Road and trail closure information for the Isabella Lake Fire: Closure Order # 01-14-07-22-09 (pdf, 1,903 KB; includes map)

Northern Rockies Team 7, a Type II Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander John Thompson assumed command of the Bull Gin Complex on September 5th at 7:00 a.m. The Bull Gin Complex is comprised of three wildland fires - the Government Fire, Billiard Fire, and Isabella Lake Fire. The complex is currently 608 acres and 0% contained.

An infrared flight occurred just before 10:00 p.m. yesterday evening providing more accurate mapping for each of the three fires.

Government Fire: 124 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Noxon, MT)

Billiard Fire: 379 acres (approximately 2 miles NE of Heron, MT)

Isabella Lake Fire: 105 acres (Cabinet Mountains Wilderness)

Current and Planned Activity

Government Fire: Yesterday evening fire activity was highly visible from Hwy 200 and Hwy 56; however, fire behavior remained moderate as fire stayed predominately on the ground with single and group tree torching. The Flathead Hotshots are clearing access routes to various vantage points as the location of the fire has made it difficult for firefighters to see from the ground. Work has begun with heavy equipment to implement a shaded fuel break along the 150 road. Structure assessment has been completed and water systems consisting of sprinklers, pumps, and hoses will be installed around private structures. Aviation will continue to support firefighters on the ground with bucket drops, focusing on the northeast side of the fire.

Billiard Fire: The 379 acres includes the Billiard Fire and the North Star Fire. These fires are expected to grow together and will be referred to as the Billiard Fire. Firefighters, including smokejumpers, 20 person crews, and engines are working to clear access routes as well as scout for opportunities to construct indirect fireline. As heavy equipment becomes available, work will begin along the 2294 road at the junction with Fatman County Road. Aircraft will be utilized as needed to slow fire spread to the west.

Isabella Lake Fire: Located in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness between the East Fork of Bull River and Isabella Creek, west of Isabella Lake and north of Saint Paul Lake. Point protection is planned for the bridge on Trail 646, but otherwise, the fire will be unstaffed and monitored from the air.

Closures: Area and trail closures are in place for the Government Fire and the Isabella Lake Fire to provide for public safety and firefighting operations. Closures are pending for the Billiard Fire area between Hwy 56 and Hwy 200. More information regarding closures will be posted to Inciweb and Facebook later this afternoon.

Weather: Sunny with temperatures in the low to mid 70’s. Southwest winds 6 to 10 mph increasing in the afternoon with gusts up to 20 to 25 mph along the ridges.

###

Before the Board of Commissioners In and For the County of Wallowa In and Of the State of Oregon

 

In the Matter of Reopening a Public Road - Order 2022 - 012

NOW, at this time, this matter came for consideration by the above named Board convened in emergency session on this day and it being made apparent to the Board that there is no longer a need to close the Lostine River Road (beginning at Highway 82 to the National Forest boundary) from public access.

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the portion of the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners ORDER 2022-011 closing the Lostine River Road is rescinded and said road is open to the general public beginning the 15th day of September 2022 at 1200 hours.
 
DONE AND DATED this 15th day of September, 2022. 

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires 
September 16, 2022 
Daily Update – 8:00 AM  

Highlights: The Sturgill Fire is in patrol status as of yesterday evening. Remaining smokejumper crews and medical personnel that completed structure protection were pulled from the fire yesterday. The fire will be monitored by air until weather conditions change and firefighters can be flown in to maintain a presence at the Minam Lodge and other values, possibly as soon as today. The Sturgill and Goat Mountain 2 Fires will continue to be monitored by air as smoke and weather permit. Additional precipitation fell across the fire areas yesterday, coupled with thunderstorms and lightning. Four new fire starts from lightning strikes were reported and Pacific Northwest Team 2 was requested to respond to one with initial attack support.  

There will be a community meeting tonight to discuss the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Event Center (102 E First, Joseph, OR) and streamed live on Facebook.  

Today is the final day of Pacific Northwest Team 2’s assignment. The Southern Area Blue Team will assume command of the fires at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17. 

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.  

Sturgill Fire: 20,075 acres | 0% contained | 52 personnel assigned 
Remaining smokejumper crews and medical personnel that completed structure protection were pulled from the Sturgill Fire. Activity on the fire is minimal. The fire will be monitored by air until weather conditions change and firefighters can be flown in to maintain a presence at the Minam Lodge and other values. Crews will continue thinning fuels on Lostine Road and others will continue creating a shaded fuel break to the north on Bear Creek Road where the trees are thinned and pruned to reduce the fire potential.  

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned 

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit. 

Weather: Cool, cloudy, and wet weather was observed on Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms moved across the Wallowa Mountains and over the ICP in Joseph through much of the morning and afternoon hours. Rainfall totals across the Nebo and Sturgill fires ranged from just a trace to almost half an inch. Less rainfall was observed across the Double Creek, where generally less than a quarter inch of rain was observed. Today is expected to be sunnier and warmer but light precipitation is forecasted again for the weekend.  

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 from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: 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  

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/  
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 15, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office rescinded all evacuation levels yesterday after reviewing the increased containment level on Double Creek Fire, progress made on the fires in Eagle Cap Wilderness, and moderating weather. The thunderstorms, and associated lightning, that passed through the area on Tuesday resulted in three new fire starts. Initial attack responded to two fires south of the Double Creek Fire yesterday and one to the north. Pacific Northwest Team 2 is committed to supporting initial attack in the region and will continue to monitor the area for any new starts in the coming days.

There will be a community meeting to discuss the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires on Friday, September 16 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Event Center (102 E First, Joseph, OR) and streamed live on Facebook.

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.

Sturgill Fire: 20,036 acres | 0% contained | 64 personnel assigned Smokejumpers were pulled out of the Sturgill Fire area yesterday with the completion of structure protection efforts. Masticators are still operating on the Lostine River Road to help strengthen a north-south line that could stop any potential eastern progression of the fire. The primary work that remains on the Sturgill Fire is the shaded fuel break to the north along Bear Creek Road.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 535 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Cooler temperatures and precipitation have moderated fire activity in the region, but the rain did not reach all areas of the fires. Some areas received significant wetting rains while others remain dry. Residual moisture and cooler temperatures will help dampen fire spread potential until sufficient drying occurs. Additional thunderstorms are forecast today and crews will remain on alert for potential new starts and any initial attack response needs.

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 after reviewing the increased containment level on Double Creek Fire, progress made on the fires in Eagle Cap Wilderness, and moderating effects of recent weather.

Evacuations: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office rescinded all evacuation levels at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14 after reviewing the increased containment level on Double Creek Fire, progress made on the fires in Eagle Cap Wilderness, and moderating effects of recent weather.
  
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) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: 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: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3189) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. 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

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

The Wallowa County Sheriff's Office issued an updated evacuation notice for today (Wednesday, September 14, 2022) at 10:00 a.m.

Fire Evacuation - Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM

All fire evacuation levels have been rescinded

All Road Closures remain in effect (open to residents only)
 
Current Road Closures: 
o Lostine River Rd from Moffitt’s south Closed

Hwy 350 at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures:
o Lower Imnaha Rd & Dug Bar Rd Closed
o Upper Imnaha Rd closed o Hat Point Rd closed
o FS 39 Rd 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 14, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Showers and thunderstorms lingered throughout the area most of Tuesday. Lower temperatures, higher relative humidity values, and precipitation resulted in minimal fire behavior. Containment of the Double Creek Fire increased to 22 percent. Crews on the Nebo Fire continued chipping along the 39 and 3925 Roads. Firefighters and heavy equipment worked on a shaded fuel break in the Lostine corridor.

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.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 535 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Showers and thunderstorms lingered throughout the area most of Tuesday. Rain amounts varied from 0.10 – 0.50 inches across the four fires. Lower temperatures, higher relative humidity values, and precipitation resulted in minimal fire behavior. For the remainder of the week temperatures will continue to decrease and relative humidity values will increase. Winds will remain light and variable.

Smoke: The Oregon Department of Environmental Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory that is in effect until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for Wallowa County. A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality response program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for Fence Creek north to Dug Bar and Freezeout south to the 39 Road. Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for lands west of Imnaha River to Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to intersection of power lines and Harl Butte Road; Upper and Lower Imnaha Road from Fence Creek to Freezeout; and for Lostine River Road from Fir Road south to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads). Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for lands west of Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to power lines and Harl Butte Road, and for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road.

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) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: 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: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3189) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. 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

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

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 13, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Firefighters completed containment lines around the spot fire on the west side of the Imnaha River. Higher relative humidity, cooler temperatures, and light winds are forecast for the rest of the week, and firefighters feel confident the containment lines will limit further fire growth in that area. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, and infrared flights flew last night to check for heat around the spot fire. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces have completed their structure preparation and protection operations and will demobilize today.

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.

Sturgill Fire: 19,774 acres | 0% contained | 78 personnel assigned Once rappelers completed structure protection efforts at the Bear Creek Guard Station yesterday, they were flown out of the area to assist in other priority areas. Smokejumpers completed structure protection on the Stanley Guard Station and will be flown out as the flying conditions improve today. Additional resources, including several hot shot crews and a wildland fire module, will be flown out of the area beginning today. Crews and heavy equipment will remain in the Lostine corridor to continue masticating fuels and creating a shaded fuel break over the next week.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 531 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire has been minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Weather conditions moderated on Monday. Wind was light and variable. Relative humidity levels rose throughout the day under mostly overcast conditions. Light winds led to another day of poor smoke dispersion. Dry rain showers, or virga, moved northeast across the area which contributed to occasional gusts with variable wind direction. Additionally, there will be a chance for showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday. Generally light rainfall is expected as these showers and thunderstorms persist throughout the week, though isolated high rain amounts are possible.

Smoke: The Oregon Department of Environmental Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory that is in effect until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for Wallowa County. A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality response program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for Fence Creek north to Dug Bar and Freezeout south to the 39 Road. Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for lands west of Imnaha River to Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to intersection of power lines and Harl Butte Road; Upper and Lower Imnaha Road from Fence Creek to Freezeout; and for Lostine River Road from Fir Road south to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads). Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for lands west of Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to power lines and Harl Butte Road, and for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road.

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) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: 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: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3189) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. 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

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

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 12, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Firefighters and air resources continued their efforts to contain a fire that spotted across the west bank of the Imnaha River. Air resources dropped 56 loads of retardant on that fire since it was discovered Saturday afternoon. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces worked in Big Sheep Creek to protect structures in the area. Crews are working to connect handlines to stop the fire growth on the west side of the Imnaha River. North of the Double Creek Fire, operations will begin implementing a fire line on the ridges to help keep the fire from impacting additional private lands.

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

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 531 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned Goat Mountain 2 Fire remains in monitor status and did move over the Lostine Rim. Air resources continued bucket drops on the fire yesterday to keep fire spread to the east. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air and use buckets if needed today.

Weather: Poor humidity recovery from the Saturday night resulted in drier then normal humidity Sunday morning. South wind prevailed through much of the day with gusts 15 to 20 mph on ridge tops. Lower elevations received light and variable wind, which limited smoke dispersion. Relative humidity values will be higher today with a minimum of 25 percent. There will be a chance of showers beginning Monday night, but widespread rain is not expected. Winds will be light and variable throughout the week.

Smoke: The Oregon Department of Environmental QUality has issued and Air Quality Advisory that is in effect until 2 PM PDT Monday for Deschutes, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa counties. A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality response program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for Fence Creek north to Dug Bar and Freezeout south to the 39 Road. Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for lands west of Imnaha River to Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to intersection of power lines and Harl Butte Road; Upper and Lower Imnaha Road from Fence Creek to Freezeout; and for Lostine River Road from Fir Road south to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads). Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for lands west of Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to power lines and Harl Butte Road, and for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road.

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) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: 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: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3189) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. 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

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

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires
September 11, 2022
Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The Double Creek Fire spotted across the Imnaha River yesterday afternoon near Imnaha Grange and is approximately 500 acres. Six additional large air tankers were called in to join suppression efforts aided by the support of Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center. The air tankers worked with resources from the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), local resources and tactical firefighting aircraft air attack on the spot fire. Crews from Double Creek and Nebo Fires remained on the fire into the morning, continuing suppression efforts.

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

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 514 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned Helicopters dropped additional buckets on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire yesterday to continue cooling hotspots detected on the northeast perimeter. The fire continues backing and creeping in McCubbin Creek drainage.

Weather: Elevated fire weather conditions occurred Saturday with warm, sunny, and dry conditions. Relative humidity dropped to 10 to 20 percent for much of the area. South winds at 10 to 15 mph were observed across the ridgetops with gusts up to 25 mph. Temperatures and relative humidity values today will be similar to Saturday. Wind speeds will be strongest in the morning before weakening by 1:00 p.m., which will aid firefighting efforts.

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

Evacuations: Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for Fence Creek north to Dug Bar and Freezeout south to the 39 Road. Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for lands west of Imnaha River to Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to intersection of power lines and Harl Butte Road; Upper and Lower Imnaha Road from Fence Creek to Freezeout; and for Lostine River Road from Fir Road south to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads). Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for lands west of Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to power lines and Harl Butte Road, and for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road.

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) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: 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: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3189) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. 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

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