October 19th 2022
October 18th 2022
Lower temperatures, higher humidity help firefighters make progress against the 8 Road Fire.
(MINERAL, Wash.) — The 8 Road Fire was reported on October 15 at about 4 p.m. and is burning on Washington
State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land in the timber and brush of the Elbe Hills State Forest, about 4
miles east of Eatonville. The cause is under investigation. With improved data from a helicopter flight on Monday
evening, fire managers now estimate the fire’s size at about 150 acres.
Firefighters, aided by helicopter bucket drops, successfully slowed the fire’s progress on Sunday despite hot and
breezy weather conditions. Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team, under Incident Commander
Charley Burns, took command of the fire at 6 a.m. on Monday. Also yesterday, higher humidity and lower
temperatures arrived in the area, further moderating fire behavior. Access to the fire’s perimeter is complicated by
steep slopes and rugged terrain so crews focused on building lines to contain the fire in the event that it becomes
more active again. As the nights become cooler and more fall-like, the public may notice additional smoke in the
area due to morning temperature inversions.
Today, the weather is forecast to remain warm and dry with light winds. Firefighters will continue securing, holding
and improving containment lines. There may be some increase in fire activity in the afternoon, but the fire is not
expected to grow beyond its current footprint. Though no helicopters are currently assigned to the fire, aircraft
resources are available if needed.
Level 1 evacuations (Be Ready) are in effect for approximately 100 properties accessed off of Scott Turner Road in
Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33 of Township 16 N, Range 5 E. There are two road closures: At the 501 Gate where Scott
Turner Road becomes the 8 Road, and at the 503 Gate at the junction of the 8 Road and the 5 Road. Sign-up for
emergency alerts at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/917/Alert-Warning.
Fire danger will remain high until the region experiences a sustained shift to fall and winter weather patterns. Burn
restrictions are in effect on DNR lands as well as in local fire districts. For specific information, go to
dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions or check with your local fire district. Preserve limited firefighting resources by doing
what you can to avoid sparking additional fires.
Fire managers are also asking for help keeping the public and firefighters safe. Stay clear of the fire area, and
exercise caution when driving in the vicinity as firefighters are operating in and around the area.
The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fire or its cause is
encouraged to call the 8 Road Fire Information Line at (253)271-4139 or send an email to 8roadfire@gmail.com.
