Williams Mine Fire continues to burn in fire scars in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

TROUT LAKE — Ignited by lightning a month ago, the Williams Mine Fire on the south side of Mount Adams continues to burn with approximately 170 firefighters battling the 12,661-acre blaze.

The fire was 31 percent contained as of Wednesday.

Gotchen Creek Guard Station, the oldest structure in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, has been covered by protective wrap, along with Wicky Creek Shelter and other structures at Morrison Creek and South Climb trailheads.

Officials in the past few days reported the fire spreading north up the ridge near Morrison Creek with growth in an old fire scar, mostly burning down logs.

The fire is not threatening the community of Trout Lake.

Crews are clearing fuel along South Climb trail No. 183 to prepare the trail for use as a fire line.

South Climb trail is the main route used to climb the south side of the peak.

Much of the Williams Mine Fire is burning in fire scars from the 2008 Cold Springs Fire, 2012 Cascade Creek Fire and huge 2015 Cougar Creek Fire.

Randle-Trout Lake road No. 23 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is closed south of its junction with Lewis River Road No. 90. The entire Mount Adams Wilderness is closed including Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail No. 2000 from the Williams Mine trailhead on Road No. 23 north to the Potato Hill trailhead.

Security guards are staffing the roadblocks. Violators who enter the closure are subject to fines up to $5,000 and six months imprisonment.