Devil’s Knob Fire Update for Thursday, September 19, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

All evacuation notices for the Devil’s Knob Fire have been lifted. These notices are coordinated through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for notices through the Douglas County Office of Emergency Management at https://douglascountyor.gov/AlertCenter. 

Acreage increased by six acres due to better mapping capabilities provided by the unmanned aerial system. Containment has increased with the recent wet weather and ongoing mop-up operations, and the focus is shifting more to suppression repair. 

CURRENT STATUS: 

Resources: 624; Crews: 20; Engines: 9; Dozers: 2; Water Tenders: 7 

Aircraft: One Type 1 helicopter, one Type 3 helicopter, one unmanned aerial system (UAS) 

Containment efforts in the Flat Creek drainage and along the 1610 Road have been successful. The depth of this containment has reached 100 feet in the most critical areas to extinguish hotspots remaining on the fire perimeter, making it stronger and more effective. Resources will be reduced as containment grows, allowing other priority fires to obtain needed support. 

The unmanned aerial system continues to scout for and identify hotspots with infrared (IR) technology, making mop-up operations more efficient for ground crews. Hose, pumps, and other equipment are being backhauled off the line as mop-up and suppression repair of dozer and hand line progresses. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

Recent wet weather, high relative humidity, light winds, and seasonably cool temperatures have kept fire activity to a minimum. While dry, warmer conditions are anticipated over the next several days, continued high relative humidity and light wind activity in the area is expected to limit fire behavior to creeping and smoldering with little potential for further spread in the near future.  

SAFETY AND CLOSURES:   

Closures on the Umpqua National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices.  

Umpqua National Forest restrictions can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire.  

Fire Restrictions for Bureau of Land Management can be found on the Oregon-Washington blm.gov page. 

Douglas Forest Protective Association restrictions can be found at https://www.dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions.  

Oregon Dept. of Forestry restrictions can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. 

Unified Command: CIIMT5, Los Angeles County Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff, San Bernardino County Sheriff, CAL FIRE – San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit

Start Date: September 8, 2024, at 2:12 p.m.      

Fire Information: (626) 662-0120 ***Original number***

Media Line: (626) 470-1395

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Email: 2024.Bridge@firenet.gov 

Fire Size: 54,795 acres 

Percent Contained: 49% 

Personnel: 2,591

Injuries: 4

Structures Damaged: 19 

Structures Destroyed: 81

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Sheep Mountain Wilderness, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument                                                                                                
                                                                            

CURRENT SITUATION: Today, firefighters continued strengthening containment lines and validating their progress, while also attacking the most active northwest and southeast flanks with ground and air resources.

On the northwest flank, firefighters brought the fire’s edge down to tie into road systems today, helping secure containment where rollout of burning material posed a threat to the line. Favorable weather conditions are still allowing firefighters to go direct along the fires edge to prevent further spread toward the Mile High and Paradise Springs communities.

Falling modules and other firefighting personnel are working on the northeast side of the fire, and throughout the Big Pines and Wrightwood communities falling hazardous trees, mopping up, and patrolling both areas.

On the northeast flank, crews are holding containment lines south of Wright Mountain, preventing the fire from progressing into the drainages north of Lytle Creek.

Thanks to the great work of firefighters, public safety personnel and utility companies, an evacuation order was downgraded to a Warning from Icehouse Canyon up to Manker Flats and the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort. Firefighters will still maintain a presence in this area to patrol, monitor, and mop-up.

On the south and west flanks, crews continue holding containment lines and validating that hotspots have been extinguished. Hotshot crews inserted by helicopter earlier this week continue constructing indirect line in the rugged terrain of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness to create secondary containment lines.

Damage inspection teams continue to update interactive maps for residents affected by the Bridge Fire. For San Bernardino County: prepare.sbcounty.gov/bridge-fire/ For Los Angeles County: recovery.lacounty.gov/bridgefire/

Evacuation Orders:

· North, Northwest of Mt. Baldy Ski Resort

· Big Pines Canyon Road to the community of Big Pines

· East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort and River Community

Evacuation Warnings:

· Community of Wrightwood

· Mt. Baldy Village

· Icehouse Canyon Trailhead, north to the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort

· From San Antonio Canyon east to Telegraph Peak

· Shinn Road north to Icehouse Canyon is open to residents only

For interactive maps on evacuations: · Los Angeles County: Genasys Protect website or download the app. https://protect.genasys.com · San Bernadino: https://sbcounty.maps.arcgis.com

For emergency alerts, please register here: · Los Angeles County: https://ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/ · San Bernardino County: https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/alerts/

Evacuation Centers:

· San Bernardino County Fairgrounds: 14800 Seventh Street, Victorville, CA

· Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Avenue Pomona, CA (Gate 3, corner of McKinley/White)

Animals:

· Devore Animal Shelter: 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA. (909) 386-9820. After hours: (800) 472-5609

· San Bernardino County Fairgrounds: 14800 Seventh Street, Victorville, CA

· Palmdale Animal Care Center (Small Animals): 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA

· Lancaster Animal Care Center (Small Animals): 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA

For more information on evacuation centers: · www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html · https://lacounty.gov/emergency/

ROAD CLOSURES:

· Big Pines Highway

· Big Rock Creek Road

· Largo Vista Road

· Mescal Creek Road

· Panorama Motorway

· SR-39 at the Base of San Gabriel Canyon

· Glendora Mountain Road north of Big Dalton Road

· Mt. Baldy Rd at Shinn Road (open to residents only)

· Mt. Baldy at Ice House Canyon Road

· SR-2 at Flume Canyon Road westbound

WEATHER: Temperatures were mild today with favorable winds which encouraged moderate fire behavior on the landscape. Colder temperatures, unstable air and higher humidity is expected tomorrow, but on Friday a warming and drying trend will return with offshore winds. There is a 10% chance of thunderstorms tonight into tomorrow, but wetting rain is not expected.

Fire Information Phone: 541-208-7108 (8 a.m.- 8 p.m.)

Email: 2024.wileyflat@firenet.gov

Acres:   Wiley Flat – 30,186 acres; 94.5% contained

               Hawley Ridge – 793 acres; 100% contained

Location: Wiley Creek: about 10 miles southeast of Post, Oregon off Highway 380

Start Date: September 2, 2024

Personnel: 297 personnel

Resources: 7 crews | 9 engines | 4 bulldozers | 11 water tenders | 2 masticators | 4 skidgens |7 excavators |2 ambulances 

Highlights: Crews have completed suppression repair on the majority of the fire perimeter, and they continue to monitor the completed sections for any heat. They are taking extra care to repair more sensitive areas to restore them to a natural state. On the southwest perimeter, firefighters continue mopping up and securing the remainder of the direct lines. After a successful tour, California Team 1 will be transferring command of the Wiley Flat fire to the incoming Alaska Team 3 at 7:00 PM today. We would like to thank the community for all your support. It has been our pleasure serving you. 

Today’s Weather: Cool temperatures with clouds will continue today with highs in the 70’s. The air will be dry with somewhat lower relative humidity in the 35% range. We will see milder winds from the west-northwest.

Evacuations: The Crook County Sherrif has lowered the evacuation areas as follows:

LEVEL 3: Areas inside the fire perimeter are designated Level 3 Evacuation zones.

LEVEL 2: The area encompassing approximately one-half mile from the fire perimeter is designated Level 2 evacuation zone.

The Red Cross evacuation shelter is in the Carey Foster Hall at Crook County Fairgrounds SE Lynn Blvd. Prineville, OR 97754. Information number: 1-800-RED-CROSS

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources.

Fire Restrictions and Closures: These areas are closed to all uses, including recreational activities, for public and firefighter safety. The Ochoco National Forest has implemented temporary closures consisting of all geographical areas, including all roads, trails, and recreation sites, on Forest Service land within a portion of the Lookout Mountain Ranger District. The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for portions of public lands in Crook and Grant Counties.

More Information:

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-wiley-flat

Facebook: Facebook.com/2024Wiley Flat Fire

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/

Lookout Mountain Ranger District Closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=90382

BLM Crook and Grant Counties Temporary Closures: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Crook County Emergency Information Map: https://crookcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/minimalist/index.html?appid=3ddd30c1faeb455fb287dfa122d9ea5e 

Thursday September 19, 2024

Emmett and Cascade Ranger Districts on the Boise National Forests are rescinding Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow Friday, September 20, 2024. 

A Community Meeting will be held in Ola tomorrow Friday, September 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ola Community Hall, 21750 Main Street, Ola, Idaho.

Overview: The Lava Fire is on the Boise and Payette National Forests and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire is located north of Emmett and west of Lake Cascade and started by lightning on Monday, September 2. It is burning in tall grass, brush, and timber. 

The Lava Fire is currently 97,844 acres with 57 percent of the perimeter contained. 779 personnel are assigned, including 19 crews, 1 large helicopters, 1 small helicopter, 37 engines, 11 bulldozers, 16 water tenders, 7 excavators, 5 skidders and 8 ambulances.

Any property remaining in an area that is either evacuated or impacted by Forest Service closures must remain in place until fire managers, Sheriff’s departments, and emergency management departments deem the area is safe for reentry. 

Operations: Yesterday, smoke was visible in the eastern, northeastern, and southern flanks as conditions became drier in areas such as God’s Acres, Willow Subdivision and areas north of Sage Hen Reservoir. In the eastern flank, crews chipped limbs that were removed to construct fire line on Forest Service Road 446E and Gopher Road. Structure protection specialists continued to backhaul fire hose to areas of greater need. Bulldozer line was improved in the northern flank between Indian Mountain Road and Jeep Mountain Road. Hand crews worked direct line by the Little Weiser River and moved west toward a bulldozer line along Cascade Ridge. In the western flank, road graders improved the Little Wieser Road system. Crews remained on patrol and mop up along bulldozer contained line along the western flank. In the southern flank, three hotshot crews and engines engaged on the fire perimeter along Forest Service Road 653 and continued mop up. Rocky, steep terrain along the southern flank is difficult for firefighters to access, but firefighters continued to make gradual progress. Infrared drones had three missions and detected heat sources interior of fire lines.

Today, fire suppression activities include handlines, dozer lines, engines, helicopters, chippers, drones and suppression repair containment lines around the fire perimeter.

Structure protection continues all around the fire including God’s Acres, the Cascade Christian Church Camp and Willow Subdivision. Activities include checking sprinkler systems and chipping along Forest Service Road 404 and hose lays. Personnel will identify and map water handling equipment in structure protection areas.

On the northern flank, firefighters will finish masticating cut limbs between Indian Mountain Road and Jeep Mountain Road and evaluate where they need to install fire hoses. Crews continue construction of direct control lines by little Weiser Creek and Forest Service Road 835 towards Forest Service Road 231. Firefighters are scouting ways to connect direct handline from the fire edge to the dozer line north between Indian Mountain Road and Jeep Mountain Road. Saw work will begin to remove hazardous trees on the Forest Service Road 435, Little Weiser Road, Forest Service Road 206, and Forest Service Road 835 to improve access to interior lines.

On the eastern flank, chippers will continue to reduce burnable vegetation around structures on Forest Service Road 446E and Gopher Road. Firefighters will continue saw work on the 404 road system and all access roadways to remove hazardous trees. Fire hoses and pumps will be backhauled to be used in areas of greater concern. Firefighters are working alongside resource advisors to repair dozer lines and ensure natural and cultural resources are protected. 

On the southern flank, firefighters will be in monitor status around the Gross Community ready to remove heat by mop up if necessary. Hotshot crews and masticators are steadily working direct line along the Forest Service Road 653 moving northeast in steep terrain. Crews are building handline directly at the fire’s edge and installing fire hose to the north of Sage Hen Reservoir and Forest Service Road 626. Drone pilots will fly drones in this area to detect areas of heat. 

On the western flank, crews will repair roads degraded by fire operations that will be returned to pre-fire conditions.

Weather/Fire Behavior: Dry and fair weather is forecasted all day. Minimal cloud cover will provide little to no shade across the fire. Although temperatures are below normal, they will continue to increase with highs in the 60s. Relative humidity will be 10 percent lower than yesterday at 50 percent, but remain high due to ground moisture. Light winds will remain westerly and weak from 3 to 7 mph with gusts to 13 mph. As conditions clear and dry out, fire behavior is expected to be minimal with smoldering and creeping in fully sheltered areas. Firefighters will continue to watch for new ignitions from recent lightning that may ignite when sunny conditions return.

Evacuations:

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Downgraded to a Level 1 “READY” for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. These evacuations notices are effective as of Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

Gem County Sheriff’s Office A LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation notice has been issued to residents on Third Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), Second Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), Nesbitt Lane. The Sage Hen Reservoir area remains in A LEVEL 2 “SET.” 

Gem County Road and Bridge Issued the following road closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. The Sweet-Ola Highway is closed at the High Valley intersection in Ola. Please be advised that the Gem County Sheriff’s Office is staffing the road closure check points. 

Valley County Sheriff’s Office Zones 2 – 6 are in a LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation notice. All remaining zones have been removed from any evacuation status for the Lava Fire effective Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

Forest Closures and Restrictions: The Boise and Payette National Forests implemented a joint Lava Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure for public and firefighter safety. The closure includes Forest Service lands north of the 601 Road (approximately 7 miles southwest of Smiths Ferry) and north all the way to the northernmost extent of Lake Cascade. The current fire closure order is being reevaluated because of the work by firefighters and recent weather. We expect to have changes to the Closure Order in the next couple of days.

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes the use of personal drones. If you fly, we cannot fly.

* This Will Be The Final Official Update For The Fish Creek Fire *

Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Schuster
Location:  7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass
Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: 25,052 acres
Percent complete:  79%
Resources: 349 Total Personnel: 9 Hand Crews; 3 Engines; 13 Heavy Equipment; 2 Helicopter  

KEY MESSAGES:
The fire continues to smolder in heavy timber, litter, dead and down timber, and younger mixed conifers, despite  recent moisture and light snow. Minimal fire behavior is expected, but creeping, smoldering, and backing behavior of the fire will continue with an occasional single tree torching. Care with fire of any kind is still advised across the entire region.

Work will continue along the Highway 26/287 corridor. Firefighters and heavy equipment will be present. Please drive with caution, especially with wet or snowy conditions over the pass. Public and firefighter safety continues to be our highest priority on the Fish Creek Fire.

The Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests updated the Closure Order for the area of the fire on Sept. 17th, opening the areas north of US-26 that had been previously closed. The closures that remain provide for public and firefighters safety. Please respect the orders for roads, campgrounds, and trails that remain closed. Additional information regarding the current closure order can be found on the Forest websites. Numerous hazards will remain in those areas.

The main basecamp for firefighters has moved to Dubois and will be located at the Dubois Town Park. This will increase traffic in that area. Please be aware of the additional vehicles entering and departing the area.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team, Nevada Team 4, has arrived in Dubois. They in-briefed with outgoing Northern Rockies Team 2 last night, will shadow today, and will assume operational control of the incident at 0600 Friday, September 20th.

Further information feeds will be undertaken as necessary, dependent upon fire behavior or emerging conditions. For forest closure information please refer to the Bridger-Teton NF website, the Bridger-Teton NF Facebook page, and the Bridger-Teton NF feed on X (Twitter).

CURRENT STATUS:
Due to the recent inclement weather, which impacted roads in the fire area, firefighters remained disengaged on more remote parts of the fire for safety reasons and to minimize impact to roads. Hand crews, however, continued their work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire behavior in the area.

At the fuel mitigation project around Togwotee Lodge, the cutting phase is complete and now removal of vegetation debris will proceed as well as continued brush reduction. This action will improve defensible space for values at risk from future wildfires. Work has also resumed on the Flagstaff Road and large amounts of vegetation are being removed from this area.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The area of the Fish Creek Fire has received a significant amount of moisture across the fire zone over the last week. Forecast is for scattered precipitation and low temperatures over the fire area. 

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Aside from continued smoldering and isolated torching, the fire footprint is putting up minimal smoke. For up-to-date air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and ways to mitigate poor air quality, check out the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:

The joint Closure Order issued by both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for the fire area, remains in effect. Please do not enter the closure area or use any Forest Roads that are closed. For specific details regarding this closure, please reference the announcement on Inciweb for Sept 17th, 2024.

Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive have been reduced to Level 1 “Ready” Status (indicated by green blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 1 “Ready” Status means residents should closely monitor information feeds regarding fire activity.  See the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page for current alerts.

The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go system for evacuation messaging, visit their website for additional details at www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO.  They advise all residents to be in a “Ready” status by preparing for evacuations and becoming fire adapted.  All residents are encouraged to sign up for Teton County, Wyoming's free alert and warning service, Teton WY Alerts at: Teton_WY Alerts - Sign Up (everbridge.net).

US HWY 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic. A 45-mph speed restriction remains in effect for the fire area.  Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for fire personnel and fire vehicles and use caution when travelling through the area. 

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials for the safety of motorists and firefighters. 

Drivers are encouraged to visit https://www.wyoroad.info/ prior to traveling on US HWY 26/287 for road status and information, or download the Wyoming 511 app at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/WY511Mobile.html to monitor for any changes due to fire activity.

Current Situation: Favorable weather conditions on Wednesday allowed personnel to continue making excellent progress in their mission to complete fire-suppression repair tasks across the Diamond Complex. Crews are working alongside forest resource advisors to ensure repair is completed properly in areas where there have been disturbances of the ground created by either hand tools, vehicles, or heavy equipment. This is all to minimize any future damages due to erosion as well as returning the forest to as much of a natural state as practical. A high-pressure weather system will build today which is forecasted to produce a warming and drying trend into next week. Resources remain staffed and ready to respond to any new fires within the Umpqua National Forest. 

Firefighters will continue the use of hand tools to return hand-constructed fire lines to a more natural state. Handlines are repaired by pulling back the removed material onto the line as well as building water bars to direct water runoff from the exposed soil to a more suitable direction. Heavy equipment, such as excavators, will continue the task of pulling back the removed natural vegetation over the dozer-constructed lines to protect the soil and make it easier for the ground to recover. As large amounts of dead hazard trees are removed from the fire areas, crews will remove the remaining slash material through chipping operations. Road grading operations continue on many of the forest roads that have been used by firefighting equipment and heavy machinery throughout the incident. Hundreds of yards of gravel have been brought in to repair and smooth out heavily trafficked roads, one of which is the 100 road on the southern edge of the Potter Fire. To limit more erosion and downstream damage, creek crossings and roadway culverts are being repaired and cleared out. As personnel complete these identified suppression-repair items, resource advisors will sign off each project to verify it has met the Forest’s repair standards.

The Diamond Complex includes 33 fires in the Umpqua National Forest, 31 of which are 100% contained. The remaining two fires that are not fully contained are the Pine Bench Fire (3,976 acres, 66% contained) and the Potter Fire (3,428 acres, 76% contained).

Forest Closure: Umpqua National Forest lands, roads, and trails around the Diamond Complex fires are temporarily closed (with several exemptions) under Forest Order 06-15-24-07. You are responsible for knowing where you are in relation to the closed areas, so be prepared and view the order and map prior to recreating on your public lands. 

Fire Restrictions: On the Umpqua National Forest Public Use Restrictions Level 2 are currently in effect. However, starting at 12:01 a.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, Umpqua National Forest is terminating Public Use Restrictions (PURs) and decreasing to Moderate Fire Danger across all districts. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024, the forest will move to Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) 1.

Size: 11,141 acres                                                                     
Containment: 86%                                                                   
Personnel: 362                                                                                     
Resources: 7 crews | 1 helicopter | 6 engines | 4 dozers | 13 water tenders | 2 masticators | 7 excavators

 ###

Next update to be released 9-21-2024

The Line Fire experienced minimal fire activity in the early morning hours Thursday. There is a slight chance of showers over the fire area today, and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday. Friday could also bring gusty outflow winds if thunderstorms develop. Warm weather over the weekend is expected to bring down the vegetation moisture levels which could lead to increased fire activity. Firefighters are strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots.

There have been multiple drone incursions over the Line Fire area. This impedes our firefighting operations and can have deadly consequences. Please be respectful of those fighting the fire and the community members who are impacted by fire. Never fly drones near wildfire. If you fly, we can't.

An updated Smoke Outlook was published Wednesday. It can be found at fire.airnow.gov.

A Local Assistance Center (LAC) will open Friday, September 20, 24 at the LA County Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768. It's at the Expo Hall, please enter Gate 3.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Yesterday crews made progress on constructing and securing lines along the southern perimeter. The Pearl Fire remains estimated at 128 acres with 5% containment. Windy conditions prevented aircraft from flying yesterday but air resources continue to be available today. Know before you fly, use of unauthorized or uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) such as drones, endangers the lives of firefighters and pilots.

Over 300 ground personnel and multiple air resources are on scene. Crews will continue to work on creating and strengthening hand and dozer lines within each division. The northwestern edge of the fire continues to experience pockets of heat. Firefighters will create and secure line as conditions allow. Ground crews on the eastern perimeter will continue to work on structure mitigation and assessment. Lower humidity levels and warmer temperatures are forecasted with light winds and no critical fire conditions expected.

Larimer County Sheriff's Office will continue to operate the Joint Information Center and provide information about evacuation notices, animal evacuations and road closures. For evacuation information visit https://www.nocoalert.org/ or text LCEVAC to 888777. The Joint Information Center can be reached at (970) 980-2500. 

The Forest Service remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions. Refer to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests website for more information. 

Maps and other details for the Pearl Fire can be found on InciWeb. For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and X. To receive email updates on this fire, join our email list and select Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 14 to Wyoming Border (Red Feather Lakes).

The Red Rock Fire is currently 3,055 acres and is 14% contained.

Yesterday, crews made significant progress in constructing direct handlines and conducting mop-up operations in the northwestern area of the fire, particularly along the 60110 road. Their successful hose lay work in this region was effectively tied into the northeast part of the fire, enhancing containment efforts.

In the 4th of July Creek area, crews focused on building direct handlines and reinforcing containment lines through a combination of tactics, including direct handline, cold trailing, and mop-up operations. Fortunately, limited fire activity in the southern section of the Red Rock fire allowed teams to complete suppression repair activities there and continue their work along Panther Creek Road. This progress is crucial for ensuring the fire remains contained in these areas.

Today, crews will continue suppression repair efforts on the Red Rock fire, focusing on road repair and chipping operations near Panther Creek Road. They will maintain the fire perimeter along the 60210 road, extending eastward and then south toward 4th of July Creek, ensuring it remains within the established footprint.

On the eastern flank, direct line construction will progress just south of 4th of July Road. Additionally, more interagency hotshot crews will establish a spike camp in the southern area to work on building handlines, cold trailing, and mop-up operations to work on getting containment lines on the eastern side of the fire.

The Black Eagle Fire is currently 6,451 acres and is 0% contained.

Yesterday, on the Black Eagle fire crews continued to work in the area east of Black Eagle Creek cooling the fire’s edge, removing any fuels that could impact containment, monitoring for any flare-ups, and going direct on spot fires. Interagency hot shot crews continue their efforts north of Black Eagle Mine, where there is still significant heat.  Aside from this area, fire activity across the rest of Black Eagle was limited.

Today, the hot shot crew will continue their focus just north of Black Eagle Mine to minimize any potential fire spread and ensure the fire remains contained within its perimeter. They will work to extinguish any visible flames, and create fireline where necessary. Additionally, the crew will establish a spike camp at Yellow Jacket Guard Station, significantly increasing the hours they can work in the area. 

WEATHER:

Today, the weather will be much drier and warmer compared to yesterday. There will be mostly sunny skies, which will help boost afternoon temperatures into the upper 50s and drive the minimum RH levels down into the 40-45% range.

FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Today, there will be an incremental increase in fire behavior, a trend that will continue over the next few days due to the weather slowly warming and drying. The effects of the precipitation that the fire areas received, coupled with the high humidity levels for the last few days, will still limit overall fire activity, with only smoldering and creeping fire behavior expected to be seen.   

FOREST CLOSURES:

Forest Closure Order 04-13-24-017 remains in place. Closure order 04-13-24-019 has been rescinded, and Forest Closure Order 04‐13‐24‐020 is now in place. The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has reduced the Black Eagle Fire Closure. The explanation of closure order #04-13-24-020 is as follows: 

Described Roads

NFS lands, roads and trails on the Salmon-Cobalt, and North Fork Ranger Districts of the Salmon-Challis National Forest within the area bounded by the following:

Beginning at the intersection of FS Road 112 and 055 (Panther Creek Rd) to the intersection of FS Road 112 and 113.  Then following FS Road 113 to its intersection with trail 029 (FS Roads 112 and 113 are closed to the public).  Then following the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Boundary to the Golden Trout Lake Trailhead, including the Big Horn Crags Campground and crossing over into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and onto the ridge to the West of Wilson Creek, then going South to Middle Fork Peak.  From Middle Fork Peak to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Boundary to trail 053 then running along Little Jacket Creek to Trail 051, then following Trail 051 to Birdseye Creek to Forest Road 245 at its intersection with Panther Creek road 55. Then following the western side of FS Road 55 (Panther Creek), to the intersection of FS Road 55 and 112.

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety during the Black Eagle/Red Rock Fire. This Order shall be in effect from September 17, 2024, at 8:00 am until rescinded.

For more information please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices

EVACUATIONS: 

Lemhi County has made changes in the evacuation zone statuses.  The changes are as follows:

• ZONE 1- WILL REMAIN IN “GO” STATUS
  •  Yellowjacket drainage
• ZONE 2- HAS BEEN RESCINDED
• ZONE 3- WILL REMAIN IN “READY” STATUS
  • Zone 3: Forney to road #252 to road #103 and back to Moyer
• ZONE 4- WILL REMAIN IN “READY” STATUS
  • Zone 4: Silver Creek, Rams Creek, and Camas Creek from Hammer Creek to White Goat Creek.

The fires saw significant precipitation over the last 48 hours and fuels are approaching “moisture of extinction,” meaning larger fuels are saturated to the point they no longer support burning or combustion.  

Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) remains closed from milepost 9.0 to 28.2. Visit Montana DOT for the most updated information: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/ 

The Sharrott Creek Fire Area and Trail Closure has been modified, decreasing in size, effective yesterday. The Johnson Fire Area and the Railroad-Daly Fire Area Closures will be terminated on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 8 a.m. 

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5 will transfer command of all fires back to the Bitterroot National Forest on September 20, 2024 at 6 p.m. 

Current Status  

Johnson (3 miles south of Springer Memorial Community, in the East Fork) 

Firefighters continue to make progress implementing suppression repair efforts using excavators and hand tools to pull back berms on constructed firelines. The excavators are working both the west and north flanks of the fire. 

Sharrott Creek (3 miles west of Stevensville) 

Excavators continue to pull back berms on constructed firelines on the northern and southern perimeters, working downhill. Chippers continue to break down large limbs and tree trunks into small pieces, removing heavy fuel loads. 

Daly and Railroad (Railroad and Skalkaho Creeks confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton) 

Minimal fire activity is present, with no expected spread on the Railroad and Daly Fires. Crews will continue with hazard mitigation along the Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38), Forest Service Road 711, and associated spur roads.    

Weather and Fire Behavior  

High pressure on Thursday will bring in slightly drier and milder conditions over the next few days. Temperatures will rise into the low 70s in the valley and mid 60s at higher elevations. Minimum relative humidity will be in the 35-50% range. Southwest winds will be sustained around 12 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Fire behavior will be isolated smoldering, primarily in stump holes.  

Closures 

The Sharrott Creek Fire Area and Trail Closure has been modified, decreasing in size. Effective on September 18, 2024 at 0800 all NFS Lands on the Stevensville Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest in the area bounded by NFS road #738 at its junction with the Forest boundary; west along NFS road #738 to NFS trail #11; continue west along NFS trail #11; then North following the ridge to Stormy Pass; then north following the Forest boundary to the head of Kootenai Creek; then north and east along Kootenai Creek to the Forest boundary; then south following the Forest boundary to its junction with NFS road #738. The new closure includes St. Mary Peak, National Forest System Trail #116 from milepost 0.00 at its junction with NFSR #739 to its terminus. 

The Johnson Fire Area and the Railroad-Daly Fire Area Closures will be terminated on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 8 a.m.. 

More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices