TROUT LAKE — The Williams Mine fire which is three and a half miles northeast of Trout Lake, Washington has burned over 11,900 acres in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and threatened Yakama Nation land.

On Aug. 5, a lightning storm rolled though the Gorge and it if wasn’t for a lucky trail runner the fire may not have been reported as soon as it was. Fire Management Officer for the South Zone Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Loretta Duke, explained that the runner called the fire in and the local Trout Lake Fire Department responded. They called Joel Basch, current Incident Commander of the fire, and together Basch and the runner went back up the trail and the witness pointed out the fire. Crews assembled as fast as they could, but in a matter of one hour the fire had grown to more than 100 acres.

Loretta Duke, Assistant Fire Manager

Loretta Duke, Assistant Fire Manager

Erick Castaneda, Incident Commander Trainee

Erick Castaneda, Incident Commander Trainee

Nicholas Steel, Forestry Technician

Nicholas Steel, Forestry Technician

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The Morrison Creek Shelter wrapped from ground to roof.

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Firefighters find some shade and enjoy lunch after wrapping The Morrison Shelter to protect against flames from the Williams Mine fire.

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Local residents post a "Thank you" sign at the entrance to town. The banner was donated by Print It/Sign Media in Hood River, and the banner was a community collaborative artistic effort, organized and sponsored by ArtSmart Trout Lake.