Rains help firefighters gain 10% containment on Williams Mine Fire near Trout Lake
A red glow sits beneath the clouds and smoke near Mt. Adams at the Williams Mine Fire. Photo courtesy Williams Mine Fire
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 20,. 2024 — Rain and cooler temperatures during the weekend have assisted firefighters as they have reached 10 percent containment of the Williams Mine Fire burning in heavy timber near Trout Lake, Wash.
“Fire crews achieved success over the past few days in the southern and eastern areas of the fire where containment percentage has increased,” according to the U.S. Forest Service press release. “The initial objectives for the Williams Mine Fire were to establish protection actions for the towns of Trout Lake and Glenwood. With perimeter containment on the southern flank of the incident, fire managers anticipate that this primary objective will be reached.”
The 11,500-acre lightning-caused blaze has been burning since Aug. 5 and currently, 15 hand crews, 21 engines 9 dozers and a total 702 personnel are fighting the fire.
“In areas where containment lines are established, crews will begin repair work on roads, dozer lines, and other areas affected by firefighting operations. Road guards remain in place as heavy equipment blocks roads in the closure area as they work to reduce fuel load. Road graders and other machinery are working to return access roads to Forest standards,” the Forest Service said.
CURRENT STATUS
“To access all areas of the fire, crews continue to cut and remove hazardous or fallen trees that are blocking access points. Removal of dangerous trees ensures firefighters can access the fire line and have open ingress/egress routes for safe transportation. Many of the standing snags also are holding heat where firefighters continue to suppress and mop up operations to ensure there is no chance of reignition across the fire perimeter,” the press release states.
Most night shift resources were reallocated to bolster day shift operations as current fire behavior has diminished. Night operations have moved to a patrol status with fewer resources assigned to night operations but will be maintaining a nightly presence. This will allow for continual firefighting resources to be on the fire perimeter at all hours of the day and engage where necessary. These changes are possible because of the accomplishments achieved over the past few days and continuing favorable weather conditions.”
WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR
The National Weather Service is calling for high temperatures in the 70s and 60s this week in the Trout Lake region with the possibility of daily showers through Saturday, Aug. 24.
“The possibility of passing showers rises this afternoon, starting a trend that will increase rain chances through Thursday. Aside from the morning marine layer, clouds will gradually build through the afternoon as a weak weather system moves into the area from the west. The highest chance of showers will remain to the north of the incident. Conditions will not be conducive to active fire behavior, though there will be smoldering on the surface which may create visible smoke.”
SAFETY AND CLOSURES
Williams Mine Fire Map, Aug. 20, 2024. Click on the image to enlarge it.
Washington DNR-managed lands near Trout Lake and Glenwood are closed to entry due to the Williams Mine Fire. For more information, please see http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Tract D Recreation Area is closed, please see Yakama Tract D Road Closure for more information. Level 1 & 2 evacuations are in effect for the community of Trout Lake, and parts of Klickitat County. Evacuations are coordinated through the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office and the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.
The FS-23 and FS-25 roads are closed, see the Williams Mine Area and Road Closure for more details. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from the PCT's intersection with FS 23 to Potato Hill. The current area closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.
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