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US 12 reopens after closing due to Goat Rocks Fire

Evacuation levels have also been reduced. Active fire suppression is still ongoing, according to the Lewis County Division of Emergency Management.

PACKWOOD, Wash. — Highway 12 has reopened after it was closed for multiple days due to the Goat Rocks Fire. 

The road shut down on Friday after the fire, which originally sparked in early August, began to spread. 

Evacuation levels have also been reduced. 

A Level 2 evacuation, which means be ready to go at a moment's notice, is in place for the Timberline community south of Highway 12.

All other areas, including the Timberline community north of Highway 12, Goat Rocks, High Valley and Packwood proper are reduced to a Level 1 evacuation, which means be ready.

Evacuees can go to the White Pass School at 516 Silverbrook Road in Randle. Small animals are welcome in a kennel or a cage.

RELATED: Wildfire smoke expected in western Washington Friday; Red Flag Warning in effect 

The Goat Rocks Fire, which was caused by lightning in early August, grew from 90 acres Friday to 2,228 acres Saturday due to high winds and hot, dry conditions. The fire was initially knocked down, but not completely contained. It's located in some "very steep terrain," according to the Forest Service.

RELATED: Western Washington Forecast

Currently, crews are focusing on protecting structures in the Timberline, Goat Rocks and High Valley neighborhoods. Their focus is on building and improving new and existing fire breaks. Crews are ultimately working to build a box around the fire to fully contain it.

Depending on the visibility, aircraft may be used to help limit the footprint of the fire on Sunday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

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WATCH: Western Washington forecast

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