Due to the threat of wildfires, Highway 12 between Packwood and the summit of White Pass is blocked.
The Goat Rock wildness is being evacuated in the surrounding areas.
People in the Packwood neighbourhood should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice because the region is at Level 2.
Warnings and orders to evacuate will be in effect for at least the next day. The situation will be evaluated by crews in the morning.
Cause of wildfire at Packwood and the summit of White Pass
Due to strong winds and hot, dry weather on Friday, the Goat Rocks Fire, which was started by lightning in early August, expanded from 90 acres to 850 acres.
Although the fire was quickly doused, it was not entirely put out. The Forest Service describes the area as being in “extremely steep terrain.”
The closure occurs while western Washington is under a Red Flag Warning that is in effect through Saturday.
Size of Packwood wildfire
Approximately 150 acres
When Packwood wildfire comes into consideration?
situated in the Goat Rocks Wilderness on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, 7 miles northeast of Packwood, Washington. An estimated 150 acres are involved in the Goat Rocks Fire. On August 9, 2022, the incident was uncovered.
Evacuations of Packwood wildfire
Communities east of Packwood are currently under level 3 evacuation, sometimes known as a “Go status,” and have to leave.
Packwood is currently in a level 2 evacuation, or Set position, and residents are advised to get ready to leave. The White Pass School, which is at 516 Silverbrook Road in Randle, is where evacuees should go.
Condition of Packwood wildfire surrounding area
According to the National Weather Service, it will be hot, dry, and windy throughout the Cascades, Olympics, and most lowland parts of western Washington (NWS).
According to the NWS, the warning was issued for the majority of the Puget Sound lowlands and Olympic Peninsula at midday on Friday and will end at midnight on Saturday.
From noon on this Friday, September 9, until 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, there is a red flag warning in force. Critical fire weather conditions are being produced by high temperatures, low humidity, and winds blowing from the east with gusts up to 25 mph predicted.
All these factors favour the spread of the fire, but the personnel are ready in case there is major expansion. Resources from the USFS, as well as those from the State and local partners, are all ready to respond to any potential substantial growth or fresh starts that may happen during these dire fire conditions.
Meaning of red flag in a Packwood wildfire area
A Red Flag Warning indicates that dangerous fire weather conditions are present or about to become so. Any flames that start will probably spread quickly, thus it is not advisable to burn outside.
In light of the current weather, the NWS urged residents to abide by any and all local burn bans, warning that “fires will start and spread quickly.”
Fire operations takes place at Packwood
The fire has significantly increased in size today and is moving near Packwood. Communities in the vicinity of Packwood and places where an evacuation order has been issued are being worked on by crews. To aid in suppression efforts and ongoing evacuations, more resources have been ordered and are on their way.
High eastern winds are causing the fire to spread westward. All of this development has taken place while a red flag warning is in effect and is predicted to last through September 11th. Several agencies and governments are contributing resources to fight this fire and defend the Packwood neighbourhood.
Closures of a wildfire incident in Packwood
Between Skate Creek Road in Packwood and the summit of White Pass, U.S. 12 is blocked in both ways. Additionally, the entire stretch of Route 123 between Route 410 and U.S. 12 is shut down.
While smoke from numerous fires is being inhaled throughout western Washington, the smoke from the Goat Rocks Wilderness fire burning close to Packwood is what is reducing visibility there.
Between White Pass and Skate Creek, US Highway 12 is closed. All southbound traffic on Highway 123 is blocked from US Highway 12 to Interstate 410. Forest Roads 4600, 4610, and 4612, along with all of their branch roads, as well as Trail #65 to Bluff Lake.
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