Smoke Outlook 8/11-8/12/2022

Fire The Windigo Fire has been remapped at 1008 acres with 25% containment. The Potter Fire is at 314 acres with 0% containment. The Big Swamp Fire is 119 acres with 0% containment. Similar fire behavior to yesterday is expected today. For additional information, see Potter Fire and Windigo Fire. Smoke Very little smoke was generated yesterday between all of the fires within the Smoke Outlook area. What little there was, drifted mainly into the Deschutes River valley from about Sunriver northward to Redmond resulting in some Moderate air quality (AQ) this morning. However, overall Good AQ is forecast for these areas as well as elsewhere today based on expected minimal fire behavior. As mentioned yesterday there was concern for California smoke to move over the region today. That did happen and surprisingly it was low enough in the atmosphere to create Moderate AQ at Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and Crescent Lake this morning. The smoke will dissipate this morning resulting in Good AQ today into this evening, but with SSW winds aloft remaining over the area tonight, Moderate AQ is expected once again in these locations.

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp-Shelter Fires Update – August 11, 2022

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire 26 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon, on the Willamette National Forest.

Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the fire on Wednesday, helping crews make progress on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, firefighters searched for and removed heat along the perimeter of the fire with mop up ranging from 50 to 100 feet in depth. Today, crews will continue mop up operations around Windigo Pass as they strive to secure the fire.

Today’s anticipated favorable conditions on the Potter Fire will provide firefighters an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day. Crews will continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 119 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today’s operations will see firefighters continuing to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, securing lines and conducting mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 810 total personnel comprised of 23 handcrews, 24 engines, 10 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

Temperatures will reach 79-84 degrees today. Winds will flow from the south with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops this morning, with a shift in the afternoon to flows from the west. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 50-80% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,008 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 314 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 119 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

Fire Information Phone: 206-473-8645 (8am - 7pm)  |  Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.gov

Potter Fire (& Shelter) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/

Windigo Fire (& Big Swamp) InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Windigo-Fire-and-Potter-Fire-Information-109233838550715

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire 26 miles southeast of Oakridge, Oregon, on the Willamette National Forest.

Cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the fire on Wednesday, helping crews make progress on all fires. On the Windigo Fire, firefighters searched for and removed heat along the perimeter of the fire with mop up ranging from 50 to 100 feet in depth. Today, crews will continue mop up operations around Windigo Pass as they strive to secure the fire.

Today’s anticipated favorable conditions on the Potter Fire will provide firefighters an opportunity to perform strategic firing operations on the eastern and northern flanks of the fire later in the day. Crews will continue mop up operations and improve fire lines. Strategic firing operations are used to control and secure the perimeter of the fire. Firefighters employ drones and/or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a burnout tool by dropping plastic sphere dispensers (PSD) that start fires in desired locations to stop the advancing wildfire.

The Big Swamp Fire is at 119 acres following yesterday’s operations. Crews continued to secure line with support from aviation resources. Today’s operations will see firefighters continuing to find opportunities to go direct on portions of the fire, securing lines and conducting mop up operations.

Resources on the fires include 810 total personnel comprised of 23 handcrews, 24 engines, 10 dozers, 12 water tenders, nine Type 1 Helicopters, and one Type 3 Helicopter and two fixed-wing scoopers.

Temperatures will reach 79-84 degrees today. Winds will flow from the south with speeds between 5-10 mph and gusts of up to 15 mph on ridge tops this morning, with a shift in the afternoon to flows from the west. Fire spotting distances may be up to .3 miles with a 50-80% chance of ignition on the dry fuels. Visit AirNow.gov for smoke information.

Windigo Fire
Acreage: Approx. 1,008 acres
Containment: 25%
Location: 20 mi SW of La Pine, OR
Cause: Lightning

Potter Fire
Acreage: Approx. 314 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 8 mi NE of Toketee Lake 
Cause: Lightning

Big Swamp
Acreage: Approx. 119 acres       
Containment: 0%
Location: 6.5 mi N of Lemolo Lake
Cause: Lightning

Closures: For firefighter and public safety follow the Windigo and Potter Closure Orders.

Wildland Firefighter Killed on Big Swamp Fire near Oakridge, Ore.

Willamette National Forest - August 11, 2022

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire near Oakridge, Ore. on the Willamette National Forest.

The Bureau of Land Management firefighter was assigned from Colorado. A Serious Accident Investigation Team is being assembled.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a cherished firefighter working on our forest to save our communities and beloved recreational areas,” said Duane Bishop, Acting Forest Supervisor on the Willamette National Forest. “Their family has been notified and we are working with our partners to ensure the crew is well taken care of. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of this brave firefighter.”

Additional information will be released when appropriate. Media can send inquiries to Public Information Officer Jennifer O'Leary at jennifer.o'leary@usda.gov.  

Wildland Firefighter Killed on Big Swamp Fire near Oakridge, Ore.

Willamette National Forest - August 11, 2022

With heavy hearts we share that wildland firefighter, Collin Hagan of the Craig Interagency Hotshots, was killed yesterday after sustaining critical injuries from being struck by a tree while engaged in firefighting efforts on the Big Swamp fire near Oakridge, Ore. on the Willamette National Forest.

The Bureau of Land Management firefighter was assigned from Colorado. A Serious Accident Investigation Team is being assembled.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of a cherished firefighter working on our forest to save our communities and beloved recreational areas,” said Duane Bishop, Acting Forest Supervisor on the Willamette National Forest. “Their family has been notified and we are working with our partners to ensure the crew is well taken care of. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and fellow crew members of this brave firefighter.”

Additional information will be released when appropriate. Media can send inquiries to Public Information Officer Jennifer O'Leary at jennifer.o'leary@usda.gov.  

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on August 9, a Fire Boss Single Engine Air Tanker/Scooper crashed in Lake Livingston while responding to wildfires in Polk County. 

Texas A&M Forest Service was requested to assist on multiple new ignitions in the Corrigan, Texas area. The agency mobilized several aircraft to assist with suppression efforts on the fires. 

The pilot was quickly rescued and taken to shore. The individual is being treated on scene. 

 

Our thoughts are with the pilot, their family and friends as well as all personnel involved.

Texas A&M Forest Service does not own any aviation resources but instead uses federal aviation contracts through the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for all firefighting aircraft.

Hamilton, MT, August 11 — Just 11 days after going to “Extreme” fire danger, the highest level possible, the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) announced today that it is implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning tomorrow, due to our hot temperatures and dry fuel conditions. 

“We will be moving directly into Stage 2 fire restrictions this season,” said Mark Wilson, Fire Management Officer.  “We decided not to implement Stage 1 restrictions and immediately go to the highest level because we currently meet the conditions for Stage 2.”

Current conditions across the forest are at our maximum recorded values with the start of August.  Short and long-term forecasts indicate sustained weather conditions that support continued significant fire behavior through mid-September

“With current fire activity and predicted weather, we all need to do everything we can to prevent additional wildfires from starting,” stated Matt Anderson, Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor. “We are asking the public to recreate responsibly and adhere to these restrictions.”

Fire restrictions are intended to decrease the chance of preventable, human-caused fires in the designated areas. 

 Stage II Fire Restrictions will be effective Friday, August 12, at 12:01 a.m. for all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana, including the Anaconda Pintler and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Areas in Montana. 

STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Under the Stage II Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on federally managed or protected lands, roads, and trails:

1.       Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.

2.       Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or closed of all flammable materials.

3.       Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine (prohibited 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m).

4.       Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

5.       Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.

Exemptions:

1.       Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization, or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.  If the authorization allows operation of an Internal Combustion Engine or welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, such acts are prohibited from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Outside of these hours; a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of these activities.

2.       Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

3.       Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator.

4.       Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails.

5.       Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads conducted.

6.       Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

7.       Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

8.       All land within a city boundary is exempted.

Anyone caught violating the restrictions could be fined up to $5,000 and face up to 6 months in jail.  They may also be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if they start a fire.  Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about current fire restrictions in place throughout Montana.   

BNF wilderness areas in Idaho including the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return are not included in the fire restrictions at this time.  See forest map for more details.    

The ridge of high pressure that is bringing our hot temperatures is also transporting smoke from wildfires in Idaho, Oregon, and California causing hazy skies and smoke impacts.  For the latest air quality information visit http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair.  This site displays particulate concentrations and health effects including a daily ‘Wildfire Smoke Update’.

For more information about fires in Montana and other fires across the country, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF for local fire information.  

This summer, there have been 27 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 9 human-caused and 18 lightning fires. 

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

PROHIBITIONS

FACT SHEET Wildfire Update

August 9, 2022

Contact: Public Affairs Officer – Tod McKay

Phone: 406-531-1130

What: Indian Ridge Fire
Discovered: July 7th
Cause: Lightning

Location: Selway Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho, Bitterroot National Forest – West Fork Ranger District

Summary: The Indian Ridge Fire started by lightning in July in the Indian Creek drainage in Idaho’s Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness has grown to approximately 2,400 acres. The fire was active yesterday pushed by strong northwest winds and spotted across Indian Creek making a run up the slope towards Beaver Jack Mountain. Smoke from the fire was visible Monday afternoon and evening south of Hamilton, primarily around Darby. Currently, there are no values at risk or impacts to the Magruder Road Corridor or Paradise Road. The fire is still approximately 2 miles east of Indian Creek Campground and Paradise Road. It is burning five miles from the Idaho/Montana border and is approximately 30 miles southwest of Darby, MT.

Fire Activity: Much of the fire growth yesterday was to the east and south. There was active group torching, short uphill runs, and short-range spotting up the ¼ mile. Much of the fire growth was driven by slope and wind alignment combined with extremely dry fuels.

Active fire behavior is expected again this afternoon with south winds, low relative humidity, and temperatures nearing 100 degrees.

Terrain: The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and remote terrain with heavy surface fuels and dead standing timber. The fire is burning towards several old fire scars from 2012 including the Burnt Strip, Green Mountain, and Beaver Jack fires.

Planned Actions: Due to the combination of no immediate values at risk near this fire and very steep, rugged terrain making access for firefighters difficult, fire managers are utilizing a point protection strategy to prevent any critical wilderness infrastructure from being negatively impacted by the fire. Fire information and maps have been posted at all wilderness campgrounds and trailheads along Paradise Road, the Magruder Road Corridor, and Nez Perce Pass.

Smoke Impacts: With increased fire activity, there is potential for smoke to become visible in the valley and impact air quality like it did on Monday, primarily around Darby. Heavy smoke is also expected overnight and in the mornings along the Selway River between Magruder and Paradise, especially at Indian Creek Campground.

Safety Concerns/Closures: There are currently no road or trail closures, but with the current fire behavior and movement, an area closure for public safety is anticipated this week. The closure is not expected to impact the Magruder Road Corridor, Paradise Road, or any of the campgrounds located along these roads. Some wilderness trails will likely be impacted by the closure.

Weather: Daytime high temperatures will peak today and remain above average this week. Dry weather will continue with low relative humidity this afternoon. Cloud cover is expected on Wednesday with a chance of widespread thunderstorms.

Inciweb: For the latest on the Indian Ridge Fire and to see a map of the fire area visit Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8319

Fire Danger: Fire Danger is currently “Extreme” on the Bitterroot National Forest, the highest fire danger level possible. When fire danger is Extreme, fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and development into high intensity burning will be faster and occur even on smaller fires. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition.

2022 Fire Season: This summer, there have been 27 wildfires on the Bitterroot National Forest; 9 human-caused and 18 lightning fires.

Acres Burned: 200
% Contained: 100%
Structures Lost:  0

The Gate 6 Fire initially had very high fire activity with crown fires and group torching, and crews were receiving assistance from air tankers to cool the fire and secure the flanks. At approximately 3:30pm, the fire received rainfall, and aircraft were released to support other near by fires.

Texas A&M Forest Service continued to work in unified command with the United States Forest Service and local timber company bulldozers to completely contain the fire by 9:00pm yesterday evening. The private timber company dozers will be on scene in the morning to monitor the contained fire. 

Acres Burned: 514
Containment: 100%
Structures Lost: 0
Injuries: 0

Firefighters were able to quickly stop forward progression of the fire and shift focus to improving containment lines with bulldozers. Yesterday, on August 9th at approximately 1:00 pm, the fire briefly escaped containment lines and burned an additional 30 acres before crews contained the catch out. The fire is now 100% contained, and crews will continue monitoring the fire for the next several days.