By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Fire crews completed a 150-acre “burnout” along Forest Service Road 2115 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest south of Packwood yesterday and continued battling the forest fire today.
The burnout creates a line between the fire and Packwood which is about 10 miles to the north and also is meant keep it from reaching Johnson Creek, according to the officials.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest spokesperson Ken Sandusky said in a news release this afternoon that two hand crews would be on the ground to ensure the edge remains secure.
A helitanker – a combination heavy helicopter and water tanker – has been dropping water on the fire, concentrating on the north flank, according to Sandusky.
The blaze, including the intentional burn, covers about 450 acres now, Sandusky stated. It began on a ridge called South Point in early September.
If all goes well, Forest Service Road 21 will open tomorrow, the Forest Service says.
Campfire closures remain in place in the Gifford Pinchot.
For updates and other information, go to Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Wildfire information, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter