Crews work to contain wildfire near Mount Adams
Photo: Darrick Jarvis By KATU Web StaffTROUT LAKE, Wash. - Fire crews on Sunday attacked a growing wildland blaze south Mount Adams, dropping retardant and water from the air while others escorted climbers returning from the mountain's popular south route to safety, authorities said. The plume of smoke from the fire could be seen in the Portland-area, and some mistook it for an eruption. Officials with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest said the fire is located about 11 miles northeast of Trout Lake. The fire had grown to more than 500 acres by Sunday afternoon and 2,000 acres by Monday morning. Cool weather overnight Sunday allowed crews to make some progress after the fire grew quickly Sunday. Officials believe a lightning strike from a thunderstorm earlier this month could have started the fire, which was first reported about 8 p.m. Saturday.
The brunt of the firefighting Sunday occurred in the air as officials were worried about the safety of firefighters on the ground, said Nancy Ryke, the Mt. Adams District Ranger. "We didn't want to send crews in there because of the terrain and the danger - there's a lot of dead trees," she said. Officials planned to bring in more firefighting crews Monday. The blaze prompted officials to close Forest Road 8040, which leads to the Cold Springs/South Climb Trailhead. There were 217 people registered to climb the mountain this weekend, Ryke said, and those returning from the mountain to the trailhead parking area Sunday were not allowed to drive out on the road. Instead, crews were expected to guide them to safety. Forest Roads 23, 80 and 82 were also closed at the forest boundary north of Trout Lake. Those planning to visit the area were advised to call the Mt. Adams Ranger District at (509) 395-3400 for the latest information.
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