The Nakia Creek Fire in east Clark County has doubled in size as early Sunday afternoon, prompting a significant expansion of mandatory evacuation zones into the rural outskirts of Camas and Washougal and warning zones as far away as Hockinson and east Vancouver.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office reported around 2:30 p.m. that the fire had broken through containment lines and is aggressively moving to the west and southwest.
The fire, which was last estimated at 156 acres, is now estimated at about 350 acres, according to the Department of Natural Resources
A large smoke plume, blowing generally east to west, became visible throughout the metro area late Sunday morning as fire activity picked up.
As of 1:45 p.m., a DNR spokeswoman described the situation as “very fluid” and said the department is putting its focus on evacuations. High winds and smoke have hindered efforts to fight the fire and get a better sense of where it’s burning.
Evacuation zones have expanded repeatedly throughout Sunday and may expand more, officials warned.
A shelter location has been opened at Camas Church of Nazarene, 2204 N.E. Birch St, Camas.
For livestock shelter, call 360-607-2535 for assistance. Livestock can be taken to Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield.
Level 3 “Go Now” mandatory evacuation area has expanded to include the Larch Mountain Corrections Center and outlying areas in Camas and Washougal, including the Bear Prairie and the Ireland area near Livingston Mountain.
Level 2 “Get Set” voluntary evacuation area now expands into Hockinson and north Camas and Washougal.
Level 1 “Get Ready” warnings extend throughout Camas and Washougal and as far west as Northeast 182nd Avenue and as far north and Northeast Sunset Falls Road.
Those in “Level 3 Go Now” should evacuate to the south toward Washougal River Road into Washougal. Authorities are working with the American Red Cross to open a shelter location in Washougal. A location will be announced once information is available.
“Please understand that this is a very dynamic situation and if you are anywhere near this area, you should take precautions to evacuate,” a bulletin from CRESA said.
The fire activity has increased as the area remains under a red flag warning for wind and low humidity levels through 6 p.m. Sunday. Southeast winds of 10-20 mph are forecast in the area of the fire, with gusts up to 30 mph and humidity as low as 22 percent.
The National Weather Service reported that an air quality alert remains in effect for the area through 5 p.m. Monday. The AirNow.gov website shows air quality in the moderate to unhealthy in parts of Southwest Washington due to wildfire smoke.
The Nakia Creek Fire started on Oct. 9 in an extremely steep area covered with a mix of brush, medium logging slash and timber. Prior to the fire’s expansion Sunday containment was estimated at 20 percent.
The fire had been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed and short-range spotting. Fire managers said the potential for fire growth remains, and containment lines are being put in place.
This story will be updated.