Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 28, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Today will be very similar to yesterday with hot, dry, and breezy conditions and lower fuel moistures with increased fire behavior where pockets of heat remain. Close monitoring of areas of concern will be conducted and resources are pre-positioned to respond quickly as conditions change. Post-fire suppression repair will continue in portions of all fire areas as safety and conditions allow.

Double Creek Fire: 161,510 acres, 3,697 acre increase | 89% contained | 407 personnel assigned The northern edge of the fire remains active with some movement into the Cow Creek Drainage overnight. Monitoring of this area continues with crews prepared to respond as needed. Substantial daily progress is being made in suppression repair along the western edge of the burn area and should be completed within a few days. Change in acreage due to growth and adjustment for accuracy.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires Sturgill Fire: 21,103 acres, 191 acre increase (adjusted) | 72% of objectives achieved | 60 personnel assigned Less active burning occurred in the northwest corner yesterday with little movement. Additional crews have been deployed to Red’s Horse Ranch to reinforce existing structure protection as a precaution.

Nebo Fire: 12,602 acres, 2 acre increase | 78% of objectives achieved | 0 personnel assigned

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 548 acres, 12 acre increase | 0 personnel assigned Will continue to monitor these fires from aircraft as smoke and weather permits. The Goat Mountain 2 Fire generated most of the smoke observed yesterday with rocky terrain and bordering fire scars limiting fire spread.

Weather: High temperatures will be from the mid 70s to mid 80s in most valleys, and up to the mid 90s below 3000 ft. Ridgetop temperatures will be in the 70s with relative humidity in the 10 to 20% range for all elevations. Breezy winds expected with gusts to 28 mph at ridgetops and to 23 mph in valleys. Humidity recovery will be good tonight with valley relative humidity reaching 70 to 90% and 60 to 70% on ridgetops.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:  Closure orders are in effect for the Double Creek, Nebo, and Sturgill Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available here. Roads within area closures and Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east to the junction with FSR 8250-040, FSR 3900-100, and FSR 3900-200 remain closed.

Road Closures: Upper Imnaha Road, Hat Point Road, Lower Imnaha Road, and Dug Bar Road are closed.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings. Flammable material shall be cleared within a 3-foot radius and avoid overhanging limbs. Attend fires at all times and fully extinguish when not attended.

Fire Information
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM            
Phone: 541-216-4579
Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov  

Double Creek Fire
InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/  
Facebook www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022  
YouTube https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires
Sturgill Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 26, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM Highlights: Today will be hot and dry with conditions similar to mid-August as opposed to late September. High fuel moisture and lack of wind will prevent any large fire growth. Instead, any active fire will be “skunking around”. This low intensity fire acts similar to a prescribed burn, cleaning up unburned pockets of fuel resulting in a more fire-resistant landscape and a healthier forest.

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 25, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM Highlights: Forest Service Road 39 is open to the public, as are most other roads outside of the fire closure areas. Four roads of note that remain closed are the Upper and Lower Imnaha roads and Hat Point road and Dug Bar road. All roads and trails within the fire closure areas are closed. FOREST ORDER NO. 06-16-04-22-13 details all of the road, area and trail closures related to the Double Creek, Sturgill and Nebo fires.

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 24, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Fire Road Closure Update
Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Road Closures
o Lower Imnaha Rd & Dug Bar Rd Closed
o Upper Imnaha Rd closed
o Hat Point Rd closed

Sheriff Joel Fish

Please refer to the Forest Service websites for fire information

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 23, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM
Public Meeting – Friday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM at Joseph Community Event Center and streamed via Facebook Live  – CANCELEDHighlights: The public meeting scheduled for today at the Joseph Community and Event Center and on Facebook Live has been canceled. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry, in conjunction with the Southern Area Blue Team, decided the recent rains and subsequent reduction in fire behavior negated the need for the meeting. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest updated their road, trail and area closures and their public use restrictions, the details of those updates can be found on the Double Creek Fire Facebook page.

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two FiresSeptember 22, 2022 Daily Update – 8:00 AM
 
Public Meeting – Friday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM at Joseph Community Event Center and streamed via Facebook Live
 
Highlights: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest updated their road, trail and area closures and their public use restrictions today. The road, trail and area closers took effect on September 21, 2022 and the specifics can be found on the Double Creek Fire Facebook page. The public use restrictions, sometimes referred to as fire restrictions, will be reduced from Phase B to Phase A. Those changes are set to take effect on Friday, September 23rd at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time and are also posted to the Double Creek Fire Facebook page.

Double Creek Fire: 157,320 acres | 58% contained | 579 personnel assigned

The fire grew twenty-four acres in the last twenty-four hours. The Incident Commander flew over the northern portion of the fire yesterday and observed isolated pockets of fire burning in grass and downed logs. Crews are monitoring this area to see what impact today’s precipitation will have on fire activity. A dozer line is being constructed on the southern edge of the fire to tie existing fireline into the road system. The entire western edge of the fire is now contained.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires were lightning-caused and are being managed to protect public and private infrastructure while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness. Progress on managed fires is expressed through the accomplishment of ecological and fuel reduction objectives as opposed to progress on full suppression fires, which is expressed through containment.

Nebo Fire: 12,600 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved | 54 personnel assigned

The fire grew one acre in the last twenty-four hours. Equipment on FSR 3920-50 is chipping trees, slash, and brush. While the direct impact of this fuel reduction work is to slow the progress of the Nebo fire should conditions change and fire activity increase, this will also provide long-term benefits for forest health and improved wildlife habitat. Crews will monitor the fire and mop any hot spots discovered.

Sturgill Fire: 20,192 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 64 personnel assigned

The fire grew thirty-four acres in the last twenty-four hours. Fire suppression repair continues to be the main mission today. Trucks are hauling trees cut outside of the wilderness to staging areas where they will be sold and then taken to a mill for processing. Excavators and masticators are chipping brush and debris. Those chips then play a vital role in recycling nutrients back into the soil. Pumps, hoses, and other equipment used during fire suppression are being transported back to the main incident camp for rehab.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

The Goat Mountain 2 Fire exhibited zero growth in the last twenty-four hours. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Cloudy skies and scattered rain showers will persist throughout the day. Highs are expected to reach the high 60s in the lower areas and the high 50s to low 60s higher up. Gusty winds are possible across the fire areas as the low pressure system moves through the area.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east to the junction with FSR 8250-040, FSR 3900-100, and FSR 3900-200 remain closed. All forest service roads within the new area closure boundaries are closed. Wallowa County Road 727 remains open.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings and in areas not conducive to rapid fire spread. All flammable material shall be cleared within a 3-foot radius from the edge of the pit and free of overhanging material. Use existing pits wherever possible. All fires need to be attended at all times and fully extinguished when not attended.

Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire. Be aware that flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.

Fire Information
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: 541-216-4579
Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022 
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires
Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE Wallowa-Whitman National Forest FOREST ORDER NO. 06-16-04-22-13 Double Creek, Nebo and Sturgill Fire Closure Order Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following prohibitions are established within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Wallowa Valley Ranger District, and Eagle Cap Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest within the areas described below and shown on Exhibits A, B and C. This order becomes effective on September 2 , 2022, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2022, unless rescinded sooner. This order supersedes FOREST ORDER NO. 06- 16-05-22-11.

PROHIBITIONS
1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).
2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e).
3. Being on a National Forest System Trail. 36 CFR § 261.55(a). EXHIBIT A STURGILL

FIRE CLOSURE AREA: All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the following boundary:

Starting at the intersection of the Eagle Cap Wilderness boundary and Trail #1670 (Minam Lake) in T. 4 S, R. 43 E. Section 1, then following the Wilderness boundary north and west to the intersection with Trail #1653 (Bear Creek) in T.1 S., R.42 E Section 2. The closure boundary then follows Trail #1653 south to the junction with Trail # 1654 (Dobbin Creek), and then follows Trail #1654 west to the junction with Trail #1677 (Standley Ridge). The closure boundary then follows Trail #1677 south to the junction with Trail #1655 (Bear Minam), and then continues southwest on Trail #1655 to the intersection with Trail #1673 (Minam River). It then follows Trail #1673 north to the junction with the Trail #1908 (Horse Ranch) and follows Trail #1908 west to the bridge crossing the Minam River. The closure boundary then follows the Minam River south to the intersection with Trail #1905 (North Fork Catherine Creek) and east on Trail #1905 to the junction with Trail #1673 (Minam River). It then follows Trail #1673 southeast to the junction with Trail #1676 (Granite Gulch) and follows Trail #1676 north and east to the junction with Trail #1656 (Copper Creek). The closure boundary then follows Trail #1656 east to the junction with Trail #1670 (Minam Lake) and follows Trail #1670 north to the point of origin.

The following closure boundary trails will remain open:

Trail #1670 (Minam Lake). Trail #1653 (Bear Creek) north of the Wilderness boundary. Trail #1654 (Dobbin Creek). Trail #1677 (Standley Ridge) north of the junction with Trail #1655 (Bear Minam). Trail #1673 (Minam River) north of the junction with Trail #1655 and south of the junction with Trail #1905 (North Fork Catherine Creek). Trail #1908 (Horse Ranch). The following roads and trails are closed: Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east of the junction with FSR 8250-040. Trail #1655 (Bear Minam).

EXHIBIT B NEBO FIRE ROAD AND TRAIL CLOSURE:
All National Forest System roads and trails identified below:

Forest Service Road (FSR) 3900-100. FSR 3900-200. Trail #1819 (Wagon Road).
Trail #1828 (Wing Ridge). Trail #1809 (Lick Creek).
Trail #1812 (McCully Creek) from the junction with Trail #1819 north to McCully Creek Divide.
Trail #1802 (Bonny Lakes) from the junction with Trail #1819 north west to Bonny Lakes.

EXHIBIT C DOUBLE CREEK FIRE CLOSURE AREA

All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the following boundary:

Starting at a point ¼ mile west of the Snake River and along the Imnaha River, following the Imnaha River south to the intersection with Wallowa-Whitman National Forest boundary in T.2 N., R.48 E. Section 16. The closure boundary then follows the Forest boundary south to Wallowa County Road 727, and south along Road 727 to the intersection with the power line corridor running east-west from Hells Canyon Dam in T.4 S., R.48 E. Section 8. It then follows the power line corridor east to a point ¼ mile west of the Snake River in T.4 S., R.49 E. Section 4 and then north along a line located ¼ mile west of the Snake River to the point of origin.

Wallowa County Road 727 will remain open.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 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 Order), specifically exempting them from this order.
(2) Any Federal, State, or local Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
(3) Forest Service employees performing official duties. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of these prohibitions are 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 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two FiresSeptember 21, 2022Daily Update – 8:00 AM
Public Meeting – Friday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM at Joseph Community Event Center and streamed via Facebook Live
Highlights: Today will bring a change in weather as the warmer temperatures and lower humidity from previous days transition to rain and possible thunderstorms this evening. Current estimates range from one-tenth of an inch to over half an inch of rain through Thursday. Winds will increase throughout the day with the potential for strong gusts as the low-pressure system settles in. Friday will bring a return to clear skies, warmer temperatures, and lower humidity.
Double Creek Fire: 157,296 acres | 47% contained | 587 personnel assigned The fire grew twenty-nine acres in the last twenty-four hours. Reconnaissance and infrared flights showed that the northern edge of the fire is still burning in heavy fuels and large logs and will continue to be monitored. Crews are continuing to construct fire line along the southern edge of the fire. Firefighting equipment and gear along the Snake River has been removed. Much of that equipment will be refurbished and tested so that it can be used to combat future wildfires.
Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires were lightning-caused and are being managed to protect public and private infrastructure while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness. Progress on managed fires is expressed through the accomplishment of ecological and fuel reduction objectives as opposed to progress on full suppression fires, which is expressed through containment.
Nebo Fire: 12,599 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved | 64 personnel assigned
The fire grew six acres in the last twenty-four hours. Chipping along Forest Service Road 3920-100 is complete, equipment has been moved to FSR 3920-50 to continue chipping trees, slash, and brush. These treatments will provide near- and long-term fuel breaks, allow indirect suppression operations, and serve as an integral part of the forest’s fire containment network. Crews are transitioning to fire suppression repair as fire activity remains low.
Sturgill Fire: 20,158 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 46 personnel assigned
The fire grew twenty-nine acres in the last twenty-four hours. Crews are focused on fire suppression repair. This involves log trucks hauling trees cut to create the shaded fuel break, excavators and masticators chipping brush and debris, and the removal of pumps, hoses, and other equipment used during fire suppression. Additionally, containment lines are being rehabilitated through the addition of native material and the installation of water bars. Firefighters will continue to mop up smoldering logs and monitor the area to ensure that the fire remains in check.
Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned
The Goat Mountain 2 Fire exhibited zero growth in the last twenty-four hours. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.
Weather: Clear skies and warmer temperatures will transition to cooler weather and rain in the afternoon or evening. Highs are expected to reach the eighties in the lower areas and the high sixties to low seventies higher up. Temperatures will drop as rain and thunderstorms move in from the west.
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.
Road Closures: Lostine River Road at the Forest Service boundary is closed. Highway 350 going to the town of Imnaha is open. Lower Imnaha Road and Dug Bar Road are closed, Upper Imnaha Road is closed, Hat Point Road is closed, and FS 39 Road is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground [including the Canal Rd (3920) and Lick Creek Road (3925)].
Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. All fires are prohibited except when fueled by liquid petroleum, charcoal contained in a firepan, or contained in a woodstove with a chimney and spark arresting screen. All fires need to be attended at all times, fully extinguished when not attended, and located in an area free of vegetation within three feet of the fire.
Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire. Be aware that flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.
Fire InformationOffice Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Phone: 541-216-4579Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov
Double Creek Fire · InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/ · Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022 · YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-FireEagle Cap Wilderness Fires· Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/ · Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/ · Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/· Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires· YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires