Update: Evacuation notices issued for Kalama fire
The Reflector
Evacuation orders have been issued by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the US Forest Service and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, for the Kalama fire.
The evacuation notifications are as follows:
Level 3 evacuations, which means “go now,” include:
- North to south: From the Cowlitz County and Lewis County border south to 7550 Road.
- East to west: From the Skamania County and Cowlitz County border west five miles into Cowlitz County.
Level 2 evacuations, which means “be set,” include:
- North to south: South from the 7550 Road to south of Merrill Lake.
- East to west: Skamania County and Cowlitz County border west five miles into Cowlitz County.
Level 1 evacuations, which means “be ready,” include:
- North to south: From the Level 2, Set Evacuation zone south of Merrill Lake, south to state Route 503, including the cities of Cougar and Yale.
- East to west: From the Skamania County and Cowlitz County border following state Route 503 five miles into Cowlitz County.
The US Forest Service said the Kalama fire grew from 4 acres in size to 80 acres overnight.
“Smoke from this fire and the Goat Rocks Fire in Lewis County, have been observed west/southwest into the cities along I-5,” stated the forest service. “Additional information regarding this fire will be posted should there be changes to the evacuation levels or severe fire growth.”
To sign up for emergency notifications in Cowlitz County, go to www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/702/Public-Alerts.