GLENWOOD, Wash. — Steep, hard-to-access terrain and variable winds continue to challenge firefighters battling the Cougar Creek Fire, which has grown to 40,200 acres on the southeast, east and northeast sides of Mount Adams.
Today, crews will continue burnout operations along road 255 with the intent of creating a fuel break to the north along Potato Hill Road. Spot fires have slowed efforts, but have been contained.
The burnout is creating large amounts of smoke. Favorable southwest winds are expected today and Friday, with rain in the forecast for the weekend.
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has closed the Mount Adams Wilderness in its entirety, including the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The Yakama Tribal Council has closed its forest lands to the public, including tribal members.
Crews fighting the fire total 525 personnel. There are containment lines around 20 percent of the perimeter.
