The city of Kalama, Washington, faced major disruptions on Thursday after a wildfire, named the Kalama Fire, ignited near North Hendrickson. The Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management (CCDEM) confirmed the blaze began at approximately 1:50 p.m. PST, prompting a Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation order for much of downtown Kalama.
Interstate 5 Traffic Severely Impacted
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported heavy smoke reducing visibility along Interstate 5, particularly near Exit 30, causing delays in both directions. As of early Friday morning, no details on containment or injuries had been released.
🚨HEADS UP I-5 TRAVELERS IN KALAMA🚨
Smoke from a nearby brush fire is reducing visibility on NB I-5 near Exit 30. Use caution, stay alert and expect slower speeds as traffic moves through the area. Check back for more updates. https://t.co/obRdEU6P85 pic.twitter.com/sw0JTLEk9z
— WSDOT Southwest (@wsdot_southwest) August 21, 2025
Evacuation Guidance and Emergency Response
CCDEM urged residents to gather essential items, including emergency supplies, documents, and medications, and to keep family and pets together. The agency warned the order could escalate to Level 2 (“Be Set”) or Level 3 (“Go Now”) if fire conditions worsen.
“Do not wait to be told to leave if you feel unsafe. Your safety is the top priority,” CCDEM said in a public statement.
Cowlitz County Fire District 5 is believed to be leading firefighting operations with mutual aid partners, focusing on preventing the flames from spreading into residential and commercial areas of downtown.
Fire History and Regional Risks
The Kalama Fire is part of a series of wildfire threats in southwest Washington. In 2022, a wildfire in Gifford Pinchot National Forest burned 435 acres and prompted Level 3 evacuations, though it did not reach Kalama city, according to KGW News.
More recently, the Burdoin Fire in nearby Klickitat County destroyed 14 homes and more than 10,700 acres in 2025. Experts say ongoing drought and dry vegetation have intensified wildfire risks. The 2024 National Climate Assessment notes that wildfire burn areas have doubled since 1984.
Community Preparedness and Next Steps
Authorities have not yet announced evacuation shelters, but CCDEM encourages residents to register for emergency alerts and prepare to move quickly. During the Burdoin Fire, Columbia High School served as a shelter for displaced families, but no such facility has been activated in Kalama at this time.
Residents can get updates through CCDEM, Washington DNR’s fire dashboard, and local media outlets. For assistance or to report information, contact:
- CCDEM: (360) 577-3130
- Cowlitz County Fire District 5: (360) 575-9995
