Cowlitz-Lewis Fire District #20

03/14/2026

Helping Boistfort (Lewis Co Fir District 13) this morning on a structure fire.

03/14/2026

Water levels are rising, as rain has been non-stop, all day. There is still a pile of sand and sand bags at the Vader station. You fill and bring a shovel.

02/14/2026

https://www.chronline.com/stories/vader-boy-gets-youth-hero-award-after-bike-ride-for-help,396524?

On Jan. 17, Vader boy Christopher Bastedo was riding his bike from his home in the South Lewis County community, headed to a friend’s grandmother’s home. But when he got there, he found his …

02/12/2026

Tonight, we recognized an exceptional young hero who rode his bicycle several blocks to the fire department, last month, to get emergency help to a woman who fell. Christopher, everyone is proud of you. This Youth Hero Award is well deserved.

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1173158454953387&id=100067777311686

UPDATE 1:35 AM. Power is now out for almost 12,000 People.

ALMOST 10,000 PEOPLE IN COWLITZ CURRENTLY WITHOUT POWER! Due to high winds, the PUD reports outages County Wide and are working on getting it back up. Many locations may not have power repaired until morning. Reports of high winds causing downed trees over power lines. Please share with us in the comments where your power is out.

You can view the outage map here: https://www.cowlitzpud.org/outages/outage-map/

12/09/2025

Fill your own sandbags at Vader Fire Station - 801 B Street. Please bring a shovel and it helps to have 2 people (one to hold the bag while someone shovels it in). Fire personnel cannot help you fill bags. There is no charge for the bags

12/09/2025

LEWIS COUNTY WARNS OF FLOODING RISKS, OFFER ADVICE, RESOURCES: Lewis County has issued the following news release as the region faces the threat of severe flooding this week:

Lewis County emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for significant flooding beginning today as a strong storm system moves into the region. Forecasts indicate the possibility of a “double-crest” event, meaning rivers may rise, fall briefly and then rise again Tuesday into Wednesday – potentially reaching higher levels during the second surge.

With forecasters predicting high winds in addition to flooding along the Chehalis, Skookumchuck, Newaukum and Cowlitz rivers, officials say road closures and power outages are likely. Floodwaters are predicted to reach major flood stage along the Cowlitz River, prompting officials to warn residents and travelers about the potential closure of Cora Bridge on U.S. Highway 12, which would disrupt access to Randle and Packwood and potentially isolate those areas until the waters recede.

Double-crest flood risk:
During a Monday-morning National Weather Service (NWS) briefing with hundreds of emergency personnel from across the state, meteorologist Kirby Cook said a strong atmospheric river is likely to dump up to 7 inches of rain on Lewis County, delivering a one-two punch as it slams the area today then returns with a second wave Tuesday night into Wednesday. He said that “double crest” likely will be followed by a weaker system Thursday.

“Widespread, significant river flooding is expected,” Cook said.

On top of that, experts are predicting wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph today, increasing the chance of downed trees and power lines.

County officials urged residents to be vigilant about the high winds and the “double crest.” As Department of Emergency Management Deputy Director Erika Katt noted, the second crest can be higher and more dangerous, especially when soils and rivers are already saturated.

Highway 12/Cora Bridge concerns
The Cora Bridge area along Highway 12 is historically flood-prone, and with elevated flows expected on the Cowlitz River, officials warn that access through the area could close with little notice.

Residents, travelers and commercial drivers should:
• Avoid non-essential travel between Randle and Packwood.
• Prepare for the possibility of extended isolation if the highway closes.
• Monitor county updates and Washington State Department of Transportation advisories.

Campers along the Cowlitz River strongly urged to leave:
Lewis County is issuing a strong advisory for anyone camping along the Cowlitz River – particularly at River Run Ranch and Cascade Peaks – to leave immediately.

Because these campgrounds sit directly on the riverbank, conditions can become dangerous very quickly during a double-crest event. Rising water may arrive suddenly, especially overnight.

Campers should:
• Evacuate now to higher ground or alternate lodging.
• Not wait for evacuation orders – water can rise faster than warning systems can notify.
• Move RVs, trailers and belongings only if it can be done safely.
• Avoid driving through standing or moving water.

County actions
Lewis County Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office and Public Works personnel are:
• Monitoring river gauges around the clock.
• Preparing sandbag stations in flood-prone areas.
• Coordinating with first responders for potential evacuations and road closures.
• Providing updates to residents through local media and emergency alert systems.

Self-serve sandbag locations (bring your own shovel):
Lewis County and other governmental entities have opened self-serve sandbag locations throughout the county. They are as follows:
• Chehalis (Lewis County): 350 W Main St. (in the brick garage at the corner of Main Street and Cascade Avenue).
• Randle (Lewis County): Kiona Shop at 8911 Highway 12, Randle (between Morton and Packwood).
• Centralia (city of Centralia): Corner of Center Street and Tower Avenue.
• Toledo (Fire District 2): Fire station at 150 2nd St., Toledo; 360-864-2366.
• Winlock (Fire District 15): Fire station on SW Kerron Avenue, Winlock; �360-785-4221.
• Vader (Fire District 20): Fire station at 801 B St., Vader; 360-295-0906.
• Pe Ell (Fire District 11): Fire station at 721 N Main St., Pe Ell.
• Onalaska (Fire District 1): 1733 WA 508, Onalaska.
• Mossyrock: 500 block of Larson Road, Silver Creek.
• Ashford (Pierce County Fire District 23): Big Creek Fire Station at 136 Osborn Rd., Ashford.

Lewis County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) web page and links:
DEM’s page at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/ includes county-specific flood information, including links to the following:
• Lewis County Rivers (https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/ #/): Includes forecasts and real-time look at rivers as well as comparisons to historic floods.
• Lewis County Road Conditions (https://roads.lewiscountywa.gov/): Includes updates regarding road closures, etc.
• Lewis County Alert (click on the icon on the right of the page, or access it here): Sign up for emergency alerts, which would be sent to notify residents of road closures, evacuations, etc.

Water and wind safety:
Emergency officials advise residents to heed the “Turn around, don’t drown” warning, noting that six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult while 12 inches can carry away a small car and 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks.

With strong winds also in the forecast, officials warn residents to secure loose outdoor objects, steer clear of downed trees and power lines, and prepare for power outages.

To report water over the roadway or power outages:
• To report roadway flooding, call the county’s non-emergency line at 360-740-1105.
• To report a Lewis County PUD outage, call 360-748-9261.
• To report a City Light power outage (for residents within Centralia city limits) call �360-330-7512 (during regular business hours) or 360-736-7040 (after hours).

(Pictured: Vehicles drive along U.S. Highway 12 in Randle as water from the Cowlitz River floods portions of the Big Bottom valley in December 2023.)

12/09/2025

Water over roadway at multiple points on Westside Hwy. Be aware of closures and don’t drive through flood waters

12/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1LgTkytr38/?mibextid=

December 9 2025, 9:04 PM latest update:

Klein Rd has been opened for travel

Video of McGreary Rd off Ostrander Rd posted in the comments. Submitted by Cowlitz County Public Works Subscriber.

Conflicting information about Spirit Lake Hwy continues. See updates with Daily News picture and comments by Cowlitz County Public Works in the comments below.

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👇 Tuesday Morning, Dec 9th Blog

Ohio St & 46th Ave in Longview CLOSED due to flooding.

Allen St 2500 block CLOSED in Kelso. Picture in comments

Cline Rd in Castle Rock is closed just past Ogden Rd through to the bridge. Please do not attempt to go through water over roadway.

Updated 9:50 am: Spirit Lake Hwy is now reported open. All lanes in both directions at Hall Road (milepost 9.0) near Toutle had been reported closed. Water is over the road, expect delays. Update 9:50 AM, a subscriber reported that Spirit Lake Hwy is open with water over the roadway.

🚨🚨Camp Kalama residents are evacuating due to flooding. Avoid Meeker Dr and expect delays as people try to exit the area.

Tower Rd near Cox Rd, tree blocking East end Castle Rock

🚨🚨I-5 NB & SB is open. The exits at 72, both directions are closed due to water over the roadway, drivers attempted to drive through high water and vehicles stalled. Lewis County officials are currently working to get them off the roadway. Update: I-5 is Fully open, This is the exits that are closed.

Old Pacific Hwy S, tree down 2900 block Kelso

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City of Longview - copied portions by CRN from their website.

⚠ 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 𝐃𝐞𝐜. 𝟗 𝐚𝐭 𝟗:𝟑𝟎 𝐚.𝐦.

• The City of Longview experienced significant rainfall over the past 24 hours, and while there is a brief lull in the weather, another period of heavy rainfall is expected to begin around 8 p.m. this evening.

• Crews are working throughout the city. Please watch for workers in the roadway and use caution around temporary safety measures. Open manholes are marked with sandbags and cones.

• The City has declared a severe weather event and will open the Severe Weather Shelter tonight at the McClelland Arts Center starting at 6 p.m. for anyone affected by flooded areas or closed streets.

• Residents should not attempt to clear flooded storm drains or move standing water. These areas may contain raw sewage. To report standing water, call 360-442-5209.

• Sand and bags are available for residents to fill at the City Shop at 1426 Alabama Street from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours as needed.

• More updates and areas to avoid will be provided throughout the day and available at https://mylongview.com/1016/Emergency-Information-Severe-Weather-Upd

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Cowlitz County Dept of Public Works message

🚧Just a reminder for weather events, to report urgent road concerns:

Mon - Thurs, 7:30 am-5:00 pm, call 360-577-3030

Fri-Sun, or after hours call dispatch at 360-353-9681.

In an emergency, call 911

We are not always able to respond to Facebook comments, messages or tags regarding road conditions and reporting urgent matters could get delayed.🚧

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FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT

*WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Cowlitz River at Castle Rock.

*WHEN...From Tuesday morning to tomorrow evening.

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👦School Information:

Kelso Sch. Dist.: AM buses on snow routes. Route 1 will run on its AM Snow route. Please note: No transportation will be provided on N. Pacific from Ostrander to Headquarters; students in that area will need to follow the AM Snow route.

Castle Rock Sch. Dist.: 2 Hours Late

Update 5:59 am: Toutle Lake Sch. Dist.: 2 Hours Late. Update: 8 am Toutle Lake closed

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👇 Monday 12/8/2025 Blog

North Pacific by Spencer’s Trucking is covered and pretty deep. W Stock Rd off Pleasant Hill Rd just south of Spencer's is closed.

Ocean Beach Hwy (SR 4) westbound from milepost 51 near Stella to milepost 49 near Bunker Hill Road. Water on roadway. Proceed with caution.

Germany creek to Bunker Hill water over road

Ostrander Rd is closed and the bypass is being opened for public use. Please proceed with caution.

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🚨🚨 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.

10 pm update from a resident who lives on Laverne Drive:

So just to get it out there, in case anybody's worried, Laverne drive is still nice and dry. Cross the road, the cement wall.The water has to come up over that wall to flood us.And the river is four feet from the wall, so the river is supposed to raise a foot and a half tonight. So we got a ways to go before we need to worry. So if you're worried about any loved ones on the Laverne Drive, we're doing fine right now bless you all and stay safe. Good night.

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Toledo School District will be closed tomorrow, December 9th.

Carnine Rd, 200 block, in Castle Rock. Water over the roadway

Cooks Ferry Rd flooded. Water coming off of Westside Hwy and flooding property. Avoid area if possible.

Westside Hwy near Solomon Rd. Southbound at milepost 3.7. Water coming off the embankment and causing a big water puddle in the southbound lane, use caution.

24th & Kessler. Major standing water. City on site. Avoid area if possible

Landslide, proceed with caution, 500 block of Powell Rd in Castle Rock. Picture in comments.

Bond and Powell in Castle Rock water over roadway.

Corduroy rd in Kelso. Water over roadway

Debris blocking on I-5 northbound at milepost 57 near Exit 57 | Jackson Hwy

W Stock Rd, off Pleasant Hill Rd Kelso road closed

Westside Hwy by Carnival Market. Water over roadway

Westside Hwy between Aaron & King North of Lexi's by TimWa water over roadway

Sandy Bend & Westside Hwy water over road

Tree Down Old Pacific Hwy S near Martins Bluff, Kelso

Tennant Way, Longview, water over SR 432 both directions at milepost 7.5 near Tennant Way. SR 432, between milepost 7.19 and 9.59. The off-ramps from eastbound and westbound SR 432 to 3rd Avenue/SR 411 The off-ramp from eastbound SR 432 to D**e Road. The on-ramps from eastbound and westbound SR 432 to Tennant Way picture in comments.

1400 Ostrander Rd at mp .4 water over roadway

Westover Rd & Lomor Rd Kelso road closed due to flooding.

Debris in roadway Kalama River & Italian Creek Rd, Kalama. Crews are enroute.

Water over Roadway Evergreen Rd near N Pacific Ave, Kelso

Road Closure: @ Alpha Drive in the Lexington area of Kelso water over roadway

Please do not cross water over a road - it is dangerous.

Make sure your headlights are on

Important links:

👇
Cowlitz County Emergency Feed
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DY5hognqe/

Cowlitz County Public Works:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BXerPD2Jx/

Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BZcLtw8sc/

09/11/2025

…And many, many more civilians who were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, also perished. In the years that followed, even more from the exposure of the toxic smoke and dust and rubble. Let us never forget!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1080354177640320&set=a.257803516562061&type=3

September 11, 2001 changed us forever. In those moments of heartbreak and loss, we also saw the truest meaning of courage. First Responders charged into danger when the world was running out-putting others before themselves, standing as symbols of hope when everything felt broken.

We carry their bravery in our hearts every day. We remember their sacrifice. We honor their families. We stand united, now and always.

09/08/2025

Beginning today…CLOSURE south of Castle Rock…Do not plan to take Westside Hwy to Longview.

Let's turn this sinkhole into a sink-whole. 🫶 And by that I mean we're making SR 411 whole again by replacing an aging and failing culvert just south of Castle Rock. This will require a 30-day full closure of SR 411 between Hazel Dell and Delameter roads (MP 6.1-11.3).

Last spring, we found a failing culvert while clearing drains after several days of heavy rain. The culvert had reached the end of its life and could no longer carry water, which caused flooding and a 15-foot sinkhole. Crews made temporary repairs in March and have been checking the sinkhole every day until permanent repairs could be made.

Here's what to expect during the closure:
- Beginning Monday, Sept. 8, until further notice: Both lanes of SR 411 between Hazel Dell and Delameter roads (MP 6.1-11.3) will be closed to all vehicles, and all travelers will need to use an alternate route. There is no detour.
- First responders, essential services, delivery vehicles and those living nearby the closure will have access to the area.