Fire Management

To report a wildfire call Columbia Dispatch at (360) 891-5140. Outside of dispatch hours call 911.

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Active Fires

On the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District there are two active fires one 4-acre fire and one 1-acre fire. Crews have taken direct suppression action on both fires and remain assigned to those fires. No closures are in place currently.

For information about active fires (100+ acres) in U.S. visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov.

National fire and smoke map: https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Fire Restrictions

08/08/2022: Fire restrictions are in effect. View Forest Order (.pdf)

Exceptions include:

  1.  Portable stoves, lanterns/heating devices using liquefied/bottled fuel, such as propane, are OK as they can be instantly switched off.
  2.  Campfires are prohibited within the Forest except at these listed designated developed sites.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL)

08/01/2022:

Zone 659-S: IFPL Level II (effective 8/1/2022 at 12:01am)

Zone 660: IFPL Level II (effective 8/1/2022 at 12:01am)

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Zone Map

IFPL II= The following may operate only between the hours of 8 PM and 1 PM local time:

  • Power saws (except at loading sites)
  • Cable Yarding,
  • Blasting
  • Welding or cutting of metal

Fire Danger Rating

07/29/2022:  High Fire Danger

Fire danger high

Ever wonder about how fire danger levels and restrictions decisions are made?  During spring, summer, and fall, fire staff talk regularly to assess the risk of fires on the forest. 

Using the National Fire Danger Rating System, with forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Interagency Coordination Center, fire staff take into account short- and long-term weather, fuel types (grasses, brush, timber, snags, etc), elevation, and fuels moisture.  If conditions warrant it, the forest may implement restrictions on campfires or commercial activity on the forest.

Local Emergency Management Contact Information

For local details in case of emergency, such as fire evacuation information & related closures please consult with local sheriff and county emergency management services.

Columbia Dispatch

Columbia Cascade Communication Center (WA-CCC) provides dispatching and logistical support for emergency management on lands administered by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt. Hood National Forest, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  

Dispatch organization is responsible for reporting, tracking, and processing orders for aircraft, equipment, overhead, crews and supplies needed to support incidents in or outside of the local area. Columbia Cascade also provides intelligence and predictive services-related products to support wildland fire mangers and firefighters in the region. 

Fire Management

Learn how fire manager are planning ahead to better mitigate wildfire risk within the communities adjacent to forest lands. 

Big Hollow Fire Response & Recovery

A trail sign in a burned out forest road and burned tree trunks.The Big Hollow Fire started on Tuesday September 8, 2020 approx. 04:30 AM, 15 miles NW of Carson Washington and 7 miles SE of Cougar Washington within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The fire burned 24,147 acres on national forest land and 847 acres on Washington state land. The fire was contained on Tuesday October 20th, 2020 approx. 10:00 AM.

Learn more about our response to Big Hollow Fire.

Fire Jobs

A forester working at a prairie burn. Fire is an important tool for ecosystem management.Are you interested in joining the wildfire team? Fire Hire is usually in August for permanent positions in wildfire and dispatch.  View information about fire employment.