Cowlitz County Fire District 5

05/22/2026

As we recognize National EMS Week 2026, we want to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation to our dedicated EMS line staff and volunteers. Every day, they answer the call with professionalism, compassion, and commitment to serving our community.

Providing high-quality emergency medical care requires far more than responding to emergencies. Our EMS personnel spend countless hours training, learning new skills, maintaining certifications, and staying current with the latest medical practices to ensure they can provide the very best care possible when our community needs them most.

Their dedication often means long hours, missed family time, and responding to difficult situations with strength and compassion. We are proud of the hard work and commitment they show each and every day.

During National EMS Week, we proudly recognize and thank all of our EMS providers and dedicated volunteers for their service, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for everything you do.

04/20/2026

See attached for Summer Wildland Opportunity

12/16/2025

***ROUND 2***

All predictions subject to chage as forecasting is limited at this time

Overall, similar to last week, but not same with same Qty expected. Storm center is projected further south than last week

*Tue wind: tomorrow evening thru night, 2000'

Cowlitz river: slow rise thru week, no significant note at this tine

Again, if you are in a low land area, prepare to leave if flooding occurs.

Kalama River gauge can be found on our web page at
www.cowlitzfd5.org We will see low land flooding when the river gauge reaches 15 feet and above.

12/10/2025

Latest update from Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management.

12/09/2025

Hot off the press after 14:00 NOAA weather briefing.

Kalama - I-5 area another 1 1/2" to 2" of rain through Wednesday morning.

Winds around 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.

The impact(s) for the Kalama River is from the precipitation accumulation at the head waters near Mt. St. Helens. That area is forecasted to receive 4" to 6" of rain. All of those tributaries that feed the upper Kalama River create the issues we see down here.

Kalama River has dropped back down to 15' as of 14:30 this afternoon. We would expect it to rise again in the early AM Wednesday the 10th.

If you have moved property and loved ones out of low land flooded areas, we suggest you do not move back in until late Wednesday if not Thursday.

12/09/2025

Borrowed these good weather safety tips from our Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue friends.

12/09/2025

HEADS UP!!!!!!!
Folks in the Kalama River drainage, Laverne Drive, Haydu Park, Camp Kalama, Sportsman's Club, Kalama River is rising and we will have lowland flooding in the next 12 hours.

River is at 13.5 feet as of 18:20 which means we have another 1.5 feet of capacity before it goes over its banks in the lowlands.

You will see the NOAA Inundation (flooding) prediction as of 17:28 this evening. This shows where there will be water, it does not predict depth.

We have another 24 hours to get through. Be prepared for slides, downed trees, potential power outages and water, lots of water.

12/07/2025

Follow Kalama River levels on our river guage at www.cowlitzfd5.org

This morning it is at 9.5 feet, when it reaches 15 feet there will be low land flooding.

With the incoming forecasted rain, start preparing now if you are in the Kalama River drainage.

Cowlitz County Fire District 5 - Home Page

09/30/2025

Annual Burn Ban will expire at Midnight September 30th.

Burning is allowed effective Wednesday October 1st.
#1 - Natural vegetation ONLY!
#2 - Burn permit is required. You may pick up a free permit at Station #51, 382 E Frontage Rd., Kalama or go to Southwest Clean Air website and download.
#3 - No more than one 10 ft x 10 ft pile at a time of natural vegetation.
#4 - Must be attended at all times. Must have a water source. No burning at night.
#5 - Please call CCFD #5 @ 360-673-2222 the day before you intend to burn so we may place you on the list.
#6 - Please don't irritate your neighbors with smoke and attempting to burn garbage, that is illegal.

Remember, if your burn escapes and it impacts others properties, you can be held liable for damages and extinguishment costs.

Burn your natural vegetation safely.

09/21/2025

Burn ban is still on through end of September. We need WAY more rain to burn.