Single Publication

Williams Mine Fire Update-August 9, 2024

Minnesota Incident Command System, Team C, Incident Commander-Jeb Backe 

Fire Information: (509)-213-5684  [08:00] a.m. to [08:00] p.m.*Please note this new phone line may take up to 24 hrs. to connect. Thank you for your patience. 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wagpf-williams-mine-firegpnf

Email: 2024.williamsmine@firenet.gov

Williams Mine Fire Quick Facts for August 9, 2024

Size: 5,549 acres                             

Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt Adams Ranger District, Trout Lake, Washington                                                            

Containment: 1 percent

Cause: Lightning-Natural

Start Date: August 5, 2024                                                                       

Total Personnel: 96

Current Status: Yesterday, firefighters and assigned equipment continued suppression efforts on the fire, working along the 8020 Road and the 8031 Road towards the 23 Road corridor. Ground and aviation resources worked to suppress spot fires. Resources also worked on constructing contingency lines on the north-northwest side of the fire perimeter. The structure protection group worked in the southern portion of the fire to identify critical infrastructure and assess structures. 

Today, firefighters and assigned equipment will continue to strengthen containment lines by clearing brush and other vegetation along the fire perimeter. Suppression resources, including aviation resources, will continue to work spot fires. Hot shot crews, hand crews and other equipment have been ordered for the fire. When they arrive, they will be assigned to help with the containment effort. Structure protection resources will continue to map infrastructure and conduct property assessments in the fire area. The fire continues to actively burn in heavy timber. 

The fire perimeter is approximately 3.5 miles away from the closest point of the Yakima Nation Reservation. 

Weather: Dry conditions continue with mostly sunny conditions and areas of smoke and haze. High temperatures of 91-95, with relative humidity levels between 19-24 percent. Winds will be light over the main fire areas at 5-7 mph, with ridgetop winds up to 10 mph out of east-northeast. Smoke will continue into the evening hours with lows around 57 degrees and light and variable winds. 

Evacuations: Level 2 & 3 evacuations are in effect for the community of Trout Lake. An evacuation center is located at 1455 NW Bruin County Road, White Salmon. Evacuations are coordinated through the Klickitat and Skamania County Sheriff's Offices. 

Skamania County Sheriff's Office 

Klickitat County Sheriff's Office 

Closures: A Forest Closure is in effect for the entire Mt Adams wilderness and areas adjacent to the fire. See full closure order information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices/?aid=89613

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from between Willaims Mine and Potato Hill. Additional information is found on the Pacific Crest Trail Association website. The public is asked to avoid closure areas for their safety and safety of the firefighters. William's Mine Fire | Pacific Crest Trail Closures (pcta.org)

The 23 and 25 roads are closed; thus, there is no good north-south route through the national forest in the area. 

Fire Restrictions: Public Use Restrictions for fire are in place on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or charcoal fire is prohibited outside of designated developed campgrounds. For additional fire information, please visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/fire  

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: Klickitat County Sheriff’s Department, Skamania County Sheriff’s Department, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Yakama Nation, Klickitat County, and Skamania County. 

Other: The Mt. Adams Resource Stewards staff are available for free home assessments to help you identify and mitigate fire hazards on your property.  Contact:  Sarah@mtadamsstewards.org,   or 440-497-8224 to sign up.

Mt. Adams Resource Stewards (mtadamsstewards.org)