Containment Grows at the Iron Creek Fire Near Randle
Jun. 12—The Iron Creek Fire is 95% contained as it smolders in heavy ground fuels, the U.S. Forest Service announced in a news release Monday.
The Iron Creek Fire started on June 3 and is being investigated as human-caused. The fire has burned 17 acres around the 98-site Iron Creek Campground, located 10 miles south of Randle.
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has issued a formal closure order for Iron Creek Campground and Picnic Area. These areas will remain closed until they can be made safe.
The Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team transitioned command of the fire to Incident Commander Andrew Bissell of the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District on Monday.
"The objective of fire managers is full suppression of the fire, and crews will mop-up hot spots until the fire is declared out," the Forest Service stated in the release. "There are 46 personnel assigned to the fire, including an 18-person hand crew, an engine crew and a 10-person fire module. Decayed and fire-damaged trees pose serious risks to firefighters. A tree falling team is clearing hazardous trees within the burned area, enabling crews to extinguish hot spots with sprinkler systems and fire hoses."
The roads and trails around the Iron Creek Fire are being used by firefighters and equipment. "For their safety and yours, please avoid hiking or driving in the immediate area," the Forest Service stated. "Drones present a significant danger to aircraft working over wildfires and firefighters on the ground, and the public is advised to never fly drones near active wildfires."
Campers with Iron Creek Campground reservations can request a refund at www.recreation.gov/rulesreservation-policies or reserve campsites at a different campground on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1117. The public is encouraged to make reservations at one of the many recreational areas that remain open in the forest.
Ground fuels remain dry and the public is urged to use extra caution with all potential sources of ignition.
The Lewis County Fire Marshal has imposed a burn ban. For more information, please visit www.lewiscountywa.gov.
