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. 

Actualización Sobre Incendio Park: Domingo, 8 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: 575

Recursos: 1 helicóptero, 12 cuadrillas, 8 camiones de bomberos, 7 topadoras, 23 camiones de agua, 1 masticadoras, 3 astilladoras, 13 excavadoras, 3 máquinas para talar árboles, 6 minicargadoras, 2 apiladoras, 1 retroexcavadora, 5 motoniveladoras

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Cosas específicas que necesitan reparación durante la fase de reparación de extinción de incendios se denominan puntos de reparación. La identificación de los puntos de reparación comienza inmediatamente durante la fase de supresión y continúa después de la contención. Ejemplos de puntos de reparación que actualmente se están llevando acabo en tierras del Bosque Nacional Lassen incluyen cercas atravesadas por topadoras, helipuertos y puntos de descenso nivelados en el paisaje, alcantarillas bloqueadas o aplastadas y cruces de arroyos llenos de baches por equipo pesado. El mapa de información pública identifica y muestra el estado de reparación actual de cada punto de reparación. De los 397 puntos de reparación identificados hasta la fecha, más de 150 han sido completados e inspeccionados. Vea el mapa de información pública más reciente en la página InciWeb del incidente. tinyurl.com/2s4y693x.

La Mancomunidad de las Islas Marianas del Norte (CNMI), una comunidad de los Estados Unidos, ha estado proporcionando al incendio Park dos equipos de la isla de Saipan. Los equipos 36 y 32 de CNMI fueron reasignados para ayudar en el incendio Bear después de trabajar varios días con el equipo de Carreteras. De los 29 miembros de la tripulación del Saipan, 14 son bomberos profesionales a tiempo completo y 15 son civiles capacitados en extinción de incendios forestales. Las cuadrillas se encuentran en los Estados Unidos continentales para una asignación de mínimo 60 días para adquirir experiencia adicional en la extinción de incendios forestales.

CLIMA Y SEGURIDAD CONTRA INCENDIOS: Hoy hará un poco más de frío que ayer, una tendencia que continuará durante toda la semana. Los vientos comenzarán bastante tranquilos y aumentarán a lo largo del día, pero las ráfagas se mantendrán por debajo de una velocidad máxima de 20 mph. Ocasionalmente pueden verse señas de humo desde las carreteras o zonas pobladas, pero las líneas de contención no se ven amenazadas en modo alguno por estos tocones, troncos o troncos aislados y humeantes. Los cielos brumosos y llenos de humo son el resultado de incendios en otros estados. Obtenga información sobre la calidad del aire para su área y vea un mapa de humo aquí: tinyurl.com/ypkfbkyn..

CIERRE DE BOSQUES: Partes de los terrenos, caminos y senderos del Bosque Nacional Lassen cerca del incendio están cerrados temporalmente por la seguridad del público y de los bomberos. Las personas son responsables de saber dónde se encuentran en relación con el área de cierre. Si está recreando en sus tierras públicas, prepárese y vea la Orden Forestal No. 06-24-07 y el mapa aquí: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.  

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 las restricciones de incendios de otras agencias de administración de tierras en el árbol de enlaces de información sobre el incendio Park (URL y código QR a continuación).

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

Headlines

• A PUBLIC MEETING will be held TODAY Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the John Day Airbase at 72000 Airport Road, John Day, Oregon. The meeting will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/MalheurNationalForest (technology permitting.)
• Find current information at https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire

Closures and Evacuations

Closures: Both the Ochoco National Forest and BLM have implemented partial closures due to the fire. For more details and closure maps, visit the Ochoco National Forest, Malheur National Forest, and BLM webpages.

• Evacuations: For the most up-to-date evacuation information, please visit: Crook County: Crook County Emergency Management website and Crook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
• Wheeler County: Visit the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for real-time updates.
• Grant County: Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page.

Operational Update

Multiple thunderstorms were observed over the fire area. Most fire activity was observed on the northern edge of the fire again, as it burned through timber stringers and sage fields. It continues to be hung up on the ridge south of Dayville/Highway 26 west of the South Fork Road.
Additional Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces arrived on Saturday from Benton and Washington Counties, as well as two from Washington state. Overnight, these crews focused on gaining situational awareness along the fire line, identifying and assessing structures in their assigned areas.

Significant fire activity is expected to continue today. Crews will extend structural surveys and surface preparation around the Dayville area. OSFM crews will continue to support wildland operations while assessing and actively addressing structure threats.
On the eastern and southern edges, the fire held within proposed containment lines, giving firefighters time to build and improve lines. Wildland, local, and OSFM crews held the fire along the Paulina Suplee Highway and provided protection to structures directly adjacent to the fire line.

Weather 

The weather today is predicted to remain unsettled, with showers and occasional thunderstorms continuing through the morning. Clearing is anticipated for the afternoon, with light and variable winds and some relief from the heavy smoke. This clearing could result in more active fire behavior again. Winds are expected to remain light, although convective activity could result in stronger, erratic gusts. Daytime temperatures are expected to trend downward in the coming days, although vegetation will remain critically dry, and any new starts from the current lightning are anticipated to find fuels receptive for growth.

#####

Firefighters hold and secure fire, transition to mop up 

MITCHELL, Ore. – The Shoe Fly Fire challenged firefighters throughout the day on Saturday, however overnight they were able to hold the fireline and keep the fire within the existing footprint. They were also able to improve the fireline in some areas, working to build it directly adjacent to the fire and widening existing lines. Including Saturday’s fire growth, the fire is now 26,409 acres, with increased containment of 19%.

On the western side of the fire, west of Peggy Butte, crews worked to build fireline along the fire’s edge. This line will be completed by day shift crews today. Spotfires in this area were gridded for heat.

Operations on much of the fire are transitioning to mop up, the tedious task of gridding through the fire’s edge to ensure there is no heat remaining. This will reduce the potential for any flare up crossing the fireline in the future. In lighter fuels such as grass, the mop up will move faster than areas with deeper duff, needle cast, or larger fuels. Areas where the fire did not cleanly burn all the down material and vegetation will also be more time consuming. 

A Fire Weather Warning is in place for the fire and surrounding area for potential thunderstorms with abundant lightning. These storms could bring gusty, erratic winds and the potential for new fire starts in the area. Resources from the Shoe Fly Fire continue to be available to support local firefighters and landowners in suppression efforts.   

Overnight an Oregon State Fire Marshal structural task force continued work near homes and structures, mitigating fuel and monitoring fire conditions near structures across the incident. Today two task forces will continue to prepare areas near structures as a precaution and patrol near homes within the fire area. 

Evacuation notices for residents around the fire continue to be evaluated by the Wheeler County Sheriff, Wheeler County Fire Defense Board Chief, and Team 1 Operations personnel. More information on current evacuations is available at https://tinyurl.com/RAPTOR-Evacuation-Info

Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 assumes command of the Chimney Fire

Daily Update – Sunday, September 8, 2024       

Acres: 3,708                                                                            Start Date: 9/2/2024

Location: 9 miles northwest of Fairfield, ID                              Personnel: 320

Containment: 10%                                                                  Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, understory

Highlights: The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the Chimney Fire at 6:00 a.m.  A complex team brings additional resources and management capabilities.  

Operations: The Chimney Fire experienced short, isolated runs on the northwest corner on Saturday. Minimal fire behavior was observed elsewhere inside existing lines. Along the southern flank of the south fork of Lime Creek, the fire continues to hold. Heavy equipment is being used to reinforce lines on the eastern flank. Crews continue to work on the west flank of the fire while identifying control features to the north. Additional air and ground resources are expected to arrive today. Firefighters and aircraft are available to provide support to initial attack needs as they arise.

Weather: Today, a 30 percent chance of showers in the morning with minimal precipitation expected. Thunderstorm risk continues until the afternoon, with southwest wind gusts up to 30 mph. Temperatures will drop by a few degrees with a high of 82 and low relative humidity levels.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the Fairfield area, with continuing smoke and hazy conditions predicted.  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/   

Park Fire Update: Sunday, September 8, 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: 575

Resources: 1 helicopter, 9 crews, 8 engines, 7 dozers, 23 water tenders, 1 masticators, 3 chippers, 13 excavators, 3 feller bunchers, 6 skidders, 2 log loaders, 1 backhoe, 5 road graders

CURRENT SITUATION: Specific things needing repair during the fire-suppression repair phase are called repair points. Identification of repair points begins immediately during the suppression phase and continues after containment. Examples of repair points currently being addressed on Lassen National Forest lands include fences plowed through by dozers, helipads and drop points leveled into the landscape, culverts blocked or crushed, and stream crossings rutted by heavy equipment. The public information map identifies and shows the current repair status of each repair point. Of the 397 repair points identified to date, more than 150 have been completed and inspected. View the most recent public information map on the incident’s InciWeb page: tinyurl.com/2s4y693x.

The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)—a commonwealth of the United States—has been providing the Park Fire with two crews from the island of Saipan. CNMI Crews 36 and 32 were reassigned to assist the Bear Fire after working several days with the Roads Group. Of the 29 Saipan crew members, 14 are full-time professional firefighters and 15 are civilians trained in wildland firefighting. The crews are in the continental United States for a minimum 60-day assignment to gain additional experience in wildland firefighting.

WEATHER & FIRE SAFETY: Today will be slightly cooler than yesterday, a trend that will continue throughout the week. Winds will start out fairly calm and increase through the day, but gusts will remain below 20 mph. Wisps of smoke may occasionally be visible from roads or populated areas, but containment lines are in no way threatened by these isolated, smoldering stumps, logs, or snags. 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: Parts of Lassen National Forest lands, roads, and trails near the fire are temporarily closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Individuals are responsible for knowing where they are in relation to the closure area. If you are recreating on your public lands, be prepared and view Forest Order No. 06-24-07 and map here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.

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).

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

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

Smoke Outlook for September 8, 2024.

Middle Fork Complex Fire Update
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Stronger Winds Expected to Increase Fire Activity
The Middle Fork Complex is 58,745 acres with 30% completion. There are currently 816 personnel assigned to these fires, including 23 hand crews, 34 engines, and 4 helicopters. There is a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in the morning and early afternoon. Erratic, gusty winds up to 50 mph are expected, with an increased chance of lighting and little to no rainfall. The inversion is expected to lift around noon, bringing higher temperatures earlier in the day. These factors may increase fire activity throughout the afternoon.
Crews continue to improve indirect fireline on the northwest side of the Bulldog Fire, from Rattlesnake Trail to Lodgepole Campground. Crews are holding and patrolling the fireline along the 698 Road corridor and continue to do fuels mitigation around structures in the Silver Creek Lodge area. Crews completed the indirect fireline from the Nellie Fire to the southwest corner of the Bulldog Fire yesterday.
Crews completed mop up on the southwest side of the Nellie Fire yesterday and will continue patrolling today. Crews continue to patrol the Highway 17 corridor and mop up is continuing in that area. The fire continues to make minimal progress on the east side of the fire where it abuts against the old Pioneer Fire burn.
Below Whitehawk Mountain, crews and equipment continue mop up and monitoring along Road 510. The hand crews continue direct fireline construction on the north end of the Nellie Fire, using Road 591 to tie into the 2016 Pioneer burn.
Yesterday, dozers completed the line on the western side of the fire, south of Deadwood Reservoir, helping secure the fire edge into the Rattlesnake burn. Mop up continues in the Deadwood Reservoir area and crews are using heavy equipment to strengthen contingency fireline on the 555 Road, north of the Reservoir.
There will be a community meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the White Barn Building, near 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley, Idaho. It will be recorded and posted to InciWeb, YouTube, and Facebook.
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
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. 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. There is 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

Fire Information Phone Line: 208-462-0345 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)                               Email: 2024.Boulder.id@firenet.gov

Fire , Location, Size, Containment, Assigned Personnel, Inciweb Link

Boulder 6 miles SW of Cascade 4,159 24% 507 https://tinyurl.com/ycdfv3tv

Snag 11 miles E of Cascade 33,014 13% 419 https://tinyurl.com/4k9dk3mu

Dollar 18 NE of Cascade 4,297 8% 13 https://tinyurl.com/bef6r3tz

Goat 11 miles SE of Cascade 6,054 0% 157 https://tinyurl.com/2h4a3dvr

Cause: 

Lighting (All Fires)

Total Incident Personnel

1096

Weather:

Expect the smoke and haze to remain in valleys and drainages today. Afternoon temperatures will be in the upper 60s to mid-70s on the mid-slopes and ridges to the lower to upper 80s at lower elevations. Afternoon humidities will be in the teens and lower 20s. There is a potential for isolated thunderstorms this morning and afternoon with lightning and gusty outflow winds, however, widespread wetting rain is not expected to accompany the storm. This morning wind gusts in higher elevations have already been as high as 40 mph. If storms and winds materialize, this could generate sudden increases in fire behavior. 

Once again firefighters are working alongside the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The unified group continued to secure line on both the Snag Fire and Boulder Fire.

Boulder Fire: “Set” and “Ready” evacuation orders are in effect. Learn more at Valley County Sheriff on Facebook.

• Yesterday, firefighters found an opportunity to build some direct fire line on the northeast side of the fire, and crews made good progress working to tie fire line into the Le John Rd.
• As opportunities arise, crews will implement strategic burning operations to clean up pockets of unburned fuels.
• Yesterday, firefighters constructed more fire line around structures and this work will continue today.
• Chipping operations are taking place near the southeast end of the Boulder Fire.
• Night shift remains staffed, and crews are patrolling and mopping up areas of heat. 

Dollar Fire:

• Not much growth has occurred here. Crews are monitoring the area around Square Top and will continue to assess whether further action is needed.

Snag Fire:

• Warm Lake Road remains open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with one lane of traffic and a pilot car for individuals vetted through the Valley County Sheriff’s department (https://www.co.valley.id.us/EscortRequest). Remember firefighters are still working along this road.
• Operational functions are the same today as yesterday along the western edge of the fire, with crews still improving the edge, and suppression repair has begun in the southwest section.
• There is an interior green island burning in the northeast corner of the fire; this will likely remain active today.
• The land around the Fish Hatchery is being assessed and plans are in place to protect values in this area if needed.
• Chipping operations and mop-up are taking place along Road 409 to the southeast.

Goat Fire:

• The west flank was moderately active yesterday but was kept in check with water drops from aircraft. Fire has crossed over the Middle Fork of the Payette on the southeast side and may soon reach the Road 099 to the west. 
• The Goat Fire may continue to burn actively in the coming days. Today could see rapid changes and increases in fire activity if thunderstorms and winds develop.
• Resource advisors are flagging Whitebark Pine, helping crews to identify and protect this threatened species.

Boise National Forest:

• Closure Order #0402-04-100 Dollar/Oro Area, Trail, and Road Closure – For Forest closure areas over the Dollar
  fire. For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1199005.pdf 
• Closure Order #0402-06-60 Anderson-Bulldog-Nellie Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure – For Forest closure
  areas over the Goat and Snag Fires. For more information visit:
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1201349.pdf 
• Closure Order #0402-04-98 Boulder Fire Area, Trail, and Road Closure – For Forest closure areas around the Boulder Fire. For more information visit:https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1197540.pdf 

Payette National Forest:

• Closure Order #0412-606 Wolf Creek Burned Area Road and Trail Closure - encompassing National Forest
  System Trail #560 and NFS Road #1762. For more information visit:
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1202093.pdf 
• Closure Order #0412-605 Dollar Fire Area and Trail Closure - north of Warm Lake Road, west of South Fork
  Salmon River, east of NFS Trail #101, and south of NFS Trail #99 and #100. For more information visit:
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1201446.pdf 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

The Boise National Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For more information visit: Boise National Forest.

EVACUATION INFORMATION
Valley County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for issuing and enforcing evacuation orders, and for determining the
boundaries of the evacuation area. Fire managers advise the sheriff when management action trigger points have been
breached.
There are currently READY, SET and GO evacuation orders in place. To stay up to date with the most current
information, sign up for emergency alerts, such as evacuation notices by visiting your county’s emergency alert system:

• Valley County: https://www.co.valley.id.us/CompleteEmergencyNotificationandAlerting 
• Adams County: https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/PublicUser.aspx?regionid=1077 
  Review the READY, SET, GO evacuation procedure for Valley County: https://www.co.valley.id.us/ReadySetGo 

ROAD CLOSURES
Warm Lake Highway Closure: Piloted access continues. Warm Lake Rd will be opened for homeowners and contractors
only. You will need to be on the approved list for travel. If you have already been approved, you do not need to sign up
again. To be added to the approved list please visit:

• Valley County: https://www.co.valley.id.us/EscortRequest Or Call: (208) 382-5160 
• Active fire behavior continues in the area, please drive slowly, be aware of crews working in the area and watch out
  for debris.
• National Forest System (NFS) Road 474 is now OPEN from the Boise National Forest boundary to Warm Lake.

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Boulder, Dollar, Snag, and Goat Fires. Yesterday morning, an
aircraft entered the restricted zone without authorization, temporarily grounding fire aircraft and hampering firefighting
efforts. Such incidents are reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for further review. Wildfires are a nofly
zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. TFRs are critical for firefighter and aircraft safety. If you fly, we can’t.
For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org 

OLA, Idaho, September 8, 2024 – The Lava Fire was first reported on September 2 at 11:20 p.m. and is currently 2,493 acres in size. The lightning-caused fire is burning in heavy timber, brush and grass approximately 9 miles north of Ola, Idaho, in the Chief Eagle Eye Creek Drainage. 

Firefighting resources include multiple fire engines, air resources, dozers and multiples hand crews, with 191 personnel currently assigned to the fire. Additional resources have also been ordered. 

Aircraft will be used to suppress short range spotting of the fire to the northeast in Third Fork Creek and Mesa Creek, east in Mesa Creek, and southeast into Lava Gulch, Kimball Creek, and Muir Creek. Ground firefighting resources will continue securing the 653 Road/Third Fork Creek and look for locations to engage the fire directly and indirectly on the south flank of the fire. The northeast flank has a solid anchor point for firefighting crews to work from, and resources will work to corral spotting activity while continuing to build line east to the 653 Road. Direct firefighting tactics will be used as much as possible. The Forest Service uses all available strategies and tools to suppress wildfires, and public and firefighter safety are the top priorities for fire managers.

Continued dry weather along with dry thunderstorms and gusty outflow winds are predicted for today and could increase fire behavior and growth. Beginning Tuesday night, cooler temperatures with showers and thunderstorms are forecasted. 

Boise National Forest implemented the Lava Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure 0402-06-62 for public and firefighter safety. Visit the Forest Alerts and Notices web page for details.

Gem County Sheriff's Office issued the following Level 2 "BE SET" to evacuate notice: “Due to fires in the following areas a Level 2 evacuation has been ordered: Second and Third Fork North of Nesbitt Lane and all of Nesbitt Lane. The Sheriff's Office has gone door to door making notifications to residents in that area. LEVEL 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. BE PREPARED TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE.” Follow Gem County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Group for updates. 

Learn about “Ready, Set, GO!” preparedness on the Gem County Emergency Management website and sign up to receive alerts from the county at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?regionid=1190.

Visit the Lava Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident- information/idbof-lava-fire for more information. For other news, events and information, visit the Boise National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/boise and follow the Boise on Facebook @BoiseNationalForest.