East Crater Fire update (091617)
Release Date: Sep 16, 2017
EAST CRATER FIRE INFORMATION: 509 395-3360
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5589/
East Crater Fire (Indian Heaven Wilderness), Mount Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
EAST CRATER FIRE: Yesterday crews completed a narrow containment line around the southeastern portion of the fire and received assistance cooling the fire’s edge with helicopter water drops. Fire activity is anticipated to be minimal today. Southeast winds forecasted for today should be favorable, keeping the fire within the wilderness. Today and Sunday, in order to reinforce the fire line, fallers will continue to drop snags along Forest Road 6035 and heavy equipment operators will remove brush and small trees.
On the Bear Creek fire today a 20 person crew will remove hose lays as threats to the containment line have diminished.
A cooling trend is anticipated with a good chance of wetting rain arriving late Sunday and into Monday. The rain will hamper fire growth, but will not extinguish the fire. More significant rainfall is needed to put the fire out. The fire has been burning in the Indian Heaven Wilderness since September 3rd.
FIRE CLOSURES: An area closure remains in effect for the East Crater Fire prohibiting entry to the Indian Heaven Wilderness and adjacent area. Hikers are advised that a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail within the Indian Heaven Wilderness remains closed. Nearby campgrounds are also closed. For East Crater Fire Area Closure details see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd557741.pdf
Fire and Smoking Restrictions (Burn Ban): All open fires and smoking outside of enclosed vehicles or buildings are banned on all National Forest System Lands within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Pressurized gas stoves and pressurized gas fire rings are permitted. For details on the Forest Closure and Fire Restrictions please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices
The current East Crater Fire Area Closure as well as the Fire and Smoking Restrictions (Burn Ban) will remain in effect through this coming weekend. The Area Closure and Fire Restrictions will be reviewed early next week and evaluated based upon the weekend precipitation, forecasted weather and fire conditions.