Incident Publication

Portion of Big Hole River closed temporarily due to Sawlog Fire

Fish Trap Fishing Access Site also closed

WISE RIVER – An emergency closure is in effect for a portion of the Big Hole River due to the Sawlog Fire.

The portion of the Big Hole River from Mud Creek Bridge downstream to Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site is closed to all recreation. Fish Trap Fishing Access Site is also closed. Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site remains open.

These closures are for public safety during fire suppression operations, which may include bucket drops happening in and close to the Big Hole River. The closures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.

For more information about site restrictions and closures, click here. 

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Información de última hora:

Notificación para la Salud y Seguridad Publica

El incendio ha sido cartografiado mientras las cuadrillas completaban la línea de contención

Comunicado de Prensa - jueves, 8 de mayo de 2025

Acres: 822                                                                                                 Fecha de Inicio: Domingo, 4 de mayo del 2025

Ubicación: 38 millas al Este de Glenwood, NM                         Personal: 182 

Contención: 10%                                                                                    Causa: Relámpagos

Resumen: Después de varios días con la presencia de la humedad sobre la zona del incendio, se ha realizado un vuelo infrarrojo (IR) para cartografiar el perímetro de este e identificar las zonas remanentes con emanación de calor. Basados en la precisión de la cartografía, podemos decir que el tamaño estimado del incendio se ha reducido a 822 acres. El Vuelo IR también confirmó que el calor permanece en toda la zona del incendio.

Las escuadrillas especializadas para la extinción de incendios que se encuentran trabajando a lo largo del borde del incendio han completado la calculación del perímetro del incendio utilizando una combinación de tácticas directas en la línea del incendio. Al lograr este objetivo, las cuadrillas han sido movilizadas para limpiar los puntos de emanación de calor a lo largo de la línea de fuego y de esta forma reducir la posibilidad de propagación. Este trabajo continuará en los próximos días mientras se refuerzan y mejoran la línea de contención.

Los camiones de bomberos continúan apoyando las operaciones de evaluación de la infraestructura alrededor de la zona de Willow Creek y están terminando de crear un plan de contingencia en caso de que cambien las condiciones. Se ha pronosticado un aumento en las temperaturas para los próximos días, lo que podría incrementar el comportamiento del fuego y dificultar las labores de contención, esta situación requerirá de una vigilancia continua por parte de los equipos trabajando sobre el terreno.

Este será el último reporte matutino del incendio. Mientras que los equipos de bomberos y demás recursos siguen asignados al incidente en la próxima semana, los reportes serán dados según sea necesario. A medida que se sigan cumpliendo los objetivos para este incidente, los recursos serán reasignados de una manera estratégica para apoyar el ataque inicial de posibles nuevos incendios.

CDT excursionistas: Para la seguridad del público en general, por favor evite entrar en la zona del incendio. Para más información sobre el acceso a los senderos, incluyendo las rutas alternativas, póngase en contacto con: info@cdtcoalition.org

Cierres Temporales: Para la seguridad del público en general, el área de Snow Lake, incluyendo el campamento de Dipping Vat, el embarcadero de Snow Lake y el sendero de Snow Lake se encuentran temporalmente cerrados. 

Seguridad: Se encuentra vigente la restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) sobre la zona del incendio. Los drones representan un grave riesgo para los aviones combatiendo el fuego. ¡Si Usted vuela, Nosotros no podemos!

Presencia del Humo: La cantidad del humo se ha reducido significativamente en los últimos días. Al producirse un aumento en la temperatura, se da la posibilidad de un aumento en la actividad del incendio y en la producción del humo. Podría verse el humo desde Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson y Snow Lake. Para información actualizada de las condiciones de humo, visite el mapa interactivo de humo en fire.airnow.gov

Restricciones de Incendio: Se encuentra vigente la Etapa 2 de Restricciones de fuego para el Bosque Nacional de Gila. Para más información visite at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

Para más información:

Oficial para Información Pública: Email 2025.iron@firenet.gov o 575-323- 8956, 8am - 8pm

Datos del Incidente: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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Incident Commander: Richard Griffin (Type 3 IC) and Kyle Errecart (Type 3 IC Trainee)

Location: 15 miles northeast of Wisdom, MT in the Sawlog Creek drainage

Start Date: 05/01/2025

Cause: Undetermined – under investigation

Size: 1,412 acres 

Resources Assigned: 4 crews; 3 engines; 2 helicopters; 1 water tender; 3 skidgens

Total Personnel: 173

Containment: 20%

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

A reconnaissance flight and the infrared UAS showed scattered heat present in the smoldering fuels throughout the fire footprint yesterday. Crews progressed with “mop-up” operations, working along the previously constructed sawline and handline on the southern edge and the northern flank. Crews were able to complete these “mop-up” operations along approximately 20% of the fire footprint so far. Crews will continue these operations, expanding along both flanks of the fire and working toward 100% completion of the “mop-up” objectives. Fire behavior is expected to pick up today as the dry cold front passes through with gusty winds. 

On the western edge, the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has been supporting the fire by flying infrared (IR) and reconnaissance operations that are inaccessible by foot and thick with hazard trees or “snags.”  Crews are continuing with structure assessments working north along the Highway 43 corridor.  

On the northern flank, the smokejumpers in conjunction with a large skidgen (2,500-gallon water tank) are locating and extinguishing hot spots working to the south.  A “hotshot” crew was flown into the Tucker Creek area yesterday and will look for opportunities to safely construct fireline, tying into existing roads/trails, to prevent progression of the fire eastward. 

On the southern edge, firefighters have completed approximately two miles of fireline (immediately adjacent to the fire’s edge) from the Big Hole River north of Toomey Creek. Crews will continue to hold and secure the constructed lines, “mopping-up” areas of residual heat.  Two “hotshot” crews and two skidgens will begin improving previous control lines from the 2021 Alder Creek fire footprint by removing fuels and mitigating “snag” hazards on both sides of Sawlog Creek.    

The fire remains under investigation. Neither the Forest Service nor the BLM had any prescribed fires (commonly referred to as “controlled burns”) in that area.

WEATHER, FUELS, AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A dry cold front will move over the area during the day today keeping temperatures similar to where they were Wednesday,  creating a slight chance for an afternoon/evening shower or even thunderstorm. Minimal to no accumulation expected from these showers but they are likely to produce erratic gusty winds up to 40 mph. Warmer, drier conditions are expected Friday with an even smaller chance for showers or thunderstorms and similar gust potential. 

Fire behavior could exhibit moderate to extreme fire behavior today with the passage of the dry cold front.  When winds have aligned with the orientation of drainages, fire behavior has the potential to be extreme.  Fuel conditions, during this time of year (pre-green up), are extremely dry.

The fire is burning mainly in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber. The north-facing slopes in the area consist of a high “dead and downed” fuel component in a mixed conifer forest, and numerous “snags” or hazard trees are present. This fuel combination poses additional hazards for firefighters and affects on-the-ground progress.

Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located to the east, and the fire footprint from the 2021 Christensen Fire lies to the south.

CLOSURES:

For public safety reasons, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area, located at the Big Hole River ford site. Specific closure language can be viewed on the Sawlog Fire Inciweb page, Closures tab.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

NEW BERN, N.C., May 8, 2025 –Progress continues on the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest. Containment has increased to 70% of the 950 acre fire thanks to the hard work and effort of our 102 personnel. The USDA Forest Service is working along with North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service to suppress and manage the fire. 

To aid suppression efforts, four pumps are currently operating to submerge the fire.  Crews are also continuing water operations using sprinklers and engines. Crews are also keeping weather shifts in mind should that affect the fire's intensity and direction. Firefighters are monitoring hot spots to ensure the fire does not cross containment lines. 

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road. 

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov. For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina

For Immediate Release:

Notification for Public Health and Safety

Fire Mapped While Crews Complete Containment Line

Press Release – Thursday, May 8, 2025

Acres: 822                                                                                                Start Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Location: 38 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                 Personnel: 182 

Containment: 10%                                                                             Cause: Lightning

Summary: Following several days of moisture over the fire area, an infrared (IR) flight was conducted to map the fire perimeter and identify areas of remaining heat. Based on improved mapping accuracy, the fire’s estimated size has been reduced to 822 acres. The IR flight also confirmed that heat remains throughout the fire area.

Hotshot Crews working along the fire’s edge have successfully completed checking the fire perimeter using a mix of direct fireline tactics. With this objective achieved, crews have transitioned to mopping up hot spots along the fireline to reduce the potential for further spread. This work will continue in the coming days as they reinforce and improve the containment line.

Engines remain engaged in structure assessment operations around the Willow Creek area and are finalizing a contingency plan should conditions change. With temperatures forecasted to rise in the coming days, fire behavior may increase, potentially challenging containment efforts and requiring continued vigilance from crews on the ground.

This will be the final daily update. While firefighting personnel and resources remain assigned to the incident into next week, updates will shift to an as needed schedule. As incident objectives continue to be met, resources will be strategically reassigned to support initial attack on new fire starts.

CDT Hikers: The public is asked to avoid the fire area for their safety. For more information on trail access, including alternate routes, contact info@cdtcoalition.org.

Temporary Closures: The Snow Lake area, including Dipping Vat Campground, Snow Lake Boat Launch, and Snow Lake Trailhead are temporarily closed for public safety.

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t!

Smoke: Smoke has significantly reduced over the past few days. As temperatures warm up, there is a potential for an increase in fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson and Snow Lake. For current smoke conditions, visit the interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Gila National Forest. Learn more at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

For more information:

Public Information Officer: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov or 575-323-8956, 8am - 8pm

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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Pending favorable weather conditions, the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District will be implementing a prescribed burn at Scott Bar Mountain, about 12 miles west of Fort Jones in the vicinity of Jones Beach and Indian Scotty Campground. Fire crews will target up to 45 acres for burning.

Low-intensity prescribed fire will be used to reduce surface and ladder fuels to achieve the goals of the Scott Bar Mountain Underburn and Habitat Improvement Project. These goals include improving defensibility of communities during wildfires, increasing fire resiliency of timber stands, and improving habitat for wildlife. 

The project area is strategically connected to a series of ridgetop fuel reduction treatments from several other projects, many of which have been planned and implemented through collaborative efforts with partners. The connectivity of these projects creates a landscape-scale fuel break that can be utilized during wildfire events to protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources. 

Up to 200 acres of burning could occur within the Scott Bar Mountain project area over the course of the spring if conditions allow. Smoke from this project will be visible from Fort Jones and Scott River Road. 

Motorists should exercise caution when driving in areas of smoke – turn on headlights, reduce speed, and keep an eye out for personnel and apparatus that may be working alongside the road. 

Información de última hora:

Notificación para la Salud y Seguridad Publica

Construido puesto de helicóptero para apoyar las operaciones de suministro en la línea de fuego sobre terrenos remotos

Comunicado de prensa - miércoles, 7 de mayo de 2025

Acres: 901                                                                               

Fecha de Inicio: Domingo, 4 de mayo del 2025

Ubicación: 38 millas al Este de Glenwood, NM                         

Personal: 168 

Contención: 5%                                                                       

Causa: Relámpagos

Resumen: El día de ayer, dos equipos especializados en extinción de incendios utilizaron tácticas de construcción de líneas directas en el eje del fuego y completaron la construcción de un puesto para helicópteros. El objetivo de crear un acceso para helicópteros es para facilitar la entrega aérea de suministros. Este puesto será utilizado para abastecer de manera rápida suministros de agua, alimentos y cualquier otra cosa que se necesite para continuar de manera segura y eficaz las operaciones de incendio en esta zona remota.

El día de hoy, cinco equipos especializados asignados al incidente -Gila, Idaho City, Blue Ridge, Flagstaff y Smokey Bear- continuarán con la construcción de línea directas de fuego. Para maximizar el tiempo de trabajo y enfocarse directamente en el incendio, cuatro de los cinco grupos de bomberos acamparán cerca de la línea de fuego, en lugar de viajar diariamente al Puesto de Comando de Incidentes (ICP).

Los recursos para la protección de infraestructuras permanecen activos alrededor de Snow Lake y Willow Creek, en donde un grupo de seis camiones de bomberos logro completar la construcción de línea indirecta y operaciones de astillado. Estos camiones se utilizarán para seguir evaluando las estructuras en la zona de Snow Lake mientras elaboran un plan de contingencia en caso de que la estrategia de extinción directa no tenga éxito.

Debido a las tormentas recientes que se presentaron en el área recientemente y con la vegetación seca, dos camiones de bomberos y un equipo especializado para extinguir incendios estarán listos para asistir en ataques iniciales en caso de que se detecte un nuevo incendio en las proximidades del incidente. Los recursos actualmente asignados incluyen cinco equipos de bomberos especialistas en incendios, un helicóptero Tipo 1, dos helicópteros Tipo 3, seis camiones de bomberos y fondos para otros gastos generales que se den en el incendio.

CDT excursionistas: Para la seguridad del público en general, por favor evite entrar en la zona del incendio. Para más información sobre el acceso a los senderos, incluyendo las rutas alternativas, póngase en contacto con: info@cdtcoalition.org.

Cierres Temporales: Para la seguridad del público en general, el área de Snow Lake, incluyendo el campamento de Dipping Vat, el embarcadero de Snow Lake y el sendero de Snow Lake se encuentran temporalmente cerrados. 

Seguridad: Se encuentra vigente la restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) sobre la zona del incendio. Los drones representan un grave riesgo para los aviones combatiendo el fuego. ¡Si Usted vuela, Nosotros no podemos!

Presencia del Humo: El humo puede ser visible desde Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson y Snow Lake. Para información actualizada de las condiciones de humo, visite el mapa interactivo de humo en fire.airnow.gov

Restricciones de fuego: Se encuentra vigente la Etapa 2 de Restricciones de fuego para el Bosque Nacional de Gila. Para más información visite at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

Para más información:

Oficial para Información Pública: Email 2025.iron@firenet.gov o 575-323- 8956, 8am - 8pm

Datos del Incidente: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest

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NEW BERN, N.C., May 7, 2025 – The USDA Forest Service and its partners report steady progress on the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest. The fire is holding at 950 acres and is 60% contained. Partnering agencies including North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service to help manage the fire. 103 personnel are actively working on the fire. 

Crews continued mop up on Moccasin Lane and Black Swamp Road, and sprinkler operations around the perimeter of the fire. There are currently three pumps installed to carry water from Great Lake closer to the fire to aid in suppression. More pumps will be added within the next few days. Firefighting personnel will keep repairing Moccasin Lane which will allow crews to move easily through the soft ground with less impact.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road. Please drive cautiously on Catfish Lake Road due to increased emergency vehicle traffic.

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov.

For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina

Incident Commander: Richard Griffin (Type 3 IC) and Kyle Errecart (Type 3 IC Trainee)

Location: 15 miles northeast of Wisdom, MT in the Sawlog Creek drainage

Start Date: 05/01/2025

Cause: Undetermined – under investigation

Size: 1,412 acres (change due to accurate mapping) 

Resources Assigned: 3 crews; 3 engines; 1 helicopter; 1 water tender; 1 skidgen

Total Personnel: 134

Containment: 10%

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels continued to play a role in minimal fire activity yesterday. Fire behavior was limited to creeping and smoldering. The fire area received 0.10 to 0.30 inches of precipitation over that last 48 hours. Large, heavy fuels continue to smolder, despite the precipitation.  Fire behavior is expected to pick up as warmer and drier weather is forecasted over the next few days. 

On the western edge, crews are continuing with structure assessments working north along the Highway 43 corridor.   A boat will be used to support firefighters in gaining access to the fire across the Big Hole River over the high-water conditions. 

On the northern flank and working to the south, the smokejumpers identified helispot locations; they progressed along the north, working along the eastern flank scouting potential control lines along this, looking for opportunities to go direct in the Tucker Creek area. A large skidgen has arrived and will support the smokejumpers with water missions. 

On the southern edge, firefighters are progressing east from the Big Hole River along Toomey Creek with mop up operations. Two Type 1 hotshot crews are prepping line towards the 2021 Alder Creek Fire footprint.

The helicopters were utilized for cargo missions to support the firefighters.  An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) has been supporting the fire by flying infrared (IR) and reconnaissance operations that are inaccessible by foot and thick with hazard trees or “snags.”   Scattered heat along the entire fire perimeter was found yesterday by flying infrared. 

An Incident Command Post has been established at Wisdom Airport. 

The fire remains under investigation. Neither the Forest Service nor the BLM had any prescribed fires (commonly referred to as “controlled burns”) in that area.

WEATHER, FUELS, AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Temperatures forecasted to return to high 70's and low 80's through the rest of the week and into the weekend. A mostly dry cold front will move across the fire area Thursday morning bringing gusty westerly winds. 

The fire is burning mainly in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber. The north-facing slopes in the area consist of a high “dead and downed” fuel component in a mixed conifer forest, and numerous “snags” or hazard trees are present. This fuel combination poses additional hazards for firefighters and affects on-the-ground progress.

Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

Prior to the cold front, the fire exhibited moderate to extreme fire behavior, with 3 to 5-foot flame lengths in the sagebrush and isolated torching, group torching, and crown runs through the tops of the trees in the timbered areas. When winds have aligned with the orientation of drainages, fire behavior has been extreme. Fuel conditions, during this time of year (pre-green up), are extremely dry.

The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located to the east, and the fire footprint from the 2021 Christensen Fire lies to the south.

CLOSURES:

For public safety reasons, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area, located at the Big Hole River ford site. Specific closure language can be viewed on the Sawlog Fire Inciweb page, Closures tab.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

For Immediate Release:

Notification for Public Health and Safety

Helispot Built to Support Fireline Supply Operations in Remote Terrain

Press Release – Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Acres: 901                                                                               

Start Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Location: 38 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                 

Personnel: 168

Containment: 5%                                                                    

Cause: Lightning

Summary: Two hotshot crews used direct line construction tactics on the fire edge and completed construction of a helispot yesterday. The purpose of creating helicopter access is to support the aerial delivery of supplies. The helispot will be used to fly in gear, food, water and other supplies, ensuring firefighters have the resources needed to safely and effectively continue suppression operations in this remote area.

Today, five hotshot crews assigned to the incident - Gila, Idaho City, Blue Ridge, Flagstaff, and Smokey Bear— will continue with direct fireline construction. To maximize work time and maintain direct engagement with the fire, four of the five crews will camp near the fireline rather than returning to the Incident Command Post (ICP) each day.

Structure protection resources remain active around Snow Lake and Willow Creek, where a group of six engines has completed indirect line and chipping operations. These engines will continue to assess structures in Snow Lake area while building a contingency plan should the direct suppression strategy not be successful.

With recent thunderstorms moving through the area and very dry vegetation, two engines and one hotshot crew will be ready to assist with initial attack should a new fire be detected nearby. Current resources assigned to the fire include five hotshot crews, one type one helicopter, two type 3 helicopters, six engines, and miscellaneous overhead assigned.

CDT Hikers: The public is asked to avoid the fire area for their safety. For more information on trail access, including alternate routes, contact info@cdtcoalition.org.

Temporary Closures: The Snow Lake area, including Dipping Vat Campground, Snow Lake Boat Launch, and Snow Lake Trailhead are temporarily closed for public safety.

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire. Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t!

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson and Snow Lake. For current smoke conditions, visit the interactive smoke map at fire.airnow.gov.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Gila National Forest. Learn more at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

For more information:

Public Information Officer: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov or 575-323- 8956, 8am - 8pm

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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