Westside wildfires fanned by east winds | State Department of Natural Resources

Firefighting crews are working to contain the blaze of two wildfires that occurred this past weekend in Western Washington.

May 5, 2013 4:44 pm

Firefighting crews are working to contain the blaze of two wildfires that occurred this past weekend in Western Washington. The cause of both fires is currently under investigation according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Dog Mountain Fire – Lewis County

The Dog Mountain Wildfire was reported in the early afternoon of May 4, 2013. It has burned approximately 10 acres within a 100-acre area of forest land near the eastern end of Riffe Lake in Lewis County. A large volume of smoke quickly became visible across Lewis and Cowlitz counties. The fire is burning in a recently logged area and 8-year old forest plantation owned by the Port Blakely Tree Farms. No structures are threatened and no homes have been evacuated.

Firefighters from DNR, Port Blakely Tree Farms, and several Lewis County Fire Districts responded on Saturday. Bulldozers, fire engines, and a water-dropping helicopter have been employed in the task of extinguishing the fire that was being fanned and spread by dry east winds. Steep terrain increased the challenge of reaching pockets of burning material. As night fell, the wind died down, and humidity rose. In many places the fire simply went out.

This fire continues to be a significant logistical challenge. The terrain is very steep. Some piles of debris and burning material are widely scattered. East winds are affecting this area again today. A Type 3 Incident Management Team lead by Incident Commander Charlie Burns and Incident Commander Trainee Kent Stanford took over managing the wildfire this morning. Crews continue to construct containment line and mop-up where possible. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

C-Line Fire – Grays Harbor and Thurston counties in Capitol Forest

The C-Line Wildfire was reported in the early morning May 5, 2013. Approximately 8 miles northwest of Littlerock, the fire has burned 60 acres on state trust lands that contain logging slash and 20-year old trees. Some Capitol State Forest recreation areas may be closed in the vicinity of the C-line and C4000 Roads. Smoke is visible from Olympia.

There are approximately 40 people working under a Type 3 Management organization to suppress this fire. The Incident Commander is Bob Johnson. Engines and one helicopter are on the scene. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Winds are pushing from the east approximately 5 to 10 miles per hour.

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