Incident Publication

 St. Joe July Lightning Fires now managed as Stateline Complex 

Stateline Complex Fire Daily Update July 20, 2021

Acres:  1,789 acres

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 0%

Start Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Location: 47.17 latitude, -115.442 longitude

Fuels: Mixed conifer

Announcement:  Today, Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the Type 2 Southwest Area Incident Management 

Team (IMT) 5, led by Incident Commander Mark Bernal, assumed command of the St. Joe July Lightning Fires incident, now called the Stateline Complex Fire. The IMT will continue working closely with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (NF), as well as the Lolo NF, throughout the incident. A road closure remains in effect on St. Joe River Rd, NF-50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek.

Overview: On July 7, 2021, a thunderstorm system moved through the Idaho Panhandle. Due to record drought conditions and unseasonably high temperatures, the storm system resulted in a high number of lightning-caused wildfires. With over 30 fires identified, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest (IPNF) began initial attack and identified opportunities to group and manage multiple fires within several complex incidents. 

As of the evening of July 19, the St. Joe July Lightning incident was renamed to Stateline Complex and includes 12 fires identified in the initial assessment and 2 others observed within the last 24 hours, with the Dolly Creek Fire (451 acres) and Tumbledown Fire (1,338 acres) standing as the largest fires burning within the complex.

Fire Update: On Monday, July 19, SWA IMT personnel began assessing the situation across the Complex including conducting flight operations and utilizing scouting crews on the ground. Fire activity was low, with minimal growth, however with the high number of active fires still burning, additional resources are pending as crews continue to assess the situation to determine the best path forward. 

The area is under a Red Flag Warning through Wednesday, July 21 and the likelihood of dry thunderstorms will persist throughout the early half of the week.

Closures: St. Joe River Rd, NF-50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek, per County Sheriff Authority; FSR 1216: From its junction at Highway 218 to its terminus; Gold Flat Campsite (T16N, R30W, Section 23); additionally, several trails and areas within the St. Joe Ranger District. The latest information is available at the Inciweb link, below.  

Restrictions: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Coeur d’Alene and Grangeville areas.  Check the links below for further information. 

More Information: 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/

Idaho Panhandle National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

Lolo National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

Fire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ 

Road Closure Information: See the Inciweb link above for the latest road and area closures

 Public Information & Media Phone Line (8am – 8pm MDT): 406-818-5200 
Email: 2021.stateline@firenet.gov 
 
Steady, Moderate Fire Growth with Persistent Red Flag Warning 
Stateline Complex Fire Daily Update July 21, 2021 
 
Acres:  2,147 acres 
Personnel: 205 
Cause: Lightning 
Containment: 0% 
 
Start Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 
Location: 6.5 miles SW of St. Regis, MT 
Fuels: Mixed conifer 
Announcement:  Several closures are in effect and a temporary flight restriction is in place across the entire Complex. Highway 50 remains closed between Bluff and Bruin Creek as well as Gold Flat Campsite and several trails within the St. Joe Ranger District. 
Overview: The Stateline Complex comprises 13 fires within its boundary, with Tumbledown and Dolly Creek continuing to be the largest. The complex as a whole has a full suppression, values-driven strategy that utilizes a mix of tactics including direct, indirect and point protection. The remote location, steep terrain, limited access, distance between fires, and lack of suppression resources is challenging firefighting efforts and logistical support.  
Fire Update: Fires within the Stateline Complex are burning at a slow, steady rate of speed in mixed fuels and forest types including sub-alpine fir in higher elevations with a transition down to pine, mixed conifer, and brush fuels in lower elevations. Crews have begun indirect suppression tactics including building fire line and conducting some fuel mastication work. Personnel anticipate varying terrain to assist in slowing and stalling the fires’ spread, however critically dry fuels still hold a high potential for fire activity. Crews will continue to monitor fire activity and prep indirect firelines, while providing point protection as needed for values at risk including the I90 corridor, multiple communities in Idaho (Avery) and Montana (DeBorgia, Haugan, St. Regis, Superior), and some timber management areas, among others.  
Weather: On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, a weak but dry cold front will generate gusty south to west winds with gusts up to 25 mph. By Thursday, temperatures will increase, with hot and dry conditions continuing into the weekend. The area remains under a Red Flag Warning through the evening of Wednesday, July 21 and the likelihood of dry thunderstorms will persist through mid-week. 
Closures: As of July 20, 2021, a temporary flight restriction is in effect for the entirety of the Stateline Complex area. The following also remain closed: St. Joe River Rd/Highway 50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek; FSR 1216 from its junction at Highway 218 to its terminus; Gold Flat Campsite (T16N, R30W, Section 23); several trails and areas within the St. Joe Ranger District. The latest information is available at the links below.   
Restrictions: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Coeur d’Alene and Grangeville dispatch areas.  
 
More Information:  
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/ 
Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF 
Lolo National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF Fire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/  
Area Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices. 

Stateline Complex Fire
Community Meeting 

 July 22, 2021 at 8pm MDT

Live stream and recording via

https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

 Virtual Public Meeting Scheduled for Tonight at 8pm/MDT Stateline Complex Fire Daily Update July 22, 2021

Acres:  2,175 acresPersonnel: 208Cause: LightningContainment: 0%Start Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021Location: 6.5 miles SW of St. Regis, MTFuels: Mixed conifer
 Announcement:  A Stateline Complex virtual community meeting is scheduled for tonight (Thursday, July 22, 2021) at 8pm/MDT. The meeting will serve as an opportunity to provide all communities and individuals impacted by the Stateline Complex with a situational update and a platform to ask questions.
Overview: The Stateline Complex continues to experience slow and steady fire growth. However, with the warmer and drier weather outlook, there is potential for fire behavior to increase through tomorrow evening, into the latter half of the week and weekend. Crews continue to utilize direct, indirect and point protection tactics across the Complex. 
Fire Update: Fires within the Stateline Complex continued moderate fire behavior throughout the day, Wednesday, July 21. 2021. Firefighters did identify one new start; however, they were able to quickly respond and successfully contain it. Crews also made progress on several fires on the northern perimeter, including Broadaxe and Berge Peak, and anticipate containment of those two fires within the next 24 hours. Personnel continue to monitor fire activity via air and ground operations to identify suppression options for the remaining fires within the Complex, including the two largest, Dolly Creek and Tumbledown. 
Weather: Yesterday, an upper level disturbance moved over the fires from the west, resulting in very little precipitation some light rain. Today will be the coolest day in the extended forecast as the Stateline Complex will transition to a warming and drying trend with extensive regional smoke impacts over the weekend and into early next week.
Closures: A temporary flight restriction remains in effect for the entirety of the Stateline Complex area. The following also remain closed: St. Joe River Rd/Highway 50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek; FSR 1216 from its junction at Highway 218 to its terminus; Gold Flat Campsite (T16N, R30W, Section 23); several trails and areas within the St. Joe Ranger District. The latest information is available at the links below.  Restrictions: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Idaho Panhandle (Coeur d’Alene and Grangeville dispatch areas). 
More Information: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNFLolo National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNFFire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ Area Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices.

 Dry, Hot Temperatures Lead to Increased Fire Activity Stateline Complex Fire Daily Update July 23, 2021

Acres:  2,262 acresPersonnel: 220Cause: LightningContainment: 0%Start Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021Location: 6.5 miles SW of St. Regis, MTFuels: Mixed conifer
Overview: The Stateline Complex showed increasing fire behavior today. Active perimeters showed moderate fire behavior aligning with the extended drying trend this week. Smoke may be visible to surrounding communities as more dead and downed fuel begins to ignite. Crews continue to utilize direct, indirect and point protection tactics across the Complex. 
Fire Update: The Dolly Creek and Tumbledown Fires had increased activity today but only showed light to moderate growth. Crews made progress on two fires of the fires on the northern perimeter, including the Berge Peak and Broadaxe Fires. Personnel continue to monitor fire activity via air and ground operations to identify suppression options for the remaining fires within the Complex, including the two largest, Dolly Creek and Tumbledown. 
Weather: Hotter and much drier trends begin today due to an upper level ridge building over the Idaho Panhandle. West winds are expected to be 15 mph with 20 mph gusts later in the afternoon. Temperatures will be around 80° on slopes and ridges and 82-88° in valleys. 
Closures: A temporary flight restriction remains in effect for the entirety of the Stateline Complex area. The following also remain closed: St. Joe River Rd/Highway 50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek; FSR 1216 from its junction at Highway 218 to its terminus; Gold Flat Campsite (T16N, R30W, Section 23); several trails and areas within the St. Joe Ranger District. The latest information is available at the links below.  Restrictions: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Idaho Panhandle (Coeur d’Alene and Grangeville dispatch areas) and several areas of Montana. See links below for more information and maps. COVID Mitigations: Due to increasing COVID case reports and concerns, Southwest Incident Management Team 5 has implemented safety protocols to mitigate exposure risk to protect firefighters as well as the public.
More Information: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNFLolo National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNFFire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ Area Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices.

Firefighters succeed at putting out two of twelve fires as increasing temperatures, visible smoke and fire activity continue across the Complex  
Stateline Complex Fire Daily Update July 24, 2021 
 
 
Acres:  2,357 acres 
Personnel: 256 
Cause: Lightning 
Containment: 3% 
 
Start Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 
Location: 6.5 miles SW of St. Regis, MT 
Fuels: Mixed conifer, and brush 
 
Overview: Crews were successful in putting out two of the 12 fires on the Stateline Complex, specifically, Berge Peak and Broadaxe. However, the remaining fires on the Stateline Complex continue to show increasing fire behavior. Smoke may continue to be visible to surrounding communities as more dead and downed fuel begins to ignite. Crews continue to utilize direct, indirect tactics across the Complex.  
 
Fire Update: The Stateline Complex is anticipated to show increased momentum over the weekend as the drying trend continues across the area. Active perimeters on a majority of the fires within the Stateline Complex continued spreading in all directions on Friday, July 23, with increased fire behavior where slope and fuels aligned. Personnel continue to successfully construct fire breaks along several of the fires, while other areas continue to present logistical challenges due limited resources and steep terrain. Air and ground operations will continue to monitor fire activity to identify suppression options for the remaining fires within the Complex.  
 
Weather: Friday was a transition day from a moister environment into a drying trend for the fires on the Stateline Complex. West winds brought gusts up to 25 mph along the higher ridgetops on Friday, July 23, and temperatures will continue to increase into the weekend. The area will continue to experience a gradual warming trend through early next week. Winds in the valleys and on slopes will be terrain driven, with westerly breezes gusting to 20 mph at ridgetops. Temperatures will range up to high 70s on ridges to high 80s in valleys. 
 
Smoke Report: The Stateline Complex consists of numerous fires burning on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, the two largest being the Dolly Creek and Tumbledown Fires. While we've experienced relatively good air quality, despite the increased fire behavior, changes are expected. Winds are lighter, so more smoke will be visible as it settles into valleys and drainages. Smoky skies from the larger fires burning west of the Stateline Complex will also return and air quality will get worse throughout the weekend. 
 
Closures:  The Lolo National Forest has issued emergency road and trail closures on the Superior Ranger District in response to increased fire activity on the Stateline Complex. As of July 24, 2021, road access to Diamond and Cliff Lakes is now closed due to fire activity. Dry Creek Road #342 remains open for motorized use.  The following roads and trails are closed for public and firefighter safety:  Diamond Lake Road #7843, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 to the end of the road; Diamond Lake Trail #56, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 to the end of the trail; Cliff Lake Trail #100, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 to the end of the trail; and Dry Creek Divide Trail #203, from milepost 11.94 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 to the end of the trail.   
 
Additionally, a temporary flight restriction remains in effect for the entirety of the Stateline Complex area and several other areas remain closed, including Quartz Creek as well as the following: St. Joe River Rd/Highway 50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek; FSR 1216 from its junction at Highway 218 to its terminus; Gold Flat Campsite (T16N, R30W, Section 23); several trails and areas within the St. Joe Ranger District. The latest information is available at the links below. All closure information will continue to be available on the Stateline Complex Inciweb page (link below). 
Restrictions: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Idaho Panhandle (Coeur d’Alene and Grangeville dispatch areas).  
COVID Mitigations: Due to increasing COVID case reports and concerns, Southwest Incident Management Team 5 has implemented safety protocols to mitigate exposure risk to protect firefighters as well as the public. 
 
More Information:  
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/  
Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF  
Lolo National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF  Fire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/  and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/   
Area Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices . 
Smoke Report: https://montanawildfiresmoke.org/  

 Forest Service News Release
 
Contact: Kate Jerman (406) 552-7944; Katelyn.jerman@usda.gov 

Lolo National Forest Issues Road and Trail Closures in Response to Stateline Complex St. Regis, MT, July 24— The Lolo National Forest has issued emergency road and trail closures on the Superior Ranger District in response to increased fire activity on the Stateline Complex which is burning on the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests to the south and west of the Idaho-Montana state line and approximately thirteen air-miles south and west of St. Regis, MT. 

Road access to Diamond and Cliff Lakes is now closed due to fire activity. Dry Creek Road #342 remains open for motorized use. The following roads and trails are closed for public and firefighter safety:  • Diamond Lake Road #7843, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 to the end of the road • Diamond Lake Trail #56, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 to the end of the trail.• Cliff Lake Trail #100, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 to the end of the trail • Dry Creek Divide Trail #203, from milepost 11.94 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 to the end of the trail. 

For continued information on the Stateline Complex please visit: Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/  Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNFFire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/Area Closure Information: o Idaho Panhandle National Forests (Idaho): https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices; o Lolo National Forest (Montana): https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices ###USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

  LOLO NATIONAL FORESTSupervisor’s Order ROAD AND TRAILCLOSURE
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50 (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System land described below, within the Superior Ranger District on the Lolo National Forest, Mineral County, Montana.
PROHIBITIONS1. Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54 (e).2. Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55 (a).
CLOSED ROAD1. Diamond Lake Road, National Forest System Road #7843, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 (T16N, R28W, Sect. 4) to the end of the road (T16N, R28W, Sect. 17).As shown on the ATTACHED MAP.
CLOSED TRAIL1. Diamond Lake Trail, NFST #56, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 (T16N, R28W, Sect. 17) to the end of the trail (T16N, R28W, Sect. 18).2. Cliff Lake Trail, NFST #100, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 (T16N, R28W, Sect. 17) to the end of the trail (T16N, R28W, Sect. 18).3. Dry Creek Divide Trail, NFST #203, from milepost 11.94 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 (T16N, R28W, Sect. 6) to the end of the trail (T16N, R29W, Sect. 13).As shown on the ATTACHED MAP.
PURPOSEThe purpose of this order is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from fireactivities.
EXEMPTIONSPursuant to Title 36 C.F.R § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this order. 36 C.F.R § 261.50(e)(1). 2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in performance of an official duty. 36 C.F.R § 261.50(e)(4).
VIOLATIONViolation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3559, 3571, and 3581).
IMPLEMENTATION1. This order will be in effect upon signing and will remain in effect through October 15, 2021, unless rescinded earlier

 

 Fire will continue to increase in momentum as hotter, dryer conditions persist  
Stateline Complex Fire Daily Update July 25, 2021 
 
 
Acres:  2,856 acres 
Personnel: 297 
Cause: Lightning 
Containment: 3% 
Start Date: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 
Location: 6.5 miles SW of St. Regis, MT 
Fuels: Mixed conifer, and brush 
 
Overview: Stateline Complex firefighters anticipate similar fire behavior as earlier in the weekend with consistent spread in dead fuels with potential for upslope pushes when topography and fuels align. Smoke from this Complex as well as fires burning to the west will continue to be visible to the surrounding area. Crews continue to utilize direct, indirect tactics across the Complex.  
 
Fire Update: The fires within the Stateline Complex showed Moderate fire behavior today with the majority of fire behavior being surface fire within heavy dead/down fuels. Perimeters on a majority of the fires within the Complex continued spreading in all directions, with increased fire behavior where slope and fuels align. Crews will continue to monitor fire activity and construct direct and indirect line where the highest probability of success exists. 
 
Weather: Hotter and drier conditions will persist through Sunday across the Stateline Complex. Gusty southwest winds and low humidity are expected to reach lower elevations on Sunday. By early next week, cloud cover will provide a slight cooling trend with humidity rising slightly. 
 
Smoke Report: Air quality continues to degrade, and unhealthy levels are likely throughout the day. Smoke from the Stateline Complex and larger fires burning to the west of the Complex will be present and will continue to settle into valleys and drainages, much of which will linger until a significant weather event occurs to scour it out. 
 
Closures:  On Saturday, July 24, the Lolo National Forest issued several emergency closures due to increased fire activity on the Stateline Complex. Access to Diamond and Cliff Lakes remains closed as well as the following roads and trails:  Diamond Lake Road #7843, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 to the end of the road; Diamond Lake Trail #56, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 to the end of the trail; Cliff Lake Trail #100, from milepost 0.00 at junction with Diamond Lake Road #7843 to the end of the trail; and Dry Creek Divide Trail #203, from milepost 11.94 at junction with Dry Creek Road #342 to the end of the trail.   
 
Additionally, a temporary flight restriction remains in effect for the entirety of the Stateline Complex area and several other areas remain closed, including Quartz Creek as well as the following: St. Joe River Rd/Highway 50 between Bluff and Bruin Creek; FSR 1216 from its junction at Highway 218 to its terminus; Gold Flat Campsite (T16N, R30W, Section 23); several trails and areas within the St. Joe Ranger District. The latest information is available at the links below. All closure information will continue to be available on the Stateline Complex Inciweb page (link below). Dry Creek Road #342 remains open for motorized use. 
Restrictions: Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Idaho Panhandle (Coeur d’Alene and Grangeville dispatch areas).  
COVID Mitigations: Due to increasing COVID case reports and concerns, Southwest Incident Management Team 5 has implemented safety protocols to mitigate exposure risk to protect firefighters as well as the public. 
 
More Information:  
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7627/  
Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF  
Lolo National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF  Fire Restriction Information: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/  and https://www.mtfireinfo.org/   
Area Closure Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices . 
Smoke Report: https://montanawildfiresmoke.org/  

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov

Stateline Complex Fire

Community Meeting

 

July 26, 2021 at 8pm MDT

Live stream and recording via

https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

 

Due to Covid safety concerns, everyone is encouraged to attend virtually via the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook page at the link above. You do not need a Facebook to view the video.