Update 6 September 2024

Location:  Railroad Creek/ Skalkaho Creek confluence, 26 miles SE of Hamilton
Start Date: 7/25/2024     
Cause: Lightning
Size: 383 acres for Railroad & 1,867 acres for Daly
18 Total Personnel

KEY MESSAGE
A portion of Skalkaho Hwy (Hwy 38) is closed to traffic (see details below). There is a temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area.
CURRENT STATUS 
There was minimal growth on either the Daly or the Railroad fire, but with fuels drying out the fire has the potential to grow on all flanks. Crews are focused on point protection tactics in the immediate vicinity of the fire, and continue to manage risk by limiting exposure to firefighters and the public. Snagging operations along Hwy 38 will continue today. Today (9/6) fire crews plan to start burnout operations between the Railroad fire perimeter and the Daly Fire perimeter. Burnout operations allow fire managers to intentionally reduce the amount of unburned fuel between the two fires. These operations will also allow crews to protect the overstory by allowing a lower intensity fire across the landscape. Given the warming and drying weather conditions more active fire behavior is expected.

WEATHER

The fire area is drying out from rain on September 3. Any thunderstorms, which are forecasted for the weekend, could cause outflow winds. A ridge of high pressure is building over the region, lasting through early next week. Temperatures will trend warmer with a return of intense thermal belts. A few showers and thunderstorms are possible by Sunday afternoon. Long term models show the ridge will most likely break down next week.

CLOSURES
Because the Daly Fire exhibited increased fire behavior late on Monday night with fire crossing over the Skalkaho Hwy (Highway 38), an expanded Road Closure is in effect from Black Bear Campground on Skalkaho Hwy (Hwy 38) to the Skalkaho Pass. There are barricades in place, and Gird Point Lookout is closed.

See InciWeb for map and details on area closure: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/mtbrf-railroaddaly-fire 
 

11:00 AM, September 6, 2024

Estimated size: 1,098 acres
Start Date/Time: July 17, 2024
Area of Origin: 21 air miles east of Darrington WA
Cause: Lightning
Fuels/Topography: timber, rugged terrain
Structures Damaged: None, there are no homes threatened at this time.
Evacuations: None

The Miners Complex consists of eight wildfires caused by lightning strikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The fires included in the complex are Miners Fire, Vista Ridge Fire, Dolly Creek Fire, Sulphur Three Fire, Sulphur Four Fire, Sulphur Thirty-Four Fire, Plummer, and Middle Ridge Fire.

Update: A reconnaissance flight on Thursday, September 5 allowed fire managers to observe and assess fire behavior. The Sulphur Fires showed smoke in the interior and along the edges of the fire from heavy fuels burning, but perimeter growth was not significant. The Dolly Creek Fire showed smoke but no growth in perimeter. The Miners Ridge and Middle Ridge Fires showed no visible smoke. Increased fire activity is expected in the next few days as the Red Flag warning continues until 11pm PST Friday night, and warm temperatures are forecasted over the weekend. Firefighter crews continue patrols of the Miners Complex along with accompanying rehab work.

Weather: On Friday, September 6, hot, dry and unstable conditions linger due to upper ridging aloft and a thermal trough at the surface. Easterly winds at times are also a concern, but speeds should remain below critical thresholds. This offshore flow will once again hinder RH recoveries tonight. Saturday will prove transitional, where onshore flow returns but it may not have much effect on temperatures or RH values. Cooler conditions and increasing moisture expected to be more impactful Sunday and into next week. High temperature around 88°F, with east winds between 5-6 mph shifting west in the afternoon. On Saturday, September 7, the high temperature will be around 91°F, with southeast winds between 5-6mph.

Smoke: For more information on smoke and air quality please visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Closures: The following is a summary of the areas closed due to the fires in the Miners Complex: Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.2 from Mica Lake to Suiattle Pass, Suiattle River Trail #784, Miners Ridge Trail #785, Buck Creek Pass Trail #789, Miners Cabin Trail #795, Grassy Point Trail #788, Sulphur Mountain Trail #794, Sulphur Creek Trail #793, Sulphur Creek Campground, Sulphur Creek Trailhead, and the Downey Creek trailhead. Suiattle River Road, closure beginning at Downey Creek trailhead. The full Closure Orders visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs Forest Restrictions: The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie has lifted the full campfire ban and forest-wide shooting restrictions, effective 8/28/2024. Additional details at: www.fs.usda.gov/mbs
 

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Tamaño de Whisky Creek: 2,105 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: 369 | | Equipos de obreros: 9 | Camiones de bomberos: 7 | Topadoras: 3 | Maquinarias pesadas: 8 | Helicópteros: 3

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

Whisky Creek: 

Ayer, las temperaturas más altas y los vientos del este resultaron en una intensidad de incendio más fuerte, y hoy se espera más humo debido a las condiciones de bandera roja. El fuego creció un poco y los bomberos están bien preparados para cualquier intensidad más fuerte del fuego. Los bomberos siguen monitoreando y patrullando, buscando fuentes de calor cerca del perímetro del incendio y asegurando los focos de calor si es necesario. Ayer, las cuadrillas comenzaron a cargar el exceso de manguera y suministros del cortafuegos a cargas externas. Removieron unas 10,000 libras de equipo en un helicóptero. Estos suministros excedentes (o backhaul) se devolvieron al campamento de bomberos para ser enviados a los almacenes regionales de bomberos y así se pueden renovar para usarse en el futuro. La niveladora trabajó en la carretera del Servicio Forestal (FSR) 2810, mientras que un equipo siguió reparando la carretera del Servicio Forestal 2821. Aeronaves del incendio Whisky Creek continuaron apoyando en el incendio Williams Mine, al verter 45,000 galones de agua.

Hoy, las cuadrillas continuarán preparando las cargas para removerlas mediante helicóptero. Hoy, dos cuadrillas llegarán para ayudar los incendios Whisky Creek y Sandstone. La niveladora y el tanque de agua del incendio Sandstone se transferirán al incendio Whisky Creek para continuar con las reparaciones prioritarias de la carretera.

Sandstone and Blister Creek:

Se continuó reparando la carretera del Servicio Forestal 6320. Están por llegar dos excavadoras para trabajar en la reparación. Los bomberos continuarán patrullando los incendios Sandstone y Blister Creek en búsqueda de focos de calor y trabajarán en reparar senderos y carreteras. Los bomberos permanecen disponibles para ayudar con el ataque inicial de cualquier incendio nuevo

Clima: Permanece vigente una advertencia de bandera roja hasta el viernes a las 11 p.m. por causa de vientos racheados de alta mar y la baja humedad relativa. Se prevé una advertencia de calor excesivo para el viernes y el sábado. El viernes las temperaturas estarán entre 75 a 85 grados en ambas zonas de incendios. Los vientos soplarán del este de 25 a 35 mph. El humo se desplazará hacia la zona, pero para la tarde se habrá despejado. Para saber sobre los pronósticos de humo y la 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. Por su seguridad, por favor respete las órdenes de cierre del área, así como por la seguridad de nuestros bomberos. Información sobre los cierres se puede ver 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.

11:00 AM, September 6, 2024

Estimated size: 211 acres
Start Date/Time: July 17, 2024
Area of Origin: Johannesburg Mountain. 1 Mile East of Mineral Park C.G.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels/Topography: Timber, rugged terrain
Structures Damaged: None, there are no homes threatened at this time.
Evacuations: None

Closures: Cascade River Road at and including Marble Creek Campground, Mineral Park Campground, and all tributary roads, trailheads, and trails are all closed. The public is not to enter the area for public and firefighter safety.
Full closure orders available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs

Update: The Red Flag warning for hot, dry conditions on Thursday, September 5 led to increased activity on the southeast slope of the fire. Sustained east winds between 5-10mph on the ridge tops and low relative humidities were present. A reconnaissance flight is planned for the morning of Friday, September 6 to track any fire growth and assess fire behavior. Increased fire activity is expected in the next few days as the Red Flag warning continues until 11pm PST Friday night, and warm temperatures are forecasted over the weekend. Firefighters will continue to track any rolling debris and hot spots and monitor fire behavior over the weekend.

Weather: On Friday, September 6, hot, dry and unstable conditions linger due to upper ridging aloft and a thermal trough at the surface. Easterly winds at times are also a concern, but speeds should remain below critical thresholds. This offshore flow will once again hinder RH recoveries tonight. Saturday will prove transitional, where onshore flow returns but it may not have much effect on temperatures or RH values. Cooler conditions and increasing moisture expected to be more impactful Sunday and into next week. High temperature around 88°F, with east winds between 5-6 mph shifting west in the afternoon. On Saturday, September 7, the high temperature will be around 91°F, with southeast winds between 5-6mph.

Smoke: For more information on smoke and air quality please visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Air Space Restrictions: There are no air space restrictions at this time.

Forest Restrictions: The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie has lifted the full campfire ban and forest-wide shooting restrictions, effective 8/28/2024. Additional details at: www.fs.usda.gov/mbs
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Homestead Complex Fire Update for Friday, September 6, 2024 

Start Date: July 19, 2024 | Location: 15 miles Northeast of Glide | Total Number of Fires: 7 | Total Personnel: 560 | Total Fire Acreage: 5,926 | Cause: Lightning | Overall Complex Containment: 60% 

Fire Operations Summary: The fires in the east half of the complex were very active yesterday, and are expected to remain active today. Yesterday, firefighters began tactical burnout operations on the Horse Heaven Fire. As the firing progressed, some spot fires crossed over the 3831 Road and crews worked into the night to contain them. The area of the fire down in the Windy Creek drainage also progressed up the northwest slopes of the drainage and crews will be working on containment of any slopovers. The firing phase of this burnout operation will continue today if burning conditions remain favorable. 

Across the fire complex of seven fires, firefighters are working to complete and secure all primary and secondary (contingency) control lines. This work includes using crews and heavy equipment to chip and haul away forest fuels near control lines. Patrol and mop-up operations continue, and 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.  

On the No Man Fire (2,072 ac., containment: 28%), crews are patrolling and mopping-up. Chipping operations are continuing and suppression repair is underway. On the Horse Heaven Creek Fire (2,304 ac., containment: 64%), firing for burnout operations began yesterday and will continue today on the north flank. Crews will be working to contain spot fires along the 3831 Road and along the handline on the northwest flank. Helicopter bucket drops will be supporting operations. Mop-up and line improvement continues on other areas of the fire. On the Bullpup (473 ac., containment: 17%) and Fuller Lake fires (426 ac., containment: 5%) yesterday, these fires increased in activity in response to hotter weather. A one-acre spot was contained on the northeast corner of the Fuller Lake Fire. Crews will be searching for any additional spots to contain. Helicopter bucket drops helped control the spot fire and to moderate fire behavior. Work to reinforce control lines on the 300 and 200 roads is nearing completion. Suppression repair work will continue on the Reynolds Butte and Lost Bucket fires. 

Weather: Very hot and dry. Temperatures into the 90s. Light easterly winds in the AM changing to northwest in the PM. A Red Flag warning will be in effect from 1 to 9 PM for chance of thunderstorms. 

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  

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Homestead Complex Fire. 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 Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d393fd74 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomesteadComplexFireInfo/ 
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-homestead-complex 

As the Alexander Mtn Fire nears full containment, the USDA Forest Service’s Roosevelt National Forest has organized a team to complete a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment. Information will be posted on the Alexander Mountain Post-fire BAER InciWeb page throughout the process. 

BAER surveys are rapid assessments that evaluate the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, erosion, debris flows and rockslides. Teams consist of scientists and specialists, including hydrologists, soil scientists, engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists and more. These teams collect data during their burned area surveys and present their findings and recommended emergency stabilization treatments or actions in a BAER assessment report. 

BAER teams utilize satellite imagery which is then field validated and adjusted where needed by soil specialists to produce a map that shows the levels of soil burn severity on the watersheds. Changes in soil properties are the primary cause of increased post-fire erosion, flooding and debris flow potential. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from the wildfire to any National Forest values that may be at risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows and rockslides. BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resources such as the water quality of streams on National Forest System lands.

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators who work to identify and prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts. Larimer County has a website with recovery resources for residents impacted by the Alexander Mountain Fire. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods and www.floodsmart.gov.

This is just one step of recovery. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland is working with many cooperators in the area to look at longer-term recovery needs following the fire.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events. Be prepared to take action.

Diamond Complex

• Size: 11,141 acres
• Containment: 81%
• Personnel: 801
• Location: 18 miles SW of Chemult, OR
• Start Date: July 19, 2024
• Cause: Undetermined

Middle Fork Fire

• Size: 5,286 acres
• Containment: 61% 
• Personnel: 51
• Location: Crater Lake National Park
• Start Date: July 17, 2024
• Cause: Undetermined

Ride the Rim, Red Flag Warning and Fire Restrictions

RIDE THE RIM: The North Entrance to Crater Lake National Park will reopen on Saturday, September 7, at 6 a.m. for Ride the Rim. If crews are unable to complete hazardous reduction work related to the Middle Fork Fire on Friday, the North Entrance will close again on Sunday morning so they can resume work.

HWY. 230 ON THE PARK’S NORTHWEST SIDE: Firefighters are using heavy equipment to remove downed and dead wood in this area. Slow down when approaching firefighter activity. 

CLOSED AREAS: Do not enter closed areas or drive around barriers. Entire roadways may not be blocked to allow firefighter traffic. Areas are closed due to dangerous conditions like falling trees, heavy equipment and road grading.

RED FLAG WARNING: A red flag warning, the most elevated fire conditions, is in effect today with a 60% chance of dry thunderstorms. Know where you are and pay attention to fire restrictions. The Umpqua and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests and Crater Lake National Park have different fire restrictions in place. Crater Lake National Park has a fire ban whereas the national forests have Level 2 fire restrictions. Follow information posted on their websites.

• Crater Lake National Park: https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm
• Umpqua National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua
• Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Current Fire Situation

The Diamond Complex includes 32 fires in the Umpqua National Forest. Thirty are 100% contained meaning firefighters have established a control line around them and are confident they will remain in their current footprints. Crews are checking fires to confirm their status and assess whether suppression repair is needed. An initial attack group is prepared to respond to any new wildfires that may result from today’s predicted thunderstorms. 

Middle Fork Fire

Today crews will continue heavy equipment operations near the park’s North Entrance. They are also cleaning up roads and repairing areas disturbed by suppression activities, especially along Hwy 230. Firefighters will continue securing edges on the fire’s north and east sides and patrolling for hotspots. 

Diamond Complex

• Pine Bench Fire (north of Hwy. 138 near Dry Creek, 3,976 acres, 66% contained): Firefighters continue to patrol for hotspots and complete suppression repair. They finished removing structure protection from the lookout tower. 
• Potter Fire (north of Hwy. 138, 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 3,428 acres, 55% contained): Firefighters continue to construct the primary control line on the southwest corner of the fire. They are still finding heat on the fire’s east side within the Helen Creek drainage and have used helicopters to drop water on hot spots. This heat is well inside the fire’s footprint and is not a containment threat. Crews continue suppression repair on the north side of the fire and are removing unneeded equipment. 

Weather and Fire Behavior        

A red flag warning is in effect today with a 60% chance of dry thunderstorms. Relative humidity will fall into the teens and above normal temperatures will continue. Storms are also possible on Saturday with a 10% chance of wetting rain.

Smoke Outlook

Air quality is expected to be moderate today. Significant smoke may be visible from other incidents in the area, but smoke from the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fires is minimal. For more information, visit www.fire.airnow.gov.

Forest Closure and Fire Restrictions

Umpqua National Forest has decreased Public Use Restrictions to Level 2. The forest remains in High Fire Danger and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels are at Level 2. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/?aid=88996. 

Umpqua National Forest’s current closure order allows access to specific roads, trails and campgrounds, which are listed as exemptions in Forest Order 06-15-24-07. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umpqua/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1202210.

A closure is in place on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest for the area north and west of Crater Lake National Park along Hwy. 230 south to the intersection with Hwy. 62. The closure order and a map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices.

Park Closure and Fire Restrictions

Crater Lake National Park remains open. However, several closures are in effect. For details, visit  https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

Know before you go. Check the latest conditions and road status to ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit. Updates are available on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/crla and on Oregon Tripcheck at https://www.tripcheck.com.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: The Pacific Crest Trail between the Lightning Springs and Rim Trail Intersections, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails is closed until further notice due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the Middle Fork Fire. Hikers and bikers may not use the North Entrance Road to enter or leave Crater Lake National Park while closures are in place.

Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)

TFRs are in place over the Potter and Pine Bench Fires https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_7055.html (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time).

Daily Update: September 6, 2024

#boulderfire #snagfire #goatfire #DollarFire

Fire Information

Phone Line: 208-462-0345 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2024.Boulder.id@firenet.gov

QUICK FACTS

Boulder 6 miles SW of Cascade 3,957 acres 24% - https://tinyurl.com/ycdfv3tv

Snag - 11 miles E of Cascade 32,478 acres 13% - https://tinyurl.com/4k9dk3mu

Dollar - 18 miles NE of Cascade 4,170 acres 0% - https://tinyurl.com/bef6r3tz

Goat - 11 miles SE of Cascade 4,613 acres 0% - https://tinyurl.com/2h4a3dvr

Cause: Lightning (All Fires) Total Incident Personnel: 1028

Special Announcement:

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three assumed command of the West Mountain Fires this morning at 6 a.m. Incident Commander Bill Waln and Team Three look forward to serving your communities.

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior:

A high-pressure system remains over the fire area again today. Temperatures will stay between the low 70’s and mid 80’s and winds will remain light and mainly terrain driven. Expect smoke to linger over Cascade and up through McCall. Relative humidity will remain low, and fire activity should be moderate. It is likely that these fires will continue to burn until a season-ending weather event. Historic average indicates this will occur around mid-October.

Army crews from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis McChord are imbedded with fire crews working to secure line on the Boulder Fire and Snag Fire, and soldiers are also assisting with radio operations.

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

• Yesterday, hand crews made significant progress in the Olson Creek and Brush Creek drainages nearly connecting two separate indirect handlines. Other fuel breaks on the northern edge were established using dozers and heavy equipment, connecting roads above the Willow Creek subdivision to the 4 Corners fire footprint. The structure protection group continued to build a plan of action for the Willow Creek subdivision.

• The night shift remains staffed, with fire engines patrolling for hotspots and monitoring fire behavior.

• Today, firefighters and heavy equipment will keep constructing containment line between the fire and residences. Crews are working to complete handline in the Olson Creek drainage. Depending on fire and weather conditions, aviation resources will be used again today to support these efforts on the ground.

Dollar Fire:

• Fire growth was again minimal on the Dollar Fire, with mostly some creeping behavior in the north near rocky terrain. The fire is being monitored, and crews are removing unneeded equipment in this area.

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. Go slow and safely; firefighters are working along the roadway.

• Resources are holding and improving the fire’s edge along the Warm Lake Rd, 409 Clear Creek Rd and the West Flank of the fire. Yesterday, the fire consumed some unburned fuel in this area; increased smoke may have been visible due to this activity.

• Heavy equipment continues to improve and remove fuel from the road systems on the west side of the Warm Lake subdivision. Engines remain stationed around the subdivision for structure protection.

Goat Fire:

• The Goat Fire had minimal growth yesterday. Crews caught a spot fire over the containment line on the north end and continue securing it today. Crews will monitor the fire’s growth to the north and south looking to utilize the 099 trail to prevent the fire from spreading to the west.

Size: 1,018 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 110

Activities – An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire at 1,018 acres, an increase of 141 acres. Thermal imagery shows that most of the additional acres burned were within the existing footprint of the fire with some new fire growth downslope. Today, work along the shaded fuel breaks will continue with chip, slash, and log removal. Structure protection equipment remains in place along Crescent Lake and is periodically being tested. While there has been an increase in fire activity and smoke production, the smoke column visible along the Cascade crest is from the 208 Fire to the west, which is being managed under the Willamette Complex Fires-South. The Red Fire and Willamette Complex Fires - South incident management teams and forest leadership for the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests are coordinating, and we are monitoring the nearby 208 Fire.

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 incident management team’s highest priority in managing this fire. Expect to see increased fire activity due to the warmer and drier conditions.

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 this week and will close on November 4, 2024. The emergency fire closure impacts certain harvesting locations. 

Incident Weather, Fire Behavior, and Smoke – Temperatures and relative humidity will again reach critical values today. Temperatures will be 80 to 85 degrees and relative humidity is forecasted to reach 14% to 19% during the day. A light east wind will reduce overnight humidity recovery further contributing to drier conditions. These conditions will persist into the weekend. 

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.