Fire Information

Phone: 435-781-2746 (6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.)

Email: 2021bennioncreek@firenet.gov

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

Websites:  https://www.utahfireinfo.gov  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7518/

Date Started: June 4, 2021                   Location: Bennion Ridge, Manti- La Sal NF, UT

Cause:  Natural     Total acres:   8325     Containment: 10%             Total Personnel:   283

June 15, 2021, 9:00 PM                                   

California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 assumed command of the Bennion Creek Fire as of 0600 today, June 15. The fire is burning in steep and difficult to access terrain, northwest of Scofield Reservoir on the on the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The potential for active fire behavior remains high, given current weather conditions and critically dry fuels.

Partly cloudy weather today helped to keep the fire’s heat and growth lower than in previous days. Crews continued their work today providing structure protection and triage of areas that have the potential to be impacted by the fire. Today, crews worked to strengthen control lines on the southern flank of the fire and north along Starvation Road. Crews will continue their work holding the fire north of Bear Ridge Road.

Firefighters will continue to work tonight, to secure and hold the southern slop over on the fire. Crews will continue to monitor for spot fires and secure fire’s edge as needed.

The Red Flag Warning has been extended through Thursday, June 16. Extreme to exceptional drought conditions remain in place over 90% of Utah. The public is urged to use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources while outdoors, and remain clear of the fire area. The public is urged to drive with caution as smoke is visible in surrounding communities and along Highway 6.

Numerous helicopters remain available to support fire suppression efforts on the fire. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire.

Current Staffing:

Handcrews: 9

Engines: 7

Helicopters: 5

Dozers: 1

Closures: Bennion Ridge Road, Forest Road 0008 (Bear Ridge Road), Starvation Road, and Fish Creek Trail. These closures are for public and firefighter safety.

Evacuations: The Aspen Cove subdivision has been evacuated; its status will be re-evaluated tomorrow evening.

 An interactive story map featuring information on fire fighting efforts associated with the Bear and Bennion Creek Fires is now available.  The story map can be viewed on computers or mobile devices, but works better on a larger screened device (like a laptop or desktop computer). Visit: https://arcg.is/1Ca5jb
 

Order Number: 04-10- 3-21-01UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREST SERVICEMANTI-LA SAL NATIONAL FORESTPRICE RANGER DISTRICTBennion Creek Fire Trail, Road and Area ClosurePROHIBITIONS:Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(b) the following act is prohibited on the section of road described in this order, all within the Sanpete Ranger District, Manti-La Sal National Forest.1. Being on the road, 36 CFR 261.54(e).2. Being on a trail, 36 CFR 261.55(a)3. Being in the area, 36 CFR 261.52(e).EXEMPTIONS:Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons are exempt from this order:1. Persons with a permit specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.3. Federal or State administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty.DESCRIPTION:Roads:Forest Road 0008 (Bear Ridge Road): entire lengthForest Road 0009 (Starvation Road): From the forest boundary to the junction with Forest trail 301(Fish Creek Ridge)Forest Road 3157 (Bennion Ridge Road): entire lengthForest Road 3158 (Bennion Ridge spur): entire lengthForest Road 3166: entire lengthTrail:Forest Trail 366Area:Beginning at Forest Road 0009 and the Forest Boundary Pondtown canyon northerly along the Forest Boundary to Forest Road 0150 (Skyline Drive); thence southerly along Skyline Drive to the intersection with Forest Road 0008(Bear Ridge Road); thence easterly along Bear Ridge Road to the beginning at the Forest Boundary.PURPOSE:To prevent potential injury to the public while fire suppression operations are occurring in the area. To allow firefighters and incident managers the ability to conduct suppression operations with minimum impact to public safety.DEFINITION:See the attached map for a visual representation.Order Number 04-10-3-21-01Bennion Creek Fire Trail, Road and Area ClosureIMPLEMENTATION:1.This Order will be in effect Friday June 11 at 1200am until 1 July at 6am.2.Violation of the above prohibition(s) is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for anindividual or $10,000.00 for an organization, and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months. [Title16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3571(b) (6), Title 18 USC 3581 (b) (7)].3.Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Sanpete Ranger District Office, (435)283-4151 and the Manti-La Sal National Forest Supervisors Office, (435) 637-2817.Done at Price, Utah this 11th day of June, 2021.________________________________________for Ryan NehlForest SupervisorManti-La Sal National ForestAssessment of Need and Enforcement PlanOrder Number 04-10-3-21-01Bennion Creek Fire Trail, Road and Area Closure1.Background: Utah is in an extreme drought. There has been extreme fire danger over thearea for the past week including red flag warnings. The fire danger is predicted to continue forthe foreseeable future. The Bennion Creek Fire started by lightning on the Manti-La SalNational Forest and has been increasing in size threatening structures adjacent to the Forest andis currently burning on private and state lands as well. The fire size is over 2000 acres.2.Intent of Subpart B Order: To provide the legal ability to restrict vehicles and persons fromthe Roads, Trails and Areas impacted by the fire for public safety. To assist fire crews andmanagement officials in conducting necessary operations.3.Enforcement Plan: A cooperative effort will be accomplished by personnel from ForestService Law Enforcement, Forest Protection Officers, Utah and Carbon County Sheriff’sOffices, and United States Attorney Offices in Utah. Educational efforts will include notice onthe Manti-La Sal Facebook page, public information presentations on the Radio and signing ofthe roads leading to the area to give advance notice of the closure. If persons are on the closedsection of road, trail or in the area, violation notice will be issued to the violator(s).The following activities need to occur to implement this special order in a manner that results in public acceptance and safety:ActionResponsible OfficialDatePrepare proposed orderLEO Scott Watson6/10/2021Review proposed orderLEO Scott Watson, Capt Matt Buhler6/11/2021Approve proposed orderForest Sup. Ryan NehlPost order in accordance with 36 CFR 261.51Forest Engineer Daniel LukePrepare news release for local media describing the order and management objectivesForest & PAODescribe implementation/actionEnforcement Plan approved for implementation:_________________________ _________________FOREST SUPERVISORDATE Darren Olsen 6/12/2021

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate

Size:

Joseph Canyon 7,610 acres

Dry Creek 1,585 acres

Fire
Containment:

Joseph Canyon 95%

Dry Creek 95%

Incident Commander:

Jason Loomis

Resources
on the fires:

Crews: 0

Helicopters: 0

Engines: 0

Total

Personnel:

31

Jurisdiction:

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Vale District Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Inciweb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7513/

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7517/

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

Oregon Smoke Blog

http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek Fires

June 11, 2021

Forest Service: (541) 519-8051

Bureau of Land Management: (541) 523-1407

Oregon Department of Forestry: (541) 263-0661

E-mail: 2021.josephcanyon@firenet.gov

For Immediate Release

Incident Commander: Jason Loomis, Northwest Team 7

ENTERPRISE, Ore. – This morning, at 6:00 a.m., NW Team 7 transitioned management of the fire back to local agencies. Northwest Team 7 would like to thank the entire Wallowa County community for their support as well as firefighters for all their hard work throughout this incident. Local agencies will continue to monitor conditions and will remain ready in the event there are changes to the current status.

An e-mail has been established specifically for inquiries about the fires. Please send questions to 2021.josephcanyon@firenet.gov

Joseph Canyon Fire -   Start Date: June 4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 7,610 acres     Containment: 95%   

Location:  23 miles southwest of Lewiston, ID.

Status: Weather patterns continued to provide favorable conditions for suppression actions due to cooler temperatures and scattered showers in the fire area yesterday. Minimal fire behavior occurred due to higher fine fuel moisture.

Dry Creek Fire - Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 1,585 acres     Containment: 95%  
Location:  The Dry Creek Fire is located in a remote and rugged part of Hells Canyon, northeast of Joseph, OR.

Status: Weather patterns continued to provide favorable conditions yesterday for suppression efforts due to cooler temperatures and scattered showers in the fire area. Minimal fire behavior occurred due to higher fine fuel moisture and precipitation.

Weather: Cloudy skies are expected, with a slight chance for afternoon showers. South winds of 5-10 mph.

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuation orders associated with the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires.

Closures: The Nez Perce Tribe has temporarily closed the Precious Lands Wildlife Management Area in Northeastern Oregon: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7513/59633/

Fire Season Declared: Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northeast Oregon District proclaimed that they would go into fire season beginning Wednesday, June 9th at 12:01 a.m.  They have new fire restriction signs located throughout the district, with a Fire Prevention information line; (541) 975-3027 and a QR code which will take you to www.bmidc.org, for current information on fire restrictions.

Prevention Message: Whether we are out in nature or home in our backyards, remember that it's our role to protect the lands we love by preventing wildfires and recreating responsibly.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate

Size:

Joseph Canyon 7,610 acres

Dry Creek 1,564 acres

Fire
Containment:

Joseph Canyon 90%

Dry Creek 90%

Incident Commander:

Jason Loomis

Resources
on the fires:

Crews: 3

Helicopters: 5

Engines: 3

Total

Personnel:

183

Jurisdiction:

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Vale District Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Inciweb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7513/

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7517/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NPT1855

Oregon Smoke Blog

http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek Fires

June 10, 2021

Fire Information: (541) 579-0648

E-mail: 2021.josephcanyon@firenet.gov

For Immediate Release

Incident Commander: Jason Loomis, Northwest Team 7

Enterprise, Oregon - Demobilization of resources continues today as conditions have moderated and suppression actions have been successful. NW Team 7 is preparing for demobilization and to transition the fires to local agencies that are fully prepared to manage these fires in their current condition. The Incident Management Team remains available in the event the situation changes.

A new e-mail has been established for information inquiries on the fire. Please send questions to 2021.josephcanyon@firenet.gov

Joseph Canyon Fire -   Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 7,610 acres     Containment: 90%   

Location:  23 miles southwest of Lewiston, ID.

Status: Monitoring of the Joseph Canyon fire continued yesterday with the only observed smoke from interior hotspots on the southwest flank of the fire.  Crews continued to monitor and patrol lines.

Dry Creek Fire - Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 1,564 acres     Containment: 90%  
Location:  The Dry Creek Fire is in a remote and rugged part of Hells Canyon, northeast of Joseph, OR.

Status: The Dry Creek Fire is in very good shape. Two drone flights were completed yesterday looking for smoke and hot spots. The full perimeter was flown with only two smokes within the interior of the fire area observed.

Weather:  Light steady rain is expected through the day, moderating towards the afternoon.    

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuation orders associated with the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires.

Closures: The Nez Perce Tribe has temporarily closed the Precious Lands Wildlife Management Area in Northeastern Oregon: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7513/59633/

Fire Season Declared: Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northeast Oregon District proclaimed that they would go into fire season beginning Wednesday, June 9th at 12:01 a.m.  They have new fire restriction signs located throughout the district, with a Fire Prevention information line; (541) 975-3027 and a QR code which will take you to www.bmidc.org, for current information on fire restrictions.

Prevention Message: Breathe easy, prevent wildfires.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate

Size:

Joseph Canyon 7,610 acres

Dry Creek 1,564 acres

Fire
Containment:

Joseph Canyon 60%

Dry Creek 60%

Incident Commander:

Jason Loomis

Resources
on the fires:

Crews: 9

Helicopters: 5

Engines: 3

Total

Personnel:

316

Jurisdiction:

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Vale District Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Inciweb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7513/

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7517/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NPT1855

Oregon Smoke Blog

http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek Fires

June 9, 2021

Fire Information: (541) 579-0648

E-mail: Cheyne_Rossbach@firenet.gov

For Immediate Release

Incident Commander: Jason Loomis, Northwest Team 7

Enterprise, Oregon -The objective for both the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires is to limit the duration and size while accounting for firefighter safety. Securing and mopping up continues on the fires with fire crews and equipment being released to adjust the fire organization for the current fire situation.

NW Team 7 is anticipating a long and busy fire season. The emphasis is to not only minimize fire size and duration but also manage early season fatigue for all crew and management team members.  Demobilization of resources continues today as conditions have moderated and suppression actions have been successful.

Joseph Canyon Fire -   Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 7,610 acres     Containment: 60%   

Location:  23 miles southwest of Lewiston, ID.

Status: The Joseph Canyon fire received 5 hours of precipitation yesterday, significantly dampening any remaining hot spots.  Firefighting resources will continue to demobilize today in line with changing weather conditions.

Dry Creek Fire - Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 1,564 acres     Containment: 60%  
Location:  The Dry Creek Fire is located in a remote and rugged part of Hells Canyon,  northeast of Joseph, OR.

Status: Crews continue to mop up any observed hot spots.  Ongoing monitoring of areas less accessible to firefighting resources continues.

Weather:  Today will start out mostly cloudy with cooler than normal temperatures. A high chance of rain is likely Wednesday. Isolated thunderstorms are possible. Winds will be north-northwest 5-10 mph. 

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuation orders associated with the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires.

Closures: The Nez Perce Tribe has temporarily closed the Precious Lands Wildlife Management Area in Northeastern Oregon: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7513/59633/

Fire Season Declared: Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northeast Oregon District proclaimed that they would go into fire season beginning Wednesday, June 9th at 12:01 a.m.  They have new fire restriction signs located throughout the district, with a Fire Prevention information line; (541) 975-3027 and a QR code which will take you to www.bmidc.org, for current information on fire restrictions.

Prevention Message: Protect your property, friends, and family – prevent wildfires.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate

Size:

Joseph Canyon 7,575 acres

Dry Creek 1,500 acres

Fire
Containment:

Joseph Canyon 20%

Dry Creek 50%

Incident Commander:

Jason Loomis

Resources
on the fires:

Crews: 9

Helicopters: 8

Engines: 14

Total

Personnel:

337

Jurisdiction:

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Vale District Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Inciweb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7513/

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7517/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NPT1855

Oregon Smoke Blog

http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek Fires

June 8, 2021

Fire Information: (541) 579-0648

E-mail: Cheyne_Rossbach@firenet.gov

For Immediate Release

Incident Commander: Jason Loomis, Northwest Team 7

Northwest Incident Management Team 7 began full management of the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires this morning at 6:00 a.m.  The fires were started from an overnight lightning storm the night of June 3, 2021. The fires are burning in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain in northern Wallowa County. The objective for both fires is to limit the duration and size while accounting for firefighter safety. Values at risk include human safety, private property, cultural and natural resources. Fires are burning on lands managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and Oregon Department of Forestry and Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Joseph Canyon Fire -   Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 7,575 acres     Containment: 20%   

Location:  23 miles southwest of Lewiston, ID.

Status: Two hotshot crews continued to work along the eastern flank of the fire. The western edge of the fire was moving towards monitoring status. The eastern and northwestern flanks of the fire are contained. The southern edge of the fire continues to be a challenge due to the rugged terrain.

Dry Creek Fire - Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 1,500 acres     Containment: 50%  
Location:  The Dry Creek Fire is located in a remote and rugged part of Hells Canyon,  northeast of Joseph, OR.

Status: Some interior burning occurred yesterday towards the northwest flank. The burning was confined to the fire’s interior and not a threat to containment lines.  Firefighters continued to mop up perimeter, strengthening lines with continued monitoring of the northeast flank of the fire. Three hotshot crews are currently assigned to the fire with the addition of two Wildland Fire Modules. Wildland Fire Modules are highly skilled and versatile fire crews that provide technical and ecological based expertise in the areas of long-term planning, ignitions, holding, and fire suppression.

Weather/Fire Behavior:  Today will start out partly cloudy with cooler than normal temperatures. There is a chance of rain Wednesday and Thursday. Winds will be Northwest 5-10 mph with fire continuing to burn in short grass and light fuels. There is potential for half mile an hour rate of spread expected on steep slopes with wind. A significant warm up is anticipated through the weekend.

NW Team 7 is anticipating a long and busy fire season, the emphasis is to not only minimize fire size and duration but also manage early season fatigue for all crew and management team members.  Demobilization of resources will begin as early as today as conditions have moderated and suppression actions have been successful.

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuation orders associated with the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires.

Closures: The Nez Pierce Tribe has temporarily closed the Precious Lands Wildlife Management Area in Northeastern Oregon: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7513/59633/

Prevention Message: Now more than ever, please prevent wildfires.

Fire Season Declared: Oregon Department of Forestry; Northeast Oregon District proclaimed that they would go into fire season beginning Wednesday, June 9th at 12:01 a.m.  They have new fire restriction signs located throughout the district, with a Fire Prevention information line; (541) 975-3027 and a QR code which will take you to www.bmidc.org, for current information on fire restrictions.

 https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/wallowa-whitman/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD919169

 https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/wallowa-whitman/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD918962

 http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/2021/06/dry-creek-fire-update.html