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09132022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

HIGH DESERT TYPE 3 TEAM
Incident Commander: Ron Simpson
September 13, 2022

Weather: Today will have increased chance of thunderstorms. Gusty and erratic winds are likely near developing storm cells. Temperatures will be in the upper-70s, and the minimal relative humidity will be near 30 percent. Winds will be light, except near storm cells. Widespread smoke haze will be visible throughout the area.

Operations: Yesterday crews continued suppression repairs along FSR 45, including chipping and spreading bales of straw. The straw will help reduce erosion by covering bare ground and slowing water run-off. Several hand crews worked closely with resource advisors scattering fuels and constructing water bars along containment lines. Today several excavators will begin suppression repairs along FSR 4555 and near Indian Rock Lookout. The excavators will be used to help spread heavy fuels, construct water bars and smooth out mounds of debris and dirt.

Closures and Evacuations:  There are no county evacuation alerts, and County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road) is open to all motorists.

The Malheur and Umatilla National Forests’ fire area closure remains in effect for areas east of FSR 45. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/?cid=STELPRD3845529  

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

The Malheur National Forest’s Public Use Restriction is Phase C on the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts. No campfires or personal chainsaw use is allowed. The Umatilla National Forest remains in at Phase B, which allows campfires only in designated campgrounds and recreation sites. For more information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fire, and

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices.

Fire Danger remains Extreme for the surrounding area. The vegetation is still very dry, and one spark or ember could start a significant fire. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following local fire restrictions. 

QUICK FACTS:
SIZE: 4,331 Acres
CONTAINMENT: 75%
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City


FIRE INFORMATION:
CAUSE: Lightning
PERSONNEL: 171
541-625-0892
2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.


09122022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

  

HIGH DESERT TYPE 3 TEAM
Incident  Commander: Ron Simpson
September 12, 2022

Weather: Today will be another dry day with relative humidity dropping into the 20s. Widespread smoke will persist in the area due to all fires Oregon and surrounding states. Temperatures will reach the low-80s today and winds should be calm. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.

Operations: Yesterday crews were chipping and cleaning up along the FSR 45 and other containment lines. Chipping will continue today along FSR 45 north of Indian Rock Lookout. Crews have been successful mopping up remaining heat along containment lines; thus, the percent containment has increased over the past several days. Some small interior pockets of unburned vegetation could potentially flare up but should not threaten containment lines. Crews conducted suppression repairs on FSR 4555 and on contingency lines near Myrtle Butte and south of Indian Rock Lookout yesterday. Suppression repairs will continue today along several containment lines. Indian Rock Lookout is back now fully staffed.

Closures and Evacuations:  There are no county evacuation alerts, and County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road) is open to all motorists.

The Malheur and Umatilla National Forests’ fire area closure remains in effect for areas east of FSR 45. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/?cid=STELPRD3845529  

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

The Malheur National Forest’s Public Use Restriction is Phase C on the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts. No campfires or personal chainsaw use is allowed. The Umatilla National Forest remains in at Phase B, which allows campfires only in designated campgrounds and recreation sites. For more information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fire, and

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices.

Fire Danger remains Extreme for the surrounding area. The vegetation is still very dry, and one spark or ember could start a significant fire. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following local fire restrictions. 

Quick Facts:
SIZE:    4,337 Acres
PERSONNEL: 273
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City
 
FIRE INFORMATION:
2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/

CONTAINMENT: 75%

CAUSE: Lightning

541-625-0892

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t. 


09112022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

HIGH DESERT TYPE 3 TEAM
Incident Commander: Ron Simpson
September 11, 2022

High Desert Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of the Crockets Knob Fire today.

Weather: Today will be slightly warmer with calm terrain driven winds. Temperatures will reach the low-80s and relative humidity will drop into the upper teens. Moisture will steadily increase today with expected cloud cover by this evening.  

Operations: Yesterday crews continued pulling hoses and excess equipment from containment lines. Much of the chipping and cleanup was completed along FSR 45 yesterday, and some work will continue today along other containment lines. Crews are checking containment lines for any remnant heat and mopping up using hand tools. Crews continue with suppression repairs along FSR 45 and other containment lines. Helicopters are available to assist firefighters if needed.

Closures and Evacuations:  Grant County has lifted the Level One evacuation advisory in the area of the fire, and County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road) has been fully reopened.

Today the National Forests’ closure area will decrease in size. The Forest areas west of FSR 45 will once again be open to the public. For complete closure information, please go to:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/?cid=STELPRD3845529  

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

The Malheur National Forest’s Public Use Restriction is Phase C on the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts. No campfires or personal chainsaw use is allowed. The Umatilla National Forest remains in at Phase B, which allows campfires only in designated campgrounds and recreation sites. For more information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fire, and

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices.

Fire Danger remains High for the surrounding area. The vegetation is still very dry, and one spark or ember could start a significant fire. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following local fire restrictions.
 

Quick Facts:
SIZE:    4,337 Acres
PERSONNEL: 410
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City
 
FIRE INFORMATION:
2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/

CONTAINMENT: 70%

CAUSE: Lightning

541-625-0892

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.


09102022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

Crockets Knob Fire Update
NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12
Incident Commander: Bobby Shindelar
September 10, 2022

Today is Northwest Incident Management Team 12’s last day on the Crockets Knob Fire. Management of remaining firefighting resources will transition to the High Desert Type 3 Incident Management Team tonight. Northwest IMT 12 would like to thank the Prairie City School District for hosting our team and the local community for your support and hospitality!

Weather: East winds will be gusty in the morning but will become calmer by the afternoon. Temperatures will be slightly warmer today with highs in the low-80s. Conditions will still be dry with relative humidity dropping into the low teens.

Operations: Yesterday fire activity was minimal, allowing firefighters the opportunity to mop up remaining heat along containment lines. Crews also continued pulling hoses and excess equipment from containment lines. Chipping and cleanup were ongoing along FSR 45 yesterday and will continue today. Resource advisors are assessing the impacts of the fire suppression activities. They are determining what repair work may be required to protect natural and cultural resources and minimize the potential for future erosion. Helicopters assisted local small fires yesterday and will be available to assist the Crockets Knob Fire and initial attack fires today as needed.

Closures and Evacuations: Grant County has lifted the Level One evacuation advisory in the area of the fire, and County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road) has been fully reopened. Today the closure area remains in effect on the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests. Sunday the Forests will be decreasing the closure area. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/.

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

The Malheur National Forest’s Public Use Restriction is Phase C on the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts. No campfires or personal chainsaw use is allowed. The Umatilla National Forest remains in at Phase B, which allows campfires only in designated campgrounds and recreation sites. For more information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fire, and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices.

Fire Danger remains High for the surrounding area. The vegetation is still very dry, and one spark or ember could start a significant fire. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following local fire restrictions.

Quick Facts:
SIZE: 4,331 Acres
CONTAINMENT: 60%CAUSE: Lightning
PERSONNEL: 448
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City
FIRE INFORMATION: 541-625-08922022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/
TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.


Decrease Closure Area Surrounding Crockets Knob Fire

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: Closures
USDA
Forest Service
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Malheur National Forest, Region 6
Forest Service News Release
 
Contact Title:
Mary Hamisevicz (541) 620-4750
Shyanne Slate (541) 589-0127
malheur_public_information@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/malheur


 
Malheur & Umatilla National Forests Decrease Closure Area Surrounding Crockets Knob Fire
 
JOHN DAY, PRAIRIE CITY, and HINES, OR - (Friday, September 9, 2022,) The Malheur and Umatilla National Forests will be decreasing the Closure Area surrounding the Crockets Knob Fire, effective September 11, 2022. However, there is still an area closure in effect.

The area closure begins at the junction of County Road 20 and Forest Service Road (FSR) 45, east to Sunshine Guard Station, north on FSR 2000909 to the junction at FSR 4550, northeast on FSR 4555, then northeast to Sunrise Butte Trail #255, northeast to the junction with Princess Trail #251, east to Blue Mountain Trail #6141, northwest to FSR 45, and back south to the junction of County Road 20.
 
All boundary roads, trails and campgrounds will be closed EXCEPT County Road 20, from the junction of FSR 45 to the junction of FSR 2000909 at Sunshine Guard Station, which will remain open. For full area closure information and map, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur 
 
Closure signs will be posted on the ground and detailed maps of the closure information will be available on the Forest website and at any Forest office.
 
Forest officials advise the public to use caution when traveling on the Forest, as roads and trails could be impacted by hazards such as trees, rocks or boulders. There will also be an increase in fire vehicles and fire traffic. Forest conditions can be dynamic this time of year and likely to change throughout the day and week.
 
Visitors should plan ahead and contact their local ranger district prior to starting their trip. Many places in the Blue Mountains have limited or no cell phone coverage. Forest visitors should always be prepared to spend the night in the forest with warm clothing, food, personal hygiene items and plenty of water. The public is encouraged to monitor the Malheur National Forest Facebook page for updates on forest conditions and the current fire activity.
 
The public are encouraged to be aware of the elevated fire danger on the Malheur National Forest. Current fire conditions and public use restrictions can be found on the Forest webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/malheur.

 
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992022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

Crockets Knob Fire Update
 
NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12

Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar

September 09, 2022
 
Weather: Cool temperatures will continue today with calmer winds. Temperatures will be in the mid-70s this afternoon with wind gusts up to 18 mph. Conditions will still be dry with relative humidity dropping into the low teens.

Operations: Yesterday crews began suppression repair along the FSR 45 and other containment lines. Crews are repairing the damage caused by fighting the fire. These repairs include adding water bars to containment lines. The water bars will help restore natural drainage to areas impacted by firefighting and reduce the potential for sediment to impact local streams and rivers. Crews will also continue removing excess hoses and equipment along containment lines.

Firefighters conducted mop up in the northeast and eastern portion of the fire’s edge yesterday and will continue today mopping up any lingering heat near containment lines. Crews monitored and patrolled containment lines along the southern edge of the fire. The contingency line was completed along FSR 45 between FSR 537 and Sharp Ridge / Indian Rock Trailhead yesterday. Some firefighters and helicopters assisted the Malheur National Forest with new fires in the area yesterday and will continue today providing assistance as needed. These small new fires are fully or nearly contained at this time.

Closures and Evacuations: Grant County has lifted the Level One evacuation advisory in the area of the fire, and County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road) has been fully reopened. The closure is still in effect on the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests today. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/?cid=STELPRD3845529

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com The Malheur National Forest changed the Public Use Restriction to Phase C on the Blue Mountain and Prairie City Ranger Districts today. No campfires or personal chainsaw use is allowed. For more information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/fireThe Umatilla National Forest remains in at Phase B, which allows campfires only in designated campgrounds and recreation sites.
 
The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires. Vehicle operation, equipment use and outdoor burning (including campfires) are the top three ways humans cause wildfires on the landscape. The public can help us by making good decisions when they recreate on public lands and by following local fire restrictions.
 
Quick Facts:
SIZE: 4,331 Acres
CONTAINMENT: 50%
CAUSE: Lightning
PERSONNEL: 582
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City
 
FIRE INFORMATION: 541-625-08922022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.


Evacuation lift for Grant County

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: Announcement

Sheriff McKinley, in coordination with the USFS Pacific NW Team 12, has lifted the evacuation alert for the Crockets Knob Fire. This includes the road closure on County Road 20.

982022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

Crockets Knob Fire Update

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12


Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar

September 08, 2022

Weather: Temperatures are expected to be cooler today, and winds will be calmer. Temperatures will be in the low-80s this afternoon with wind gusts up to 20 mph. Conditions will still be dry with relative humidity in the teens.

Operations: Yesterday the fire perimeter was tested by high winds, and firefighters kept the fire within established containment lines. The fire received some rainfall yesterday afternoon, which helped with mop up efforts. Spots west of the FSR 45 were completely mopped up and will continue to be monitored to ensure they remain secure. Mop up along the FSR 45 and FSR 537 continued, and improvements along the contingency line north of FSR 45 and FSR 537 were nearly completed. Today, heavy equipment should complete the contingency line up to the Sharp Ridge / Indian Rock Trailhead. On the northeastern and eastern flanks, containment lines are in place around the burned pockets of subalpine fir, and today crews will continue mopping up any remnant heat they find. Yesterday crews monitored and patrolled the southern edge of the fire, which will continue today. Crews will be removing excess hoses and equipment from secured containment lines on the western, southern and eastern edges of the fire. All containment lines will continue to be monitored and patrolled. Crews received minimal support from helicopters yesterday due to high winds and thunderstorms. With favorable weather, helicopters are expected to resume support of firefighting efforts along the northeastern flank.

Closures and Evacuations: Grant County has issued a Level One evacuation advisory in the area of the fire. Level One means be ready and aware of fire conditions. You can view a map of the evacuation zone on the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page. A closure is in effect on the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests today. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/...

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

Quick Facts:

SIZE: 4,326 Acres

CONTAINMENT: 35%

CAUSE: Lightning

PERSONNEL: 640

LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City

FIRE INFORMATION: 541-625-0892

2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.


972022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

Crockets Knob Fire Update 

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12

Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar

 September 07, 2022

A community meeting will take place tonight at 6 PM at the Prairie City Park and will also be live streamed on the fire’s Facebook page.

Weather: A red flag warning has been issued for the fire area today due to hot, dry and windy conditions. High winds will start early in the day with gust up to 30 mph, and there is a chance of thunderstorms, which could cause erratic winds up to 40 mph. Temperatures will be in the mid-90s this afternoon, and relative humidity is expected to drop down to around 15%.

Operations: Yesterday firefighters made good progress mopping up containment lines on the southern edge of the fire. Crews also continued to mop up along the FSR 45 and FSR 537. Heavy equipment continued improving potential contingency line along FSR 45, north of FSR 537. Spot fires west of FSR 45 continued to be mopped up and secured. Crews worked on the northeastern and eastern flanks of the fire to secure pockets of subalpine spruce and other vegetation. Rocky conditions and patchy fuels have limited fire growth in the Greenhorn Mountains area. Helicopters supported firefighters on the northeastern and eastern edges with water bucket drops to cool areas of heat and add moisture to the fuels to slow fire growth. Due to today’s red flag warning, firefighters will be extra vigilant to hold and defend containment lines and ensure firefighter and public safety. Containment lines along the southern edge of the fire and FSR 45 will continue to be monitored, mopped up and secured. Crews will focus on northeast flanks directly constructing lines around clumps of burned subalpine fir, brush and grass to prevent the fire from spreading beyond these pockets of vegetation. Helicopters will continue to support firefighters in this area.

Closures and Evacuations: Grant County has issued a Level One evacuation advisory in the area of the fire. Level One means be ready and aware of fire conditions. You can view a map of the evacuation zone on the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page. A closure is in effect on the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests today. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/...

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

Quick Facts:

SIZE: 4,305 Acres
CONTAINMENT: 25%
CAUSE: Lightning
PERSONNEL: 655
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City
FIRE INFORMATION: 541-625-0892
2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/
 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.

962022 Crockets Knob Fire Update

Related Incident: Crockets Knob Fire
Publication Type: News

Crockets Knob Fire Update
 
NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12


Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar September 06, 2022
 
A community meeting will take place Wednesday night at 6 PM at the Prairie City Park and will also be live streamed on the fire’s Facebook page. Weather: Today is forecasted to have increased winds along with hotter and drier conditions. Temperatures will be in the upper 80’s this afternoon with wind gusts up to 25 mph, and relative humidity is expected to drop down to nearly 10% this afternoon. A red flag warning has been issued for tomorrow, September 7th, for the fire area.
 
Operations: Yesterday firefighters continued to secure containment lines along FSR 4550 and 45 Roads, and heavy equipment improved a potential contingency line along FSR 45 north toward the FSR 10. Spot fires west of FSR 45 from previous days were mopped up, which included finding and putting out remnant heat in areas already burned. Crews continued constructing direct handlines along the northeastern and eastern flanks of the fire. Helicopters supported firefighters with water bucket drops along the north and northeastern edges.

Today fire activity is expected to increase due to hot, dry and windy conditions. Firefighters will work to secure existing containment lines for the anticipated red flag conditions. Crews will engage directly with handlines along the north and northeastern flanks of the fire. Heavy equipment will continue improving the potential contingency line along FSR 45. Containment lines along the southern edge of the fire will continue to be monitored, mopped up, and secured.

Helicopters will continue to support firefighters on the northern and eastern edge, cooling areas of heat and adding moisture to the fuels to slow fire growth.

Closures and Evacuations: Grant County has issued a Level One evacuation advisory in the area of the fire. Level One means be ready and aware of fire conditions. You can view a map of the evacuation zone on the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page. A closure is in effect on the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests today. For complete closure information, please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/notices/?cid=STELPRD3845529

Smoke may be visible to nearby communities and Forest visitors. Smoke and air quality impacts within the state can be monitored by visiting: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

Quick Facts:
SIZE: 4,305 Acres
CONTAINMENT: 25%
CAUSE: Lightning
PERSONNEL: 623
LOCATION: 19 miles north of Prairie City
 
FIRE INFORMATION: 541-625-0892
2022.crocketsknob@firenet.gov
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CrocketsKnobFire
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8355/

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Crockets Knob Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone - if you fly, we can’t.


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