the crews on the ground as needed.
“Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Huckleberry Ridge Fire,” the Incident Management Team said in a news release.
As of Thursday night, fire managers expected hot and dry weather to continue through Friday, with slight cooling Saturday. They also expected poor overnight humidity recoveries, especially Friday, with higher humidities on Saturday. Winds were forecasted to become more northerly on Friday.
No evacuations, road closures or trial closures were in place as of Thursday night.
“Fire managers remind everyone to stay out of the area of the fire. Be alert and stay aware of the danger that exists in your area,” the Incident Management Team said in a news release. “... Firefighters and heavy equipment are working on and around area roadways. You can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and avoiding areas with heightened fire equipment activity. Fire danger is moderate and increasing rapidly.”
“There will be A LOT of fire apparatus moving through the area for a bit,” Lewis County Emergency Management stated Thursday. “They have to drive quite a distance to reach the fire (through Pe Ell), so please give them space while they travel back and forth.”
The cause of the fire has not been announced. The land where the fire is burning is owned by Weyerhaeuser.
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For updates on the Huckleberry Ridge Fire from the incident management team, visit https://www.facebook.com/WWIMT.
