Homestead Complex and Lane 1 Fires 

 Update for Tuesday, September 10, 2024  

Fire behavior remains very active on the northern flank of the Horse Heaven Fire, Fuller Lake and Bullpup fires. Fire managers continue directing limited resources to fires based on threats to property, infrastructure, industry, critical habitat and areas with the highest probability of success while providing for firefighter and public safety. Three of the seven fires on the Homestead Complex have now reached 100% containment, the Salmon 33 Fire (275 ac.) on August 24, 2024, the Reynolds Butte Fire (334 ac.) on August 22, 2024, and the Lost Bucket Fire (34 ac.) on July 29, 2024. 

Homestead Complex Fire 

Start Date: July 19, 2024 

Size: 8,973 acres 

Overall Containment: 33% 

Personnel: 532 

Location: 15 miles NE of Glide, OR 

Cause: Lightning 

Fire Information: https://tinyurl.com/25vkhfjp 

Lane 1 Fire  

Start Date: July 17, 2024 

Size: 25,927 acres 

Containment: 99% 

Personnel: 117 

Location: Approx. 16 miles SE of Springfield, OR 

Cause: Lightning 

Fire Information:  https://tinyurl.com/29k3nnly 

Fire Operations Summary: Homestead Complex and Lane 1 Fire 

Yesterday on the Horse Heaven Fire (2,539 acres, containment: 56%), the fire was actively burning interior areas of unburned fuel inside the recent burnout area on the north flank. This active burning produced a column that created multiple spot fires north of the burnout perimeter that crews worked to locate and mop-up. The Hotshot crew assigned to work on establishing control line down into the Horse Heaven Creek drainage was redirected to the area of spot fires to the north as a priority need. Helicopter bucket drops supported fire suppression efforts on the ground. Crews along the northeast flank continued mopping-up around spot fires and a slopover that resulted from the recent burnout operation. Tomorrow, firefighters will continue their focus on catching and controlling spot fires to the north.  

On the Fuller Lake Fire (2,835 ac., containment: 0%), the fire has progressed north and joined with the Bullpup Fire at its southern flank; it has also progressed south into the Boulder Creek Wilderness Area. Crews working on the west flank of the fire went direct on a spot fire and made good progress on containment with support from helicopter bucket drops. Heavy equipment worked on the 3816 Road near the Reynolds Butte Fire to establish additional indirect containment line to the west. On the eastern flank, dozer line was under construction, and crews and heavy equipment were prepping the 3810 and 5850 roads to serve as control lines. Helicopter bucket drops were used yesterday to check-up the fire’s progression. Operations today will build on the work accomplished yesterday. Fire managers will be scouting for options to construct additional control lines with the objective of keeping the fire from expanding to the west and east.  

The Bullpup Fire (501 ac., containment: 7%) remains within primary and secondary control lines, this includes control lines to the north along the 300 Road system. The priority objective for fire managers is to keep the Bullpup fire within established control lines in order to prevent the fire from progressing further north toward critical habitat for wild steelhead (the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area). With that priority objective in mind, crews continue to improve and strengthen primary and secondary containment lines ahead of the northern flank of the fire. 

On the No Man Fire (2,081 ac., containment: 44%), crews will be patrolling, mopping-up, chipping, hauling logs and conducting suppression repair operations. Suppression repair work will also continue on the Reynolds Butte and Lost Bucket fires. 

On the Lane 1 Fire (25,884 ac., containment: 99%), clean-up and suppression repair work will continue around the fire for at least a few more days. The work includes chipping vegetation and log hauling operations, and repairing forest road infrastructure. This work will also make it safer for the public once closures to public managed lands are removed. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions: 

There is one large closure impacting the Cottage Grove, North Umpqua, and Diamond Lake districts. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-07: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/?aid=88996. On August 30, 2024, the Umpqua National Forest decreased Public Use Restrictions (PURs) to Level 2, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umpqua/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1202470. For more information on PURs, IFPLs, or other fire management information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire 

The closure order issued by Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, for portions of BLM land which border the Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure north of Steamboat remains in effect: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf  

Weather: Slightly cooler and more humid air will move into the area. Temperature highs will reach the upper 60s to lower 70s. Winds will be light from the southeast in the AM and then become northwesterly in the PM. 

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fires. Please remember, if you fly we can’t! If a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aviation equipment will be grounded. 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7100 (Staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) 

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov 

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

Middle Fork Complex Fire Update
Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Cooler Weather with Rain Expected Wednesday

The Middle Fork Complex is 60,809 acres with 30% completion. There are currently 697 personnel assigned to these fires, including 18 hand crews, 26 engines, and 4 helicopters. Changing weather patterns will begin impacting the area on Wednesday. Today, expect continued dry conditions with increased southwest winds gusting up to 25mph. Increased high cloud cover will keep temperatures down a few degrees with highs in the 70s and 80s, but the combination of higher southwest winds and low relative humidities will promote elevated fire activity across the area. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for scattered thunderstorms on Wednesday, including the possibility of outflow wind gusts up to 50 to 60 mph.

Yesterday, the Bulldog Fire grew about 90 acres, mostly on the north and northeast edges further into the 2006 Rattlesnake fire area. Crews continue to hold the fire east of the Middle Fork corridor, holding and patrolling Road 698. Crews continue using heavy equipment and handline to strengthen contingency fireline northwest of Road 671 and fuel mitigation around Boiling Springs and the Silver Creek Lookout in anticipation of Goat Fire movement south.

Crews continue patrolling the indirect fireline from the Nellie Fire to the southwest corner of the Bulldog Fire, and the fires made no progress in that area. Crews continue to patrol the southwest side of the Nellie Fire and the Highway 17 corridor, and Highway 17 road repair work continues. Crews are strengthening the contingency fireline along Road 555 from the junction with Road 579 towards Deadwood Outfitters. Mop up and patrolling continues around the Deadwood Reservoir and along Road 510.
When weather and fuel conditions allow, operations will conduct fuel mitigation around the Scott Mountain Tower. An engine crew will reduce fuels around the tower and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will conduct firing operations along the Scott Mountain ridge. Community members may see more smoke from the fire interior when these operations commence.

There will be a community meeting Wednesday, September 11, at 6 p.m. at the White Barn Building, near 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley, Idaho.

Boise National Forest Closure Order Number 0402-06-60 remains in effect. An interactive forest closure map is available on the Boise National Forest Alerts & Closures website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.
Hunters are not allowed access to these closed areas.
Highway 21 is closed from the Sourdough Lodge in Lowman to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to nearby wildfire activity. Only local traffic is allowed between the Sourdough Lodge and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Boundary Creek, Cape Horn, or Seafoam. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Transportation website, https://511.idaho.gov/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. Visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect in the fire area.

Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8am – 8pm) Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-and-nellie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Middle-Fork-Complex-Fire-Boise-National-Forest/61565022204468
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2024.middleforkcomplex

Actualización Sobre Incendio Park: Martes, 10 de Septiembre de 2024

Administración De Incidentes Complejos Del Área Suroeste - Equipo 2

John Truett - Comandante Del Incidente 

Tamaño: 429,603 acres

Fecha de Inicio: 24 de Julio de 2024

Contencion: 99%

Personal Total: 485

Recursos: 1 helicóptero, 4 cuadrillas, 6 camiones de bomberos, 2 topadoras, 10 camiones de agua, 2 astilladoras, 8 excavadoras, 2 máquinas para talar árboles, 3 minicargadoras, 1 apiladoras, 1 retroexcavadora, 4 motoniveladoras

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Equipo 2 De La Administración De Incidentes Complejos Del Área Suroeste (SWCIMT2) transferirá el mando del incendio el jueves 12 de septiembre. Los nuevos administradores de incendios llegarán hoy, recibirán una sesión informativa y comenzarán la transición con SWCIMT2, recopilando información que facilitará el cambio de mando. La actualización de mañana será la actualización final de SWCIMT2. A partir de entonces, el oficial de asuntos públicos del Bosque Nacional Lassen será el punto de contacto para obtener información sobre el incendio Park. Hoy será el último día en que se publique información en los foros comunitarios. El incidente será administrado con menos personal y recursos, pero continuarán los trabajos de reparación de extinción de incendios. 

CLIMA Y SEGURIDAD CONTRA INCENDIOS: Los vientos hoy volverán a aumentar. Las temperaturas continúan su tendencia a la baja y hoy alcanzan máximos de 80 grados. A pesar de ello, la humedad relativa sigue siendo obstinadamente baja. Estas condiciones fomentan la propagación de nuevos incendios, así que tenga especial cuidado al recrear y utilizar equipos al aire libre y tenga en cuenta las restricciones contra incendios aplicables. Los tocones y troncos continúan ardiendo y ocasionalmente ardiendo dentro del perímetro del incendio Park; El humo interior puede ser visible pero no representa ningún peligro. Los cielos brumosos y llenos de humo son el resultado de incendios en otros estados. Obtenga información sobre la calidad del aire en su área y vea un mapa de humo aquí: tinyurl.com/ypkfbkyn.

CIERRE DE BOSQUES: Algunos terrenos, caminos y senderos del Bosque Nacional Lassen cerca del área del incendio están cerrados temporalmente por la seguridad del público y de los bomberos durante la fase de reparación del incendio. Antes de recrear en sus tierras públicas, consulte la Orden Forestal No. 06-24-07 y el mapa aquí: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Es su responsabilidad saber dónde se encuentra en relación con la orden de cierre.  

RESTRICCIONES DE INCENDIO: Las restricciones contra incendios siguen vigentes en toda el área. Para más detalles, consulte la Orden Forestal No. 06-24-04 aquí: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Encuentre enlaces a restricciones de otras agencias de administración de tierras en Park Fire Information Linktree (URL y código QR a continuación). Conocer las restricciones contra incendios en las áreas donde vive, trabaja o se recrea es su responsabilidad.

Información sobre incendio Park (Suroeste CIMT 2) 530-414-9298 2024.park@firenet.gov       

Árbol de Enlace Incendio Park (enlaces a sitios web de información sobre incendios): linktr.ee/park_fire

Oficina del Supervisor del Bosque Nacional Lassen: 530-257-2151

Park Fire Update: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2

Incident Commander John Truett

Size: 429,603 acres 

Start Date: July 24, 2024

Containment: 99 percent

Total Personnel: 485

Resources: 1 helicopter, 4 crews, 6 engines, 2 dozers, 10 water tenders, 2 chippers, 8 excavators, 2 feller bunchers, 3 skidders, 1 log loaders, 1 backhoe, 4 road graders

CURRENT SITUATION: Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 (SWCIMT2) will be transferring command of the fire on Thursday, September 12.  New fire managers will arrive today, receive a briefing, and begin the transition with SWCIMT2, gathering information that will facilitate the change of command. Tomorrow’s update will be the final update from SWCIMT2. Thereafter, the Lassen National Forest public affairs officer will be the point of contact for Park Fire information. Today will be the final day that information is posted on community boards. The incident will be managed with fewer personnel and resources, but fire-suppression repair work will continue.

WEATHER & FIRE SAFETY: Winds today will be picking up again. Temperatures continue their downward trend reaching highs only in the 80s today. Despite this, relative humidity remains stubbornly low. These conditions encourage the spread of any new fires, so be particularly cautious while recreating and using equipment outdoors and be aware of applicable fire restrictions. Stumps and snags do continue to smolder and occasionally burn within the Park Fire perimeter; interior smoke might be visible but poses no danger. Hazy, smoky skies are the result of fires in other states. Get air-quality information for your area and view a smoke map here: tinyurl.com/ypkfbkyn. 

FOREST CLOSURE: Some Lassen National Forest lands, roads, and trails remain temporarily closed for the safety of the public and firefighters during the repair phase of the fire. Prior to recreating on your public lands, view Forest Order No. 06-24-07 and the map here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Knowing the forest-closure status in the areas where you are working or recreating is your responsibility.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions remain in effect throughout the area. For details, view Forest Order No. 06-24-04 here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Find links to other land management agencies’ restrictions in the Park Fire Information Linktree (URL and QR code below). Knowing fire restrictions in the areas where you are living, working or recreating is your responsibility.

Park Fire Information (Southwest CIMT 2): 530-414-9298 |  2024.park@firenet.gov

Park Fire Linktree (fire information website links): linktr.ee/park_fire

Lassen National Forest Supervisor’s Office: 530-257-2151

Situation Summary

The north and east sides of the Line Fire continue to burn with the greatest intensity. Today will be mostly sunny over the fire area, and the smoke impacts are expected to grow as the day progresses. A local Red Flag Warning goes into effect in the area from 11:00am to 8:00pm. There will be gusty winds over the fire which will lead to low humidity and very dry vegetation. Firefighters are creating control lines, protecting structures and the community, making contingency plans, and maximizing the use of aircraft when conditions are not too smoky. Tuesday night, stronger winds are predicted which could lead to drops in relative humidity and greater fire spread. Towards the end of the week, cooler weather may moderate fire activity.

There are currently 65,600 structures threatened. This includes 9,200 structures under Evacuation Orders and 56,400 structures under Evacuation Warnings. A Damage Inspection Team (DINS) is working in the area.

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the California National Guard will support the state’s ongoing response to the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.
Through its activation, authorized under the Line Fire state of emergencyExternal Link, the California National Guard will deploy:  

• Four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters for water bucket dropping operations
• Two C-130 aircraft with Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS)
• Four 20-person hand crews (80 soldiers). They report to Camp Roberts today for equipment distribution and will be assigned to the Line Fire on Thursday in support of CAL FIRE.
• One military police company to support the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with traffic control points in evacuated areas. 

For information on the Line Fire, please call (909) 220-4292. The line for media is (909) 881-6949. Additional fire information can be found at: Cabdf Line Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Schuster
Location:  7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass
Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: 24,904
Percent complete:  69%
Resources: 504 Total Personnel: 11 Hand Crews; 24 Engines; 17 Heavy Equipment; 3 Helicopters 

KEY MESSAGES:

Smoke continues to impact not only the immediate area around the fire but also nearby communities and residents.  There will be unhealthy air quality in some locations, especially in low-lying drainages, and roadway visibility could be impacted by the smoke from the fire.  Individuals sensitive to higher Air Quality Indexes (AQI) should avoid physical activities outdoors or at least postpone those actions until the air quality improves.

CURRENT STATUS:

Resources overnight supported structure protection operations along the Highway 26/287 corridor.

Today personnel will monitor fire behavior for any potential threats to Highway 26 and other critical values and execute mechanical and hand clean-up work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground.  The moderating weather and fire behavior will allow resources to begin shaded fuelbreak work on the 2-mile stretch of the Upper Flagstaff Road.  This work will include clearing the understory vegetation and smaller trees for 100’ on each side of the road.  Firewise work has begun around the Towgotee Lodge.

Structure protection work will continue for the Wyoming Fish and Game cabin and outbuildings in the southern portion of the fire.  The Cottonwood Creek area continues to generate the largest fire growth and greatest fire behavior on this incident.   

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Yesterday’s conditions on the fire did meet the minimum criteria for the Red Flag Warning, with wind gusts that met or exceeded 25-30 mph.  Today, there is a slight chance of an afternoon shower, and conditions will be cloudier and slightly cooler than recent days. This begins a change in the weather pattern that will culminate in a cold front entering the region during the middle of the week.  The moderating weather conditions will reduce active fire behavior.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Air quality and dense smoke, continue to be a concern for both residents and visitors to the area around the Fish Creek Fire incident.  For up-to-date air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and ways to mitigate poor air quality, check out the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:

The joint Closure Order issued by both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for the fire area, remains in effect. Please do not enter the closure area or use any Forest Roads that are closed. For specific details regarding this closure, please reference the Fish Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) and the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/btnf/alerts-notices.

Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive remain under a Level 3 Evacuation notice (Indicated by red blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 3 Evacuation means “Go” to evacuate. Residents must remain evacuated until advised otherwise by Fremont County. See the alert notice on the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page. 

The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go system for evacuation messaging, visit their website for additional details at www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO.  (Indicated by green blocks on the PIO Incident Map.) They advise all residents to be in a “Ready” status by preparing for evacuations and becoming fire adapted.

US HWY 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic, but motorists may still experience smoke and sometimes limited visibility. A 45-mph speed restriction remains in effect for the fire area.  Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for fire personnel and fire vehicles and use caution when travelling through the area. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials for the safety of motorists and firefighters. Drivers are encouraged to visit https://www.wyoroad.info/ prior to traveling on US HWY 26/287 for road status and information, or download the Wyoming 511 app at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/WY511Mobile.html to monitor for any changes due to fire activity.

Ruby Fire Quick Facts 

Size: 1300 acres Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington 

Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning/Natural 

Start Date: August 9, 2024 Total Personnel: 61 

Fire Information: 360-208-8096  

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov 

Current Status: This past weekend’s red flag conditions contributed to slow but gradual fire growth, adding almost 100 acres. Monday, a helicopter supported fire suppression efforts by collecting water from Diablo Lake and dropping it over hot spots on the western edge of the fire, as well as the eastern edge of the fire north of Panther Creek. Smoke was minimal and air quality remained good throughout the day. Panther Creek, Thunder Creek and Happy Creek trails remain closed as these are critical areas for firefighters to stage for fire suppression efforts. Visitors should use extra caution when traveling on State Route 20 (SR20) near Diablo Lake to avoid inhibiting active firefighting operations. Slow down. Please do not stop on the road to watch helicopter and fire operations. The Thunder Arm portion of Diablo Lake and Colonial Creek South Campground are closed.  

Planned Actions: Today fire managers intend to utilize helicopters to conduct suppression efforts by strategically dropping water on the fire as needed. Firefighters will continue to focus on protecting critical infrastructure such as campgrounds, SR20, trails, and backcountry camps in preparation for possible fire growth. The Ruby Fire is a full suppression fire, and firefighters are using tactics with the highest chance for success, while reducing safety risks to firefighters and the public.  

Weather: Zonal flow aloft on Tuesday will promote increased onshore flow, morning cloud cover, and good humidity recoveries near the fire. The next system approaches the region and pushes inland on Wednesday and may bring a few showers to the area, with latest guidance suggesting a 10-20 percent chance of a wetting rain occurring within the vicinity of the fire. 

Closures: There are multiple closures in place for public safety: Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm south of Diablo Lake, Happy Creek Trail, and area trails and camps. See all closures at https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures 

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Tuesday. Forecast at https://www.airnow.gov  

Burning Restrictions: Campfires, the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.  

Drone Restrictions: If you fly, we can’t. Drones can jeopardize firefighting efforts, and operating drones within North Cascades National Park is prohibited, except with prior written approval from the superintendent.   

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: National Park Service, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Seattle City Light, Whatcom County, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Dept. of Transportation, Washington DNR. 

To sign up for our daily updates, please send an email to: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov  Thank you. 

Wapiti Fire Update

Tuesday September 10th 2024 – 8:00 a.m.

Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 7  

Mike Johnston, Incident Commander 

Wapiti Fire Statistics:  

Size:122,233 acres     

Containment: 12%  

Total Personnel: 1,442 

Location: Grandjean, ID  

Reported: July 24, 2024  

Cause: lightning 

For More Information:  

Information Phone: 208-593-7132  

Email:  2024.wapiti@firenet.gov  

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-wapiti-fire   

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

Currently the “Wapiti Fire Information 2024” is suspended. Please see the   Boise National Forest Facebook page for updated fire information.  

Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/WapitiFireInfo2024 

Interactive Map:  https://tinyurl.com/WapitiFireInfoMap 

Special Notes: The Custer County Sherriff made a slight reduction in the road closure- State Highway 21 remains closed east of Lowman to Stanley from MP84 (Sourdough Lodge) to MP126 (Stanley Lake turnoff) due to wildfire activity. Highway 75 remains open.  

Current Situation: The fire is being managed under a full suppression values-driven strategy. A values driven suppression strategy emphasizes the protection of values at risk while only placing fire personnel in locations where they will have a reasonable probability of success. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority in all management decisions. Resources assigned to the Wapiti Fire are supporting initial attack operations on the Frog Fire on the Sawtooth National Forest. Fires are staffed by day, swing and night shifts to support the overall fire suppression plan. 

Division DD:  The fire in the Sawtooth Wilderness is slowly growing towards the south and east remaining in the drainage bottoms with rocky alpine terrain above it. Minimal resources are staffed in this division due to the limited access within the Wilderness and low fire potential.  

Division HH:   Crews remain in the area to complete mop up operation and watch for any spot fires. An Unmanned Ariel System (UAS) was utilized in the Iron Creek area to locate hot spots using infrared detection. 

Division KK and Structure Group East: Structure protection remains in place and crews continue to monitor the communities and ensure there is no fire progression.

Divisions PP & MM:  Burn operations continued throughout the day along the Hwy 21 corridor. Crews continue to patrol and monitor the area, securing the line, and mopping up and gridding 500 ft into the interior.  Crews are staged for structure protection needs. An Unmanned Ariel System (UAS) was utilized on Cape Horn to locate hot spots using infrared detection. Crews continue to monitor in the Bull Trout area. 

Division WW and Structure Group West:   Above 8-mile Ridge, aviation resources continue to support suppression in the area. Structure prep is complete along the Highway 21 corridor and the structure protection group remains in place to take further action if needed.  

Division VV: Fire in this division is burning partially within the Sawtooth Wilderness and is unstaffed due to the lack of road access. 

Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior: For today, a Red Flag warning has been issued for hot, dry and windy conditions. For Wednesday a fire weather watch is issued for thunderstorms with lightning and wind gusts up to 60 mph arriving around 3 pm. Starting Wednesday afternoon, a strong change in weather pattern will be present over the fire area. This storm is expected to produce up to an inch of rain with winds out of the north and northwest. 

Evacuations:  

For evacuation information on the Wapiti Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/  and the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff/.  

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

To sign up for Boise County Alert Sense emergency notification enroll online at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1163  

Closures and Fire Restrictions:  

State Highway 21 remains closed from MP84 to MP126 for public and firefighter safety.  

A Wapiti Fire Area Closure / Forest Order: 0414-04-151 for portions of the Boise, Sawtooth, and Salmon-Challis National Forests can be found at this site:  https:/www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices 

Boise National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions / Forest Order: 0402-00-63 can be found at this site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices

Sawtooth National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions / Forest Order 0414-00-044 can be found at this site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices  

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

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Wapiti Fire. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.  For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.  

Gusty winds and fire conditions lead to active fire growth 

Daily Update – Tuesday, September 10, 2024       

Acres: 6,140                                                                            

Start Date: 9/2/2024

Location: 9 miles northwest of Fairfield, ID                             

Personnel: 422

Containment: 10%                                                                  

Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, understory

Highlights: A community meeting will be held on Thursday evening to present fire information and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions. It will be held at the Camas County Senior and Community Center located at 129 West Willow Street in Fairfield at 6:00 pm. 

Operations: Firefighters continue work to secure the Middle Fork and South Fork of Lime Creek. Fire has advanced into the Stewart Creek Fire footprint from 2018, influenced by the southwestern winds in alignment with the terrain. Active heat remains along the northeastern and northwestern flanks, burning through bands of dead and down timber. Aerial observation was difficult due to thick smoke. Helicopter support continues along the northwestern section of the fire today. Hot spots along the Lime Creek drainage will also be addressed and the southern perimeter will be reinforced to protect values at risk. Firefighters continue to scout for potential control features. Additional firefighters will also be available for any new fire starts in the area.

Weather: Today, temperatures will be in the low 80s with afternoon humidity in the 12 to 19 percent range. Southwest winds in the afternoon will gust in the 20 to 25 mph range. A weather pattern is expected to move into the fire area on Wednesday with colder temperatures and chance of precipitation.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the Fairfield area, with continuing predicted today. An interactive smoke map located at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest conditions.

Closures: The Sawtooth National Forest has issued an emergency temporary closure of trails and trail segments for the Chimney Fire. The purpose of the closure order is for the protection of firefighters and public during wildfire suppression activities occurring in and around the trails. The full closure order (No. 0414-05-065) and map are available on the Sawtooth National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/. 

More Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ideix-chimney-fire / 

208-246-8292 / https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest / 2024.chimney@firenet.gov / https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands/