The size of the Nakia Creek Fire burning near Larch Mountain has been estimated at approximately 1,500 acres in the latest update from emergency officials.
On Monday morning, the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) reported the fire, located about nine miles northeast of Camas, was at 1,565 acres, lower than the estimated 2,000 acres from Sunday.
CRESA said the situation is “very dynamic” and the acreage estimate could change. Smoke was heavy enough on Sunday that firefighting aircraft were grounded, the agency reported.
The fire began on Oct. 9 and saw a drastic increase in the following week. As of Sunday, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources reported the fire was 5% contained. Though weather conditions were favorable on Monday, CRESA noted there were still many variables in the situation.
“Please be patient, but be prepared,” CRESA wrote in their update. “We urge folks to err on the side of caution.”
Evacuation orders in the area of the fire included about 2,900 residences in the highest “go now” level on Sunday. As of today’s update the range for the orders has decreased, CRESA reported.
The evacuation notice included the Larch Corrections Center, the state’s low-security prison in east Clark County. According to the Washington State Department of Corrections, “incarcerated individuals from Larch Corrections Center have been safely evacuated to temporary alternate housing at other (department of corrections) facilities.”
CRESA reported new crews arrived overnight to assist on the fire and a larger type 2 team is scheduled to come in today.
Crews were scheduled to work on the north, west and south sides of the fire on Monday. Structure protection crews were also working in the area.
The smoke seen in the area is not all from the Nakia Creek Fire, CRESA reported.
“There are about 10 large fires burning from the Canadian border to the Columbia River currently, including five new fires yesterday,” the agency reported.
Clark County currently has an emergency declaration due to the fire, CRESA reported.
The agency noted the American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Camas Church of Nazarene at 2204 NE Birch St. in Camas.
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe and ilani have also made parking lots available for vehicles. Lots 10 and 11 at the reservation are open. Those evacuating are asked to put a sign in the window stating "fire evacuee."
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