US 12 Reopens as Goat Rocks Fire Continues To Burn
U.S. 12 over White Pass has reopened as the Packwood area remains under a Level 1 evacuation because of the nearby Goat Rocks Fire that threatened homes and property in the area over the past weekend. Lewis County Emergency Management officials say the fire is burning 1.5 miles north east of Packwood and is currently at 2, 842 acres. It was started by lightning last month but recently grew under the prime fire conditions the state is currently experiencing. Emergency officials from the American Red Cross and Lewis County set up a shelter at the White Pass Jr./Sr. High School where people stayed on Saturday but many have returned home to the Packwood area.
The fire was intense over the past weekend
On Saturday Washington State Department of Transportation closed U.S. 12 from the top of White Pass to Skate Creek Road in Packwood.
The Level 1 evacuation notice means residents need to get ready to evacuate. But many have returned home after a long weekend.