The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has reduced the Black Eagle Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐020. 

Description of #04‐13‐24‐020:

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 This Order shall be in effect from September 17, 2024, at 8:00 am until rescinded.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf.

Updated Forest Closure Map 9/17/24

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 14:38

Tuesday September 17, 2024

Per Gem County Sherriff’s Office please note that county roads closed by the fire remain closed (listed below).

Adams County Sheriff’s Office downgraded to level 1 “READY” for all Adams County residents.

A Community Meeting will be held in Cascade TOMORROW, Wednesday September 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cascade Fire Department, 109 E. Pine St. Cascade, Idaho

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

The Lava Fire is currently 97,844 acres with 33 percent of the perimeter contained. There are 825 personnel assigned, including 19 crews, 2 large helicopters, 1 small helicopter, 58 engines, 11 bulldozers, 16 water tenders, 6 excavators, 7 skidders and 8 ambulances.

Any property that is currently evacuated or impacted by Forest Service closures will remain unchanged until the Sheriff’s departments, fire managers, and emergency management departments deem the area safe for reentry. These are being evaluated daily to insure accuracy.

Operations: Yesterday, structure protection crews continued protecting homes and structures around God’s Acres and the church camp. Bulldozer line construction and improvement continued from Cold Spring Ridge to Cascade Lake behind structures, tying together hand lines crew securing the southern perimeter of the fire edge. Firefighters strengthened fire lines along west mountain road toward Willow Creek subdivision. Resources are holding the containment line on the western flank, working on suppression repair, and patrolling for any heat sources. No heat sources were found around the structures at Second or Third Fork Road during a reconnaissance flight over the southern flank of the fire. On the eastern flank, mop up and chipping operations continued around structures on the southeast corner along Forest Service Road 404 and 421. Bulldozers completed line construction on the northern flank. Crews scouted lines east toward Anderson Creek to connect with crews working west from Little Weiser River. Last night, 38 people attended the Indian Valley Community Meeting for the Lava Fire. 

Today, firefighters will evaluate conditions impacted by yesterday’s rainstorm to ensure safe conditions before beginning work. Rain received yesterday may impact access, road conditions, natural resources, and create slick surfaces throughout the fire perimeter. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority. After conditions are deemed safe and suitable, firefighters will construct and improve handlines and bulldozer lines with engines, hand crews, heavy equipment, and chippers around the fire perimeter. Helicopters will support ground resources while UAS platforms will be used to gather intelligence along the fire perimeter. 

Structure protection continues all around the fire including God’s Acre, the church camp, Tamarack Ski Resort, Little Weiser Road, and structures near the fire. Activities include assessments, protection plans, and equipment installation.

On the northern flank, fire crews are working between the 435 and B roads to strengthen the fire line where the fire had previously slopped over the line. A mix of hand crews and heavy equipment will strengthen line that was constructed yesterday on the northeastern perimeter along the Cold Springs Ridge toward Cascade Lake.

On the eastern flank, firefighters will focus on suppression repair and backhaul of equipment. They will extinguish areas of heat detected around Forest Service Roads 404 and 421 as well as structures near the fire’s edge. 

On the southern flank, firefighters will continue to make progress moving northeast to secure line along Forest Service Road 653, strengthening the line to the Gross community. Crews will mop up and search for heat sources by cold trailing west of Tree Spring Mountain Area.

On the western flank, personnel continue to patrol all control lines north to south for heat by mopping up threats to control lines. They will grade roads with motor graders for suppression repair as conditions allow. Patrolling continues around the range allotments, grasslands, and private property outside the fire perimeter line. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Today, storms will be capable of producing gusty and erratic winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Weather will clear late Tuesday leading to cooler, drier weather conditions. After the system passes, temperatures will be 15-20 degrees below normal with a high of 56 degrees. Relative humidity is 70 percent, and we will see westerly winds 5-10 mph with 15 mph gusts. Lightning has been reported and rain amounts were not enough to extinguish the fire. Smoldering will continue in heavy ground fuels. No fire spread is expected today but as we move into the cooler and drier weather, fire activity will return to smoldering and creeping. 

Evacuations:

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Downgraded to a Level 1 “READY” for all Adams County residents. These evacuations notices are effective as of Tuesday September 17, 2024. 

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

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 4 – 11 are in a LEVEL 2 “SET” Evacuation notice. 

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 extent of this closure order is being re-evaluated due to firefighting progress and recent precipitation. The public can expect to see changes later this week.

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.

"SET" Advisory for Pine Residents of the Pine Creek Canyon Zone 

Date: 09/17/2024

Time: 10:00

As a result of firefighting activity on the West Fire, The Gila County Sheriff's has issued a "SET" status on the Ready, Set, Go model for the following areas of Pine due to anticipated fire activity.

Pine Creek Canyon Zone - Everything east of Pine Creek Canyon and North up to and including Camp Lomia.

There will be a community meeting/open house on Tuesday Sept 17th from 4-6 p.m. at the Pine Community Center to go over planned fire operations.

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. 

Fire crews will take advantage of favorable weather conditions again today in an effort to connect incomplete pieces of fireline around the perimeter. Along the southern portion of the fire, there are areas that are inaccessible to bulldozers and firefighters to perform continuous handline or dozer line due to the presence of natural features such as rock cliffs and other unreachable terrain. 

Areas that are holding heat beneath the brush canopy in rocky, steep areas have a higher potential for roll out of burning vegetation. In these areas, secondary lines, also known as contingency dozer lines, are being constructed as a precaution against roll out and fire spread. Many areas within the fire perimeter have the potential for minor flareups. 

Night crews located some spots across the line last night in the northeast portion of the fire near Santiago Peak and were able to extinguish them. Additional crews have arrived to construct line north of Silverado Ridge to tie in to existing dozer line. Mop up and line reinforcement continues in the El Cariso area. Fire operations are focused on continued direct suppression using ground crews that will be assisted air resources when needed. Warmer, dryer weather conditions are anticipated this weekend.

Airport Fire Map September 17, 2024.jpg

Tue, 09/17/2024 - 14:03

Whisky Creek Size: 3,099 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio |Causa: De orígen humano |Contención 25%

Total de recursos: 111 | Equipos de obreros: 3 | Camiones de bomberos: 3 | Maquinarias pesadas: 1 | Helicópteros: 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.

Sigue habiendo una intensidad mínima de fuego debido a las temperaturas más frescas y una mayor humedad relativa. A lo largo del extremo sur y secciones interiores creció un poco ya que se queman combustibles que no se habían quemado. Los bomberos han avanzado en ligeros reparos en las líneas de control de contingencia y secundarias. Las excavadoras han terminado de hacer reparaciones en el camino forestal 2810 dentro del área de Ottertail Lake. Hoy, las cuadrillas de mano evaluarán lo que es necesario para reparar el sendero forestal 409B y realizarán un plan para rehabilitar el sendero ya que es popular entre la comunidad de ciclistas de monte. Los bomberos continuarán patrullando las líneas de control primarias que permanecen completamente bien con mangueras, tanques de agua y bombas que están listas por si acaso llega a ser necesario usarlos.

Clima: Hoy se prevé que un sistema meteorológico se desplazará al área y vendrá con un 30% de probabilidad de lluvia. Una vez que haya desaparecido el sistema meteorológico, se irá secando el área hasta el miércoles por la tarde y durará hasta finales de esta semana.

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 TFR sigue vigente para el incendio Whisky Creek: https://tinyurl.com/2s49yrj4. Las restricciones contra incendios están vigentes dentro del Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire. 

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7100 (Staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Facebook: https://t.ly/mSLvP 
Inciweb: https://t.ly/syeHa 

September 17, 2024

Firefighters are working to fully suppress eight fires, totaling approximately 35,650 acres. 800 people are assigned to these fires. Firefighters are using direct and indirect tactics to respond to all fires. Three of the fires in the Homestead Complex are 100% contained: the Salmon 33 Fire (275 acres) on August 24; the Reynolds Butte Fire (334 acres) on August 22; and the Lost Bucket Fire (34 acres) on July 29. 

Crews are improving containment lines across the fire area by reducing fuels through mastication, chipping wood, and hauling fuel to landings away from the fire. There are still many miles of uncontained fire edge. Firefighters are mopping up, widening and strengthening fire lines by extinguishing hot spots and removing fuels. Crews are also clearing and repairing roads impacted by the fires and by fire suppression activities.

On the Horse Heaven Fire (2,741 acres, 56% containment), crews are masticating, chipping, and removing trees for access on the O25 and O26 roads on the west flank, and chipping along the east flank of the fire. Firefighters continue mopping up on the north flank of the fire along the 920 and 3831 roads. They are looking at improving the 3829 road to serve as fire line and backhauling any unneeded hose. 

On the Fuller Lake (3,690 acres, 0% containment) and Bullpup (535 acres, 7% containment) fires, crews are using heavy equipment to masticate fuels on the 3810 road at the southwest edge of the fire, along the wilderness boundary. They will continue working south on that road today, weather permitting. The spot fire at the southwest edge is in patrol status as of yesterday. On the east flank, a module of local firefighters put hand line in place, tied into the riparian area and meadow. Today, they will continue to mop up and improve that line. They will also continue chipping on the 3816 road.

On the No Man Fire (2,090 acres, 44% containment), crews are working on the north flank with an excavator and backhoes and removing logs in the northwest corner of the fire edge. A reconnaissance flight looked down into the drainage yesterday and found only one visible smoke plume that was interior and fully surrounded by burned area. Firefighters are working today on two areas near the south flank with an engine, skidgen, and hand crew mopping up. A dozer and hand crews are working down the hill near Chilcoot mountain.

On the Lane 1 Fire (25,951 acres, 99% containment),road repairs and chipping are complete in the northwest corner. Chipping and mastication continue today on the Clark Creek road, with log hauling on the Sharps and Puddin Creek roads. Crews will begin mastication on the east flank near Adams Mountain today.

Closures and fire restrictions: Two closure orders impact every District of the Umpqua National Forest https://t.ly/Mvn6G. The forest is in High Fire Danger with Public Use Restrictions at Level 2 https://t.ly/LI4cd. A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District closure order is in effect for portions of BLM land bordering the Umpqua National Forest closure north of Steamboat https://t.ly/uWX6l. A BLM Northwest Oregon District closure is also in place for an area west of the Lane 1 fire https://t.ly/oW1lG.

Weather: Expect cooler weather with higher humidity today, low clouds, and a 40% chance of ¼ inch of rain. Winds will be 3 to 6 mph. Fuels should not become substantially wetter today, with fire continuing to smolder and creep. Wednesday starts a period of warmer, drier weather that may increase fire behavior in some areas.

Community Open House in Pine this afternoon

Leer en español 

Highlights: There is a community Open House tonight from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pine Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend to receive information about the fires and upcoming operations. ASL services will be available.

Operations: Firefighters added containment to the West Fire on the northside along the Rim. Yesterday aerial ignitions were attempted in the West Webber drainages, but higher humidities prevented the desired fire effects. Crews hiked from Camp Geronimo west towards Turkey Springs and ignited by hand back towards the east. Across the rest of the fire area, crews focused on mopping up and holding the perimeter.

Today firefighters will look for more opportunities to continue ignitions towards the west as conditions begin to dry out again. The plan is to apply fire along the Control Road from the junction of the Webber Road to the west and on the west side of Camp Geronimo. Conditions are expected to be suitable for ignitions over the next several days and residents will likely see more smoke.

Up to a quarter of an inch of rain fell over the Preacher Fire yesterday. There is minimal fire activity and engines will continue to patrol and mop up. Repair of the containment lines continues. 

Weather: Dry, breezy, and cooler than normal for Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs temperatures 68 to 75 degrees both days. Winds are predicted to be south-southwest 10 to 15 mph. Minimum humidity levels will range between 30 and 40% on Tuesday and lowering to 25 to 35% on Wednesday.

Safety: Two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are now in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. The public is reminded, if you fly we can’t; unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations.

Closure:  The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure for land surrounding the West Fire, this includes Pine Trailhead. 

Evacuations: Pine residence on the east side of SR 87 and east of North Pine Creek Canyon road will be placed in SET status at 1000 a.m. today. Geronimo Estates residents near the West Fire are in SET status. An interactive map is available to stay up to date with evacuation levels related to both the West and Preacher Fires. 

Receive emergency notifications from Gila County. 

Smoke: During ignitions, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight. Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Talk with your doctor and plan for how to manage your health conditions when it is smoky. Additional resources for how to prepare for wildfire smoke. 

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest, ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @TontoForest or Instagram @tontonationalforest and on the Tonto National Forest website.

Whisky Creek Size: 3,099 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

Total Resources: 111 | Hand Crews: 3 | Engines: 3 | Heavy Equipment: 1 | Helicopters: 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. 

Due to cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity, the fire continues to show minimal behavior. There is some growth along the southern edge and interior pockets where there are unburned fuels still being consumed. Firefighters have made progress with light repair work on contingency and secondary control lines. Excavators have finished repair work on Forest Road 2810 in the Ottertail Lake area. Today, hand crews will assess the needs necessary to repair Forest Trail 409B and develop a plan to rehab the trail which is popular with the mountain bike community. Firefighters will continue to patrol the primary control lines which remain fully intact with hose-lays, water tanks, and pumps that are ready to use if needed.  

Weather: There is an anticipated weather system moving into the area today accompanied with a 30% chance of rain. After the weather system moves through, there will be steady drying in the area through Wednesday afternoon into later this week. 

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. Fire restrictions are in place on the Mt. Hood National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire. 

Tulare County Fire Department lifts Coffee Pot Fire evacuation warnings for the following areas effective Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024.

Zones TLC-E094-B, TLC-E094-D and TLC-E094-C. The area includes east of River Hill, north of Case Mountain, west of Mitchell Ranch, and the community of Oak Grove. West of the National Park Boundary, north of the East Fork of the Kaweah River, east of Oak Grove. The area south of the East Fork of the Kaweah River, approximately a half mile southeast of Oak Grove, just below Mineral King Road, and follows the river east to the southern border of the Genasys zone. North of South Fork Drive, east of Skyline Drive (Salt Creek, fire control road), south of Mineral King Road, and west of the National Park Boundary. 

Please refer to the Genesys website for a more detailed area description: protect.genasys.com. 

SiphonFire Morning Update:

The Siphon Fire is currently 15,527 acres with 58% containment. Crews continue to patrol and monitor the fire’s perimeter and improve existing firelines. Dry conditions along with cooler temperatures are expected through midweek. There are 60 personnel assigned to the fire including 7 engines and 2 water tenders.

A Trails and Road Emergency Closure Order has been implemented to provide for public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the Siphon Fire on the #TontoNF. Closed trailheads include First Water Trailhead, Crosscut Trailhead, Broadway Trailhead and Peralta Trailhead. This order shall be in effect from Sept. 16, 2024, at 8 a.m. through Sept. 30, 2024, at 6 p.m., unless rescinded. For a copy of this Order, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

Maricopa County has moved residents from GO status and lifted the evacuation order. The roadblock has been removed by Arizona Department of Transportation and SR 88 (Apache Trail) is open.