Big Hollow Fire shows little movement

The Big Hollow Fire burning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has shown little movement since Monday.

Slow creeping along the slope and ridgeline above the Windy River Highway and Forest Road 30 has been observed. However, officials did not increase the fire’s Monday acreage of 24,788, or 38.7 square miles.

Persistent, cool weather and heavy rain expected in the area today prompted a shifting of teams managing the fire’s spread this week. Two teams are monitoring the east and west ends of the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service. All other portions of the fire are in the patrol and monitor stage, with spot cleanups still being carried out.

“Crews will continue to patrol containment lines for any hot spots and work to widen containment lines along Government Mineral Springs including the guard station. Crews will be scouting for potential hazardous trees or debris along containment lines,” the Forest Service said in an update Tuesday.

A level 3 “Go” evacuation order remains in place for the cabins at Government Mineral Springs.

Closures in the southwest portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest remain in place and include most developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and most forest roads and trails. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has issued closures for the Siouxon Block and Merrill Lake Natural Conservation Area.