Today's weather is bringing increased fire activity on the Fish Creek Fire.

You may have noticed the column of smoke coming from the western flank of the fire. Because we've had several days of warm, dry weather, the fire is spreading through areas of heavy timber where the wind and slope align with burnable fuels. Firefighters are seeing tree torching and downwind spotting towards the west and southwest.

Firefighters are prepared for this level of fire activity and continue to work on indirect control lines along the Deception and Flagstaff Roads as part of the confine/point protection strategy.

Although the amount of smoke from the fire is increasing, the atmospheric mixing height is higher today which will reduce the smoke impacts at ground level.

Aerial View of Smoke Column

Sun, 09/01/2024 - 15:15

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Aerial View of Smoke Column

Homestead Complex Fire Update for Sunday, September 1, 2024 

Start Date: July 19, 2024 | Location: 15 miles Northeast of Glide | Total Number of Fires: 7 | Total Personnel: 810 | Total Fire Acreage: 5,910 | Cause: Lightning | Overall Complex Containment: 60% 

Fire Operations Summary: 

Northwest Incident Management Team 8 took over management of the fire from Northern Rockies Team 6 yesterday at 6 PM. Three of the seven fires on the complex are now 100 percent contained. On the other four fires firefighters are working to complete and secure all remaining primary and secondary (contingency) control lines. This work includes using crews and heavy equipment to chip and haul away forest fuels near control lines (creating a stronger fuel break).  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 (2,076 ac., containment: 28%), the fire has been holding within control lines and grown very little. Chipping operations will continue to strengthen primary and secondary containment lines. On the Horse Heaven Creek Fire (2,298 ac., containment: 64%), fire behavior has been minimal while crews continue with containment and prep work doing chipping along roads progressing to the northeast of the fire. Crews will continue to patrol and keep the fire in-check along the northwest corner in the Horse Heaven Creek area. On the Bullpup (476 ac., containment: 17%), fire behavior has also been minimal while work continues on reinforcing secondary (contingency) lines. On the Fuller Lake Fire (418 ac., containment: 5%), line improvement on the 200 and 300 Roads is nearing completion. One hundred percent containment has been established for the Salmon 33 Fire (275 ac.) on August 24, 2024, the Reynolds Butte Fire, on August 22, 2024, and the Lost Bucket Fire: 34 acres, on July 29, 2024. 

Weather: Today will be slightly cooler and partly cloudy.  There is a small chance of thunderstorms after 4 PM. Temperature highs will be in the mid-80s in the valleys and upper 70s to low 80s at the higher elevations. Winds will start out the day as terrain driven then changing to northwesterly 4-8 mph in the afternoon. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions: 

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  

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 Umpqua National Forest ranger stations will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day. 

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 

Please scan the QR code below for more Homestead Complex Fire information, social media links, and resources. 

Size: 784 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 129

Weather, Fire Behavior, and Smoke -- Isolated thunderstorms with minimal precipitation may impact the fire area this evening into Monday bringing the potential for outflow winds and new fire starts. Warmer and drier conditions persist across the fire area Sunday under partly cloudy skies. A slight cool down will occur this evening through Wednesday, September 4 before another warming and drying trend sets in late this week. Fire behavior has increased due to warmer temperatures and low relative humidity, single and group tree torching is being observed. Smoke production has increased daily and is expected to increase today through the weekend. Depending on weather conditions, fire season often lasts through September into early October. 

Activities – The section of shaded fuel break between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake continues to progress well and is anticipated to be complete by September 7. The bulk of the work remaining along the final portion of shaded fuel break is slash removal being accomplished by local contractors with equipment and log trucks. Structure protection equipment remains in place along Crescent Lake and is being tested periodically. A 1.5-mile hose lay remains in place along the Whitefish Creek Trail on the southern edge of the fire to check fire spread as it approaches the trail. Suppression repair work is beginning where it doesn’t interfere with firefighting operations. This involves removing wood chips from slash grinding, log landing and skid trail rehabilitation. 

Incident Strategy – A full suppression strategy is being implemented utilizing indirect tactics, shaded fuel breaks, structure protection equipment, trail, and hose lay. 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 dryer 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, including these areas: Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. More closure information is available at: https://www.fsa.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091   

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.  

Drone Restrictions – Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized drones are in the area. Unauthorized drone use over a fire area poses serious risks to fire personnel and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t. 

Willamette Complex South Update 

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Online: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south

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

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov

Fire Information Line: 541-208-1742

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 678

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,179

Resources (Includes Pyramid Fire Resources): 1 Type 1 Hotshot crew, 7 Type 2 crews, 3 Type 2 initial attack crews, 4 helicopters, 17 engines, 5 dozers, 150 heavy equipment (masticators, skid steers, feller bunchers, etc.)

Fire Cause: Lightning  

Summary 

Yesterday brought high temperatures and low humidity increasing visible fire activity. Fire activity picked up in the heavier stumps and larger trees within the interior of the Willamette Complex South fires. Helicopters delivered numerous water drops to support firefighters on the ground. The total complex acreage increased slightly as fire continued to progress into the interior islands of unburned vegetation. Firefighters continue to focus on improving indirect and contingency lines and cooling down residual hot spots to prevent them from spreading.

Chalk Fire (5,776 acres, 66% containment) 

Firefighters continue to patrol the north, east, and south sides. Significant progress towards containment has been made on the north and west edges as firefighters continue to improve and deepen control lines. Helicopters are being utilized for reconnaissance and bucket drops on the fire if needed.

Moss Mountain Fire (874 acres, 0% containment) 

Work will continue on the indirect lines to the north and contingency lines to the south. Due to increased fire behavior there was growth in the NE perimeter (24 acres). Hotshot crews and Type 1 helicopters are invaluable due to steep terrain, heavy timber and significant rollout. Crews and heavy equipment continue to work along the Forest Service Road 2120 in order to limit growth on the fire. 

208 Fire (260 acres, 0% containment) 

Monitoring continues on the 208 Fire. Yesterday’s resources observed a slight increase in fire behavior due to increased higher temperature, and lower humidity. As a result, some small increases to the perimeter occurred (33acres).

217 Fire (38 acres, 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres, 100% contained), McKinley Creek Fire (24 acres, 100% contained), Coffeepot Fire (6,182 acres, 100% contained)

These fires remain in monitor/patrol status. Mop-up continues on the Coffeepot Fire, as scattered hot spots remain. Helicopters may drop water on hot spots as necessary to keep these fires in check. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Cooler conditions are forecasted today with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and humidity ranging between 28-41%. A very slight chance of storms are possible Sunday and Monday. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions 

• For specific closure information, visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024  
• For current fire restrictions, visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024  
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Tamaño de Whisky Creek: 2,086 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: 521 | Equipos de obreros: 7 | Camiones de bomberos: 7 | Topadoras: 2 | Maquinarias pesadas: 11 | Helicópteros: 4

Sigue el trabajo de extinción en el incendio Whisky Creek, a 6 millas al sureste de Cascade Locks, Oregón, y en los incendios de Sandstone y Blister Creek, a 9 millas al suroeste de Ripplebrook, Oregón. Estos 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. La seguridad de los bomberos y la del público siguen siendo la principal prioridad. Este fin de semana del Día del Trabajo, por favor ayude a prevenir incendios forestales y proteja a los bomberos al recrear de manera responsable, respetando los cierres de incendios y cumpliendo con todas las restricciones vigentes contra incendios. Bomberos, camiones de bomberos y otros recursos en los incendios Whisky Creek y Sandstone están listos si es necesario para ayudar a las agencias locales de administración de tierras para el ataque inicial de fuegos nuevos en el área.

Whisky Creek: Ayer, un vuelo de reconocimiento aéreo observó un poco de humo visible en el incendio, en el cual todavía se queman unas cuantas secciones de combustible. Los bomberos siguen patrullando las líneas de control y vigilando cualquier desplazo del fuego. Observadores están dispersos cerca de Green Mountain y a lo largo del sendero # 408 para observar cualquier aumento en la intensidad del fuego y al mismo tiempo se aseguran de que la huella del incendio Eagle Creek continúe formando una barrera que frene el crecimiento del fuego en la ladera norte. Los encargados del incendio están coordinando con asesores de recursos para evaluar las necesidades de reparación en las líneas de control; Mediante estas evaluaciones se identifica cualquier trabajo de reparación de extinción que será necesario para devolver los caminos y senderos forestales a la condición que tenían antes del incendio. Los bomberos también continúan haciendo pequeñas reparaciones en las líneas de control de incendios según sea necesario.

Sandstone y Blister Creek: Ayer, el incendio Blister Creek permaneció tranquilo. El vuelo de reconocimiento indicó que no hubo una intensidad fuerte en los incendios Sandstone y Blister Creek, aunque se ve humo aislado y se espera que continúe en el incendio Sandstone. Debido a que las temperaturas este fin de semana festivo estarán más altas, los bomberos están atentos y listos para responder a cualquier empeoramiento en la intensidad del fuego o para ayudar con cualquier inicio de fuego. En las últimas semanas, se sigue trabajando en la carretera forestal 7010 y la desviación 160 para reparar los impactos de los equipos pesados que se usaron para luchas contra los incendios.

Clima y humo: Las temperaturas bajarán un par de grados, pero las condiciones muy calurosas y secas permanecerán. Esta tarde traerá un alivio temporal de dos días que resultarán en algunas nubes y una humedad relativa mayor. Variarán las condiciones de la calidad del aire, pero continuarán buenas para ambas áreas de incendios.

Cierres: Información sobre el cierre del Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood y el Área Escénica Nacional del Río Columbia se puede encontrar en escaneando el código QR o siguiendo el enlace en la esquina inferior derecha de la página. Los cierres se implementarn para la seguridad del público y de los equipos de bomberos.

Seguridad: El público juega un papel importante en la prevención del próximo incendio forestal. Tenga cuidado con cualquier fuente de ignición. Para obtener consejos de prevención, visite, https://keeporegongreen.org. Hay restricciones contra incendios dentro del Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood. Se puede ver más información en https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire.

Diamond Complex

• Size: 11,141 acres
• Containment: 78%
• Personnel: 956
• Location: 18 miles SW of Chemult, OR
• Start Date: July 19, 2024
• Cause: Undetermined

Middle Fork Fire

• Size: 5,282 acres
• Containment: 46% 
• Personnel: 23
• Location: Crater Lake National Park
• Start Date: July 17, 2024
• Cause: Undetermined

Visitor and Firefighter Safety, Fire Restrictions and Closures

For your safety and ours, do not enter closed areas. Falling trees, heavy equipment operations, road grading and firefighter traffic makes passage through these areas dangerous. Yesterday, several vehicles drove around barriers to get into closed areas endangering themselves and disrupting firefighters’ work. National park and national forest closures are in place for both visitor and firefighter safety. 

Throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend, expect heavy traffic including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, heavy equipment, fire trucks and engines, and other firefighting equipment. Please be patient, keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings. Drive defensively and avoid areas where firefighters are working.

The Umpqua National Forest, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Crater Lake National Park have different fire restrictions in place. Crater Lake National Park has implemented a fire ban whereas the Umpqua and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forests have Level 2 fire restrictions. Know where you are and follow restriction information posted on the forests’ and national park’s 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

Yesterday’s hot, dry weather increased fire activity, exposing interior hotspots of several fires in the Diamond Complex including the Lemolo, Ooya, Pine Bench and Potter Fires. Some instances of active surface fire occurred with isolated tree torching. Most of this activity occurred within established fire perimeters in unburned pockets of fuel. Helicopters dropped water to cool these areas as firefighters mopped up and secured firelines on the ground.

Middle Fork Fire

Crews have constructed line around the entire fire and are working to suppress areas of heat along containment lines to ensure the fire stays within its current footprint. Firefighters will continue mopping up and patrolling the fire’s edges. They also will continue suppression repair and heavy road work on the 228, 227 and 230 Roads. 

Diamond Complex

• Pine Bench Fire (north of Hwy. 138 near Dry Creek, 3,976 acres, 65% contained): Scattered smoke was visible throughout the fire yesterday. Due to the heavy presence of snags from previous fires, firefighters are carefully focusing mop-up on hotspots threatening containment lines. They are relying on aviation resources to tackle areas of heat in the fire’s interior where it is unsafe for firefighters. Crews will reinforce containment lines to ensure they hold through this continued drying period. They will also grade roads. 
• Potter Fire (north of Hwy. 138, 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 3,428 acres, 38% contained): Yesterday, the fire’s east side actively burned within control lines. Firefighters found heat in other areas of the fire as well and helicopters dropped water on hot spots. Today, they will continue to secure the fire’s edge, seeking possible heat in interior unburned islands and using helicopters to cool hotspots. Firefighters will continue suppression repair, grading roads, chipping fire-damaged limbs and trees, and spreading those materials on firelines where possible. 
• Lemolo Fire (north of Lemolo Lake, 1,246 acres, 100% contained): Firefighters found some smoke and flare ups in the needle cast yesterday. Active fire was well interior and not a threat to containment lines. Helicopters dropped water to cool hotspots while firefighters on the ground used gridding to carefully search for and extinguish heat sources. 
• Ooya Fire (east of Bug Lake, 373 acres, 100% contained): Dry weather exposed hotspots in the fire’s interior. Helicopters dropped water to extinguish them. Crews will continue patrolling to make sure the fire stays within containment lines. 
• Watson Fire (at Watson Saddle, 237 acres, 100% contained): Firefighters patrolled and used gridding to carefully search for heat. In the afternoon, smoke from the fire was visible. Air attack flew overhead and confirmed that burning was in the fire’s interior and posed no threat to containment lines.  
• Multiple fires near the center of the complex: Firefighters will continue patrolling and mopping up hotspots.  Where possible, crews are repairing areas disturbed by wildfire suppression including chipping, brushing and installing water bars to minimize future soil erosion.

Weather and Fire Behavior        

Today will remain warm and dry. Although temperatures will be cooler, they will still exceed seasonal norms, with highs in the 80s. Winds will be out of the south-southwest with gusts up to 18 mph on ridgelines. Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible with frequent lightning and gusty outflow winds up to 40 mph across the Diamond Complex. On Monday, temperatures will decrease as relative humidity and a chance of thunderstorms increases. 

Fire activity will be similar to yesterday with flare ups possible. Dry lighting and gusty winds could start new fires.

Smoke Outlook

Local smoke has increased from yesterday’s fire activity. For more information, visit outlooks.airfire.org/outlook and fire.airnow.gov.

Evacuations

No evacuations are in place.

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/detail/umpqua/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1202470. 

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.

All Umpqua National Forest Ranger Stations are closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day.

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.

The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park will remain open until 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Fire operations may necessitate temporary closures or delays along the North Entrance Road. 

Traffic at park entrances will be busier than usual throughout the holiday weekend. Long lines and waits of up to 2 hours are expected at both entrance stations. Arriving before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. may reduce wait times. If you are not visiting the park, consider avoiding Hwy. 62. 

At 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, and continuing until further notice, the North Entrance will be closed to all traffic to allow hazard reduction work related to the Middle Fork Fire to resume. During this time, access to the park will be limited to the South Entrance. Check the latest conditions and road status before your visit 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.

REMINDER: The Pacific Crest Trail between the Lightning Springs and Rim Trail Intersections, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails are 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.

Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)

TFRs are in place over the Middle Fork Fire https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8387.html (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. local time to accommodate uncrewed aircraft systems work) and https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_7055.html (9 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time). TFRs are also 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).

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE

Fire Size: 10,164 acres

Percent Contained: 13%

Personnel: 1,518

Cause: Lightning  

Start Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:05 AM

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA 

CALIFORNIA INTERAGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 15 ASSUMED COMMAND OF THE COFFEE POT FIRE AT 7:00 AM TODAY. 

MINERAL KING FIRE IMPACTS: The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation WARNING for zone TLC-E095, the area along Mineral King Road that includes the communities of Cabin Cove, Silver City, and Mineral King. This WARNING has been issued due to potential impacts to Mineral King Road. Road impacts can consist of delays, closures, and pilot vehicle operations occurring any time due to fire conditions. Should fire impact the roadway, a road closure up to 48 hours or more could lead to an ORDER or a possible shelter in place ORDER. Please plan accordingly if you have medical concerns or needs. Note: this WARNING is due to Mineral King roadway impact conditions; the fire is NOT currently an immediate threat to communities.  

Recreational access to the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park remains CLOSED to the public. This applies to Mineral King campgrounds, trailheads, and area trails. All other areas of the parks will remain open through the holiday weekend but are likely to be impacted by varying levels of smoke and poor air quality. For detailed zone and area descriptions, visit: protect.genasys.com. 

CURRENT SITUATION: As weather became hotter and drier yesterday, crews worked to hold the gains made throughout the week. Firefighters prioritized the northern flank using aircraft water-drops to slow fire progression, as it backed down toward the East Fork Kaweah River. Near Case Mountain, strategic firing operations using low-intensity back burning were conducted to slow the rate of fire spread. Crews monitored fire backing through the Nutmeg Grove of giant Sequoias. On the eastern flank, Fire Use Modules continued working to construct indirect control lines to join Horse Creek and Mineral King Road. To the south, hand crews constructed direct control lines to contain the fire that spread just over Scratch Creek, and firefighters achieved near complete containment along the South Fork Kaweah River. On the western flank, firefighters worked to hold direct control lines and contain fire spotting near Salt Creek Road.  

Today, crews are continuing to prioritize the northern flank of the fire. North and east of Case Mountain, firefighters will use low-intensity firing operations and water-drops from aircraft to slow the rate of overall spread as the fire backs toward the East Fork Kaweah River. Crews will work to improve roads near Cinnamon Gap and will continue to construct indirect control lines along Mineral King Road. To the east, the Fire Use Modules are constructing indirect control lines moving north toward Horse Creek and Mineral King Road. Strategic firing operations with low intensity burning will be used in the Eden Creek Grove of giant sequoias. In the southeast, crews are holding control lines along Cedar Ridge, and are monitoring the spot fire that was controlled just beyond Scratch Creek. To the south, mop up activities are beginning along the South Fork Kaweah River containment line. 

EVACUATION NOTICES: A NEW Evacuation ORDER has been issued for zone TLC-E094-D. A NEW Evacuation WARNING has been issued for zone TLC-E095. Evacuation ORDERS remain in effect for zone TLC-E094-B and TLC-E128-B. Evacuation WARNINGS remain in effect for zones TLC-E128-A and TLC-E127-B. For current evacuations and to find your zone, go to: http://protect.genasys.com/ 

WEATHER: High pressure remains over the area bringing warm and dry weather with sunny skies. Haze and smoke will be concentrated, especially at night and the early morning, bringing locally poor visibility. Temperatures will change little. Winds will be diurnal and terrain-driven today and into tonight. General winds will be out of the northeast in the early morning, out of the southwest by mid-morning, and gusting over ridges in the afternoon. Sheltered areas will see upslope winds predominate. Weather tomorrow will be slightly cooler with marginally higher humidity. 

SMOKE IMPACTS: The biggest smoke impacts will be between Three Rivers and Ash Mountain, with levels likely reaching VERY UNHEALTHY this morning before recovering this afternoon. Levels in Springville will follow a similar trend but will likely top out at UNHEALTHY. The East Fork Kaweah River drainage is expected to reach VERY UNHEALTHY levels in the afternoon, improving slightly in the evening and dropping to MODERATE overnight. Pinehurst and The Giant Forest Village will likely see UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY levels during the afternoon. Smoke from the fire will likely impact areas to the north, bringing levels up to MODERATE along the Sierra foothills, through Grant Grove and into Mammoth. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov. 

FIRE INFORMATION: Fire information will not be posted on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Facebook or Instagram pages today and tomorrow. Fire information will be available on inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caknp-coffee-pot-fire and videos will continue to be posted on the park’s YouTube channel at @sequoiaandkingscanyonnps5018. A Public Information Officer will be at the Three Rivers Village Market daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM to provide fire information and answer questions.  

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and trails accessed from the road, including the Ladybug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed. Park closure information is available online at nps.gov/seki. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area at blm.gov/press-release.  

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

Northwest Team 12

Whisky Creek, Sandstone and Blister Fires

Sept. 1, 2024

Whisky Creek Size: 2,086 acres | Start Date: July 20 | Cause: Human | Containment: 25%

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

Total Resources: 521 | Hand Crews: 7 | Engines: 7 | Dozers: 2 | Heavy Equipment: 11 | Helicopters: 4

Fire suppression continues on the Whisky Creek Fire, six miles southeast of Cascade Locks, OR and the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, nine miles southwest of Ripplebrook, OR. The fires are located in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the incident’s top priority. This Labor Day weekend please help prevent wildfires and protect firefighters by recreating responsibly, respecting fire closures, and complying with all fire restrictions. Firefighters, fire engines, and other resources have been identified on both the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires if needed to assist local land management agencies with new initial attack fires in the area.

Whisky Creek:  An aerial reconnaissance flight yesterday found some smokes visible on the fire where limited pockets of fuels are still smoldering. Firefighters are continuing to patrol control lines and monitor for any fire movement. Spotters are spread out near Green Mountain and along the Trail #408 to watch for any increased fire activity while ensuring the Eagle Creek fire scar continues to form a barrier to fire growth on the north flank. Fire managers are coordinating with resource advisors to assess the repair needs on fire control lines; these assessments identify fire suppression repair work that will be needed to return forest roads and trails back to their pre-fire condition. Firefighters are also continuing work on light repairs to fire control lines as needed. 

Sandstone and Blister Creek: The Blister Creek Fire remained quiet yesterday. The reconnaissance flight indicated no significant fire activity over the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, although isolated smokes are visible and are expected to continue on the Sandstone Fire. With the increased temperatures this holiday weekend, firefighters remain vigilant and ready to respond to any uptick in fire behavior or to assist with a new fire start. Work continues on FSR 7010 and the 160 Spur to repair impacts from heavy fire equipment during these last few weeks. 

Weather and Smoke: Temperatures will cool by a couple of degrees, but very hot and dry conditions will persist. This afternoon brings a two-day reprieve with some cloud cover and increased relative humidity. Air quality conditions will fluctuate but remain good for both fire areas. 

Closures: Mt. Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and Hood River County closure information can be found at https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024. Please respect area closure orders for your safety as well as the safety of our firefighters.

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; please use caution with all potential ignition sources. For prevention tips visit: https://keeporegongreen.org. The TFR has been modified and remains in effect for both fires: https://bit.ly/3T59VWv. Fire restrictions are in place within the Mt. Hood National Forest. More information can be found at:https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire.

Park Fire Update: Sunday, September 1, 2024

Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2

Incident Commander John Truett

Size: 429,603 acres 

Start Date: July 24, 2024

Containment: 96 percent

Total Personnel: 600

Resources: 1 helicopter, 11 crews, 24 engines, 14 dozers, 17 water tenders, 6 masticators, 

27 excavators, 6 feller bunchers, 6 skidsteers

FOREST CLOSURE: Lassen National Forest lands, roads, and trails near the fire are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 06-24-07. Closed roads are not currently staffed, and the absence of a road-closed sign does not necessarily mean the road is open. Individuals are responsible for knowing where they are in relation to the closure area. We ask that people recreating on public lands observe the closure, allowing firefighters to focus on their already hazardous work and not be further endangered by public vehicle traffic. The forest order, map, and a list of closed roads and trails can be viewed on this Lassen National Forest web page: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.

CURRENT SITUATION: For fire personnel to be closer to the work they’re doing on the Lassen National Forest, Southwest CIMT 2 has established an incident command post in Chester and thanks the community for its welcome and assistance in setting up the camp. Suppression repair work continues on many areas of the fire today. The roads group will finish prepping Hogback Road for subsequent heavy-equipment access and move to Ponderosa Way. The hazard-tree group is also working on Ponderosa Way.  

WEATHER & FIRE SAFETY: Sunday will be another hot, dry day around the fire area. However, winds—which have been light for several days—will be stronger, with gusts up to 22 mph expected. These winds are likely to stir up dust and ash within the fire perimeter, creating the illusion of wildfire smoke or the perception that fire activity is increasing. This is most assuredly not the case. In remote areas that remain closed to the public and far from containment lines, firefighters are observing an occasional isolated stump, downed log, or standing tree that is smoldering and generating a small amount of smoke. 

This year’s grass crop in the fire’s vicinity is extremely abundant, dry, and receptive to burning. New fires could spread quickly and be challenging for firefighters to initially contain. During this holiday weekend, the public should be particularly cautious while recreating outside. Know what fire restrictions are in effect for the areas in which you are recreating.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Know before you go! Fire restrictions are in effect within the Lassen National Forest under Forest Order No. 06-24-04. The following activities are not allowed: campfires or stove fires (except in in developed recreation sites listed in the order); smoking outside a vehicle or building; welding or using an acetylene or other torch with an open flame; using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device. The Forest Order can be viewed here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Find links to other land management agencies’ fire 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 Information (CAL FIRE): 530-529-9233

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

Actualización sobre el incendio Park: Domingo, 1 de Septiembre de 2024

Equipo Administrativo de Incidentes Complejos Del Área Suroeste

EQUIPO 2 - Comandante Del Incidente John Truett

Tamaño: 429,603 acres 

Fecha de Inicio: 24 de Julio de 2024

Contencion: 96%

Personal Total: 600

Recursos: 1 helicóptero, 11 cuadrillas, 24 camiones, 14 topadoras, 17 camiones de agua, 6 masticadoras, 27 excavadoras, 6 máquinas para talar árboles, 6 minicargadoras

CIERRE DE BOSQUES: Los terrenos, caminos y senderos del Bosque Nacional Lassen cerca del incendio están cerrados temporalmente según la Orden Forestal No. 06-24-07. Las carreteras cerradas actualmente no cuentan con personal y la ausencia de una señal de carretera cerrada no significa necesariamente que la carretera esté abierta. Las personas son responsables de saber dónde se encuentran en relación con el área de cierre. Pedimos que las personas que se recrean en terrenos públicos respeten el cierre, lo que permitirá a los bomberos concentrarse en su trabajo, que ya es peligroso, y no correr más peligro por el tráfico de vehículos públicos. La orden del bosque, el mapa y una lista de caminos y senderos cerrados se pueden ver en esta página web del Bosque Nacional Lassen: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Para que el personal de bomberos esté más cerca del trabajo que están realizando en el Bosque Nacional Lassen, Southwest CIMT 2 ha establecido un puesto de comando de incidentes en Chester y agradece a la comunidad por su bienvenida y ayuda en el establecimiento del campamento. Los trabajos de reparación de extinción continúan hoy en muchas áreas del incendio. El equipo de caminos terminará de preparar Hogback Road para el posterior acceso de equipos pesados ​​y se trasladará a Ponderosa Way. El equipo de árboles de peligro también está trabajando en Ponderosa Way.

CLIMA Y SEGURIDAD CONTRA INCENDIOS: El domingo será otro día caluroso y seco alrededor del área del incendio. Sin embargo, los vientos, que han sido leves durante varios días, serán más fuertes y se esperan ráfagas de hasta 22 mph. Es probable que estos vientos remuevan polvo y cenizas dentro del perímetro del incendio, creando la ilusión de humo de incendios forestales o la percepción de que la actividad del fuego está aumentando. Seguramente este no es el caso. En áreas remotas que permanecen cerradas al público y lejos de las líneas de contención, los bomberos observan ocasionalmente algún tocón aislado, tronco caído o árbol en pie que arde lentamente y genera una pequeña cantidad de humo. 

La cosecha de pasto de este año en las cercanías del incendio es extremadamente abundante, seca y receptiva a la quema. Nuevos incendios podrían propagarse rápidamente y ser difíciles de contener inicialmente para los bomberos. Durante este fin de semana festivo, el público debe tener cuidado especial al recrearse al aire libre. Sepa qué restricciones contra incendios están vigentes para las áreas en las que está recreando. 

RESTRICCIONES DE INCENDIO: ¡Infórmate antes de ir! Las restricciones contra incendios están vigentes dentro del Bosque Nacional Lassen según la Orden Forestal No. 06-24-04. No se permiten las siguientes actividades: fogatas o fogones de estufas (excepto en los sitios de recreación desarrollados enumerados en la orden); fumar fuera de un vehículo o edificio; soldar o utilizar acetileno u otra antorcha con llama abierta; utilizando cualquier motor de combustión interna o externa sin un dispositivo que no tenga detención de chispas. La Orden Forestal se puede ver 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).

Park Fire Information: 530-414-9298, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.  |  2024.park@firenet.gov       

Park Fire InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-fire  

Lassen National Forest Facebook: facebook.com/LassenNF