This will be the final evening update for the Fossil Complex. Daily updates will follow.

Wetting Rain Falls On the Service Fire

SPRAY, Ore. –  Today crews made good progress toward securing the fire’s perimeter, which includes mop up and the felling of hazard trees so that firefighters can work safely. While mop up operations will likely  continue over the next few days, the work of mapping all of the fire lines that were built during suppression is getting underway. The information collected now will record areas where soil disturbances from suppression activity need to be repaired to prevent erosion. 

Examples of disturbances where repair can limit erosion are dozer lines, berms along dozer line that channel water, and ruts from trucks and heavy equipment that can pool or channel water. Suppression repair is an important and necessary post-wildfire suppression activity to aid in ecosystem recovery by preventing soil loss and erosion and protecting watershed quality. 

Suppression repair activities include removing berms and building water bars or scattering debris where water is prone to flow quickly. The goal is to keep water from pooling or flowing with force to minimize erosion and allow soil that may be carried by flowing water to redeposit onto the land.  

Winds are expected to begin to shift west southwest tomorrow morning, increasing with gusts up to 25 mph later in the day. The shift of wind direction may uproot trees that have been weakened by the fire. Temperatures tonight will range from 45-50 degrees.

Videos: Recordings of the Daily Operations Updates and other stories are available at: https://www.youtube.com/@FossilComplex.

Evacuation: Level 3 evacuations remain inside the perimeter of the Service Fire.  For the most recent evacuation levels please go to: https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice/

The Two Cabin, Holmes, Kinzua and Canyon Fires are all in patrol status.  

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Fossil Complex

Total Size:  24,446 acres          

Two Cabin-253 acres

Canyon-192 acres

Kinzua-96 acres

Holmes-15 acres

Service- 23,890 

Containment:  28% 

Cause:  Lightning

Current Cost: $20.1M

All Resources 

Hand Crews: 41

Engines: 51

Water Tender: 17

Dozers:  12

Skidgen: 7

Excavator: 2

Masticator: 1

Total Resources: 1,240

Aerial Resources

Type 1: 3

Type 2: 6

Type 3: 3

UAS  3: 1

Evacuations: 

Level 3: 11 addresses

https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice/

ODF Incident Commander:

Matt Howard
Incident Management Team 2

Unified Command: CIIMT5, Los Angeles County Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff, San Bernardino County Fire, 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: 54,774 acres 

Percent Contained: 25% 

Personnel: 2,707

Injuries: 3

Structures Damaged: 13 

Structures Destroyed: 66

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Sheep Mountain Wilderness, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument                                                                                                
 

CURRENT SITUATION: 

Despite the increase in winds today, great progress was made by firefighters and utility companies restoring power and water for a safe return for residents under evacuation orders in the Piñon Hills area. One Order was downgraded to a Warning, and one Warning was lifted. While firefighters continue to hold and improve existing containment lines in the most active areas of fire, they will also begin the process of suppression repair in areas where there is full containment, which increased to 25 percent today. 

The northwest flank remains the highest priority for this evening’s operations to stop the fire from spreading to the communities of Big Pines and Piñon Hills. Firefighters are also continuing mop-up and patrol to extinguish any remaining hot spots throughout the community of Wrightwood so that residents can return as soon as possible. 

To the northeast, firefighters are working to prevent the fire from reaching the community of Lytle Creek by constructing dozer lines and engaging in direct attack wherever possible. 

The east side of the fire is holding well as firefighters continue to gain containment in this area, however until it is safe for residents to return, and the threat of downed power lines and other hazards still exists, an evacuation order remains in effect.

The south flank is also holding well. Heavy equipment along with hand-crews will continue constructing secondary containment lines in the area to prevent threats to the foothill communities below it.

On the west flank, firefighters are holding the fire at Rattlesnake Peak and plan to continue constructing hand lines where possible in this extremely steep and inaccessible terrain to Ross Peak and Pigeon Ridge tonight.

Damage inspection teams have released 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:

• Mt. Baldy Road, all residents north of San Antonio Dam up to Mount Baldy Ski Resort 
• The community of Wrightwood
• Big Pines Canyon Road to the community of Big Pines 
• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (café, mobile home park, campground) and River Community (near the resort)

Evacuation Warnings: 

• Forest area of Telegraph Peak east to the Cucamonga Canyon and forestry area above Shinn Road and North Pine Canyon Road 
• The southern community of Pinon Hills from Desert Front Road north to Highway 138 and State Highway west 
• Highway 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon and Highway 2 east to Lone Pine Canyon Road
• For evacuation warnings in San Dimas, La Verne, and Claremont please visit: Genasys Protect 

For an interactive map on evacuations, please visit: 

• 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:

• Fountain of Living Waters Church: 10120 Johnson Rd, Phelan, CA 92371
• San Bernardino County Fairgrounds: 14800 Seventh Street, Victorville, CA 
• Jessie Turner Health/Fitness Center: 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA. (909) 854-5100
• 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/

CLOSURES: 

• SR-138 from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Beekley Road
• SR-2 closed from Big Pines to SR-138
• Big Pines Highway 
• Big Rock Creek Road
• San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River
• Highway 39
• East Fork Road
• Glendora Ridge Road and Glendora Mountain Road
• Mt. Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection 

WEATHER:
Continued winds with cooler weather expected this evening, warming up again tomorrow. Generally favorable winds, temperatures, and humidity will continue through Thursday, however hot and dry conditions are expected to resume again Friday. 

For smoke impacts and an interactive map, visit fire.airnow.gov.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN OPEN AREAS OF ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST:
Fire danger on the Angeles National Forest is now “Extreme” Angeles National Forest - News & Events (usda.gov)

Due to favorable weather conditions, firefighters had a very productive day. Priorities were on the east and west sides of the incident between the fire and communities at risk. Control lines were improved as firefighters searched for and extinguished heat near the fire line.

A weak cold front is forecasted again Wednesday and Thursday followed by fair weather Friday. Drier conditions are expected this weekend with highs in the 80s and 90s. Predicted fire activity is described as minimal which should provide firefighters opportunities to continue their progress in strengthening fire lines and increase fire containment. Priorities will continue between active fire and communities to the east and west. Evacuation level changes for Riverside and Orange County were announced earlier this afternoon – information can be found on InciWeb. #AirportFire

Order No. 01020424-15

RESCINDING ORDER

BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST

Ratio Mountain Area Closure

Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50 (a) & (b), the prohibition listed in Order number 01020424-12, applicable to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest dated August 22,2024 and signed by Alfred Watson, Forest Supervisor is hereby rescinded effective September 16,2024 @ 11:59 p.m. 

Done at Dillon, MT on the 16th day of September 2024. 

Order No. 01020324-14

RESCINDING ORDER 

BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST

Grouse Fire

Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulation 261.50(a) & (b), the prohibition listed on Order number 01020324-09, applicable to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest dated August 17,2024 and signed by Alfred Watson, Forest Supervisor is hereby rescinded effective September 16, 2024 @ 11:59 p.m.

Done at Dillon, MT on the 16th day of September 2024.

UPDATE: The following orders have been downgraded to a warning.

View an interactive map here https://go.genasys.com/lu70o

• 1725-A

South Toft Dr

North Ortega Hwy

East El Cariso Trail

West Laguna Ave

• 1865-A

• 1866

• 1933

• 1934 – A

• 1999

South Ortega Hwy / Trabuco Dr

North Fox Spring Rd / Los Almos Truck Trail

East OC/RivCo Line

West South Main Divide Truck Trail/ Los Almos Truck Trail

The following evacuation warnings have been lifted:

• RVC 1726

• RVC 1728

• RVC 1729

• LSN 1799

• RVC 1801

• LSN 1803

• RVC 1804

• RVC 1806

• RVC 1807

• RVC 1808

• RVC 1809

• RVC 1810

North Peeler Ave, Hayes ave

South Grand ave

East Lancashire Dr, Lakeview, Ortega Hwy, Garner, Hollister

West Wood, Magnolia, Macy

• RVC 1867

• RVC 1868

• RVC 1869

• RVC 1870

• RVC 1935

• RVC 1936

North South Main Divide Truck Trail, Trabuco Dr

South Peeler Ave, Hayes Ave, Brightman Ave

East Encina Dr, Arroyo Rd

West Stonecrest Dr, Calle de Lobo

• RVC 2074

• RVC 2142

• RVC 2143

North San Diego / Riverside County Line

South Rimpau rd, Fox Spring

East Orange County/ RivCo Line

West Hacienda Dr

View and interactive map here https://go.genasys.com/nxhqi9

*Highway 74 remains closed.

Updated EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER 09-09-24-07-Effective September 17, 2024

Pursuant to the provisions of 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited in the Superior National Forest, due to hazards on portions of lands within Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and trails in Lake County, Northeastern Minnesota. These restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m. CT on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

The following areas are restricted:
•BWCAW points of entry: #26 Wood Lake

•Lakes

Wood Lake, Hula Lake, Good Lake, Indiana Lake

•Portages

Wood Lake Entry Point Parking Lot to Wood Lake, Wood Lake to Hula Lake, Hula Lake to Good Lake, Good Lake to Good Creek, Good Lake to Hoist Bay (Basswood Lake), Good Lake to Indiana Lake, Indiana Lake to Basswood Lake, Indiana Lake to Wind Bay Creek (Wind Bay, Basswood Lake)

Superior National Forest Adjusts Closure Area for Wood Lake Wildfire Within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Adjusted Closure Order 09-09-24-07 effective September 17, 12:01am CT.

Duluth, MN. September 16, 2024 — The Superior National Forest is adjusting the Emergency Forest Closure Order 09-09-24-07 established for the Wood Lake Fire, beginning on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 12:01 a.m., within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The adjusted Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure Map, have removed the following recreation areas from the closed area:

• Wind Lake
• Wind Bay to Wind Lake portage
• Wind Lake to Washte Lake portage
• Wind Lake to Moose Lake portage 

The Forest Order closures include:

• All campsites, portages, rivers, and lakes within the current updated closure order (see Exhibit A), including but not limited to 9 locations as noted. 

The Forest Service has notified permit holders, cooperators and outfitters and is encouraging permit holders to seek an alternate area of the BWCAW or consider non-wilderness areas of the SNF (see below) for similar experiences. At this time overnight paddle and day use is not permitted in the closure area.

We understand that this will impact visitors, cooperators, and communities near the restricted area. This emergency closure is necessary for the safety of our visitors, our wilderness rangers and our firefighters. 

Northern Minnesota continues to experience drought conditions, causing active and increasing fire across the landscape. Forest staff are managing suppression actions on the Wood Lake Fire with additional resources on standby.

Beyond the closures for the Wood Lake Fire, the Forest is open to the public and no other restrictions apply. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is there going to be a closure for such a small wildfire? 

A. A closure order is needed to prioritize safety: Firefighter and public safety are the top priorities. Superior National Forest (NF) management also considered other factors that determined the need for a necessary closure order including above average temperatures, forest drought conditions, extended forecast conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and vegetative fuel conditions in and around the fire area. In addition, the fire is in a unique area of the Forest – a designated Wilderness, which is managed differently. 

Q. Are there going to be cancellations of permits on the BWCAW? 

A. The Superior NF has contacted the cooperators and current BWCAW permit holders with permits for Wood Lake-Entry Point#26. Wood Lake permittees and day use visitors are encouraged to seek alternative experiences. Since this is an evolving incident, the Superior NF will review the permit levels and make any adjustments as needed.

Q. I used a cooperator for my permit for this area, what do I do? 

A. Contact your cooperator to discuss your trip and possible options, permits in other areas are still available. 

Q. Which points of entry are affected by this Closure order? 

A. The following areas are restricted: 

BWCAW Entry Point: #26-Wood Lake.

Lakes: Wood, Hula, Good, and Indiana

Portages: Wood Lake Entry Point Parking Lot to Wood Lake, Wood Lake to Hula Lake, Hula Lake to Good Lake, Good Lake to Good Creek, Good Lake to Hoist Bay (Basswood Lake), Good Lake to Indiana Lake, Indiana Lake to Basswood Lake, and Indiana Lake to Wind Bay Creek (Wind Bay, Basswood Lake) 

See closure order and map for more information. 

Q. How long will the closure be in place? 

A. Public lands closures help to reduce interference with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression and burned area recovery. The original Forest Closure Order was effective September 12,2024  and the updated one is effective September 17, 2024. The order will remain in effect until the fire is declared out, unless sooner rescinded. The Superior NF wants to express gratitude for the public's patience as we work to reopen these special places as quickly as safely possible.

Please remain vigilant while out on your public lands. Fuel conditions remain very dry and new fire starts are possible. Help us thank firefighters, and protect your community from new, human-caused fires. 

Q. How do I find more information about the Wood Lake Wildfire? 

A.  Go to Inciweb for this incident can be found at: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-fire. You will find information on other wildfires on this website as well.

Q. How many campsites will be affected by this closure on the BWCAW? And are there permits available for other points of entry?

A. There are now 9 campsites that are affected. 

Yes, there are still permits available at other points of entry.  We are encouraging people to seek alternate locations for your visit, either on the BWCAW or at any of the 23 developed campgrounds and 18 rustic campgrounds. There are 254 backcountry campsites outside the wilderness that offer remote paddling, camping and fishing. Here you can experience solitude without reservations, fees or permits and have similar amenities that you would find in a Wilderness campsite.  Many backcountry campsites are located on canoe routes outside the BWCAW. State forests and parks and county lands are also available for recreation.

Q. Can I fly a recreational drone over the wildfire to take photos? 

A. No, flying drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) within or near a wildfire without permission could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper their ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources. In addition, drones are prohibited from launching, landing or being controlled from within designated wilderness areas.

Individuals who fly UAS without authorization over wildfires may be violating federal, state, and/or local laws, regulations, and ordinances, whether a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place or not. All unauthorized UAS flights over wildfires on National Forest System lands will be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and law enforcement agencies.

Individuals who have been determined to have endangered manned aircraft or people on the ground with a UAS and/or interfered with wildfire suppression may be subject to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution. Drones are not legal within federally designated wilderness areas nationwide. 

Q. What does it mean by the Forest Service is using Full Suppression tactics for this wildfire? 

A. The Forest Service is using a full suppression approach. By Forest Service policy, every fire receives a strategic, risk-based response appropriate for the circumstances and associated threats and opportunities. Each strategy uses the full spectrum of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, weather, values at risk and resource availability.

Fire danger is high from Duluth through Arrowhead due to drought conditions and above normal warm weather. Fire danger is likely to remain high for the next few weeks.  In addition to the weather conditions, this area includes high fuel loads, due to spruce budworm affected trees – both standing and laying down that can increase fire behavior. 

Q. How is the current air quality situation affecting wildfire operations?

A. Canadian wildfires are contributing to some decreased air quality conditions across northern and central Minnesota. Air quality is currently GOOD for the Ely area. For more information on air quality where you live, see. https://www.airnow.gov/

Safety is our number one priority and, in some instances, aviation resources like planes, helicopters, etc. may not be used in suppressing a fire because of continued air pollution from Canadian wildfires.

There are 254 backcountry campsites outside the Wilderness that offer remote paddling, camping and fishing. Here you can experience solitude without reservations, fees or permits and still have similar amenities to that of a BWCAW campsite. Many backcountry campsites are located on canoe routes outside the BWCAW. State forests and parks and county lands are also available for recreation. 

For more information on recreation alternatives outside the BWCAW, please visit: Superior National Forest - Water Activities:Boating - Non-Motorized (usda.gov)  For a list of canoe routes with backcountry campsites in the Superior National Forest, visit: Canoeing 2012 rev 0415 final.pub (usda.gov)

The Superior National Forest also offers 23 developed campgrounds and 18 rustic campgrounds. Rustic campgrounds are free of charge and available first come, first served year-round. Fee campgrounds are open May – September and may be reserved at Recreation.gov. See the Forest website for more information.

For additional information regarding fire-related and/or forest closures and updates:

• Inciweb for this incident can be found at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-fire.
• SNF Forest Orders  
• Superior National Forest general fire information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/fire
• To sign up for our Superior NF newsletter and news, including fire information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/home/?cid=FSEPRD1115779

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST
TERMINATION OF ORDER 0412-605
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the prohibitions listed in the orders described below and applicable 
to the Krassel Ranger District, Payette National Forest, and signed by the Forest Supervisor of the 
Payette National Forest or Acting, is hereby rescinded.

Dollar Fire Area and Trail Closures on the Krassel Ranger District, Payette National Forest, 
Special Order 0412-605, dated 23 August 2024. This order will be terminated at 6:00 PM on 16 
September 2024.
A copy of the above-described Order is attached to this Termination Order.
 

Having been advised by fire command, Gem County Road and Bridge Department previously made the following road closures due to fire activity and Fire Personnel, and public safety. These road closures remain in effect.

• The Sweet-Ola Highway North of High Valley Road is closed to fire and local traffic only.

  (BLM Law Enforcement Officers are staffing the Sweet Ola Highway and High Valley Intersection).

• Third Fork Road is closed North of Nesbit Lane to fire and local traffic only.
• Second Fork Road is closed North of Nesbit Lane to fire and local traffic only.

These closures are critical so that aviation and heavy equipment can limit fire spread, assist with the safe travel of fire personnel to and from areas around the fire and account for life and property within the fire area.  Please be advised that weather conditions have caused many concerns with erosion, fallen trees, mudslides, rolling rocks, and other road obstacles necessitating road closures to the public. Additionally, Forest Service roads are closed to the public until December 31st, 2024. 

For more information on road closures, visit the Lava Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-lava-fire. Or visit the forest service web page https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/boise/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1204350

Contact: Neal Capps, Director Gem County Road and Bridge (208) 365-3305

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