The Huckleberry Ridge Fire, 100 acres at the time of this mapping, expanded to 150 acres by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.

A wildfire first reported at 3:47 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 4, in a remote area near the intersection of the Pacific-Lewis-Wahkiakum county lines was expanding quickly Thursday afternoon.

The Huckleberry Ridge Fire was undergoing rapid growth, jumping from 80 acres to 150 acres between about 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.

“The fire is jumping and spotting ahead of the fire lines,” a witness said at 5:07 p.m. approximately 15 miles south of State Route 6 and 18 miles from Cathlamet.

No structures are believed to currently be at risk.

Smoke is thick up in the Willapa Hills, adding to the summer’s most pronounced haze from wildfires elsewhere in Washington and Oregon.

The fire jumped the Chehalis River in eastern Lewis County. At around 7:30 p.m., the fire was believed to mostly be in Lewis County, but was jumping toward the Wahkiakum County side of the line.

With darkness approaching, three UH-60 Blackhawks and one UV-1V (Huey) withdrew, but two SuperScoopers and a Dash8 (retardant plane) remained working the fire, plus at least 10 fire engines. Pacific County Fire District 3 (Menlo) was playing a key ground-based role.

Wider situation

A weather pattern bringing an easterly flow of winds is forecast over much of the Pacific Northwest Region through this weekend, according to the National Forest Service.

With warming temperatures and decreasing humidity, conditions are primed for growth on existing fires and the potential for new starts, the Forest Service said Thursday morning.

East wind events are common this time of year. They often start in late August, continue into September, and may last into October. These winds flow eastward across the Cascade Mountains bringing dry, arid air accelerating fire danger.

The severity and duration of east winds varies widely. While these seasonal east winds are not forecast to be as intense as the wind event experienced over Labor Day in September 2020, they may produce some gusts.

With this easterly flow, fire managers expect to see an increase in fire danger. This means new wildfires may be challenging to contain until weather moderates again. Existing fires that have shown little growth and smoke over the last week may become more active. Shifting winds (west to east) may lead to existing fires expanding in different directions, exposing previously unburned forest fuels.

Many forests are at high or extreme fire danger with campfire bans in place. Please check fire restrictions at your local ranger district before heading out. Even where campfires are allowed, please consider if having a fire is necessary.

Here are few tips to keep yourself, your families, and communities safe during these dangerous conditions:

• Stay vigilant if wildfires are burning in your area or near your community.

• Know that conditions may change quickly.

• Adhere to local fire restrictions.

• Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county.

• Become familiar with the three evacuation levels. Also available on your state emergency management agency’s website: Oregon | Washington

• Know where to find up-to-date evacuation information for your area.

• Make a plan to keep your family safe.