The Gnarl Fire, burning in the Mount Hood Wilderness, has spread at a relatively low rate since it started on Aug. 7.

Fire officials said that low temperatures, low winds, high humidity and the efforts of fire crews have helped slow the growth of the fire, located about three miles southwest of Cloud Cap Inn.

The lightning-caused fire, which has burned about 300 acres in the Cold Spring Creek Drainage on the northeast side of Mount Hood, is currently uncontained and burning in heavy beetle-kill fuel in steep terrain. The fire is still relatively small, but due to fuel and geographical conditions, the potential for the Gnarl fire to change pace quickly and blow up is considered extreme.

“Given the steep terrain, variable winds and heavy fuels involved, it’s important that we keep our eye on the ball and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions,” Incident Commander Carl West said.

A total of about 300 acres have been burned, with the head of the fire moving slowly north toward Gnarl Ridge and the Cooper Spur area. As of Monday, two hotshot crews, four type-2 hand crews, and four helicopters were working to contain the fire using low-impact tactics, which means utilizing as many natural barriers as possible.

Although the fire is not yet a direct threat to structures in the Cooper Spur area, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office is currently working on a contingency plan for road closures and structure evacuation and protection in case the fire picks up drastically and runs north.

“We all have to realize that this fire is a natural act in a wilderness area,” said Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler. “But it also has an extreme potential to get out of hand, so our preparedness for that is going on now.”

The fire is burning in a fairly remote area of the Mount Hood National Forest and is accessible only from the air or a 3-mile hike from the nearest road. Fire crews have established spike camps near the fireline – where they can rest, eat and re-supply – by lowering gear and supplies in from helicopters.

“It’s important that we do everything we can to ensure that we can approach this fire from a safe position and that our crews are well-supplied,” West said.

Due to the fire, a number of trails and campgrounds are currently closed. According to the Hood River Ranger District the following are closed as of Wednesday:

Cloud Cap and Tilly Jane Campgrounds

Little John Sno Park

Bluegrass Ridge #647

Cooper Spur #600-B

Elk Meadows #645

Elk Meadows/Bluegrass Tie #647 B

Elk Meadows Perimeter #645

Elk Mt. Vista #647-C

Gnarl Ridge #652

Gnarl Ridge Cut-off #652-A

Lamberson Spur #644

Newton Creek #646

Polallie Ridge #643-A

Sahalie Falls #667-C

Tamanawas Tie #650-B

Wagon Road 642

Tilly Jane #448

Tilly Jane #600-A

Tilly Jane #643

Tilly Jane #643-A

Umbrella Falls #667

It is also recommended that campers not use Nottingham Campground, which is located near the fire area.