The Big Hollow Fire burning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has grown to 20,805 acres, according to the latest estimate from the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire, which is located about 15 miles northwest of Carson and seven miles southeast of Cougar, is burning through forest litter and understory materials, as well as logging slash. Fire activity is described as moderate, with a creeping spread and isolated torching.
A layer of heavy smoke has suppressed fire activity, the Forest Service said, though lower smoke density at higher elevations Sunday resulted in higher temperatures and drier weather at high elevations of the fire.
Crews are continuing to set backfires along the 57 and 58 roads along the southern edge of the fire while others will work to build containment lines and clear fules
Crews continued firing operations in the southwest area of the fire, and building firelines in areas around the blaze.
The cabins at Government Mineral Springs remain under a Level 3 evacuation order, but Carson Fish Hatchery is not under an evacuation order.
Areas north and west of the fire are under a Level 1 evacuation order, including Yale, Cougar, Northwoods and portions of the towns of Amboy and Yacolt. Level 2 evacuation orders in areas northwest of the fire were downgraded to Level 1 over the weekend.
The Forest Service has issued area closures in the SW portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that include most developed campgrounds, dispersed camping, and most forest roads and trails. The Department of Natural Resources has issued closures for the Siouxon Block and Merrill Lake Natural Conservation Area. The Pacific Crest Trail is open.
