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and C. This order becomes effective on September 2 , 2022, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2022, unless rescinded sooner.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

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 20, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 19, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Fire activity will remain minimal through the weekend allowing firefighters to take advantage of the cooler and wetter weather. A suppression repair branch was activated today. The goal of suppression repair is to return damaged areas to a stable condition that reflects pre-fire conditions. Post-fire repair efforts include debris removal, fence and gate repair, dozer line rehab, and other damage repair related to wildland fire suppression operations.

Double Creek Fire: 157,185 acres | 27% contained |740 personnel assigned

The lightning-caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, with the protection of lives and property the primary objectives. Crews scouted the northern perimeter of the fire to identify areas for suppression actions. Firefighters are planning to take advantage of the cooler and wetter weather to limit the fire’s spread. Crews are continuing to monitor and mop up the west side of the fire.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

The Wallowa County Sheriff's Office issued an updated list of road closures this morning at 10:00 a.m.

Fire Road Closure Updates - Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10:00 AM

Road Closures:

• Lostine River Rd south of the Forest Boundary 
• Lower Imnaha Rd & Dug Bar Rd closed
• Upper Imnaha Rd closed
• Hat Point Rd closed  
• FS 39 Road is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground including the Canal Rd (3920) and Lick Creek Rd (3925)

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 17, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The Southern Area Blue Team assumed command of the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires at 6:00 a.m. today. The team worked alongside the outgoing Pacific Northwest team yesterday to assess the current situation of the fires and gain knowledge of the area that will help develop their plan moving forward. The Southern Area Blue Team plans to use the favorable current weather to make operational decisions that will set firefighters and the community up well when the forecasted warmer and drier weather arrives. Suppression and protection strategies will continue to be used but the team will also look to establish suppression repair branches in the coming days.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires  

There are three lightning caused fires within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires are being managed to protect public and private infrastructure, while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness.  

Nebo Fire: 12,588 acres | 92 personnel assigned 

Fire activity has been minimal. Crews were able to continue cleaning up the roadside fuels reduction project that was done on 39 Road yesterday after operations were delayed by weather on Thursday. Crews will work on the 3925 Road today, cleaning up remaining trees and brush left over from prepping that road. The Southern Area Blue Team will continue to improve on a fuel break north of the fire.

Weather: This weekend will be cool and recent high humidity will remain. There are chances of rain this weekend, but the rain will not fall across a wide area. The system will likely come from the south and the Sturgill Fire currently has the best chance of receiving rain. The Nebo Fire and Double Creek Fire may receive little to no precipitation. This afternoon shows chances for thunderstorms that could last into the evening. One week remains in this period of cooler, wetter conditions before the area trends back to a warmer, drier period.

Smoke: A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office rescinded all evacuation levels at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14.

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 Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire). 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)].

Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire. The Sturgill Fire TFR (TFR 2/3189) was released on September 15 after the fire was placed in patrol status. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.  

Restrictions: Forest Order #06-16-00-22-04 covers Phase B Fire Restrictions for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, except for the area within a ¼ mile of the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam, River Mile 247.5, downstream to the Oregon-Washington border at Snake River Mile 176.0, which is regulated by Forest Order #06-16-04-22-01. 
 

Fire Information 

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM  

Phone: 541-216-4579 

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov  

• Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/  

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires 

• YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires 

FINAL DAILY UPDATE: Based on current and expected fire activity, this will be the final daily update for the Rum Creek Fire

Warmer weather and low relative humidity levels forecasted for this weekend will assist fire crews on their mission to seek and destroy any lingering heat within 200-feet of containment lines. Fire crews are on track to meet all suppression goals and are winding down this weekend with operations expected to come to an end early next week.
Containment is currently 90-percent.
Heavy equipment and fire crews are still travelling and working along roads within and near the fire area. If your weekend recreation plans include travel near the forest, please to use caution and keep in mind that recreational and road closures are still in place. Plan ahead and slow down to help ensure everyone can enjoy this beautiful fall weekend.Since this is the final daily update for the Rum Creek Fire, please utilize the link and phone number listed below for updates on current conditions and potential openings of roads and recreational areas. Any future updates will be provided by local fire agencies if necessary.
Road Checkpoints: Road blocks are located at: Galice Rd north of Almeda; Peavine East Road at Bear Camp Road; Peavine West Road at Upper Bear Camp Road; Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Hog Creek Road at Galice Road; and Galice Road at the bridge by Grave Creek Boat Ramp.
Recreation Area Openings: The Rogue River Trail (river right) is open, as is Almeda County Park. Rocky Bar, Robert Dean, Chair, and Rand Recreation sites remain closed at this time. The Rainie Falls National Recreation Trail (on river left) remains closed. The Grave Creek boat ramp is not accessible from Galice Road. Additional recreation sites are being assessed. Please call BLM Grants Pass Office, 541-471-6500, for more information. Revised closure order and map: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon- washington/fire-restrictions.
River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek is open. The Smullin Visitor Center in Rand is now open for permits, and new permits are being issued. The recreation section of the Rogue River is open, however the Rand and Argo Boat Ramps are closed. Day users are recommended to take out at Almeda. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information

 A warming trend will begin today as the low-pressure system that brought almost a half-inch of rain to the fire area begins to move east. Small vegetation gains moisture quickly, but it also loses moisture quickly. As the sun returns, along with warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels, pockets of unburned vegetation will once again be available to burn. An increase in smoke production is possible as temperatures move back into the 80’s this weekend.

While larger fuels in the fire’s interior, such as logs and stumps, will continue to smolder until winter arrives, firefighters expect to complete mop up operations within the next week. When completed, fire personnel will have located and extinguished any remaining pockets of heat within 200-feet of containment lines.
 
A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) team is being briefed today. This team will examine the burned area to identify locations in the forest that were impacted by high intensity fire. They will develop a plan to assist with revegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion control. 

Scattered showers are expected to continue over the Rum Creek Fire today, however a warming and drying trend is expected heading into the weekend. Temperatures pushing 90-degrees are expected by Sunday with lower humidity levels. Containment increased to 87-percent on Tuesday.