Skamania County Emergency Management

10/09/2026

🔥 HIGH LAVA FIRE CLOSURE LIFTED – GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST 🌲

Effective Friday, October 9, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service has lifted the High Lava Fire closure on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

✅ All roads, trails, and trailheads within the former closure area are now open, including:

West Crater Trail

West Crater Trailhead

Soda Peaks Trailhead

🔥 Current Fire Status:

Fire Size: 2,899 acres

Containment: 90%

No significant fire growth in several weeks

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER

Although the closure has been lifted and fire suppression repair work is complete, hazards remain within the burned area.

Visitors should use caution and watch for:

🌲 Fire-weakened trees that may fall unexpectedly

🕳️ Hidden stump holes

🪨 Loose rocks and unstable terrain

⚠️ Other hazards associated with recently burned areas

Fire danger remains MODERATE across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 1 in effect.

Skamania County Emergency Management encourages residents and visitors to remain aware of their surroundings, use caution when traveling through burned areas, and stay informed of changing fire conditions.

🔗 For current fire restrictions and updates, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/alerts/fire-restrictions

Source: U.S. Forest Service – Gifford Pinchot National Forest, October 9, 2026.

10/08/2026

📻 Amateur Radio Volunteers Making a Difference in Skamania County!

A great article in the September 30 edition of the Skamania County Pioneer highlights the outstanding work of our local amateur radio volunteers!

Members of the Skamania County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (SCARES) and Radio Amateurs recently provided critical communications support for the 2026 Three Corner Rock PCT 50K Run.

With limited to no cell service along the course, these dedicated volunteers helped keep race organizers informed, tracked runners through aid stations, and maintained communications across challenging terrain.

👏 Thank you to these volunteers for donating their time, equipment, and expertise to support our community!

Amateur radio plays an important role in emergency preparedness and response, particularly in rural areas like Skamania County, where traditional communications may be unavailable during an emergency.

We're fortunate to have such dedicated community partners who are willing to put their skills to work when they're needed most.

📡 Interested in learning more about amateur radio or getting involved with SCARES?

Skamania County Emergency Management encourages community members interested in emergency communications to get involved! Whether you're an experienced amateur radio operator or just interested in learning, there's an opportunity to contribute.

For more information, contact Skamania County Emergency Management or Rick Branum with SCARES.

📧 [email protected]
📞 (509) 427-3893

Rick Branum
[email protected]

Help us strengthen emergency communications and build a more resilient Skamania County!

09/17/2026

We are Opening an application period beginning October 1st and closing October 31st.
https://www.scsosar.org/join-us
Skamania County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SCSOSAR) is a team of dedicated volunteers supporting the Skamania County Sheriff's Office in search, rescue, and emergency response operations throughout the region.

Our volunteers respond to missing person searches, wilderness rescues, disaster support, and other emergency incidents across a wide range of terrain and weather conditions. The work is demanding, but deeply meaningful.

Search and Rescue is not a casual volunteer opportunity. Volunteer first responders commit to ongoing training, operational readiness, and teamwork in challenging environments. In return, they gain the opportunity to serve their community, develop valuable skills, and be part of a mission-driven team.

If you are looking for meaningful service that will challenge you, help you grow, and you are ready to commit to the expectations that come with being part of a volunteer first responder team, we would love to hear from you. No prior search and rescue experience is necessary. We're looking for people who are reliable, coachable, plus able and willing to commit — we'll teach you the rest. https://www.scsosar.org/join-us

09/14/2026

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has updated the emergency closure order for the High Lava Fire, located west of Stabler, Washington. The closure area is being reduced to sites where ongoing fire suppression, mop-up, and repair are occurring to protect public safety and to allow firefighters and heavy equipment to operate efficiently. The closure will remain in effect until modified or rescinded.

The closure covers multiple roads adjacent to the fire area. All affected roads are outlined on the closure map. See the complete closure order and map on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/alerts/high-lava-fire-closure

Sites that are still closed:
⛔ The West Crater trail
⛔ West Crater trailhead
⛔ Soda Peaks trailhead

Sites that are now open:
✅ Siouxon
✅ Lower Siouxon
✅ Zigzag Lake
✅ East Fork
✅ Horseshoe Falls
✅ Horseshoe Ridge
✅ Huffman Peak
✅ All trails in the Trapper Creek Wilderness Area.
**The Soda Peaks trail is accessible from the Trapper Creek trailhead.

🔥 Public Use Restrictions remain in place on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/alerts/fire-restrictions

09/05/2026

09/02/2026