PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails within the Stevensville Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest, Ravalli County, Montana, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”).
1. Going into or being upon the area described in the Order. 36 CFR 261.53(e)
2. Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to Title 36 C.F.R § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1).
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in performance of an official duty. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(4).

DESCRIBED AREA (Exhibit A)
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.

CLOSED TRAILS (Exhibit A)
1. St. Mary Peak, National Forest System Trail #116 from milepost 0.00 at its junction with NFSR #739 to its terminus.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is for public health and safety due to fire activity and related suppression activities on the Sharrott Creek fire.

IMPLEMENTATION:
This Order shall be in effect from September 18, 2024 at 0600 until rescinded or until October 31, 2024 at 0001, whichever occurs first.
A map identifying the Described Roads and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Stevensville Ranger District in Stevensville, MT, (406) 777-5461, or Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, MT, (406) 363-7100, for more information about this Order.
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the same Described Area/Roads/Trails.
Done at Stevensville, Montana this 18th day of September 2024.

LEANNE M. MARTEN
Regional Forester

Swauk Creek Fire

September 18, 2024

Estimated size: 369 acres

Containment: 42%

Start Date/Time: 9/8/2024 at 3:54 PM

Area of Origin: Adjacent to Highway 97, 14 miles east of Cle Elum, WA

Cause: Human                                                      

Structures Damaged: 0

Update: Yesterday, crews completed firing operations along the fire's northern flank. Crews are continuing to let the fire burn on the interior to allow unburned fuels to be consumed.

There was a single spot fire yesterday that was less than a half-acre. Spot fires are common when doing firing operations. During this time, crews were standing by ready to respond and contain any additional fires quickly. Upon detection of the spot fire, firefighters were able to line and take action and it is 100% controlled.

In other divisions of the fire, crews continue to patrol, improve containment lines, mop-up around the burnt areas, and will continue these actions into the coming days.

Smoke will remain visible to citizens and travelers in local communities and along Highway 97 as the burn area finishes consuming the fuels. The fire continues to be fully staffed to monitor and maintain control lines on the northern flank.

Forest Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has area, road, and trail closures due to the Swauk Creek Fire. For a detailed list of closures, including a map of the closure area, please visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=90533.

Road Closures: Highway 97 remains open. Due to the increased flow of fire vehicle traffic traveling in and out of the fire area, we ask that people drive slowly through the area using caution.

Weather: With mostly sunny conditions today, temperatures will range from 66-73 degrees. General winds will persist from the west and northwest with breezy conditions in the afternoon and early evening.  Winds remained low this morning but increased into the afternoon bringing gusts up to 16 mph. Tonight, temperatures will cool to 46-50 degrees, becoming mostly clear overnight.

Evacuation Levels: Evacuation levels remain the same. They were updated as a precaution; there is no immediate residential threat from this fire. Evacuations can be found on the interactive map. Many Forest Service roads are affected in this area; please review the map if you want to know about a specific location/road.

Live map of active fires from Kittitas County:

https://kitcogis.maps.arcgis.com/.../minima.../index.html...

The First Creek area is currently closed to the public.

Notification Level 3 (Go Now) is shown on the map; however, this area has no residential structures.

Notification Level 2 (Get ready)

• Residences east of US 97 north of fire to Liberty Rd
• Forest Service Road 3506 south of fire to Upper Green Canyon Rd

Notification Level 1 (Be Fire Aware)

• The town of Liberty
• All Liberty Rd
• Forest Service Road 9726 and all of its extensions (including Deer Gulch, Pine Gulch, Robinson Gulch, and Harkness Gulch)

Currently, no evacuation notices are issued for residents south of First Creek or west of US Highway 97.

As always, conditions can change quickly; please stay alert and avoid the area if you feel unsafe.

FOREST ORDER NO. 02-24-26

USDA FOREST SERVICE FOREST

CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST

AIRPORT FIRE CLOSURE ORDER

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Cleveland National Forest. This Order is effective from September 18, 2024, through September 17, 2025. 

1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System lands within the boundaries of the Trabuco Ranger District, as shown on Exhibit A. 

36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e). 

2. Being on any National Forest System Road within the boundaries of the Trabuco Ranger 

District, as listed in Exhibit B and shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e). 

3. Being on any National Forest System Trail within the boundaries of the Trabuco Ranger 

District, as listed in Exhibit B and shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a). 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order. 

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

3. Owners or lessees of land, to the extent necessary to access their land. 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. 

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

Executed at San Diego, California this 17th day of September 2024.

Enclosed exhibits attached below.

Wood Lake Fire Update

Date: September 18, 2024                Size: 27 acres             Containment: 25%

Cause: Under Investigation-Human Caused*[1]                              Start Date: September 10, 2024 

Fire Information: 

Inciweb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-fire

Closure Information 

Superior NF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Twitter/X: https://x.com/SuperiorNF

Sign up for Superior NF Fire Information notices and news

The fire update will switch to every other day unless there is a change in fire activity. 

Current Status and Resources: Fire activity is minimal; smoldering and creeping in the duff layer. Some precipitation in varying amounts fell over the fire the last 48 hours. Fire weakened dead and downed trees are widespread in the fire area, along with burnt standing trees with fire weakened root systems called snags. For safety of firefighters from the snag hazards, firefighters are not mopping up. Aircraft remain available if needed. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5. 

Planned Actions: New England firefighters from the White Mountain National Forest are assigned to the fire, along with a local incident commander. Today they will scout contingency lines on the east and west sides of the fire and monitor fire activity. Work continues by local crews for contingency planning for the Tofte Lake and Moose Lake areas. All perimeter/containment lines are holding. 

Closures: On September 17, 2024, the Superior National Forest adjusted the Emergency Closure Order #09-09-24-07 for the public’s health and safety due to the Wood Lake fire within the vicinity of recreation areas. For current closure information, see the updated Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure Map. For the safety of firefighting resources, no drones are allowed near the fire area and are illegal in federally designated wilderness areas. 

Weather and Smoke: Today-20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am. Mostly sunny, high of 81. South wind 10mph, with gusts to 20mph. Overnight-A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, low of 62. South wind 5-10mph, with gust to 20mph. Chance of precipitation-20%. Thursday-50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny-high of 77. Breezy, with a south wind 10-15mph, gusting to 25mph. 

Overall air quality in the Ely area will be GOOD today. Wildfire smoke from Canada is possible in the area. https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/air-quality-forecast

Fire Summary: On September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of Wood Lake, located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest. The fire is located in T64, R10, S26 on National Forest System land. An Emergency Closure Order is in effect for nine locations including BWCAW Entry Point 26-Wood Lake.

[1] *Superior NF law enforcement staff are requesting any information into the start of the fire. Please email the Superior NF Tipline at SM.FS.SUP-tipline@usda.gov, Superior NF Webpage Tipline. Thank you for your assistance. 

Tamaño de Whisky Creek: 3,145 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio |Causa: De orígen humano |Contención 25% 

Total de recursos: 98 | Equipos de obreros: 3 | Camiones de bomberos: 3 | Camiones de agua: 2 |Maquinarias pesadas: 1  

El incendio Whisky Creek se encuentra en un terreno escarpado y escabroso dentro del área de naturaleza Mark O. Hatfield en el Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood. Permanece dentro de las líneas de control a lo largo de los extremos sur y este. La huellas del incendio Eagle Creek continúan como barrera a lo largo de los extremos oeste y norte del incendio. 

El incendio ha crecido por 46 acres en los últimos dos días. Este crecimiento se ha visto a lo largo del extremo sur del incendio y no representa una amenaza para las líneas de control. Sigue ardiendo entre troncos pesados y continuará produciendo humo ligero. No se espera que empeore la intensidad del fuego aunque el clima se ponga más soleado y cálido. 

Ayer, los bomberos comenzaron a desmantelar y remover el sistema de mangueras que alimenta la línea manual principal. El trabajo se enfocó en remover los tanques de agua, bombas y mangueras de los alrededores de Rainy Lake. Hoy, las cuadrillas comenzarán a quitar la manguera de sendero Gorton Creek Trail # 408 cerca de Green Point Mountain. Si el clima lo permite, se utilizará un helicóptero para retirar la manguera del área, ya que solo se puede entrar a pie. 

El Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood, el Área Escénica Nacional Columbia River Gorge y el Bosque Nacional Gifford Pinchot han levantado sus restricciones contra incendios. Aunque se han removido las restricciones contra incendios en estos tres bosques, recuerde que los bomberos todavía están luchando contra los incendios forestales en Oregón y Washington. Si hace una fogata, asegúrese de que esté fría al tocar antes de irse. Información de seguridad responsable para fogatas está disponible en: www.smokeybear.com. 

Clima: Hoy, una alta presión débil se desplazará al área que resultará en cielos soleados y temperaturas más cálidas. La recuperación de humedad será alta por la noche con una disminución mínima durante el día. Este patrón de clima debe continuar hasta el viernes. 

Para saber el pronóstico de humo y seguridad, consulte: oregonsmoke.org. 

Cierres: Los cierres de áreas permanecerán en el Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood, el Área Escénica Nacional Columbia River Gorge y el Condado de Hood River. Se establecen cierres para la seguridad del público y de los bomberos; La intrusión en un área de cierre puede interrumpir las actividades de extinción y reparación de incendios, poner en peligro vidas y propiedades, y puede resultar en multas. La información de cierre se encuentra en: https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024. 

Seguridad: El público juega un papel importante en la prevención del próximo incendio forestal; tenga cuidado con cualquier posible fuente de incendio. Para obtener consejos de prevención, consulte: https://keeporegongreen.org. La restricción temporal contra vuelos sigue vigente para el incendio Whisky Creek: https://tinyurl.com/2s49yrj4.

Whisky Creek Size: 3,145 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25% 

Total Resources: 98 | Hand Crews: 3 | Engines: 3 | Water Tenders: 2 |Heavy Equipment: 1  

The Whisky Creek Fire is in steep and rugged terrain within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The fire remains within the control lines along the southern and eastern edge. The Eagle Creek Fire scar continues to be a barrier along the western and northern edges of the fire.  

The fire grew 46 acres in the last two days. All fire growth has been along the southern edge of the fire and poses no threat to control lines. The fire is still smoldering in heavy logs and will continue to produce light smoke. Fire behavior is not expected to increase even with sunnier, warmer weather moving into the area.  

Yesterday, firefighters started deconstructing and removing the hose lay system feeding the primary handline. Efforts focused on removing water tanks, pumps, and hoses from around Rainy Lake. Today, crews will start removing hose from Gorton Creek Trail #408 near Green Point Mountain. If weather allows, a helicopter will be used to fly the hose from the area since access is hike-in only.  

The Mt. Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest have all lifted their fire restrictions. While fire restrictions have been lifted in these three forests, please remember firefighters are still fighting wildfires across Oregon and Washington. If you do have a campfire, make sure it is out cold to the touch before leaving. Responsible campfire safety information is available at: www.smokeybear.com.  

Weather: A weak high pressure moves into the area today bringing sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Humidity recoveries will be high overnight with minimal decline during the day. This weather pattern should continue through Friday. 

For smoke forecasts and safety, visit: oregonsmoke.org. 

Closures: Area closures remain in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County. Closures are put into place for the safety of the public and fire crews; intrusion into a closure area can disrupt fire suppression and repair activities, endanger lives and property, and can result in fines. Closure information is at: https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024.  

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; please use caution with all potential ignition sources. For prevention tips see: https://keeporegongreen.org. The Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect for the Whisky Fire: https://tinyurl.com/2s49yrj4.  

KXGV Radio Host Goldie Rocks interviews Great Basin 2 Public Information Officer David Grubich about the Middle Fork Complex on Sept.18, 2024

https://youtu.be/1vNmFRPo-L0?si=Wrxc9hkqf5UMWjYK

Davis Containment at 92%; Fire Transitioning Back to Forest

Final Update by the Southwest Area IMT: September 18, 2024

Acres:  5,824 acres                                                                   Start Date: 09/07/2024

Location: Washoe Valley, Nevada                                             Personnel: 342

Containment: 92%                                                                   Fuels: Timber

Resources: 7 Crews | 2 Helicopters | 10 Engines | 3 Water Tenders | 2 Dozers

Highlights: Firefighters continue focusing on completing tasks in the suppression repair plan and patrolling containment lines today. The fire remains at 5,824 acres and 92%. As of today, 24 miles of hose that has been used on this fire has been rerolled and prepared for use on future wildfires. 

Management of the Davis Fire will transition from Southwest Incident Management Team 1 back to the local agencies and their Type 4 Incident Management Team at 7 a.m. on Thursday, September 18. Communication between the incoming and outgoing teams will continue throughout the day today, to ensure a smooth transition process with the focus of continuous support for the fire crews. The Davis Fire Information phone number 775-446-5520and 2024.davis@firenet.gov email will be discontinued after today. All further calls and emails about the incident can be directed to Washoe County by dialing 311 or washoe311@washoecounty.gov; or by contacting the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at (775) 335-5311 or Erica.Hupp@usda.gov.

Weather: There is a 70% chance of rain showers today as a new weather disturbance approaches, with a slight change for embedded thunderstorms. The high temperatures today will vary between 51 and 62 degrees, with high relative humidity persisting throughout the day. Expect unstable winds today and overcast skies. Rain the past week has assisted by diminishing fire behavior, limiting any smoldering occurring on the fire. Showers will occur after 1300 with a convective rainstorm risk leading to a potential for burn scar flooding or debris flow.

BAER: A burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. For more information the BAER response for the Davis Fire, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nvhtf-davis-fire-burned-area-emergency-response-baer

Fire Investigation: Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation into the cause of the Davis Fire. If you have credible information, or if you were in the vicinity of the day-use area at Davis Creek Regional Park on September 8th at the start of the fire, contact

775-326-6079 or email info@tmfpd.us.

Closures: A forest area closure remains in effect for the area immediately in and around the Davis Fire burned area. For complete details on the Davis Fire Emergency Closure Order, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices/?aid=90526

Location: Trabuco Canyon, CA

Personnel: 2201

Start date: 09/09/24 1:00 p.m.

Cause: Human

Size: 23, 519

Percent contained: 31%

For a printable version of today's complete update for the Airport Fire, please see the related link below. 

Firefighters are prioritizing continued fire line construction and reinforcement by adding more layers of protection in problem areas. Fire line between Modjeska Peak and Santiago Peak is challenging due to steep, winding terrain.  Oak leaf litter and duff are providing fuel that allows the fire to slowly smolder and spread until it finds enough air to emerge and cause spot fires.  Tree and brush canopy in the area can limit effectiveness of water or retardant drops from incident aircraft requiring firefighters to get in from the ground. A mobile retardant base has been set up on the south end of the fire.  Retardant will be used to reinforce the fire perimeter in areas that have been difficult to access including the area between the San Juan and Chiquito trails near Sugarloaf Mountain. Secondary lines are being reinforced in that area. 

More than 30,000 feet of fire hose has been pulled from the El Cariso Village area. Crews responded to a burning snag well within the fire area last night. Interior hot spots near the area have been been boxed in.

The reopening of Highway 74 has significantly increased traffic. Motorists driving in the area should be aware of crews working near roadways. 

There is still a lot of heat from smoldering vegetation within the perimeter. Firefighters are working diligently to address hot spots to prepare for any potential Santa Ana wind event.  Fire managers remain focused on securing the entire fire perimeter in coming days in advance of warmer, dryer weather. 

For updated evacuation zones, please visit https://rivcoready.org/alert-rivco

For updated evacuation zones, please visit http://ocsheriff.gov/airportfire

Airport Fire Map September 18, 2024.jpg

Wed, 09/18/2024 - 13:29

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Airport Fire Map September 18, 2024.jpg