TOWNSEND, Mont. June 14, 2021 — A wildfire was reported Sunday afternoon around 3:45 p.m. on the north side of Highway 12 (east of Townsend) in the Deep Creek Canyon area. As of this morning the fire was estimated to be approximately 174 acres and continues to burn in timber and brush. There are several residences located a few miles to the east of the fire.

“We are using a full suppression strategy to try and contain the fire as quickly as possible,” said Acting District Ranger Erin Fryer. “We have three helicopters on scene focusing on the east flank of the fire to create a line between the fire and the residences.”

Forecasts through Tuesday show a pattern of hot and dry weather conditions with winds up to 20 mile per hour.  Multiple resources are on scene from the Montana DNRC, Broadwater County Rural Fire Department and the Forest Service.  A Type III team was in-briefed this morning at 10:30 a.m. under Incident Commander Marc Hamlen.

Traffic on Highway 12, east of Townsend, has been restricted to one lane for public safety.  Folks are advised to avoid the area or take an alternate route if possible.  If travelling through the Deep Creek Canyon area plan to travel slowly, expect delays, and watch for rolling debris from the fire just north of the highway.  No closures or evacuation notices have been issued at this point.   The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

Visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7536/ and follow us on Facebook @HLCNF and Twitter @LewisandClarkNF for the latest updates on the Deep Creek Fire.

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SEDONA, Ariz., June 16, 2021 — The Cornville Fire, currently 92 percent contained, has not experienced any new growth over the last two days and continues to smolder at 1,240 acres.

Other than some internal pockets of the fire slowly burning and producing very light smoke, there has been no activity or movement of the wildfire.

The Central West Type 3 Incident Management Team has demobilized, while firefighters with the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest continue with patrols and mop-up operations until full containment.

There are no evacuations or structures threatened.

Fire investigators with Forest Service Law Enforcement determined that the Cornville Fire started alongside Cornville Road on the national forest and the investigation is ongoing.

Individuals with information regarding the cause of the Cornville Fire should contact Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600 or email SM.FS.Cof_Webmail@usda.gov .

Details about the Cornville Fire will be posted on InciWeb, as well as Facebook and Twitter.

CORNVILLE FIRE OVERVIEW:

• Current size: 1,240 acres
• Containment: 92 percent
• Reported: June 13, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
• Cause: Unknown. Currently under investigation.
• Origin location: Just east and adjacent to the community of Cornville, on national forest land. (34.714, -111.885)
• Fuel types: Grass, pinyon juniper, brush.
• Current resources: Two engines. Approximately 12-15 personnel.
• Predicted smoke impacts: There will be very limited smoke impacts to the immediate area from internal pockets smoldering
• Closures: None.

All evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted. Evacuation centers are closing. 

Properties within the burn area may be unsafe; please check with fire personnel.

All recreational sites in the area have reopened. 

Highway 74 has reopened.

Yesterday, two chippers worked in Spring Canyon, as part of the fireline repair efforts. On the western and southern areas of the fire, excavators continued to rehabilitate dozer line and dozer improved roads. Today, an additional excavator will be assigned to these efforts. Today, chipping work will begin in Robinson Canyon.  

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and into the evening. Precipitation from these storms is anticipated to be limited, however there is a greater threat of gusty outflow winds from these storms. Overall, there is a 30% chance of precipitation today. Temperatures will reach 80° and humidity levels will be as low as 20% at lower elevations. Sunday’s weather will bring no chance of precipitation.

A local Type 4 Incident Management Team will shadow the Nevada Type 3 Team 1 today. A full transition to the Type 4 Team will take place on Sunday, June 27.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on many state and Utah BLM lands. Complete information on all of these restrictions may be found at https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/ .

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Please, note, this is the final written update for the Bear Fire. Any necessary future updates will be available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7530/. A local Type 4 Incident Management Team is now charge of the Bear Fire.

Yesterday, firefighters worked in Spring Canyon where chippers are cleaning wood debris. Along the western and southern areas of the fireline, excavators will continue repair on dozer lines and dozer improved roads. Handlines installed on the fire will also be addressed for any needed repairs.

Today’s winds will shift from north/northwest 8 to 16 mph to east/northeast in the afternoon. Temperatures today will reach a high of 83°. Chances for thunderstorms in the area are not likely until Tuesday.

Please continue to drive safely around the fire area, as fire vehicles equipment remains on area roads. Drive with caution and be aware that firefighting equipment is often slow and requires a longer stopping distance.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on many state and Utah BLM lands. Complete information on all of these restrictions may be found at https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/ .

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A reconnaissance flight was flown over the Bear Fire yesterday. No smokes were visible near the fire line. The fire area received almost 1/3” of rain yesterday, which helped suppression efforts and hindered repair work. This precipitation should help to remove any remaining areas of heat along the southern edge of the fire. 

Resources will continue to patrol and mop up fire perimeters where access allows. Chipping work continues in Spring Canyon. On the western and southern edges of the fire, excavators continue to rehabilitate fire line installed by dozers as well as dozer improved roads.

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are anticipated over the fire area through Saturday. These storms are anticipated mainly in the afternoon and evening the next two days. Strong outflow winds around these showers are possible. Be aware that flash flooding is possible in drainages and burn scar area. Today’s temperatures are anticipated to reach 72° and humidity levels will reach a low of 35%.

This morning, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions went into effect on many state and Utah BLM lands. Complete information on all of these restrictions may be found at https://utahfireinfo.gov/active-fire-restriction-documents/ .The Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team 1 is managing the Bear Fire.

Due to prolonged drought conditions, extreme wildland fire indices and forecasts and pursuant to  regulations of the Department of Interior, 43 CFR 9212.1(h), the following acts are prohibited on  federal lands, roads, trails and waterways, described below by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)  Green River District (Price Field Office). This order is effective 12:01 am, on Friday, June 25ᵗʰ,  2021 and will remain in effect until rescinded by the BLM Green River District Manager. This new Fire Restriction Order supersedes the previous Order #UT-020-21-03. Fire  restriction information may be obtained at www.UtahFireInfo.gov or by contacting the BLM Green River  District Fire Management Officer at 435-781-4444.

• No igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including wood, charcoal and  briquettes in designated and non-designated campgrounds.
• No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation  site, or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation.
• No use/discharge of any kind of fireworks, explosives, incendiary or chemical  devices, pyrotechnic devices, exploding targets or the use of steel core/jacketed ammunition.  (Order No. UT910-21-001)
• No operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark  arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order. • No cutting, welding or grinding metal in areas of vegetation.

Permissible acts
• Devices fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas (LPG) products with a shut-off valve are allowed  in areas clear of flammable vegetation within 3 feet of the device.

Exemptions
• Permits may be issued to enter and use public lands designated in the fire  prevention order when the authorized officer determines that the permitted activities will not  conflict with the order (43 CFR 9212.1).
•  Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or  firefighting force in the performance of official duty.
 
Area description All BLM Price Field Office lands located in southeastern Utah in Carbon and Emery counties. See  Fire Restriction Map 2021.
Penalties Individuals violating this order can be subject to a $1000 fine and associated fire suppression and  rehabilitation costs (43 CFR 9212.4).