Frog Fire Statistics:

Size: 1,755 acres

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 112

Location: Little Boulder Creek off East Fork

Reported: 9/7/2024

Cause: Lightning

For More Information:

Information Phone: 208-510-7856; 916-261-6756

Email: carlie_swa@firenet.gov; chuck_jachens@firenet.gov 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idstf-frog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

Current Situation: Yesterday’s precipitation over the fire, combined with low cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and higher relative humidity, moderated fire activity. This allowed crews to take more direct action on spot fires outside the perimeter in the Big Boulder Creek drainage. Additionally, structure preparations were completed around structures along East Fork Road and at Livingston Mine. With more resources arriving, we continue to evaluate both direct and indirect firefighting tactics to maximize operational effectiveness.

The fire’s advance has significantly slowed due to recent precipitation and high RH levels. However, numerous structures along the East Fork drainage and to the north remain at risk. The fire has reached Big Boulder Creek, raising the potential for embers to be carried across the creek and continue advancing. Fire managers are actively working to prevent the fire from crossing the creek and progressing northward.

A warming and drying trend is expected in the coming days, which may increase fire activity. Nevada Team 2 (Type 3) assumed command of the Frog Fire at 6 AM this morning.

Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior: Warmer and drier conditions are expected today, continuing through the weekend. This afternoon will be sunny with patches of smoke, transitioning to partly cloudy skies by tomorrow night. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday.

Evacuations: 

For evacuation information on the Frog Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/ and the Custer County Emergency Management Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ccem.idaho

To sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications, text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll online at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF . 

Closures and Fire Restrictions:

The Frog Fire Area Closure /Forest Order: 0414-04-152 for portions of the Sawtooth National Forest can be found at this site: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/idstf-frog/frog-fire-closure-09-10-2024 

Fire restrictions on federal, state, and private lands may be found at this site: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/.

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Frog Fire Statistics:

Size: 2,500 acres

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 91

Location: Little Boulder Creek off East Fork

Reported: 9/7/2024

Cause: Lightning

For More Information:

Information Phone: 208-774-3000

Email: SM.FS.sawtoothinfo@usda.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idstf-frog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest
 

Current Situation: A significant weather system is moving through the region over the next few days. Prior to the onset of anticipated precipitation, critical fire weather conditions and an increase in fire activity is anticipated. Fire managers employed various aerial resources in an attempt to contain the fire and prevent its spread across Big Boulder Creek. However, due to escalating wind and fire activity, aerial operations were temporarily suspended. 

The fire continued to advance northward, eastward, and westward. Numerous structures located along the East Fork drainage and to the north are at risk. The fire has reached Big Boulder Creek, increasing the potential for embers to be carried across the creek and continue moving. Fire managers are actively working to prevent the fire from establishing across the creek and continuing its northward progression.

As the cloud ceiling drops, air resources will be unable to engage due to low clouds and  visibility concerns. Weather is expected to improve Friday or Saturday. A Type 3 Team will be taking command of the fire over the next 24 hours. 

Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior: Thunderstorms over the next 24 hours are expected to bring moisture that will help moderate fire behavior. However, strong outflow winds will accompany that moisture and may present control problems. Red Flag warnings are in effect today with warming and drying conditions beginning Friday and Saturday.

Evacuations: 

For evacuation information on the Frog Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/ and the Custer County Emergency Management Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ccem.idaho

To sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications, text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll online at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF . 

Closures and Fire Restrictions:

The Frog Fire Area Closure /Forest Order: 0414-04-152 for portions of the Sawtooth National Forest can be found at this site: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/idstf-frog/frog-fire-closure-09-10-2024 

Fire restrictions on federal, state, and private lands may be found at this site: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/.

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦 (𝟬𝟵/𝟭𝟲 @ 𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺.)

Continued progress by fire personnel is allowing the Lane County Sheriff’s Office to downgrade more evacuation levels near the Boulder Creek Fire. An interactive evacuation map is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/BoulderCreekFire.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟭 (𝗕𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆) 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲:

 Scott Creek Road

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟭 (𝗕𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆) 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲:

• North of Highway 126 East from the east end of Drury Lane to the end of North Belknap Springs Road
• Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information.
• This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock.
• If conditions worsen, public safety personnel will make contact again using the emergency notification system.

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗱:

• South of Highway 126 from milepost 53.5 east to Scott Creek Road and Horse Creek Road east of Foley Springs
• Foley Springs
• Forest Service Road #302
• Belknap Springs Road South
• Camp Yale Road
• Yale Lane

People in the area should be aware of ongoing traffic pattern changes on Highway 126 between mileposts 13 and 19.5 Road status information is available at www.TripCheck.com.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org

Middle Fork Complex video of Radio Interview with READ, September 16, 2024

https://youtu.be/mrAdFohHEC4

Swauk Creek Fire

September 16, 2024

Estimated size: 324 acres

Containment: 35%

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: Vehicle Fire/Under Investigation                  

Structures Damaged: 0

Update: Yesterday crews were able to strengthen more of the control lines around the south and eastern edges of the fire. They removed unburned fuels impinging on the line and worked to make sure the burned area was cooled with no hotspots that could potentially reignite. With this additional work, containment of the Swauk Creek Fire has increased to 35%. Overnight the fire activity was minimal. Crews continue to staff the fire at night to monitor the fire for any unexpected flare ups.

Today crews will finish preparing for firing operations on the north flank. The plan is to begin firing operations mid-afternoon as long as weather continues to provide favorable conditions. Firing operations and monitoring will continue through the night and into Tuesday. The purpose for the later start is to burn during favorable wind speeds and directions, plus as the weather cools down for the evening and into the early morning. By planning these activities during these hours we are less likely to have unexpected fire behavior.

Smoke will become more visible during the firing operation. We anticipate citizens and travelers to see the smoke from local communities and Highway 97. The fire will be fully staffed during the afternoon, overnight, and into the following day to monitor and maintain control lines on the north flank.

The primary purpose of a firing operation is to safely consume the available fuels ahead of an active fire edge while reducing the potential for negative impacts and resource damage caused by higher-intensity fire.  In turn, this improves the ability to contain the fire with direct control lines against the fire’s perimeter.

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 and Fire Behavior: A short-lived warming and drying trend arrives today. Temperatures will warm into the upper 60s to 70s today. Humidity levels will be on 10-15% drier than Sunday. The next low-pressure system will drop down the WA coast Tuesday bringing cooler temperatures, increasing clouds, and a 20% change for light showers. Rainfall amounts will be light over the fire. Winds in the afternoon and evening will increase down the Kittitas Valley and across the fire.

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.

Middle Fork Complex Operational Update Video Monday, September 16, 2024

https://youtu.be/0uw-dtLUPDo

Wood Lake Fire Update

Date: September 16, 2024 Size: 27 acres Containment: 25%
Cause: Under Investigation-Human Caused* 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: The fire received little precipitation overnight. Firefighters continue to reinforce the fire’s containment line. Fire activity is minimal, smoldering and burning into the duff layer. Firefighters continue to suppress the fire, monitor containment lines, and use aircraft to cool the fire when conditions warrant. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5.

Planned Actions: The current crew of firefighters will transition tomorrow to a new incident commander. Resources continue to strengthen existing lines on the east and southeast sides utilizing minimum impact strategies and tactics. Additionally, firefighters continue to analyze contingency planning around the Moose Lake area, planning that wider perimeter area around the fire.

Closures: The Superior National Forest will be adjusting 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. Beginning at 12:01 am, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Wind Lake travel corridor lakes and portages will be lifted off the closure. An updated Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure map will be released for the closure adjustments. 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-Partly sunny with a high near 80. 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Calm southern winds around 5mph, gusting up to 15mph with any storms. Overnight-A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 pm, otherwise mostly cloudy. Low of 62. South winds around 5 mph. Tuesday- chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then a slight chance after 1pm. Mostly sunny, high of 79. South wind 5-10mph, gusts of 20mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Overall air quality in the Ely area will be GOOD today. Wildfire smoke from Canada is possible in the area. https://www.airnow.gov/and 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 19 locations including BWCAW Entry Point 27-Wood Lake.

 *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.

Buck Creek Size: 5,647 acres | Reported Date: September 7 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 10%
Final Report: Bowman Well Size: 2,853 acres | Reported Date: September 6 | Cause: Lightning   |  Containment: 97%
Total Resources Personnel: 673 | Crews: 17 |  Engines: 38| Water Tenders: 19 | Heavy Equipment: 15 |  Helicopters: 4

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire started in heavy timber within the Yamsay Mountain Semi-Primitive Area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, about 13 miles southwest of Silver Lake, Ore. The fire spread north and east into managed timber stands with brush and grass understory and is now about 11 miles from the community of Silver Lake. The Bowman Well Fire was burning in sage brush, grass, and juniper on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management about 3 miles northwest of Christmas Valley, Ore. Starting today, the Bowman Well Fire is in patrol status and will be managed by local units. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority.

Buck Creek: Yesterday, cool weather and higher humidity allowed firefighters to make excellent progress. On the west edge of the fire, hand crews and dozer operators constructed fire line in the vicinity of Buck Ridge. Across the north flank, day and night crews improved and mopped up along established dozer lines. On the northeast edge of the fire, a crew member from the Union Hotshots piloted an Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS or drone) to detect heat inside and outside the constructed fire line, west of Forest Road 3038. Once located, crews used hand tools and heavy equipment to extinguish the hot spots. Using previously installed hose lays, firefighters mopped up the southeastern edge toward Antler Horse Camp. Crews continued the arduous work of building hand line and carrying rounds of 1½” fire hose (each weighing 23 pounds) to install hose lays in support of mop up efforts.

Today, UAS flights will detect hot spots near constructed fire line. Crews will work to connect segments of fire line in the vicinity of Buck Ridge on the west edge of the fire. Hand line construction and hose lay installation is ongoing in the difficult terrain northeast from Antler Horse Camp. Firefighters will continue using several miles of hose lay to reach and extinguish hot spots along constructed fire line. Crews face many hazards during line construction and mop up, but two of the most dangerous are falling trees and hot ash pits left by burned-out stumps. Aviation resources will be available to assist on-the-ground firefighters as conditions allow. 

Bowman Well: Equipment operators have completed road grading and as of 6 a.m. today, management of this fire has been returned to local units. This is the last daily update for the Bowman Well Fire.  Fire managers are confident that the fire will remain within its established footprint and are crediting the strong work of local and regional initial attack crews for making it possible to achieve 97% containment so quickly. The incident’s firefighting resources have been reassigned to the Buck Creek Fire.

Evacuations: In coordination with fire managers, the Lake County Sheriff has established evacuations for the Buck Creek Fire. All evacuations for the Bowman Well Fire have been lifted. Go to www.lakecountyor.orgfor details about evacuation levels. 

Weather: Today, maximum temperatures are forecast to be in the low 60s, with continued cloud cover and a cool north wind. The probability for rain is low.

Safety: Firefighting equipment and personnel are present on local roads. Fire managers ask the public to drive attentively and to remain clear of the fire areas. The public also plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire by using caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. Current fire danger is extreme and restrictions are in place within the Fremont-Winema National Forest. More information can be found at:https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema. 

Closures: A forest closure order is in effect for the area around the Buck Creek Fire. For the complete order and map, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema.  Christmas Valley Airport is being used as the helibase for fire operations and is temporarily closed to general aviation. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Buck Creek Fire. 

Smoke:  Smoke from multiple fires around the region is affecting air quality. For more information on smoke conditions and strategies on limiting exposure, go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov. 

Key Messages 

All evacuation warnings and notices issued by the Powder River County Sheriff's Office and Campbell County Sheriff's Office have been rescinded. 

The Montana DNRC County Assist Team and local agencies have been connecting with affected landowners to provide available resources. For information on post-fire relief, please visit: https://www.uwyo.edu/barnbackyard/resources/wildfire.html.  

Current Status 

Crews are actively working to establish control lines along the fire perimeter and will continue to patrol and work inward from these lines to extinguish hotspots. Restoration of dozer lines has begun across the fire area. Several coal seams were discovered throughout the fire and have been properly addressed and mapped. Yesterday, a coal seam flare up caused an increase in the total fire size by 125-acres outside of the containment line in the southeast region. Hand crews and aircraft successfully contained this area and are actively monitoring for any potential flare-ups. Structure protection efforts continue to safeguard residents and critical assets. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Warm and dry conditions are expected for Monday, with southerly winds and a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. On Tuesday, a larger weather system will bring southerly winds with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms overspreading the fire area in the afternoon and evening.  

Isolated pockets of heat and unburned green vegetation remain within the interior, and flare-ups are likely in the coming days as shifting winds ignite these fuel sources. On the southeastern side, fire activity persists, with occasional hotspots and isolated torching. 

Evacuations And Closures 

All evacuation warnings and notices associated with the fire area have been rescinded. Please avoid the fire area as crews and aerial resources continue fire suppression efforts. The roads remain closed to non-local traffic. Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and preservation of grazing lands are most important. 

There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For firefighter safety, please do not fly unmanned aerial systems in the area. 

Northwest 3 Complex Incident Management Team   
Lonnie Click ~ Incident Commander  
September 16, 2024

Bachelor Complex, Flat Top and Firestone Fires Update

September 16, 2024

Quick Facts: Bachelor Complex

Size: 10,801 acres

Start Date: Sept 8, 2024

Location: Mt Bachelor, 20 miles SW Bend, OR

Personnel: 614

Quick Facts: Firestone & Flat Top Fires

Firestone Size: 9,188 acres

Start Date: Sept 6, 2024

Location: North of Fort Rock, OR

Flat Top Size: 34,985 acres

Personnel: 294

Yesterday, on the northern flank of the Little Lava Fire, dozer and hand lines were improved to Forest Service Road (FSR) 240 and mop up continued along FSR 45. Firefighters also continued to construct a combination of dozer and hand line along the southern and western flanks of the fire. Mop-up was completed on the Backside and 911 fires. On the Flat Top Fire, strategic firing operations were completed on the southwestern flank from FSR 204 to FSR 244 and around Willow and Indian Buttes. Strategic burning was also completed on the northwest corner of the Flat Top Fire. On the Firestone Fire, mop-up continued on the western and eastern flanks of the fire. Crews also continued direct fireline construction on the north side of the fire. The Bachelor Complex received rain yesterday, but the Flat Top and Firetone Fires did not receive precipitation.

Bachelor Complex: On the Little Lava Fire, crews will continue mop-up and fireline construction along the north side of the fire today. On the south and west sides of the fire, firefighters will continue fireline construction directly adjacent to the fire where they can. Operations are complete on the Backside and 911 fires.

Flat Top Fire: Today, firefighters are securing line and mopping up burnout operations from yesterday along FSR 22 near Willow and Indian Buttes. Crews will continue to identify and extinguish sources of heat within the fire perimeter. Crews may conduct small strategic burning operations around the fire to further secure control lines and reduce pockets of unburned vegetation ahead of the fire.

Firestone Fire: Today, firefighters will continue mop-up operations and direct fireline construction on the north side of the fire. Crews may conduct small strategic burning operations around the fire to further secure control lines and reduce pockets of unburned vegetation ahead of the fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today, spotty rain is still possible across the area with the bulk of the moisture predicted over the Flat Top and Firestone Fires. The chance of rain is 10-15% with wind gusts mainly at higher elevations over the Bachelor Complex and to a lesser extent over Flat Top and Firestone fires.

Evacuations: Emergency management and fire officials are reevaluating evacuation levels daily. Level 3 evacuations mean “Go Now,” Level 2 means “Be Set” and Level 1 means "Be Ready.” To view current evacuation levels, please visit the Deschutes County Emergency Information Interactive Map at: http://www.deschutes.org/emergency. For Lake County evacuation information, please visit: https://www.lakecountyor.org/flat_top.php.

Closures: There are two emergency closure areas on the Deschutes National Forest for these fires. View the updated closure orders and maps on the Deschutes National Forest site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest/

InciWeb:

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.../ordef-bachelor-complex...

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.../ordef-flat-top-and...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CentralOregonFireInfo?app=desktop

Fire Information Line: (541) 249-9829, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Smoke & Air Quality Information: fire.airnow.gov