Looking north towards Ethel from near the Cowlitz River. / Courtesy photo
Updated at 7:56 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Evacuations are underway in a one-mile wide area around a several-acre fire burning in Lewis County.
U.S. Highway 12 is closed at Leonard Road in Ethel.
The fire is just north of there, at the 200 block of Gore Road.
Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza had a post made on the sheriff’s office Facebook page at 3:31 p.m. today, making the announcement.
He asks that citizens stay out of the area and to please evacuate, if needed.
The following roads have been closed:
• U.S. Highway 12 from Jackson Highway to Fuller Road.
• Leonard Road at Gish Road
• Leonard Road at U.S. Highway 12
• Gore Rd at Fred Plant Road
The sheriff’s brief message made mention that it’s not confirmed if a propane tank is actually pierced. The state Department of Natural Resources reported just before 4 p.m. that structures were threatened.
A large smoke column was visible just before 3 p.m. from more than five miles to the south.
Ethel is roughly eight miles east of Interstate 5.
Homes in the area of the fire have Onalaska addresses, but are protected by the Salkum Fire Department.
A Code Red reverse 911 call was sent out beginning at 3:05 p.m. today, to those who have previously signed up for the service.
It read: “Fire District 8 Chief is advising everyone in the area between Leonard Road and Kennedy Road and between highway 12 and Gore Road to evacuate due to a fire and hazardous conditions. Information about when it is safe to return will be available at 360-740-1152.”
The state Department of Transportation advised at 5:27 p.m.: “For the safety of the traveling public, U.S. Highway 12 is closed between Jackson Highway and Fuller Road in Salkum due to the Gore Road Fire. Eastbound traffic is being detoured north to Jackson Highway then to state Route 508. Westbound traffic is to state Route 122 to Cinebar Road to state Route 508. Updates will be posted to the WSDOT Blog.”
However, DOT advised at 5:37 p.m. U.S. Highway 12 is now back opened.
Lewis County Fire District 8 advised at 7:45 p.m. that it is now safe for all residences evacuated from the Gore Road area to return home.
Steve Mansfield, who oversees the Lewis County Department of Emergency Management, said it appears fire crews will be out there for the rest of the evening, at least.
Further details to come.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Wow Bobbie that is a great offer. As much as we poke fun at each other east enders versus west enders when crisis hits, this county comes together like no other community I have ever lived in.
Bless your good heart, Bobbie Dalton!
I drove by that area this evening and was astounded to hear a rhythmic Click, Click, Click over my AM radio station. With all this dry ground, people are still running their electric fences? What a way to start a fire!
For those in need, I’m in Morton. I have truck and trailer to haul stock. I also have temporary pasture (will be housed with my 3 horses), animal medical supplies. I am also a Veterinary Assistant. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.