Tamaño de Whisky Creek: 2,856 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio |Causa: De orígen humano |Contención 25%

Tamaño de Sandstone: 702 acres | Fecha de inicio: 5 de agosto   |  Causa: Rayo   |   Contención 75%

Total de recursos: 321 | Equipos de obreros: 4 | Camiones de bomberos: 7 | Topadoras: 2 | Maquinarias pesadas: 12 | Helicópteros: 3

Los incendios Whisky Creek, Sandstone y Blister Creek arden en un terreno escarpado y escabroso en el Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood, donde los escombros rodantes y los árboles que han sido debilitados por el fuego dificultan el trabajo de extinción.

Whisky Creek: 

Ayer, los bomberos realizaron dos misiones de reconocimiento aéreo sobre el incendio Whisky Creek. Estos mostraron que el fuego se había desplazado un poco cerca de Tomlike Mountain y que había crecido un poco en los extremos norte y oeste del incendio. Se localizó un fuego salpicado dentro de la huella del incendio Eagle Creek, justo al norte del extremo del incendio activo. El personal de bomberos no vio suficientes combustibles terrestres que desplazarían el fuego hacia el pequeño fuego salpicado en la huella de ése fuego, aunque hay árboles caídos dispersos que pudieran arder de nuevo. Las cuadrillas continuaron transportando el equipo excedente del área del campamento Rainy Lake. Ayer, los recursos de aeronaves vertieron 6,000 galones de agua en el incendio de Williams Mine. En el extremo este del incendio, empezarán a remover las envolturas de protección de estructura de los edificios.

Se sigue reparando la línea de topadoras a lo largo del camino del Servicio Forestal (FSR) 2810 y en el área de Post Canyon. Los bomberos continuarán vigilando y patrullando a lo largo del extremo este del incendio hoy. El personal está evaluando el corredor del autopista I-84 buscando puntos de espera y acceso para contingencia adicional, por si es necesario.

Sandstone y Blister Creek: 

El viernes continuó el trabajo con las excavadoras ya que limpiaron zanjas y repararon a lo largo de FSR 6320 y FSR 7015. Una niveladora reparó la línea de topadoras que se construyó inicialmente para contener el fuego. Hoy, los bomberos monitorearán ambos incendios y continuarán patrullando alrededor del perímetro. Los recursos de extinción de ambos incendios siguen listos para ayudar con el  ataque inicial de cualquier incendio nuevo en el área.

Clima: Anoche, los vientos cambiaron del oeste lo que resultó en temperaturas más frescas y una humedad relativa más alta. Hoy, hay una pequeña posibilidad de lluvia, que se despejará para el lunes. El humo continuará asentándose en los valles por la noche, pero se despejará por la tarde. Para ver 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 ambos incendios: https://bit.ly/3T59VWv. Las restricciones contra incendios están vigentes dentro del Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood. Se puede ver más información en: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire.

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 13,347 acres 

Percent Contained: 27% 

Primary Strategic Control Line: 96% 

Personnel: 1,365 

Cause: Lightning 

Start Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:05 a.m. 

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA 

The Tulare County Fire Department has announced that the evacuation warnings for the following areas, TLC-E-127B and TLC-E-128B, have been lifted effective Saturday, September 7th, 2024. The area includes north of South Fork Drive, East of Skyline Drive (Salt Creek, fire control road), South of Skyline Drive (South of Case Mountain and Homers Nose), and West of the National Park Boundary. 

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, helitankers continued retardant drops from Horse Creek to the East Fork Kaweah River. In the Southeast, crews systematically gridded the area, searching for hotspots, and mop-up operations and equipment backhaul continued along the southern flank. Firefighters advanced deeper into the area south of Salt Creek Ridge, where air operations supported their efforts with water drops on hot spots. In the north, crews continue to prep Mineral King including water tenders applying retardant on the north side of the road. Firefighters continued to patrol and mop-up any areas where the fire breached control lines last week on the fire’s western flank. 

Today, firefighters will patrol, strengthen, and mop-up the handline east of Scratch Creek. Crews will work to enhance indirect handlines from Horse Creek to the East Fork Kaweah River as the fire moves closer to control lines. Air operations will provide targeted water drops to support crews spiked near Eden Creek. Road preparation efforts continue along Mineral King Road, heading east toward Silver City. Additional air support, using bucket drops, will help slow the fire’s progression and reduce its intensity as it backs into the East Fork Kaweah River and Horse Creek. On the western flank, crews will focus on backhauling equipment and mitigating hazardous trees. 

WEATHER: A weak area of low pressure is moving into northern California, which will cause slightly cooler temperatures. However, the weather will stay dry. Winds will generally come from the southwest, but upslope and up-canyon winds are expected to start mid-morning. 

SMOKE IMPACTS: Expect similar smoke impacts today in areas closest to the fire. Hammond and Three Rivers will remain in the MODERATE air quality range throughout the day. Giant Forest will experience MODERATE air quality by mid-day, with clearing to GOOD air quality by late afternoon. Areas farther north and east will stay in the GOOD air quality range. Pinehurst and Springville will continue to see MODERATE conditions. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov. 

EVACUATION NOTICES: The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has issued Evacuation ORDERS due to current fire conditions for Genasys zones TLC-E094-C, TLC-E094-E, TLC-E094-D, and TLC-E094-B. An evacuation ORDER, also known as a mandatory evacuation, means that all residents and visitors should leave now before the fire reaches the community. If you are unable to evacuate and require assistance, please call 9-1-1. In case of sheltering needs or questions regarding sheltering, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.  

The Tulare County Fire Department has also issued Evacuation WARNINGS for zones TLC-E093-A, TLC-E093-B, TLC-E095, and TLC-E128-A. To find your zone, please refer to: protect.genasys.com 

FIRE INFORMATION: A Public Information Officer will be at the Three Rivers Village Market daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide fire information and answer questions.  

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and trails accessed from the road, including the Ladybug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed. Recreational access to the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park is closed to the public. This applies to Mineral King campgrounds, trailheads, and area trails. All other areas of the parks are open but are likely to be impacted by varying levels of smoke and poor air quality. Park closure information is available online at nps.gov/seki. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area at blm.gov/press-release.  

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

Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Shuster
Location: 7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass
Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: 22,107 acres
Percent complete: 69%
Resources: 454 Total Personnel: 8 Hand Crews; 22 Engines; 1 Dozer; 27 Heavy Equipment; 4 Helicopters

KEY MESSAGES:
U.S. Highway 26/287 will continue to remain open this weekend, but between MM 26 to MM 29.8 motorists will be escorted by a pilot vehicle during the hours 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Travelers should plan on an additional 20-minute travel time due to this escort. Motorists are asked to please follow the pilot car and do not attempt to pass it and do not stop in this area. This escort helps provide for the safe travel of motorists as they drive through the area impacted by the fire and smoke while providing for the safety of our firefighters and fire vehicles. Outside of those specified hours, the highway will be open for free-flowing traffic but please slow down, watch for fire vehicles and heavy equipment, and proceed with caution through the entire fire area.

CURRENT STATUS:
Night operations continued to monitor the fire activity, support structure protection operations, and patrol for spot fires, but some of their engagement was limited due to the dense smoke, which at times, reduced visibility to a few feet.

The majority of the daytime resources continued their work in the northeast corner of the fire, protecting the identified values at risk including the Highway 26 corridor, and the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle and Breccia Drives. Those three specific areas remain in a Level 3 evacuation status (Designated by red blocks on the PIO Incident Map). 

Today, resources will be looking for opportunities to improve the control lines along the Holmes Cave and Continental Divide Trails. Mechanical and hand prep work will continue on Deception Road from Highway 26 north to Brooks Lake Lodge and along the 30100-road network in the south fork of Spread Creek. The resources protecting the structures will also continue to conduct daily operations and sprinkler tests at Brooks Lake Lodge and Pinnacle.

On Saturday, much of the Jackson area and points south were able to clearly see a large smoke column which emanated from the Cottonwood area. This area is burning towards the established fuel breaks and accounts for most of the increase in acres burned. The fuels in this area are mixed conifers with a large standing dead component. With the continuing drying trend, the public should expect to see a significant smoke column coming from this portion of the fire for at least the next few days.


Weather and Fire Behavior:
The continuing warming trend combined with receptive dry fuels will increase the amount of visible smoke and fire behavior, including single tree torching and spot fires. Today, relative humidity is expected to drop into the mid-teens and winds will continue to be from the west, with occasional stronger gusts to nearly 20 mph. There is a small chance (<20%) of precipitation today. Resources are monitoring the potential for a significant wind event to enter the region on Monday.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Even if a wildfire is not directly threatening your community, smoke from nearby wildfires can disrupt your normal activities, compromise your travel routes and generally cause a level of stress that can impact your health. To reduce the impacts of smoke exposure, pay attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) and try and schedule your outdoor activities when the index is low. Monitor when the AQI is predicted to be higher and stay indoors and when possible, keep your windows and doors closed.

Air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and helpful FAQ’s can be found on 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 continues to experience smoke and sometimes limited visibility. Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is working closely with Fremont County Emergency Management 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.

Ignitions planned to begin today

Leer en español.

Highlights/Operations: Yesterday firefighters put the finishing touches on the prep work around Preacher Fire. On the West Fire, the remaining work removing fuels on Milk Ranch Road, finalizing structure protection plans in Camp Geronimo and completing dozer line east of Pine remained the focus.

Despite the moisture, fire managers plan to test ignitions today. Winds predominately out of the southwest over the next several days provide a good opportunity to begin. With ignitions beginning, residents should expect to see increased smoke production from both fires starting mid-day. Southwest winds should carry much of the smoke away from the most populated areas during the day, although smoke may still settle into drainages at night.

On the West Fire, ignitions are planned to begin on the northeast corner of the planned fire perimeter then working south to Bray Creek Ranch and west along Milk Ranch Road, firefighters will allow fire to slowly burn down from the tops of drainages using both hand and aerial ignitions. This methodical firing technique is designed to create lower intensity fire that removes fuel while minimizing smoke impacts and impacts to the watershed. The entire firing operation is expected to take about a week due to the number of drainages.

On the Preacher Fire, ignitions will start along the Control Road near Tonto Village. Firefighters will then work around to the Diamond Point Road bringing fire towards the southwest as they go. The ignitions are expected to take about two days. While decent smoke dispersion is expected, there may be smoke impacts to State Highway 260, especially in the evenings and mornings.

Due to the ignitions, additional firefighters will begin night shift on both fires tonight. Engines will patrol, mop up and provide structure protection until they are relieved by day-shift resources. The 24-hour coverage is an extra precaution. 

Weather: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will return Sunday afternoon, with mostly clear and rain-free weather expected the rest of next week. Southwesterly winds will increase Wednesday and Thursday with frequent afternoon gusts over 25 mph.

Safety: Two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are now in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Reminder that 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: Some residents east of Payson near the Preacher Fire have been moved to the SET level. An interactive map is available to stay up to date with evacuation levels related to both the West and Preacher Fires. 

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.

Homestead Complex and Lane 1 Fires 

 Update for Sunday, September 8, 2024  

Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 8 has taken over management of the Lane 1 Fire from Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1 as of 7 AM, Saturday, September 7th, along with continuing to manage the Homestead Complex. The Lane 1 Fire is located about four miles north/northwest from two of the fires on the Homestead Complex – the No Man Fire and the Horse Heaven Fire.  

Homestead Complex Fire 

Start Date: July 19, 2024 

Size: 7,671 acres 

Containment: 60% 

Personnel: 505 

Location: 15 miles NE of Glide, OR 

Cause: Lightning 

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

Lane 1 Fire  

Start Date: July 17, 2024 

Size: 25,884 acres 

Containment: 97% 

Personnel: 195 

Location: Approx. 16 miles SE of Springfield, OR 

Cause: Lightning 

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

The continued warm and dry weather has been producing very active fire behavior on a number of fires within the Homestead Complex, as well as much of the region. 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. 

Crews have been making progress on locating and containing spot fires and/or line slopovers with support from helicopter bucket drops. At the same time, large areas of these fires have been contained and mopped-up and are in “clean-up” and suppression repair stages. This work includes using crews and heavy equipment to chip and haul away forest fuels near control lines. Suppression repair groups are working to minimize the fire impacts to resources, lands, and facilities resulting from firefighting operations. Firefighters are prepared to do initial attack on any new fire starts within the delegated fire operations area and to support local fire resources. 

Fire Operations Summary: 

Homestead Complex Fire: On the Horse Heaven Creek Fire (2,539 acres, containment: 64%) yesterday, crews were able to construct control line around all of the spot fires that crossed the 3831 Road with the help of a dozer. A Hotshot crew constructed handline around a slopover that occurred on the first day of firing operations tying it back into establish control lines on the west side of the planned burnout area. Firefighters continued with burnout operations to widen the “black line” – adding depth/width of the burned area to strengthen containment. In the northwest corner, firefighters will be improving on, and building additional indirect line going west from the burnout operation down into the Horse Heaven Creek drainage.  The objective is to prevent the fire from moving northwest out of the creek basin.  

On the No Man Fire (2,078 ac., containment: 28%), crews are patrolling and mopping-up. Chipping operations are continuing and suppression repair is underway.  

On the Fuller Lake Fire (1,915 ac., containment: 5%) the fire has progressed north and joined with the Bullpup Fire (496 ac., containment: 17%) at its southern flank. The priority objective for fire managers and crews is to keep fire within established control lines located to the north of the Bullpup Fire in order to prevent the fire from progressing toward critical habitat for wild steelhead (the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area). With that priority objective, crews continue to improve and strengthen primary and secondary containment lines to the north and west along the 300 road system, chipping, road cleanup, patrolling and mopping-up 

On the southern flank of the Fuller Lake Fire, fire has progressed south into the Boulder Creek Wilderness Area. The fire has not crossed the primary and secondary containment lines that include the 200 and 300 roads along the west flank of the fire. However, the fire has crossed containment lines in the southeast corner of the fire, including across the 5851 Road.  Fire managers are reconning the area further east of the east flank of the fire looking for options to construct additional control lines. Helicopter bucket drops were used to check-up the fire’s progression, and were used to conduct aerial reconnaissance of the fire. 

Three of the seven fires on the 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. Suppression repair work will continue on the Reynolds Butte and Lost Bucket fires. 

On the Lane 1 Fire (25,884 ac., containment: 97%), the “green islands” well interior on the fire continue to burn (consume) with no threat to control lines. Suppression repair continues around the fire where control lines no longer needed for containment are returned to a more natural state. The work includes finishing chipping 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 

Weather: Warm and dry conditions will continue. Temperatures will approach the 90s. Winds will light from the southeast in the AM and then become northwesterly in the PM.  There remains a slight possibility of a shower or isolated thunderstorm. 

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  

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/ 

 Size: 1,476 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 104

Activities – Yesterday, fire behavior on the Red Fire moderated due to slightly lower temperatures and higher relative humidity. The fire continues to back downslope into the vicinity of the Whitefish Creek Trail. Today, firefighters will monitor and secure the area along the trail using pumps and sprinklers. Crews will haul chips out of the completed shaded fuel breaks and rehabilitation work continues along Forest Service Road 60. Structure protection equipment remains in place along Crescent Lake. 

Strategy – A full suppression strategy is being implemented utilizing indirect tactics, shaded fuel breaks, structure protection equipment, trails, and hose lays. When the fire started, an assessment by the initial attack incident commander, local fire managers and forest staff determined the risk to responders was too great to continue with direct attack due to a lack of escape routes and safety zones, snag hazards, and firefighter safety issues in the remote location. Firefighters are continually reevaluating the safest, most effective suppression strategy based on changing weather, fuel conditions, and fire behavior. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority in managing this fire. 

Closures – To provide for the safety of firefighters, equipment operators, and the public, the Deschutes National Forest emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness is still in effect. Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. The emergency closure is being reevaluated daily as conditions continue to change. More closure information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091. 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from north of Windigo Pass (Mile 1883.5) to Highway 58 (Mile 1909.5). The previous PCT detour around the fire has been decommissioned as of noon on September 4. Currently there is not a detour around the closure. A map displaying the PCT closure can be viewed on the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s (PCTA) website at: https://closures.pcta.org/closure/Mr02blDvEwX1SJ9h1H49. 

The 2024 season for commercially harvesting Matsutake mushrooms opened for the Deschutes National Forest is open and will close November 4, 2024. The emergency fire closure impacts certain harvesting locations. 

Incident Weather, Fire Behavior, and Smoke – Temperatures will be lower today with a higher relative humidity. Slow surface fire spread can be expected. Monday will begin a cooling trend going into the week. 

Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction areas remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). Visit www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management for more information or to sign up for alerts.

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions – which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds – remain in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level III “Partial Shutdown.” Visit fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.  

Open House Information Sessions in Tonto Village and Whispering Pines

Residents are invited to join members of the Incident Management Team and Forest Service representatives to discuss plans and on-going fire operations. Fire officials will be available to answer questions and provide information. ASL services available.

Session 1: Hellsgate Station 22, Tonto Village

Sunday September 8, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Session 2: Water Wheel Fire and Medical, Whispering Pines

Monday September 9, 2024 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Williams Mine Fire Update for Sunday, September 8, 2024 

A smoky haze continued to hang over the Williams Mine Fire area on Saturday. This smoke shading resulted in another day of moderated fire activity despite poor relative humidity recovery (RH) at night. The smoke is expected to persist today, but conditions may improve as winds shift to coming from the west to northwest. Slightly cooler temperatures and better humidity recovery at night are expected to help keep the fire activity at a moderate level.

The fire edge in the Morrison Creek drainage, west and northwest of the South Climb Trailhead, showed little growth yesterday. Much of the fire spread in this area is from burning snags (dead trees) falling. As the fire burns along the fallen tree, flames spread to other down logs and snags it is contacting. The toppling snags can be over 100 feet tall, allowing for a steady progression of the fire. 

Fire personnel have not found a safe way to stop this spread through snag fall. The number, size, and instability of the snags make it extremely dangerous to work near them. Helicopter water drops are being used to cool the fire, with minimal fire growth seen in this area for several days. The water also increases the moisture content of adjacent fuels, making them more difficult to ignite. Fire managers hope to stall the progression of the fire toward the South Climb Trail until weather conditions turn cooler and more humid.

Work is progressing on FS Rd 23. Most of the mastication has been completed, and work had begun on cleaning out culverts and repairing damage done to ditches and the road surface. Physical barriers are being set up on FS Rd 23 to replace the security guards where longer-term closures are expected to be needed.

SAFETY AND CLOSURES: 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM2.5 is associated with the greatest proportion of adverse health effects related to air pollution from wildfire smoke. The AQI reached the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level yesterday in Trout Lake. Anyone with lung problems should limit exposure to outdoor air when it is smoky. For more information, please see AirNow.

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Tract D Recreation Area is currently closed, please see Yakama Tract D Road Closure for more information. FS Rd 23 south of FS Rd 90 is still CLOSED to the public due to fire suppression activity. Takhlakh Lake is still closed. The revised closure for the Mt. Adams Wilderness and FS Rd 23 closure can be found at Williams Mine Fire: Area and Road Closure. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from the PCT's intersection with FS Rd 23 to Potato Hill. The current area closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.

Location: South of Sierra Brooks off Bear Valley Rd., Tahoe National Forest
Personnel: 696
Start Date: 9/2/2024 @ 2:00 PM 
Cause: Undetermined
Size: 3,325 
Percent contained: 32%

Our main goal on the Bear Fire is to protect the public with care and dedication. We're committed to ensuring the safety of both you and our firefighters while managing the fire to safeguard your forests, communities, and natural areas. 

Yesterday, despite afternoon winds with gusts up to 25-30 mph, crews continued to hold the line around the fire, and increased containment south of Badenough Canyon Road to southeast of Smithneck Road and around the Loyalton Rotary Park. Thanks to the hard work of the crews, the fire has stayed within its current footprint despite recent weather changes and gusty winds. This has successfully kept the fire from spreading to private property, nearby communities, and other important areas.

Overnight, crews were successful in improving the direct line on the south side of the fire. They also looked for hot spots and continued the mop-up operations from the previous day.

Today, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 30 mph, efforts will focus on strengthening the control lines and mop up depth. Crews will work on gaining additional depth and continue with the mop-up process. Additionally, suppression repair work has started, concentrating on fixing damaged roads and removing hazard trees. 

WEATHER: 

Mostly sunny with a maximum temperature of 78 to 81 degrees and relative humidity from 14 to 18 percent. Winds are expected out of the south around 5 to 10mph increasing out of the southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25mph this afternoon. A cold front is expected to come in starting Wednesday with overnight lows dropping into the 30 degree temperature ranger. 

EVACUATIONS: 

Sierra County: Evacuation order and warnings remain in effect. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit: https://protect.genasys.com/search. For updated information with evacuations, visit: http://sierracounty.ca.gov/853/Bear-Fire-2024.

FOREST CLOSURE:

A forest closure has been issued, For more information visit the Tahoe National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tahoe/alerts-notices.

Bear Fire TNF PIO 09082024

Sun, 09/08/2024 - 11:56

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Bear Fire TNF PIO 09082024

Bear Fire map for September 8, 2024

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires

Sept. 8, 2024

Fire Information: (541) 208-1743, 8 AM - 8 PM

For links to incident information: https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024

Whisky Creek Size: 2,856 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment 75%

Total Resources: 321 | Hand Crews: 4 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 12 | Helicopters: 3

The Whisky Creek, Sandstone, and Blister Creek Fires are in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. 

Whisky Creek: 

Fire managers conducted two aerial reconnaissance missions over the Whisky Creek Fire yesterday. These flights showed some fire growth near Tomlike Mountain and limited growth on the northern and western fire perimeters. One spot fire was located burning inside the Eagle Creek Fire scar just to the north of the active fire edge. Fire personnel did not observe sufficient ground fuels to carry fire near the small spot fire in the burn scar, although there are scattered downed trees that can still reignite and smolder. Crews continued to backhaul excess equipment from the Rainy Lake Campground area. Aviation resources dropped 6,000 gallons of water on the Williams Mine Fire yesterday. Firefighters will begin removing structure protection wrap from buildings on the eastern side of the fire.

Dozer line repair continues along Forest Service Road (FSR) 2810 and in the Post Canyon area. Firefighters will continue monitoring and patrolling along the east side of the fire today. Fire personnel are evaluating the I-84 corridor for additional contingency hold points and access, if needed.

Sandstone and Blister Creek: 

Excavator work continued Friday cleaning ditches and repairing along FSR 6320 and FSR 7015. A grader worked to repair dozer line constructed for initial fire containment. Firefighters will monitor both fires today and continue to patrol around the fire perimeter. Firefighting resources from both fires remain available to assist with new initial attack fires in the area. 

Weather: Last night, winds turned westerly bringing cooler temperatures and higher relative humidities. There is a small chance of showers today, clearing on Monday. Smoke will continue to settle in valleys overnight but will clear in the afternoon. For smoke forecasts and safety, visit: oregonsmoke.org.

Closures: Area closures will 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.