Daily Update for September 15, 2022

WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande)Start Date: 8/29/2022       Cause: Lightning        Size: 16,084 acres       * Completion: 31% Total Personnel: 150    Engines: 5       Helicopters: 2       Hand Crews: 2    
 The Forest implemented an expanded Area Closure on 9/12, due to the fire’s location and its high potential for movement given the dry fuels and recent weather conditions. The closure remains in effect and will be re-evaluated, based on fire activity conditions and associated firefighting and efforts.
Crews dismantled the pumps and water-handling equipment from Wild Horse Lake yesterday. Crews to the north of the fire and in Orogrande also worked on removing equipment no longer needed. Excess resources not needed will demobilize. Sampson’s Incident Management Team will work to transition with resources remaining on the fire, ensuring a smooth transfer of command on Saturday morning.
Aerial support from helicopters was unavailable yesterday due to low visibility. An unmanned aerial system (“drone”) was able to fly the fire area. Drone activities were slightly hampered by gusty winds, rain, and small hail. However, drone operators were still successfully able to monitor fire activity along the northern flank and gather information on the fuels treatment project areas west of Orogrande. 
As the fire continues to smolder along the 233 and 311 Roads, standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard and could fall without notice. Crews and heavy equipment are working to remove these trees and clear the roadways, coordinating with the county road department to determine necessary repairs. The roads into Orogrande remain closed to the general public, as this area is within the Forest Area Closure. 

TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)Start Date: 8/25/2022       Cause: Lightning        Size: 992 acres       * Completion: 40%   
The Twin Lakes Fire will be monitored by local Forest Service resources, as needed, beginning today. The wildfire module completed structure protection measures and has been demobilized. 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIORThe northern portion of the fire received about a half inch of rain and some small-sized hail yesterday. The southern side of the fire did not receive any wetting rain. Humidity levels ranged from the high 40s to low 70s, with temperatures topping out in the mid-60s. Similar weather is expected today, with more widespread rain. The entire fire area could see between a quarter to a half inch of rain over the course of the day. This cool, wet weather pattern is likely to remain through the weekend. Snowfall in higher elevations is possible by early next week. Due to the weather, limited fire behavior is expected. However, smoke will likely remain visible as larger fuels continue to smolder in the interior of the fire area.  
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGESClosures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:OPEN:  NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
CLOSED:NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square MountainNFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout
The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:OPEN:Idaho Highway 14 - South Fork Highway: Open from MP 35.2 to MP 43 at Elk City Township Boundary. NFSR 222 - Dixie Road: Open from Forest Boundary at MP 0.95 to jct with NFSR 1800 at MP 7.36.  
CLOSED:NFSR 1800 - 66 Creek Road: Closed from junction with NSFR 222 to jct with NSFR 9803.  NFSR 9803 - North Wheeler Mtn. Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 1800 to jct with NSFT 508.  NFST 508 Porter Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 9803 to jct with NSFT 207.  NFST 207 Moose Butte Trail: Closed from jct with NST 508 to hydrologic divide located in T26N R8E section 9 NW 1/4.  NFST 205 Columbia Ridge Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T26N R8E section 20 NW 1/4. to junction with NSFR 233 near Orogrande Summit.  NFSR 233 Crooked River Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 205 to jct with NSFR 233C.  NFSR 233C Little Buffalo Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 233 to jct with NSFT 313.  NFST 313 Hump Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 233C to jct with NSFT 300. NFST 300 Boundary Peak Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 313 to hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 17 NW 1/4.  NFST 806 20 Mile Lake Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 5 NW 1/4 to jct with NSFT 414.  NFST 414 20 Mile Creek Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 806 to jct with NSFT 930. NFST 930 Desperation Mine Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 414 to jct with NSFR 492. NFSR 492 Santiam Sourdough Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 930 to beginning of road/junction with Idaho Hwy 14.
* “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.
Increases in acreage are due to better mapping over a three-day period. Infrared mapping flights were unable to fly due to weather and visibility issues.

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5    
INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON
 
 Williams Creek & Twin Lakes Fires
 
 
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest 
Fire Information 208-274-9674
 
 
September 14, 2022

 
WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande)
Start Date: 8/29/2022       
Cause: Lightning       
Size: 15,773 acres       
* Completion: 31% Total Personnel: 164   
Engines: 10       
Helicopters: 2       
Hand Crews: 2    
 
 
The Forest implemented an expanded Area Closure on 9/12, due to the fire’s location and its high potential for movement given the dry fuels and recent weather conditions. 

However, the Forest is working to expedite the rescission of the area closure due to the cooler and wetter weather. 

Road closures may remain, depending on fire activity conditions and associated firefighting efforts.
 
 
Crews continue to monitor fire activity and take action as needed to prevent the fire from progressing and to “mop-up” areas of residual heat. Many of the resources assigned will be available for reassignment in the coming days, given the rainy weather and moderated fire behavior. Crews will be removing structure protection equipment no longer needed. 
 
Aerial support from helicopters was unavailable yesterday due to low visibility. Today, an unmanned aerial system (“drone”) will be utilized to monitor fire activity along the northern flank and gather information on the fuels treatment project areas along the western edge. Additional aerial resources will remain at the ready if conditions allow. 
 
As the fire continues to smolder along the 233 and 311 Roads, standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard and could fall without notice. Crews and heavy equipment are working to remove these trees and clear the roadways, coordinating with the county road department to determine necessary repairs. The roads into Orogrande remain closed to the public, as this area is within the Forest Area Closure. The overnight infrared mapping flight was unable to fly due to weather.
 
TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)
Start Date: 8/25/2022       
Cause: Lightning       
Size: 973 acres       
* Completion: 40% Total Personnel: 9     
Wildfire Fire Module: 1   
 
The fire module will monitor activity through today. If no additional fire activity is observed, the module will demobilize and return to their home unit. The overnight infrared mapping flight was unable to fly due to weather.  
 
 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
 
 The Twin Lakes Fire area received up to ¾ of an inch of rainfall yesterday. The Williams Creek Fire received about ½ an inch in the community of Orogrande. This precipitation led to a significant reduction in fire behavior. Relative humidity levels never dipped below 70% yesterday; readings are expected to remain around 40% today. Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid-50s. Heavy fog will likely decrease visibility in the morning hours. Storms are expected throughout the day, with periods of brief heavy rainfall. More widespread precipitation is expected on Thursday, with even cooler and wetter weather come Saturday and Sunday. Snowfall in higher elevations is possible by early next week. With these conditions, fire behavior will be limited to creeping and smoldering.

 
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
 
 Closures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 
 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:

OPEN:  NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
 
CLOSED:
 NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square Mountain
 NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312
 NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383
 NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315
 NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313
 NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384
 NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout

The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:

OPEN:
 Idaho Highway 14 - South Fork Highway: Open from MP 35.2 to MP 43 at Elk City Township Boundary. NFSR 222 - Dixie Road: Open from Forest Boundary at MP 0.95 to jct with NFSR 1800 at MP 7.36.
  
CLOSED:
 NFSR 1800 - 66 Creek Road: Closed from junction with NSFR 222 to jct with NSFR 9803.  
 NFSR 9803 - North Wheeler Mtn. Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 1800 to jct with NSFT 508.  
 NFST 508 Porter Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 9803 to jct with NSFT 207.  
 NFST 207 Moose Butte Trail: Closed from jct with NST 508 to hydrologic divide located in T26N R8E section 9 NW 1/4.  
 NFST 205 Columbia Ridge Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T26N R8E section 20 NW 1/4. to junction with NSFR 233 near Orogrande Summit.  
 NFSR 233 Crooked River Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 205 to jct with NSFR 233C.  
 NFSR 233C Little Buffalo Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 233 to jct with NSFT 313.  
 NFST 313 Hump Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 233C to jct with NSFT 300. 
 NFST 300 Boundary Peak Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 313 to hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 17 NW 1/4.  
 NFST 806 20 Mile Lake Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 5 NW 1/4 to jct with NSFT 414.  
 NFST 414 20 Mile Creek Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 806 to jct with NSFT 930. 
 NFST 930 Desperation Mine Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 414 to jct with NSFR 492. 
 NFSR 492 Santiam Sourdough Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 930 to beginning of road/junction with Idaho Highway 14.

* “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. 
As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5    
INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON
 
 Williams Creek & Twin Lakes Fires 

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Fire Information 208-274-9674

 September 13, 2022 

 
 WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande)
 Start Date: 8/29/2022       
 Cause: Lightning       
 Size: 15,773 acres       
 * Completion: 28%
 Total Personnel: 180   
 Engines: 10       
 Helicopters: 2       
 Hand Crews: 3    
 
 
       The Forest implemented an expanded Area Closure, due to the fire’s location and its high potential for movement
           given the dry fuels and recent weather conditions. The Forest and Incident Management Team are aware
                         of the forecasted weather that calls for a cooler and wetter pattern entering the area.  

If these weather conditions materialize, the Forest will work to expedite the rescission of the area closure. Road closures may remain, depending on fire activity conditions and associated firefighting efforts.
 
 
Crews will continue to “mop up” residual heat around structures and maintain structural protection measures along the northern portion of the fire. This will ensure crews are prepared if fire progresses northward. Aerial resources were not used on the fire due to poor visibility with the inversion. Aerial resources will remain at the ready if conditions allow. 
As the fire continues to smolder along the 233 and 311 Roads, standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard and could fall without notice. Crews and heavy equipment are working to remove these trees and clear the roadways, coordinating with the county road department to determine necessary repairs. The roads into Orogrande remain closed to the public, as this area is within the Forest Area Closure. The overnight infrared mapping flight was unable to fly due to weather.
 
 
TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)
 Start Date: 8/25/2022       
 Cause: Lightning       
 Size: 973 acres       
 * Completion: 33%  
 Total Personnel: 9     
 Wildfire Fire Module: 1   
 
 
Crews continue to monitor fire activity on the Twin Lakes Fire. Resources assigned did note interior burning yesterday. They will continue to secure structures in the area and “mop up” any residual heat along the fire’s edge in the coming days.  As crews complete more of their objectives, resources will likely be demobilized or repositioned to the Williams Creek Fire later in the week. The overnight infrared mapping flight was unable to fly due to weather. 
 
 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
 
 The weather is transitioning to a cooler and wetter pattern, with light winds out of the southwest. Relative humidity increased dramatically, and humidity is not expected to fall below 40 % in the coming days. An inversion remained over the fire area. Several rounds of showers are possible, with a chance of lighting and gusty outflow winds (gusts to 40 mph). Heavy rainfall is possible, though precipitation could be spotty. Cool and wet conditions are expected to continue throughout the week.
Fire behavior will dampen with the cloud cover and wet and cool conditions. Creeping and smoldering activity is likely to continue; however, no fire perimeter growth is expected. Strong outflow winds could increase fire behavior in areas not receiving any precipitation. A major increase in fire behavior remains unlikely, as fuels moisten with the conditions. 
 
 
 CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
 
 Closures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 
 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
 
 OPEN:  
  NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
 
 CLOSED:
  NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square Mountain
  NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312
  NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383
  NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315
  NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313
  NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384
  NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout
 

The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
 
OPEN:
Idaho Highway 14 - South Fork Highway: Open from MP 35.2 to MP 43 at Elk City Township Boundary. NFSR 222 - Dixie Road: Open from Forest Boundary at MP 0.95 to jct with NFSR 1800 at MP 7.36.  
 
CLOSED:
 NFSR 1800 - 66 Creek Road: Closed from junction with NSFR 222 to jct with NSFR 9803.  
 NFSR 9803 - North Wheeler Mtn. Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 1800 to jct with NSFT 508.  
 NFST 508 Porter Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 9803 to jct with NSFT 207.  
 NFST 207 Moose Butte Trail: Closed from jct with NST 508 to hydrologic divide located in T26N R8E section 9 NW 1/4.  
 NFST 205 Columbia Ridge Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T26N R8E section 20 NW 1/4. to junction with NSFR 233 near Orogrande Summit.  
 NFSR 233 Crooked River Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 205 to jct with NSFR 233C.  NFSR 233C Little Buffalo Road: Closed from jct with NSFR 233 to jct with NSFT 313.  
 NFST 313 Hump Trail: Closed from jct with NSFR 233C to jct with NSFT 300. 
 NFST 300 Boundary Peak Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 313 to hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 17 NW 1/4.  
 NFST 806 20 Mile Lake Trail: Closed from hydrologic divide/ridge located in T27N R6E section 5 NW 1/4 to jct with NSFT 414.  
 NFST 414 20 Mile Creek Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 806 to jct with NSFT 930. 
 NFST 930 Desperation Mine Trail: Closed from jct with NSFT 414 to jct with NSFR 492. 
 NFSR 492 Santiam Sourdough Road: Closed from jct with NSFT 930 to beginning of road/junction with Idaho Highway 14.


* “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. 
As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.

See attached for a new area closure order for the Williams Creek Fire, effective September 12, 2022.
 
 Forest Closure Order Williams Creek 9/12/2022

The new, expanded closure was put in process and implemented based on the fire's location and its high potential for movement given the dry fuel and recent weather conditions. The Forest (and Incident Management Team) are aware of the forecasted weather that calls for a cooler and wetter pattern entering the area. If these weather conditions materialize, the Forest will work to expedite the rescission of the area closure. Road closures may remain, depending on fire activity conditions and associated firefighting efforts. 

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5    
INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON
 
Williams Creek & Twin Lakes Fires

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Fire Information 208-274-9674
 
September 12, 2022 
 
WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande) 
 
 Start Date: 8/29/2022       
 Cause: Lightning       
 Size: 15,773 acres       
 * Completion: 15 %
 Total Personnel: 185   
 Engines: 10       
 Helicopters: 2       
 Hand Crews: 3    
 
          The Idaho County Sheriff's Office rescinded the "Level 3-GO" evacuation notice for the community of Orogrande. The Forest Area Closure remains in effect. 
                                            A road/security checkpoint will be present at the junction of the Crooked Creek and Deadwood Roads.  
 
As the fire continues to smolder along the 233 and 311 Roads, standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard and could fall without notice. Crews and heavy equipment are working to remove these trees and clear the roadways. The roads into Orogrande remain closed to the public, as the Forest Area Closure is still in effect.
 
Resources will continue to engage the fire in Orogrande and the Crooked River corridor, extinguishing hot spots and securing properties. Crews continue to assess structure protection needs in the Red River Valley, should the fire progress toward that area. Aerial resources will be available to assist crews today, weather permitting.
 
An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 15,773 acres. This increase in acreage reflects better mapping, rather than substantial fire perimeter growth and progression. The fire had limited growth along the northeast corner and western flank.
 

TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)
 
 Start Date: 8/25/2022       
 Cause: Lightning       
 Size: 973 acres       
 * Completion: 19 %
 Total Personnel: 9     
 Wildfire Fire Module: 1   
 
Crews completed structure protection at Moore’s Guard Station. The structure protection module will continue to secure structures in the area and “mop up” residual heat in the burn area. As crews complete more of their objectives, resources will likely be demobilized or repositioned to the Williams Creek Fire later in the week.
 
An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 973 acres. 
 
 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
 An inversion and thick drift smoke from adjacent fires provided shading from strong solar radiation. Temperatures remained in the 80s and relative humidity levels dipped into the low teens with poor relative humidity recoveries overnight. Tomorrow’s weather forecast is similar, with light winds and warm, dry conditions. Storms bringing moisture to the area will result in relative humidity levels in the 30% range. There is a good chance of widespread wetting rain before Friday. 
Fire behavior will likely remain static, with mostly creeping and smoldering. Limited perimeter growth is expected. If the inversion from drift smoke lifts or the sun is able to penetrate the inversion, active fire behavior is more likely. The Williams Creek fire may see increased activity to the north along the ridgeline and to the east in interior pockets of unburned fuels. 
 
 
 CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
 Closures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 

 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
 
 OPEN:  
  NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
 
 CLOSED:
  NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square Mountain
  NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312
  NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383
  NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315
  NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313
  NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384
  NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout 


The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
 
 CLOSED:  
  NFSR 233 – Crooked River Road – closed from jct with NFSR 522 to jct with NFSR 233I at Orogrande Summit
  NFSR 492 – Santiam Sourdough Road – closed from jct with trail 415 to jct with trail 416
  NFSR 233I – Wild Horse Campground Road – closed from jct with NSFR 233 to end of road
  NFST 299 – Crystal Lake Trail – closed from TH /jct with NSFR 233I to jct with trail 803 at MP 2.04
  NFST 803 – Ten Mile Spur – closed from TH/jct with Trail 299 to end of trail/jct with Trail 415
  NFST 415 – Ten Mile Trail – closed from TH/junction with Trail 803 at MP 6.49 to TH/jct with NFSR 492
  NFST 416 – Old Golden-North Hill Trail – closed from TH/jct with NSFR 492 to end of trail jct with NSFR 478A.
  NFSR 478A – Forest Road 478A – closed from jct with Trail 416 at 0.2 to jct with NSFR 478 
  NFSR 478 – Nipple Mountain Road – closed from jct with NSFR 478A at MP 1.56 to jct with Trail 807 at MP 1.65
  NFST 807 – Five Mile Trail – closed from end of trail/jct with NSFR 478 to TH/jct with NSFR 2003
  NFSR 2003 – Five Mile camp Road – closed from jct with Trail 807 at MP 0.15 to beginning of road/jct with NSFR 233 


*  “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. 
By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. 
As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge. 

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5    
INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON
 
 Williams Creek & Twin Lakes Fires 
                                   
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest 
Fire Information 208-274-9674

September 11, 2022
 
Refer to the "Maps" tab for the most recent updated maps   
 
WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande)
 
 Start Date: 8/29/2022       
 Cause: Lightning       
 Size: 12,956 acres       
 * Completion: 15 %
 Total Personnel: 169     
 Engines: 7       
 Helicopters: 2       
 Hand Crews: 3    
 
The community of Orogrande remains under a "Level 3-GO" evacuation notice, issued by the Idaho County Sheriff's Office. 
Crews were able to remove trees that had fallen over the 233 and 311 Roads, but numerous standing dead trees (“snags”) remain a dangerous hazard. For this reason, the roads into Orogrande remain closed. Heavy equipment will be utilized to help open up roads, given the numerous trees that have fallen. Due to an inversion and poor visibility, aerial resources were unable to assist ground crews yesterday. Crews identified and mapped structures in the Red River Valley and will assess structure protection needs, should the fire progress toward that area. 
 
Engines previously on the night shift will transition to day shift, along with additional engines expected to arrive today. Resources will continue to engage the fire in Orogrande and the Crooked River corridor, extinguishing hot spots. Aerial resources will be available to assist crews today, weather permitting.
An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 12,956 acres.
 
TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek)
 Start Date: 8/25/2022       
 Cause: Lightning       
 Size: 950 acres       
* Completion: 19 %
 Total Personnel: 9     
 Wildfire Fire Module: 1   
 
A structure protection module is implementing structure protection measures at Moore’s Station. Firefighters have completed structure protection measures at Square Mountain Lookout. An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 950 acres.
 
 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
 
On the Williams Creek Fire, interior unburned islands of fuel will continue to grow together and fill in the perimeter. While these pockets of intense heat continue to burn and fill in along the eastern flank of the fire, existing roads, timber harvest units and a previous fire footprint are helping to limit and slow the fire spread beyond its current perimeter. On the Twin Lakes Fire, the northern flank was somewhat active until the smoke from adjacent fires tamped down heat and venting.
 
Temperatures are expected to increase about five degrees (high 80s) with relative humidity levels in the low teens in both fire areas. Winds will be light but could gust up to 12 mph. Showers are likely later in the week, with a slight possibility of rain starting Tuesday. Poor overnight humidity recoveries will lead to an increase in fire behavior earlier in the morning. The fire’s activity will be terrain driven, where fuels and slope align. Perimeter growth is unlikely; however, the north side of the Williams Creek Fire may see a slight increase in the Six Mile area with the fire backing upslope. Low relative humidity and high temperatures will increase the risk of any sparks creating new fire starts.


CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
 
Closures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. An updated closure for the Williams Creek fire area is forthcoming, given the fire movement and progression earlier this week. Additional roads and trail will be closed for public safety. Specific closure information and maps are posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8372/ as they are implemented. 
 
 
The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
 
 OPEN:  
 NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground
 
 CLOSED:
 NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square Mountain 
 NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312
 NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383
 NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315
 NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313
 NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384
 NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout


The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
 
 CLOSED:  
 NFSR 233 – Crooked River Road – closed from jct with NFSR 522 to jct with NFSR 233I at Orogrande Summit
 NFSR 492 – Santiam Sourdough Road – closed from jct with trail 415 to jct with trail 416
 NFSR 233I – Wild Horse Campground Road – closed from jct with NSFR 233 to end of road
 NFST 299 – Crystal Lake Trail – closed from TH /jct with NSFR 233I to jct with trail 803 at MP 2.04
 NFST 803 – Ten Mile Spur – closed from TH/jct with Trail 299 to end of trail/jct with Trail 415
 NFST 415 – Ten Mile Trail – closed from TH/junction with Trail 803 at MP 6.49 to TH/jct with NFSR 492
 NFST 416 – Old Golden-North Hill Trail – closed from TH/jct with NSFR 492 to end of trail jct with NSFR 478A. 
 NFSR 478A – Forest Road 478A – closed from jct with Trail 416 at 0.2 to jct with NSFR 478
 NFSR 478 – Nipple Mountain Road – closed from jct with NSFR 478A at MP 1.56 to jct with Trail 807 at MP 1.65
 NFST 807 – Five Mile Trail – closed from end of trail/jct with NSFR 478 to TH/jct with NSFR 2003 
 NFSR 2003 – Five Mile camp Road – closed from jct with Trail 807 at MP 0.15 to beginning of road/jct with NSFR 233


*  “Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values.
 
By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized.
 
As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.

Incident Management Team will host a fire information meeting for Orogrande residents ONLY.                                                                                                                                           

Important Reminders: 

•   The community of Orogrande remains under a "Level 3-GO" evacuation notice.
•   The meeting is for RESIDENTS OF OROGRANDE ONLY. The community is within an active fire area, and safety of the public and our firefighters is of the utmost importance. 
•   There will be a security checkpoint at the road closure barricade, where residents will need to verify identity and proof of residence. 

               

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5       
INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON

Williams Creek & Twin Lakes Fires
 
 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest        
 Fire Information 208-274-9674                            

 
With the weekend upon us, please be cautious and watch for heavy equipment and fire traffic in the Williams Creek Fire area. Be safe this weekend. #williamscreekfire #FireYear2022
 

 
 NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5     INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON 

 Williams Creek & Twin Lakes Fires
 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
 Fire Information 208-274-9674 
 September 9, 2022 

WILLIAMS CREEK FIRE (5 miles west of Orogrande) 

Start Date: 8/29/2022       Cause: Lightning       Size: 11,881 acres       Completion: 0 %  

Total Personnel: 137      Engines: 4       Helicopters: 1       Hand Crews: 2     

The community of Orogrande remains under a "Level 3-GO" evacuation notice, issued by the Idaho County Sheriff's Office.  

Aerial supervision was over the fire all day, providing continuous coverage, managing the airspace, directing helicopters, and prioritizing locations for water bucket drops. Three large helicopters dropped water on hot spots, assisting the ground crews in mopping up areas of residual heat. Last night, “hotshot” crews completed small-scale burnout operations behind structures on the west side of Orogrande, eliminating unburned fuels and securing the properties. 

Resources will continue to engage the fire in Orogrande and the Crooked River corridor, addressing and extinguishing hot spots and conducting damage assessments. The fire and associated winds did impact structures and outbuildings; crews are still assessing the extent of the damage. Fallen trees, burned “snags” and downed powerlines continue to present safety hazards. 

An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 11,881 acres. This increase in acreage reflects better mapping, rather than fire growth and progression, due to clouds and smoke obscuring the infrared flight from the previous night. 

TWIN LAKES FIRE (east of Twin Lakes and Hagen Creek) 

Start Date: 8/25/2022       Cause: Lightning       Size: 924 acres       Completion: 0 %  

Total Personnel: 9      Wildfire Fire Module: 1    

An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 924 acres. The fire was moderately active yesterday, mainly on the northern flank. Helicopters dropped water, assisting ground crews, for one fuel cycle. Firefighters have completed structure protection measures at Square Mountain Lookout and continue to monitor fire behavior and fuels conditions.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Cooler temperatures and lingering dry conditions persisted throughout yesterday, with northwest winds channeling through drainages. With the smoke “cap” over the fires, activity was limited to three to four hours in the afternoon. Existing roads and timber harvest units are helping to limit and slow the fire spread on the east side of Orogrande. Fire behavior was mostly ground fire with some torching, as interior unburned pockets of fuel between the spot fires burned to fill in the perimeter. 

Cool and stable air will remain over the fire areas, with an inversion acting as a “cap” to limit venting. Air will remain dry, with afternoon relative humidity levels reaching the 20% range. A “back door” cold front will push in from the east this afternoon, resulting in a wind shift to the east-northeast with gusts to 20 mph. Overnight temperatures will again plunge below freezing. This moderation in weather should keep fire behavior relatively subdued due to the inability to vent. The stable atmosphere should prevent large-scale growth. Conditions are favorable for spot fires on the east side of Orogrande to continue to grow together. The afternoon wind shift presents an additional safety concern for firefighters. 
 

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Closures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. An updated closure for the Williams Creek fire area is forthcoming, given the fire movement and progression earlier this week. Additional roads and trail will be closed for public safety.  

The Twin Lakes Fire closure includes the following roads and trails: 

OPEN:   

NFSR 444 Gospel Road – open from junction with NFSR 221 to Moore’s Guard Station/Campground 

CLOSED: 

NFST 312 – North Moore’s Trail – closed from trailhead to MP 6.83/jct with NFST 383 Square Mountain 

NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from MP 6.64/jct with NFST 315 to MP 7.16/jct with NFST 312 

NFST 315 – Kentucky Creek Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 313 to MP 7.71/jct with NFST 383 

NFST 313 – Hump Trail – closed from MP 15.4/jct with NFST 384 to MP 18.1/jct with NFST 315 

NFST 384 – Square Mtn. Spur Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFST 383 to MP 1.37/jct with NFST 313 

NFST 383 – Square Mountain Trail – closed from trailhead/jct with NFSR 444 to MP 1.59/jct with NFST 384 

NFSR 444 – Gospel Road – closed from MP 11.57 at Moore’s Campground to end of road at Square Mountain Lookout 

The Williams Creek Fire closure includes the following roads and trails:
CLOSED:   

NFSR 233 – Crooked River Road – closed from jct with NFSR 522 to jct with NFSR 233I at Orogrande Summit 

NFSR 492 – Santiam Sourdough Road – closed from jct with trail 415 to jct with trail 416 

NFSR 233I – Wild Horse Campground Road – closed from jct with NSFR 233 to end of road 

NFST 299 – Crystal Lake Trail – closed from TH /jct with NSFR 233I to jct with trail 803 at MP 2.04 

NFST 803 – Ten Mile Spur – closed from TH/jct with Trail 299 to end of trail/jct with Trail 415 

NFST 415 – Ten Mile Trail – closed from TH/junction with Trail 803 at MP 6.49 to TH/jct with NFSR 492 

NFST 416 – Old Golden-North Hill Trail – closed from TH/jct with NSFR 492 to end of trail jct with NSFR 478A.  

NFSR 478A – Forest Road 478A – closed from jct with Trail 416 at 0.2 to jct with NSFR 478 

NFSR 478 – Nipple Mountain Road – closed from jct with NSFR 478A at MP 1.56 to jct with Trail 807 at MP 1.65 

NFST 807 – Five Mile Trail – closed from end of trail/jct with NSFR 478 to TH/jct with NSFR 2003  

NFSR 2003 – Five Mile camp Road – closed from jct with Trail 807 at MP 0.15 to beginning of road/jct with NSFR 233