The Jones Creek Fire is burning east of the Snake River on public lands administered by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, about seven miles north of Pittsburg Landing. It was reported early in the morning on September 4th, 2022. The cause is under investigation. Northwest Team 7, Incident Commander Nate LeFevre, assumed command of the fire at 8 pm Sept 8th, 2022.

Status: Successful suppression actions have resulted in slowing the fire’s progression and limiting impacts to values at risk. The fuels in the area are composed of primarily grass, with timber stringers. A wet summer early in the season has resulted in an abundance of grass, and recent hot, dry unstable conditions lead to rapid rates of fire spread experienced during initial attack. Aerial resources and ground crews have been successful in suppression actions. Firefighters have completed indirect contingency dozer and hand lines on the east and south side of the fire where terrain and fuels permit, which could be used if the fire grew significantly in those directions. Dozers are staged at Pittsburg Landing if needed to reinforce fire lines. The fire has burned to the Snake River along the western edge.

Today: Firefighters are looking for opportunities to strengthen the contingency line on the east flank in the Camp Howard Ridge area, and are assessing structure protection needs if the fire moves north into the Getta Creek drainage. The fire has not increased in acreage in the past 48 hours. Some limited pockets of heat remain in isolated areas of heavy fuel. Firefighters will keep a close eye on a pocket of heat in a stringer of timber just west of Fir Ridge on the eastern edge of the fire, and will use a helicopter to drop water on the area as needed.

Weather: Today will bring a wind shift to the north and northeast, with ridgetop gusts to 20 mph. Temperatures will remain warm, in the 80–85-degree range, with very low relative humidity in the 9-13% range. These conditions will tend to favor fire growth toward the south.

Smoke: Along with the much larger Double Creek Fire burning west of the Snake River, these fires have periodically filled the Snake River Canyon with smoke. There is no immediate threat to river travel or boating facilities. River users are asked to remain aware of the status of both fires.

Closures/Restrictions: As of August 5th, 2022, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has entered fire restrictions that prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within designated campfire rings at a developed recreation site.

Evacuations: Homes in the Getta Creek and Deer Creek areas remain in a Level 1 “Get Ready” status.

There is a lot of fire season ahead of us. Please do all you can to prevent new fires. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085229635060 

Smoke and Air Quality: http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/
  
Double Creek Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/

Lake 3 Fire

Date issued

September 9, 2022

Fire information

Please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District office (218) 365-7600 or online at InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)

Description

On September 7, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. a fire was reported to the Superior National Forest. The fire is located at Township 63N, Range 9W, Section 35–southeast of Lake Three and north of Horseshoe Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In response, two Beaver float plans began aerial suppression.  

The day the fire started had higher winds and temperature, despite cooler and wetter overall seasonal conditions overall. Vegetation around the fire contains black spruce swamps and wetlands, which helped keep the fire from building to an active head fire with more intense fire behavior. The fire is estimated at 10 acres.

Resources

Precipitation through rain has started cooling the fire area. Today an incident commander and one firefighter will access the fire on-the-ground. A public safety crew remains in the area due to its high visitor usage in the area. Firefighter and public safety are the top priority.

Closures

One campsite located on the north-east corner of Lake 3, is currently closed for firefighting operations.

Fire Restrictions

None 

Lake 3 Fire

Date issued

September 8, 2022

Fire information

Please contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District office (218) 365-7600 or online at InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)

Description

On September 7, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. a fire was reported to the Superior National Forest. The fire is located at Township 63N, Range 9W, Section 35–southeast of Lake Three and north of Horseshoe Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In response, two Beaver float plans began aerial suppression. The fire is estimated at 10 acres.

Resources

Today Beaver aircraft continue to use aerial water delivery for fire suppression. An upcoming cold front is estimated to bring cooler temperatures, some precipitation and less winds to allow the Superior to reassess if conditions are safer for firefighters to begin ground suppression. Public safety crews are in the area. Firefighter and public safety are the top priority.

Closures

One campsite located on the north-east corner of Lake 3, is currently closed for firefighting operations.

Fire Restrictions

None

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Last night fire crews continued to use infrared cameras to identify areas of heat around the perimeter of the fire. They are mainly finding heat under juniper trees on the southern and western areas.

Today is the last day the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Type 1 Incident Management Team will be in command of the fire. Transition to the local Type 4 team will happen tomorrow at noon. The objectives for the local team will remain the same. Multiple engines and crews will continue to mop up where it warrants.

Weather today will be cooler and more humid. Gusty winds are expected in the late afternoon and early evening.

Residential traffic is allowed in the fire area, but residents are encouraged to drive slowly and be aware of fire operation traffic as they travel through the fire. Bureau of Land Management lands in and around the fire area remain closed to the public.

We would like to remind the public that Klamath and Lake counties are still in extreme fire danger. Human-cause fire stats are down this fire season, so please help your local resources by preventing anything that can spark a fire. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx for fire restrictions in your area or areas you may be traveling to.  

This will be the final fire update from the ODF IMT. The team would like to thank the cooperators and public for their support during the fire. Without local resources and support from the community our team would not have been as successful. 

 Klamath Falls, Ore. – Containment has grown to 60 percent on the Van Meter Fire 13 miles southeast of Klamath Falls. Operations Section Chief Matt Flock shared with nightshift crews that there will be less resources assigned to night shift which means that things are ramping down.  He then reminded them that there was still work to be done in the southern section of the fire. The fire is in a good position on the northern divisions and crews are being moved to other priority areas around the fire.

Pace and purpose are being preached to the firefighters as they enter full mop-up mode. Complacency can set in at this point in the fire where accidents are more likely to occur. With just two minor injuries recorded, this fire’s excellent safety record is a testament to firefighters’ attention to detail and situational awareness.

Cooler weather, higher humidity and minimal wind have contributed to the success of mop-up operations and keeping the fire within the containment lines.  Palm IR cameras will continue to be used to identify hot spots near the fireline where containment lines can be compromised.

Residential traffic is allowed in the fire area, but residents are encouraged to drive slowly and be aware of fire operation traffic as they travel through the fire. Bureau of Land Management lands in and around the fire area remain closed to the public.

Evacuation levels have been lifted. For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  The Red Cross Evacuation Shelter at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center has been closed.

Due to the great work that has been completed, aviation resources were released and made available for higher priority fires around the state. Two local helicopters, based out of the ODF office, are available if needed for any flare ups and new fire starts. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) exists around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.

We would like to remind the public that although we received a small amount of rain yesterday, we are still in extreme fire danger. Fuels are still dry and receptive to fire. Please exercise caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Also, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx for fire restrictions in your area or areas you plan to visit. 

Klamath Falls, Ore. – A small amount of rain fell across the fire overnight, wetting fuels and settling dust on the roads.  Today, crews will take advantage of the higher humidity to continue increasing the mop-up depth into the interior of the fire.  Infrared devices were used again overnight to identify hotspots for day crews to mop-up.  Hoselays are being used across the fire to deliver water to cool and dampen fuels as firefighters dig out burning material.

Due to burning of some interior islands and improvement in the mapping of the fire, it is now 2,539 acres.  There was no new growth outside the existing perimeter.   

Significant mop-up has been completed around the homes in the fire area.  Crews are continuing to monitor and patrol around the homes checking for hot spots.

Roads within the fire area are rocky, with numerous hazards such as rocks, ruts, steep terrain, and narrow roadbeds.  These conditions pose a significant safety risk for firefighters, which is being mitigated by driving slowly, using four-wheel drive if possible, and the use of spotters as needed.

Residential traffic is allowed in the fire area, but residents are encouraged to drive slowly and be aware of fire operation traffic as they travel through the fire.  Bureau of Land Management lands in and around the fire area remain closed to the public.

Cooler weather is expected to continue today, with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms.

Evacuation levels continue to be evaluated based on fire behavior.  For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  The Red Cross Evacuation Shelter at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center has been closed.

Aircraft are available to support firefighters as needed.  A Temporary Flight Restriction exists around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.

The Van Meter Fire started September 7th at approximately 12:30 p.m.  Cause of the fire is under investigation.

A Community Briefing video was released by Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team Sunday night.  The video can be viewed on YouTube at the following link:  https://youtu.be/XUY1AugC5Q4.

COMMUNITY BRIEFING VIDEO- ODF IMT3 and our partners on the Van Meter Fire would like to share our gratitude and appreciation for the communities support and hospitality during our stay while assisting to suppress this fire. This video provides an overview from the initial attack, to the current status, and the next steps.

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Today, firefighting operations on the Van Meter Fire will transition fully into mop-up with the completion of hoselays into the southern portion of the fire.  Firefighters will use water to cool hot-spots and wet burning fuels.  This will increase the efficiency of mop-up and support firefighting activities to widen the black, cold area along the fire perimeter.

The fire remains within the existing footprint and is 2,502 acres.

Last night crews used hand-held infrared viewers to detect hot spots along the perimeter on the northeast side of the fire.  Firefighters will pay special attention through the day to these areas, cooling with water, exposing burning material, and ensuring the spots are cool to the touch.  Use of the hand-held infrared devices will continue tonight.

Structural task forces from the Rogue Valley and Deschutes County returned to their home units Saturday.  The Klamath County Structural Task Force is available if needed for structural protection and wildland resources will continue to monitor, patrol, and mop-up within the residential areas.

One minor accident occurred on the fireline Saturday during dayshift and falling snags and trees continue to be a primary safety concern for firefighters on the line.  Significant effort is focused on safely falling snags near the fire perimeter and in travel routes for firefighter safety.  

Residential traffic is allowed in the fire area, but residents are encouraged to drive slowly and be aware of fire operation traffic as they travel through the fire.  Bureau of Land Management lands in and around the fire area remain closed to the public. 

Evacuation levels continue to be evaluated based on fire behavior.  For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  The Red Cross Evacuation Shelter at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center has been closed.

Temperatures today on the fire will be cooler with higher humidity and the potential for some precipitation tonight and possible showers and thunderstorms on Monday.  As the weather transitions from hot and dry to these cooler conditions there will be an increase in the wind.

A Temporary Flight Restriction exists around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Overnight, firefighters completed fireline around the southern end of the fire and continued to secure the perimeter in other areas.  Matt Flock, Operations Section Chief, reminded resources at briefing “Completing that line helps to lock in the fire, but there is still an incredible amount of work left out there as we transition to mop-up and continue to widen the cold area around the fire.” Smoke may be visible today as unburned fuels within the fire are consumed.

As the work transitions to mop-up and securing fireline in the southern area of the fire, hose-lays will be constructed to provide water to all parts of the fire.  Air resources will continue to provide support to moderate fire behavior as needed.  In the northern area of the fire, where mop-up is already underway, firefighters will be patrolling for hotspots and smoke and gridding for heat.  The goal is to widen the area from the established fireline toward the interior of the fire. 

Structural resources will continue to monitor areas around homes, coordinating with wildland resources which will be working to grid for heat and cold trail these areas.  Cold trailing is a process where firefighters look for signs of fire or smoke, feel the ground for heat, and use water to put out any areas where fire remains.

Due to minor growth Friday and improved mapping of the existing perimeter, the fire is currently 2,502 acres.

Evacuation levels will continue to be re-evaluated throughout the day.  For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  An evacuation shelter has been established at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center in Klamath Falls for anyone displaced by the fire.  Space for large and small animals is available as well.

Residential traffic is allowed, but to ensure public and firefighter safety the public is asked to stay out of the fire area.  Bureau of Land Management lands in and around the fire area remain closed to the public.

No reportable accidents have occurred on the fire.  Falling snags and trees, ash pits and rattlesnakes continue to be safety concerns for firefighters on the line.   

Low humidity and high temperatures remain in the forecast with some increased wind activity.

A Temporary Flight Restriction exists around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Despite challenging weather conditions on the Van Meter Fire today, there was limited fire growth across the fire.  An infrared flight is planned for tonight to gather updated acreage information.  In the northern area of the fire along South Poe Valley Road, firefighters focused on patrolling near homes monitoring for smoke and strengthening existing firelines.  This area of the fire is in mop-up, with special attention to the need for felling snags and trees which pose an overhead hazard to firefighters. 

The southern portion of the fire was the most active area today with trees torching, embers blowing, and rolling burning material pushing fire outside the fireline. Fire crews assisted by aircraft and equipment were able to corral and stop the spread of these small spot fires. Tonight, firefighters will work to complete and secure the fireline on the southern end of the fire.

Two structural task forces worked today to create defensible space around homes by limbing trees, pulling material away from decks, and cleaning flammable material from gutters to help improve the survivability of homes if the fire burns through the area.

For the latest up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KlamathSheriff or call 541-205-9730.  An evacuation shelter is located at the Klamath County Fair and Event Center in Klamath Falls for anyone displaced by the fire. 

For firefighter and public safety there are road closures in place, limiting entrance to firefighter and residential traffic.  The Bureau of Land Management has also implemented a closure for lands around the fire.

Safety concerns for the fire include falling snags/trees, burning stump holes, rattlesnakes, and driving hazards.  There have been no reportable accidents on the fire. 

Critical fire weather tonight includes low relative humidity, the potential for east winds, warm overnight temperatures which will result in increased fire behavior late into the night.

Link Smith, Deputy Incident Commander challenged night resources at briefing to remain engaged as well as praising them for their hard work for the last several nights.  “I am cautiously optimistic that the work you do tonight, will allow us to transition work to mop-up in the days to come.”

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been implemented around the fire to limit any aircraft not associated with firefighting activities in the airspace.  Wildfires are always a no-fly zone for drones.  A drone flying in the area can ground all operational aircraft and impact suppression activities.

If current fire behavior continues this will be the final evening update, with a brief social media update each evening.