Highlighted Activity
Acres: 176 (+37) | Containment: 5% | Fire Cause: LightningStart Date: July 22, 2026 | Fire Strategy: Full Suppression | Personnel: 149Packwood, WA – On July 22, a weather system through the Cowlitz Valley produced lightning, resulting in multiple wildland fire ignitions, with the Skyo Fire being the largest. The Western Washington Incident Management Team (WWIMT) took command of the incident on… Read more
Publication Type: News -
SKYO FIRE UPDATE – July 27, 2026Acres: 139 Containment: 5% Fire Cause: Lightning/Natural Start Date: July 22, 2026 Fire Strategy: Full SuppressionSkyo Public information: 360-370-3882Email: 2026.Skyo@firenet.gov Packwood, WA – On July 22, a weather system through the Cowlitz Valley produced lightning, resulting in multiple wildland… Read more
Publication Type: News -
SKYO FIRE DAILY UPDATE - JULY 26, 2026Acres: 139 | Containment: 5% | Fire Cause: Lightning/Natural | Start Date: July 22, 2026 | Fire Strategy: Full SuppressionPackwood, Wa. – Due to updated mapping from an infrared flight over the fire area, the Skyo Fire acreage is 139. The fire footprint remains within established control lines and containment is 5%. Since July 23, 17 additional small… Read more
Publication Type: News -
On July 22, an electrical storm passed through the Cowlitz Valley producing a significant number of lightning strikes causing the Skyo Fire. Local responders and fire crews with the U.S. Forest Service mobilized quickly with full suppression objectives. Over the last several days, crews identified 11 lightning caused ignitions, the largest located on Skyo Mountain. The fire is located in steep rugged terrain, located east of Randle and west of Packwood, WA. Upon further assessment, fire officials ordered a Type 3 Incident Management Team.
| Current as of | Wed, 07/29/2026 - 01:36 |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Lightning/Natural |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | 3 Miles SW of Packwood, WA |
| Incident Commander | Incident Commander Joel Basch Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team |
| Incident Description | Trees and understory |
| Coordinates |
46 ° 34' 28'' Latitude
-121° 43' 3 '' Longitude |
| Total Personnel: | 120 |
|---|---|
| Size | 176 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 5% |
| Fuels Involved | Timber (Grass and Understory) Narrative: Down Dead, Timber, understory, lichen. |
| Significant Events | Active Uphill Runs Wind Driven Runs Single Tree Torching Narrative: Understory burning in heavy fuels with thick duff layer |
| Planned Actions |
Structure protection with sprinklers in place. Line construction ongoing. Road prep continues. Solidifying PACE plan. |
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| Weather Concerns | Cloud cover and higher humidity forecast. |
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