Bozeman Ranger District fire managers are postponing ignitions on planned burns in Hyalite Canyon near Langohr campground, south of Bozeman, Montana. As well as planned burns in the South Brackett Creek and Fairy Lake areas of the North Bridgers. Associated closures for the burn areas are lifted.

Fire managers remain in constant coordination with weather forecasters and smoke specialists leading up to and during a prescribed burn.

At this time, forecasted weather conditions (specifically potential high winds and low relative humidity) are no longer providing favorable conditions to conduct prescribed fire operations. Although conditions could be favorable today, conditions don’t appear favorable into Friday and over the weekend which could lead to challenges with holding and mop up operations.

The Bozeman Ranger District will continue to look for favorable burning conditions in the near future and new notifications will occur at that time.

FIRE ACTIVITY: 

The Red Rock Fire is at 3,615 acres and 78% containment.  

Over the last few days the Red Rock Fire added about 250 acres, primarily on the northeast side of the fire in the Fourth of July Creek area. Firefighters are conducting burnout operations there to bring the fire safely down to the creek. Poor overnight humidity recovery and westerly winds gusting over 20 mph allowed for alignment of fuels in east-west drainages in the interior of the fire as well. On the north, south, and west sides of the fire, where containment has been established, crews are monitoring fire activity and beginning suppression repair work. 

The Black Eagle Fire is at 7,935 acres and 16% containment. 

The Black Eagle Fire added about 500 acres over the last few days, primarily in designated wilderness on the north side of the fire. The west to east drainages remain in alignment with westerly winds and activity was observed in Blackeagle Creek as well as the drainages above Yellowjacket Creek. Use of aircraft was needed to maintain control features. 

WEATHER: 

Weak high pressure over the fire area will bring light southwesterly winds and cooler temperatures today. Due to the cooler morning temperatures, the morning humidity recovery will be higher than the past few evenings, but the afternoon humidity will again dip into the lower teens. Today’s forecast high for the fire area is 60 with southwest winds only reaching about seven mph with gusts to 16 mph. A more powerful system will move into the Pacific Northwest Friday, bringing strong winds but continued dry conditions. 

FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

Nearly all fuels are available across both fires, though heavy dead and down fuels remain most problematic for firefighters. Areas where humidities fall below 25% with gusty afternoon winds can experience increased activity, including short-range spotting. Opportunities to attack the fire directly will likely be confined to morning hours and when effective water support is available. 

FOREST CLOSURES: For forest closure information please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices 

EVACUATIONS:  For evacuation information in Lemhi County regarding these fires please go to: Emergency Management Department | Lemhi County, ID (lemhicountyidaho.org). 

Elk Fire Update - October 3, 2024

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3

Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander

Date Reported: Friday, September 27, 2024

Cause: Lightning 

Size: 49,555

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 200

Location: Approximately 6 miles northwest of Dayton, Wyoming

Key Messages: The Bighorn National Forest has updated their Closure Order, which is in place for firefighter and public safety. The closed area is north of the Red Grade Road to Highway 26 north to Highway 14 and east of the border of the Medicine Wheel Ranger District and the Tongue Ranger District. 

Hot, windy weather is anticipated to start Friday afternoon and continue into Saturday. This weather will likely bring increased fire activity and spread.

Current Situation: There was significant fire growth yesterday. Crews worked on the southern end to slow the progression of the fire while helicopters dropped water to assist in their efforts. Several retardant drops were completed on the southeast side of the fire by airtankers; the retardant was dropped in areas to protect structures and other resources.

The fire was less active overnight due to cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity over the fire. Today, firefighting operations will continue to focus on direct, indirect and point protection strategies.  Firefighters will be improving existing roads and fireline on the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern portions of the fire area. 

Multiple air resources, including 10 helicopters and a variety of airtankers, will continue to assist firefighters on the ground today as weather conditions allow. With these aerial assets being used on the fire, if you fly a drone or plane within the Temporary Flight Restriction, all air resources will be grounded for safety. Find specifics at 4/3906 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).

Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority. The tactics used to suppress the fire will be determined by the terrain, fire and weather conditions, and medical response time with a focus on only implementing plans and tactics that have a high probability of success.

Closures and Evacuations: Evacuations have been put in place by the Sheridan County Sheriff remain in place; please contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 307-672-3455 or Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174 for more information.

US Highway 14 remains closed from Dayton to Burgess Junction. For additional road closures, please visit the Sheridan County Emergency Management website at Sheridan County (sheridancountywy.gov).

Those needing a place to take livestock or a place to stay in a camper may evacuate to the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. If you need a place to stay and you are evacuated, please contact Sheridan County Emergency Management. Please contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 307-672-3455 or Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174 for more information.

Weather & Smoke Information: Today’s temperatures are expected to be in the upper 50s to low 60s over the fire area with winds out of the southwest around 15mph. Relative humidity will be around 35%. It is expected that the Elk Fire will continue to put up a smoke column; please go to the AirNow website (https://www.airnow.gov/) for smoke information.

ELK FIRE INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline:    307-303-7642    Time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bighornnf 

Email: 2024.elk@firenet.gov

InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybhf-elk-fire-2024

Frog Fire Statistics

• Size: 3,114 acres
• Containment: 77%
• Total Personnel: 31
• Location: east of Clayton, ID
• Reported: September 7, 2024
• Cause: Lightning

For More Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idstf-frog 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

Current Situation: Today firefighters will spread out along the perimeter of the Frog Fire, ready to secure any heat that pops up. The Tadpole Fire, a small spot fire that reignited and was discovered two days ago, was declared out yesterday afternoon. Strong winds are forecast to move over the Frog Fire tomorrow with gusts up to 50 mph possible. The containment line along the perimeter of the Frog Fire has previously been wind-tested and held secure.

Evacuations:  There are currently no evacuations related to the Frog Fire.

Closures:  The area closure in place around the Frog Fire includes FS 667 (Big Boulder Creek Road) and Trail 047 where adjacent to the closure boundary. The closure excludes FS Roads 669 and 670 and Trail 682. Hunters and recreationalists should familiarize themselves with this closure information prior to entering the vicinity.  Please reference the map and read the full closure description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idstf-frog. Fire managers and local forest officials are evaluating the current closure area for a reduction in size once it is safe to do so.

The Lolo National Forest, along with their interagency partners and neighbors, is preparing to implement fall prescribed fire projects across the forest. Prescribed fire is part of the Forest’s annual fire management program to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife forage, and create conditions which minimize impacts from future wildfires around our communities.

Weather and conditions permitting, prescribed burns may occur this month and continue through November. Planned prescribed fire operations include aerial and hand ignitions on up to 2,000 acres of underburning and pile burning in 12 project areas throughout the Lolo National Forest. 

Some of these prescribed fires are supported through partnerships with Montana DNRC, The Nature Conservancy, Missoula and Frenchtown Rural Fire Departments, Bureau of Land Management, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Upland Game Bird Enhancement Group. 

“Partners increase our capacity to utilize prescribed fire as a management tool and promote restoration of the forest landscape,” said Jeff Hayes, Lolo National Forest Fuels Specialist.

Public and firefighter safety is the top priority in all prescribed fire operations. Fire managers develop burn plans accounting for safety, specific fuel and weather prescriptions, and smoke management. Prior to implementation, local fire managers coordinate with local cooperators, counties, and partners.  All prescribed burns are closely evaluated and are only approved when favorable conditions are present.

All prescribed fires will be implemented in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the appropriate county health departments to reduce the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators, and surrounding communities. For additional information on air quality, smoke management, and forecasts, see https://mi.airshedgroup.org/.

For additional information about the status of prescribed fire projects follow the Lolo National Forest on Facebook or visit InciWeb.  If you have questions additional questions, please contact the Lolo National Forest Fire Information Line: 406-560-5638.

Wapiti Fire Statistics

• Size: 125,758 acres
• Completion: 78%
• Total Personnel: 273
• Location: near Grandjean, ID
• Reported: July 24, 2024
• Cause: Lightning

For More Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-wapiti-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wapitifireinfo2024

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/WapitiFireInfo2024

Interactive Map:  https://tinyurl.com/WapitiFireInfoMap

Special Emphasis: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Stanley Basin is still rated green/good today but there has been an increase in smoke the last few days. The smoke is from additional fire activity on the Wapiti Fire as well as multiple other fires in the area. You can check air quality and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map at https://www.airnow.gov/. 

Collection of firewood within the closure areas is prohibited; any firewood collection in open areas must be done with a valid firewood permit. For questions on firewood collection on the Sawtooth National Forest, please contact the Stanley Ranger Station at 208.774.3000. 

Weather: Today will be warm and dry with lighter winds and gusts of 10 to 15 mph on ridgetops. On Friday there is a Fire Weather Watch with a strong likelihood of becoming a Red Flag Warning – a weather designation for critical conditions that could lead to fire growth on any new or existing fires. Winds of 35 mph are forecast with gusts of up to 50 mph possible. The weather wild card on Friday is the possibility of virga showers, precipitation that evaporates before it hits the ground, and thunderstorms that could create strong downdrafts in any direction.

Current Situation: The south side of the Wapiti Fire, near Big Meadows, was much more active yesterday than it has been over the past several days. The fire is burning through the vegetation in the area and causing increased smoke production. Crews continue to work areas of heat around Chapman Creek where hotspots were active approximately 200 to 300 feet from the fireline perimeter. The vegetation in the area is discontinuous, with interior stands of unburned fuel that are now flaring up with the warm, dry weather. Engines are patrolling along Highway 21 ready to respond as needed. 

Suppression repair is successfully moving along with 98 percent of dozer line and hand line repaired to as close to pre-fire conditions as possible. Mapping suggests 27.9 miles of dozer line and 21.3 miles of hand line are complete. Most of the work in Grandjean is completed; however, continued assessment of the hazards in the area will be ongoing for the foreseeable future. 

Evacuations: Evacuation status for Stanley Zone 1 is currently at READY. All residents should remain alert for any change in conditions that may reinitiate an evacuation status. Sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications: text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF. Sign up for Boise County Alert Sense emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1163. 

For evacuation information on the Wapiti Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/, and the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff/. 

Closures: The Wapiti Fire area closure covers portions of the Sawtooth, Boise, and Salmon-Challis National Forests. Please reference the map and description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incidentclosures/idbof-wapiti-fire. Recreationalists and hunters should reference this map and obey all posted signage regarding the closure area and any related road, trail, and campground closures. Fire managers and local forest officials are evaluating the current closure area for a reduction in size and scope once it is safe to do so. 

An interactive map for all closures on the Boise National Forest is found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/642380b0eb124c8cab6bd9ad3d7146ad/page/Overview/# data_s=id%3AdataSource_5-1888bd00a2c-layer-13-1888bd00b53-layer-16%3A82.

Fish Creek Fire
Total Acres: 25,371
Total Personnel: 312
Containment/Completion: 95%

Pack Trail Fire
Total Acres: 18,774
Total Personnel: 43
Containment/Completion: 0%

Note: Personnel numbers reflect assignments based on accounting code for each fire, not the location of crews. The majority of resources are on the Pack Trail Fire.

Incident Management
IMT3 Nevada Team 4 has reached the end of its 14-day rotation. After shadowing the incident management in place yesterday, California Team 10 took command of both fires today at 6:00 a.m.  

Public Meeting
A public meeting to discuss the current fire situation is scheduled for Friday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m. The public meeting will be held at the National Museum of Military Vehicles, 6419 US 26, Dubois, WY.

Weather
Expect dry, cooler conditions with lighter winds today. The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Friday afternoon through Friday evening due to possible high winds and low humidity. 

Operations
Despite red flag conditions yesterday, firefighters were able to hold the fire to within its same footprint. Ground crews were supported by aerial resources throughout the day without strong winds grounding air operations. Air support helped address two areas of concern in the southeast and northwest corners of the Fish Creek Fire. The fire burned into the Purdy fire scar of 2006 but was largely checked by aviation. 

Firefighters will continue to confine the fire to the south of Highway 26 and north of the FS 532 road and provide structure protection for subdivisions along the highway. Crews will develop confinement lines along the FS540 road, extending north from the Lava Mountain burn scar. They will connect the lines to natural features on Lava Mountain and the Fish Creek Fire farther north. 

Safety
An air quality alert for wildfire smoke was issued on Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. for portions of Central WY, including Dubois. The alert will remain in effect until 1:00 p.m. today. The WY Department of Health recommends that the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time.  

Due to current conditions and expected weather, residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fire or possible ignition sources, including campfires, as well as stay out of posted closed areas and avoid areas around fire impacted zones. 

Closures
Closure Order #04-03-24-314 is in effect from October 1 through October 15, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-313, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area. Click here to access the closure order and map.

Evacuations
Evacuations and evacuation alerts for several subdivisions and ranches in Fremont County WY remain in place. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook page for immediate alerts.

In the fire's interior where heat remains, it will continue to smolder and creep within the fire perimeter with minimal intensity. Smoke will be present until winter snows fully extinguish remaining heat.  

Current Situation:  

• The Lava Fire is 88% contained at 97,615 acres, with 501 personnel assigned. A notable increase in containment is expected over the next several days near God’s Acres and Willow Creek on the northeastern and eastern side of the fire.  
• In these areas, over 100 firefighters are working in steep terrain, directly along the fire perimeter, to secure hotspots.  
• Interior pockets of unburned fuel are slowly being consumed by fire, creating visible smoke columns on the slopes above Lake Cascade. These smokes are not a threat to containment nor to adjacent communities. 
• It is not safe for firefighters to enter deep into the interior of the fire perimeter due to frequent hazard trees and steep slopes.  
• Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is helping ground crews to target any remaining heat that could escape containment lines. 

Weather: Although the temperature is cooling, dry conditions persist. The low relative humidity will reach a near critical level. Nevertheless, fire behavior will remain minimal, and the fire will continue to smolder. The area still retains moisture from the rain event two weeks ago. With shorter daylight hours as fall progresses, there is less available solar radiation to preheat and dry fuels, which would make them receptive to fire. 

Evacuations: A Level 1 “READY” notice remains for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. Learn more at Gem County Sheriff's Office. 

Valley County Sheriff’s Office has removed Zones 2 & 3 from LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Zones 4 – 6 remain in a LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Learn more at Valley County Sheriff's Office. 

Closures: The Boise and Payette National Forests have adjusted the Lava Fire area closure yesterday, increasing access for the public to select areas north and south of the fire perimeter. For updated map and closure information visit Closure areas | Boise National Forest | Facebook. 

Road Closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. Check out updated Gem County closure information at Gem County Sheriff's Office. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8199.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if unauthorized aircrafts, including drones, enter the TFR. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly. 

Fire Info Phone: 208-780-5003  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Email: 2024.Lava@firenet.gov   

Facebook: @LavaFire Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-lava-fire 

Order Number: 02-02-06-24-08

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Bighorn National Forest
Tongue Ranger District
Fire Area Closure

Fire Area Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Tongue Ranger District, Bighorn National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Area"):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

    

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area starts at the northern boundary of the Medicine Wheel Ranger District and the Tongue Ranger District, following the forest boundary southeast to Forest System Road 26. Then following the northern edge of Forest System Road 26 west to Highway 14. Then turning north following the eastern edge of Highway 14 to Burgess Junction. Then to the west following the northern edge of Highway 14A to the junction of the Tongue Ranger District and the Medicine Wheel Ranger District boundary near Pole Creek. Then north along the district boundary following it to the mouth of Little Bighorn Canyon.

This closure includes all National Forest System Roads and Trails within the Described Area.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect firefighter and public safety during the response to the Elk Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from September 28, 2024 at 08:00 a.m. through December 31, 2024, at 12:00 a.m., unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area, Roads, and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/bighorn/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd1090225.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter 11, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Bighorn Nationa! Forest Supervisor's Office in Sheridan, Wyoming,
   (307) 674-2600, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on September 30, 2024.

Andrew K. Johnson, Forest Supervisor

Bighorn National Forest

Line Fire Community Meeting

Saturday October 5, 2024, at 1:00 P.M.

Fire Management Staff with the Line Fire will hold a community meeting at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center, 39707 Big Bear Blvd in Big Bear Lake, CA. 92315

This meeting will also be live-streamed on the U.S. Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest Facebook page.

Topics to be covered: A Line Fire Update, an Update on the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER), Status of Fire Fuels Projects, and a Cal Trans Update, plus a Q and A at the end of the Meeting,