Unified Command: CIIMT5 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 5,683 acres

Percent Contained: 0% 

Personnel: 1,429

Cause: Lightning

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

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA

FIRE INFORMATION: Due to Labor Day weekend, fire information will not be posted on Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Facebook or Instagram pages from Friday through Monday. Fire information will be available 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.

CURRENT SITUATION: The Coffee Pot Fire increased by 1,131 acres, and seventy-four percent of primary control lines have been constructed and equipped with hoses and pumps.

Yesterday the fire continued to move downslope towards the South Fork of the Kaweah River at the Scratch Creek junction. Hotshot crews began constructing direct control lines in Scratch Creek to contain the fire. Also, in the northeast, firefighters continued to monitor the low-intensity fire burning in the Salt Creek Grove of giant sequoias. To the north, crews continued brushing along Mineral King Road, and the Fire Use Modules constructed indirect control lines from the fire’s edge at Homers Nose north toward Horse Creek and Mineral King Road.  Last night conditions were favorable to start the strategic fire operation at the northeast corner near Case Mountain. Crews began the firing operation along Salt Creek Ridge and moved west to secure the line. 

Today, firefighters' priority is along the South Fork of the Kaweah River near Scratch Creek. Crews will continue holding the containment lines at Scratch Creek and along South Fork Drive. They will continue the strategic firing operation in the northeast, bringing fire down Salt Creek Ridge. They will also initiate an aerial fire operation on the southwest flank near Bennet Creek to slow the fire's spread downslope. Crews are also monitoring fire activity in the Salt Creek and Lady Bug Groves of giant sequoias. 

EVACUATION NOTICES: On August 28, 2024, an Evacuation ORDER was issued for zone TLC-E128-B, the area north of South Fork Drive, east of Skyline Drive (Salt Creek, fire control road), south of Skyline Drive (south of Case Mountain and Homers Nose), and west of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Boundary. An Evacuation WARNING remains in effect for zones TLC-E128-A, TLC-E127-B, and zone TLC-E094-B. For a current list of evacuation orders and warnings, go to: http://protect.genasys.com/

WEATHER: High pressure over the area will bring continued warming and drying weather today. Skies will be sunny with haze and smoke. Winds will be diurnal and terrain-driven today and tonight. This weather pattern is expected to continue for the next couple of days.

SMOKE IMPACTS: Most areas within our outlook area can expect to see the highest smoke concentrations later this morning, with improving air quality in the afternoon before smoke returns overnight. Levels are expected to reach UNHEALTHY this morning from Three Rivers to the Sequoia and Kings National Parks Foothills Visitor Center and near Springville. The East Fork Kaweah drainage will again see the highest impacts, with levels likely reaching HAZARDOUS this afternoon before improving overnight. Levels are expected to peak at UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS in the Giant Forest and should remain MODERATE to GOOD near Pinehurst. We are also tracking smoke drifting further from the fire, raising levels to MODERATE as far north as Mammoth. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.

HIGHWAY AND ROAD IMPACTS: Highway 198, Mineral King Road, and Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open. Due to heavy equipment and personnel working on Mineral King Road, expect 30-minute delays or longer. Please plan accordingly. Additional law enforcement will be patrolling the area through the holiday weekend. Visitors should exercise extreme caution, stay alert, and drive slowly to keep themselves and fire crews safe.

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.

Suppression repair underway on the Flat Rock, Remington, Constitution and House Draw fires; Public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on August 30 in Kaycee, Wyoming 

Daily Update August 29, 2024 

 
Fire Information Phone: 307-201-3885 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) 

Media Information Phone: 307-543-7202 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) 

Suppression Repair Phone: 307-303-7642 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) This phone line is for private landowners to contact fire officials with repair of heavy equipment line or cut fence that occurred during suppression efforts.  

Email: 2024.housedraw@firenet.gov 

Acres: Flat Rock – 52,421; Remington – 196,459; Constitution – 24,594; House Draw – 174,683 
Acreage changes may occur due to overnight operations and infrared mapping. 

Containment: Flat Rock – 75% Remington – 61%; Constitution – 57%; House Draw – 94% 

Location: Flat Rock – 11 miles northwest of Gillette, WY; Remington – 14 miles northeast of Leiter WY, multiple counties in southeast Montana; Constitution – 11 miles northeast of Gillette, WY; House Draw – 9 miles southeast of Buffalo, WY 
Start Date: August 21, 2024 Personnel: 679 Fuels: Grass, brush and timber 

Resources: 11 crews | 6 helicopters | 67 engines | 6 bulldozers | 13 water tenders  

Highlights: A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on August 30 in Kaycee, Wyoming at Harold Jarrard Park (603 Nolan Ave, Kaycee, WY 82639). 

Fire Activity: Firefighters successfully held containment lines as windy conditions persisted yesterday, August 28. Today, firefighters will patrol and secure lines where needed. Crews will work to assess suppression repair needs and continue repair efforts across all fires. 

Flat Rock – The Flat Rock Fire exhibited minimal fire behavior yesterday, August 28, 2024. The warm, dry conditions did allow some activity, primarily within interior pockets of unburned fuel.  

Remington – Yesterday, crews on the Remington Fire responded to an active heat source in Wyoming within the fire perimeter. Firefighters will patrol and monitor the area today. Additionally, crews will continue suppression repair efforts including mapping and repairing interior containment lines. 
Constitution – Firefighters on the Constitution Fire will patrol and secure containment lines. Suppression repair efforts will focus on mapping repair lines on north side of the incident. 

House Draw – Minimal fire activity was observed on the House Draw Fire, primarily in cottonwood drainages. Today, crews will identify and complete mapping of suppression repair needs. 

Evacuations: No evacuations are in effect on the Flat Rock, Constitution, Remington or House Draw fires.  
Weather: In the fire area, a cold front with northwest winds will be moving in around late morning.    

Fire Restrictions and Closures: Fire Restrictions are in place across the fire area including: 

• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for Custer Gallatin National Forest, Ashland Ranger District. More information available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/custergallatin/alerts-notices/?aid=89447. 
• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office in Johnson County (as of July 1, 2024) and Campbell and Sheridan Counties (as of July 9, 2024). More information available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/wyoming/fire. 
• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for Sheridan, Campbell and Johnson Counties in Wyoming. More information available at https://wsfd.wyo.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions.  
• Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for Thunder Basin National Grasslands within the Douglas Ranger District in Converse, Campbell, Crook, Natrona, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston counties in the State of Wyoming. More information available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1199001. 

More Information: 

InciWeb (House Draw Fire):  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyhpd-house-draw-fire  

InciWeb (Remington Fire): https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnf-remington-fire  

Public Information Linktree: https://linktr.ee/housedrawfire  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5/  

Special Notes: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (RM CIMT1) will be hosting a community meeting at 6:00 pm today at the Stanley Community Building in Stanley, ID. The meeting will be live streamed on Facebook (see link above). In the event Custer County Evacuation Zone 2, which includes Stanley, goes into “GO” evacuation status, the meeting will be held by live stream only and the in-person meeting will be cancelled. 

State Highway 21 is closed from east of Lowman to Stanley (MP84 to MP130) due to wildfire activity. The closure is necessary for public safety and to provide safe conditions for firefighters working along the highway. Currently, Highway 75 remains open. 

Current Situation: Wednesday afternoon, fire activity increased in Divisions MM and PP, as was expected. The smoke from the active north side of the fire shaded the east side of the fire, which minimized fire activity in Divisions KK and HH. Firefighters’ focus continues to be on the protection of structures and communities while establishing control features around the fire’s perimeter. All activities are being coordinated on the ground with natural and cultural resource specialists to protect known values. 

Division DD: Fire managers are conducting assessments for work around values at risk and scouting for fireline placement should the fire progress in this direction. 

Division HH: Crews will continue establishing indirect line around Goat Falls, Stanley and nearby communities and suppressing any spot fires that may arise. They will look for opportunities to tie lines into the Bench Lake Fire from earlier this year. 

Division KK and Structure Group East: Smoke from Divisions PP and MM shaded the fire, reducing fire activity in this division. The night shift continued firing operations in the Iron Creek area, working to tie black line into the wilderness. Today, crews will work to keep the fire in check in that area and continue preparation for a potential strategic firing operation in the future as conditions allow. Crews are remaining in and around communities and other values at risk mopping up and maintaining defensible space. Fire managers are confident in the progress made on the large spot east of Highway 21 and crews will continue work today to make that area even more secure. 

Division PP: The fire was most active in this division as it burned south of Highway 21. Crews continued to evaluate fire activity along National Forest Road 195, aiming to keep the fire south of this road. They also continue prep work to protect Bradley Boy Scout Camp and other structures in the area in the event the fire crosses Highway 21. However, work along Highway 21 near and east of the division break is being done to keep the fire to the south side of the highway. 

Division MM: Crews completed a successful firing operation northwest of the Bull Trout Lake area. This tied the fireline into Highway 21 and an old fire perimeter. The actions are designed to protect the campground and prevent the fire from moving further north. Crews will continue to work in the area strengthening the line and watching for spots.  

Division WW and Structure Group West:  Crews are finishing mopping up around structures in Hanging Valley and Bear Creek, along the 524 road, and the Grandjean area. These areas will soon go into patrol status. Crews will also continue prepping around the subdivisions of Two Ravens, Ten Ax, and Seven Peaks, establishing firelines and supporting them with hose lays to protect values at risk. Fire managers are continuing to work with the Lowman Fire Chief to assess values at risk, point protection needs, and containment opportunities in the area between Warm Springs and Lowman along the Highway 21 corridor.  

Division VV:  Firefighters are assessing the situation in Division VV to identify locations for fire lines that have a high probability for success as well as the firefighting resources needed to construct those. 

Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior:  Clear skies and very dry conditions will persist today, with afternoon humidity dropping into the teens. Winds will be upslope in the morning, becoming W to SW in the afternoon at 5-10 mph. A morning inversion will lift about noon on the west side and 2:00 pm on the east side. Fire behavior will increase as sunlight reaches the ground and winds pick up. Potential for group torching, moderate range runs, and long-distance spotting remain.  

Evacuations: 

For evacuation information on the Wapiti Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/  and the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff/. 

To sign up for Evacuation Alerts in Boise County visit this site: https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1163 

Red Cross is prepared to establish a shelter in Challis, ID if necessary. 

To sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications, text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll online at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF . 

Closures and Fire Restrictions: 

State Highway 21 is closed from MP84 to MP130 for public and firefighter safety. 

A Wapiti Fire Area Closure / Forest Order: 0414-04-151 for portions of the Boise, Sawtooth, and Salmon-Challis National Forests can be found at this site:  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices. 

Boise National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions / Forest Order: 0402-00-63 can be found at this site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. 

Sawtooth National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions / Forest Order 0414-00-044 can be found at this site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices. 

Fire restrictions on state and private lands may be found at this site: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Wapiti Fire. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.  For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Wapiti Fire Statistics: 

Size: over 89,714 acres    

Containment: 0% 

Total Personnel: 978 

Location: Grandjean, ID 

Reported: July 24, 2024 

Cause: lightning 

For More Information: 

  Information Phone: 208-593-7132 

  Email:  2024.wapiti@firenet.gov 

  InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-wapiti-fire  

  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wapitifireinfo2024/ 

  Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/WapitiFireInfo2024 

  Interactive Map:  https://tinyurl.com/WapitiFireInfoMap 

Tamaño de Whisky Creek: 2,084 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio   |   Causa: De orígen humano, a ser determinada   |   Contención 24%
Tamaño de Sandstone: 702 acres | Fecha de inicio: 5 de agosto   |  Causa: Rayo   |   Contención 74%
Total de recursos: 550 | Equipos de obreros: 11 | Camiones de bomberos: 9 | Topadoras: 2 | Otras maquinarias pesadas: 18 | Helicópteros: 4

(Odell, Oregón.) -- 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. A medida que se acerca el fin de semana feriado, puede ayudar a prevenir incendios forestales y protejer a nuestros bomberos al participar en una recreación responsable, respetando los cierres de incendios y cumpliendo con todas las restricciones contra incendios.

El viernes a las 6:00 a.m., se transferirá el cmando del incidente al Equipo 12 de gestión de incidentes complejos del Noroeste (NW CIMT). Hoy, el equipo nuevo seguirá al personal del equipo presente en todo, incluyendo las operaciones sobre el terreno, la logística y todas las demás funciones de apoyo, y trabajarán en estrecha colaboración para garantizar que la transición suceda sin problemas. El Comandante de incidentes Steve North y el resto de NW CIMT 10 desean extender su gratitud a los residentes locales, propietarios de negocios y visitantes por su apoyo excelente durante este incidente. Se da un agradecimiento especial al Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood por su asociación y guía durante el tiempo que el NW CIMT 10 estuvo en los incendios Whisky Creek y Sandstone. Aunque el NW CIMT 12 asume el mando, continuará el compromiso con las comunidades y la gestión de este incendio.

Whisky Creek: Ayer, después de un retraso por la seguridad de los bomberos debido a condiciones climáticas desfavorables, se conectó de manera exitosala línea de mano en la cresta de la montaña Tomlike al borde del incendio. Los recursos aéreos ayudaron a los equipos de tierra en misiones de reconocimiento. Las cuadrillas reforzaron las líneas de control y contención y continuaron patrullando alrededor del incendio. El trabajo de reparación, que no involucra maquinaria pesad, continuó a lo largo de las carreteras con un impacto mínimo en el trabajo activo de extinción. El día de hoy, las cuadrillas continuarán mejorando la línea de mano completada en la cresta de la montaña Tomlike. Según permitan las condiciones, continuarán la trituración, las mejoras y reparaciones de los caminos.

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Ayer, las cuadrillas reforzaron las líneas de contención en el incendio Sandstone. Continuó el trabajo de trituración a lo largo de la carretera forestal 7015 y la nivelación en la carretera forestal 7010, y ya casi se terminan las operaciones de astillado en la carretera forestal 4620. Los recursos aéreos realizaron misiones de reconocimiento y vertieron agua en el perímetro no controlado del incendio Blister Creek hacia el sur. Hoy, los bomberos fortalecerán las líneas de contención mientras siguen triturando y nivelando. Las cuadrillas continuarán vigilando el incendio Blister Creek.

Clima y la intensidad del fuego: Persistirán los vientos pronosticados del este por la mañana, e irán disminuyendo gradualmente por la tarde. A medida que se acerca el fin de semana, se esperan vientos más tranquilos, pero las condiciones cálidas y secas y la baja humedad relativa pudieran provocar un aumento en la intensidad de los 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. Se ha establecido una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) en ambas áreas de incendio.

Humo: Se espera que la calidad del aire sea buena para ambas áreas de incendio. Para ver más información sobre las condiciones del humo en su área, visite: www.AirNow.gov.

Para más información sobre los incendios de Whisky Creek y Sandstone, consulte los siguientes recursos: 

Correo electrónico: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov or 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov              
Teléfono: 541-208-1743, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sitio web: Escanea el código QR a la derecha o vaya a https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024

                    Whisky Creek Size: 2,084 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 24%
Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 74%
Total Resources: 550 | Hand Crews: 11 | Engines: 9 | Dozers: 2 | Other Heavy Equipment: 18 | Helicopters: 4

(Odell, Ore.) -- Fire suppression efforts continue on the Whisky Creek Fire, 6 miles southeast of Cascade Locks, Ore. and the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, 9 miles southwest of Ripplebrook, Ore. The fires are burning 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. As the holiday weekend approaches, help prevent wildfires and protect our firefighters by engaging in responsible recreation, respecting fire closures and complying with all fire restrictions.

On Friday at 6:00 a.m., command of the incident will transition to Northwest Complex Incident Management Team (NW CIMT) 12. Today, the incoming team will shadow their counterparts in each functional area, including on-the-ground operations, logistics and all other support functions, working closely together to ensure a seamless transition. Incident Commander Steve North and the rest of NW CIMT 10 extend their gratitude to the local residents, business owners and visitors for their unwavering support during this incident. Special thank you to the Mt. Hood National Forest for their partnership and guidance during NW CIMT 10’s time on the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires. As NW CIMT 12 assumes command, commitment to the communities and the management of this fire will continue. 

Whisky Creek: Yesterday, after a delay for firefighter safety due to unfavorable weather conditions, the handline on Tomlike Mountain ridge was successfully connected to the fire’s edge, with air resources assisting ground crews on reconnaissance missions. Crews reinforced control and containment lines and continued patrols around the fire. Repair activities continued along roadways. Today, crews will continue improving the completed Tomlike Mountain ridge handline. Mastication, chipping,   road improvements and repairs will proceed as conditions permit.

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, crews reinforced containment lines on the Sandstone Fire. Mastication efforts along Forest Road 7015 and grading on Forest Road 7010 continued, with chipping operations nearly complete on Forest Road 4620. Aerial resources conducted reconnaissance missions and targeted bucket drops on the Blister Creek Fire’s uncontained perimeter to the south. Today, firefighters will strengthen containment lines while advancing mastication and grading operations. Crews will continue monitoring the Blister Creek Fire. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Forecasted easterly winds will persist through the morning, gradually diminishing in the afternoon. Calmer winds are expected over the weekend, but hot and dry conditions and low relative humidity may lead to an increase in fire activity. gt

Closures: The Mt. Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Hood River County closure information can be found by scanning the QR code or following the link below. Closures are in place for the safety of the public and fire crews. 

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; use caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit, https://keeporegongreen.org. 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. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over both fire areas. 

Smoke: Air quality conditions are forecast to be good for both fire areas. For more information on smoke conditions in your area, go to: www.AirNow.gov. 

For further information about the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires, see the following resources: 
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov or 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov 
Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Web: Scan the QR code or go to https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024

Homestead Complex Fire Update for Thursday, August 29, 2024

No Man, Salmon 33, Horse Heaven Creek, Bullpup, Fuller Lake, Reynold’s Butte, Lost Bucket

Start date: July 19, 2024 | Location: Northeast of Glide, Oregon | Total Personnel: 844

Total Homestead Complex Fire size: 5,911 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 60%

Summary

Today’s focus on the Homestead Complex Fire is putting a polish on our primary and secondary control lines. This is being accomplished through mopping up to cool any remaining hot spots, chipping vegetation near these lines, and patrolling to ensure that firelines are secure.

No Man (2,076 acres): Helicopter bucket drops were utilized on Wednesday to cool hot spots on the northern interior. This operation will most likely continue today along with some mopup work and relocating equipment that is no longer needed.

Horse Heaven Creek Fire (2,296 ac.): Fire crews completed line construction on the northwest side on Wednesday and are evaluating the possibility of firing operations later this week. Meanwhile, chipping along roads to the northeast of the fire is progressing according to plan. 

Bullpup Fire (476 ac.) and Fuller Lake Fire (418 ac.): Suppression repair is ongoing on the Bullpup Fire and will take several days.  On the Fuller Lake Fire, line improvement on the 200 and 300 Roads is nearing completion. 

Salmon 33 (275 ac.) 100% contained on August 24, 2024.

Reynolds Butte Fire (334 ac): 100% contained on August 22, 2024.

Lost Bucket Fire (34 ac.): 100% contained on July 29, 2024.

Weather: Overnight humidity recovery was poor with some areas of the fire only recovering to 36 to 40%. Today will be much warmer than yesterday, with highs ranging from 80 to 90 degrees. Winds will be east at 5 to 10 mph, switching to northwest at 4 to 8 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. The closure order can be viewed here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf 

The Umpqua National Forest has Emergency Fire Closures in place impacting every district of the forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices.

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

Williams Mine Fire Update for Thursday, August 29, 2024

The USFS issued a revised closure order for Williams Mine Fire yesterday. FS RD 23 south of FS Rd 90 is still CLOSED to the public due to fire suppression activity. The section north of the FS Rd 23/FS Rd 90 junction has reopened. This will allow traffic between Trout Lake and Randle via FS Rd 90 and FS Rd 88.

Yesterday was the local Type 3 Incident Management Team’s first full day on the Williams Mine Fire. They continued work to secure the fire, including fuels abatement on contingency lines along FS Rd 23 and other roads. More suppression repair work was also completed, including erosion control. The team will be constantly reviewing plans for future activities and adjusting these plans as needed to provide safe and effective fire suppression efforts.

Heavy equipment is operating along FS Rd 23 and other roads, working on the shaded fuel break and slash removal. Additional equipment has been ordered to continue this work as some operators reach the end of their work assignments. Hand crews are patrolling the fire edges, searching for residual heat to extinguish. They are also serving as lookouts to keep an eye out for signs of increasing fire activity or spot fires outside containment lines.

With the warmer weather, more smoke has been visible from the fire. A reconnaissance flight yesterday found none of the areas with active burning posed a threat to the current containment lines. Hot and dry weather is forecast for the Labor Day weekend, which is likely to cause a greater increase in fire activity. Smoke may be visible from local communities. The Williams Mine Fire will be monitored by ground and by air as needed, and suppression action will be taken if fire threatens to spread past containment lines or too rapidly elsewhere. Helicopters are available if needed for water drops.

SAFETY AND CLOSURES: 

Traffic will be heavier over the Labor Day weekend. Drive carefully and watch for inattentive and impaired drivers. Locals, fire traffic, and tourists need to share the road, safely.

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Tract D Recreation Area is currently closed, please see Yakama Tract D Road Closure for more information.  The revised closure for the Mt. Adams Wilderness and FS Rd 23 closure can be found at Williams Mine Fire: Area and Road Closure. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from the PCT's intersection with FS 23 to Potato Hill. The current area closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.

Location: 13 miles west of Grant, MT      Start Date: August 23, 2024

Cause: Undetermined                       Size: 3435 acres             Containment: 80%

CURRENT STATUS + PLANNED ACTIONS:

Fire activity has been low, and the overall fire footprint has not grown since Sunday August, 25, however the increase in acreage yesterday was due to the section that firefighters intentionally ignited to clean up debris and create a secure line of burned area that acts as a control feature. 

After evaluating control lines around the perimeter of the fire, fire managers felt comfortable increasing containment to 80%. Containment is a measure of confidence that control lines or features won’t allow for fire growth even in the event of high winds or other adverse weather. To call a section of the fire contained means that the majority of the heat in that area is cold out. 

Today, crews will continue to locate and extinguish heat throughout the fire’s edge but will concentrate on the northwest corner where the burnout happened yesterday, and there are still pockets of residual heat smoldering in woody debris tangled on the forest floor. Objectives are to work towards having all heat and smokes put out within 200 ft of control lines/features. Some crews will be assigned with carefully combing through the unburned side of the line to locate and extinguish any spot fires that may have been missed. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Conditions are forecasted to be hotter and drier today with less wind than yesterday. The hotter temperatures and lower relative humidities could allow for increased fire activity in patches of burning timber in the far interior of the fire that don’t pose a risk to control lines. An increase in smoke above these areas will occur with the increase in fire activity. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

There are currently no evacuations or closures in place. Fire managers are asking that the public avoids the immediate fire area for both public and firefighter safety.

To learn more about wildfire in Montana and how you can better prepare you, your family, and your home, visit MTFIREINFO.ORG

WEST MOUNTAIN FIRES

Boulder, Snag, Dollar & Goat Fire Updates

QUICK FACTS

Fire            Location                                   Size               Containment    Assigned Crews         Inciweb link

Boulder     9 miles SW of Cascade      2,396 acres          57%                356                      https://tinyurl.com/ycdfv3tv

Snag           11 miles E of Cascade       27,458 acres         3%                  525           https://tinyurl.com/4k9dk3mu

Dollar         18 miles NE of Cascade     2,937 acres           0%                  7                         https://tinyurl.com/bef6r3tz

Goat           11 miles SE of Cascade      2,427 acres           0%                 46                       https://tinyurl.com/2h4a3dvr

Cause: Lightning (All Fires)                                                     Total Incident Personnel: 934

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: 

A frontal air mass passed through the area Tuesday evening causing wind shifts and a cooler drying trend. This produced fire behavior including backing, group torching, and small isolated runs where wind and terrain align. There was growth on the northeast perimeter of the Snag Fire. The Goat Fire also grew on the north and southwest of the perimeter yesterday. Temperatures today start off cooler and drier after the front. Temperatures rise in the coming days with continued low relative humidity. Lower humidities will persist throughout the night—especially if thermal belts form along the higher elevation. This can increase the amount of time the fire can actively burn during the day.

• Army crews from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis McChord are currently assisting with suppression efforts on the West Mountain fires as well as assisting with adjacent wildfires in the area.

Boulder Fire:

• Limited heat remains on the western edge where growth is checked by rocky, non-flammable features.
• Suppression repair and mop up on an interior pocket of heat on the northeast side are continuing.
• Crews are backhauling equipment to the incident command post for re-use on other fires.

Dollar Fire:

• Firefighters and Army crews are securing recent firing operations along the western perimeter with support of helicopters to deliver water.
• Small firing operations may be implemented along the western edge when weather conditions are conducive.

Snag Fire:                                                                                                                                                

• Increased fire activity due to strong winds caused closure of Warm Lake Highway and de-energizing of a power line.
• Crews burned out a strip of green vegetation south of Warm Lake Highway yesterday to reduce the chance of spotting across the roadway. Another small firing operation will be conducted along the eastern fire perimeter south of the highway, to reduce risk to the powerline and highway.
• Firefighters and army crews continue holding fire line, mopping up, and patrolling along the fire’s western flank. 
• A firing operation is needed on the southern edge to remove available surface fuels between the fire and Forest Service roads #406 and #409. This operation will be implemented when weather conditions allow, possibly today.

Goat Fire:                                                                                                                                               

• Fire managers are assessing the values at risk and risk to firefighters from any proposed strategy, to ensure that actions taken are those most likely to be successful, while balancing risk to firefighting resources with the values they are protecting.
• Crews are improving Forest Service trail 099 as a contingency holding feature in case of fire movement around south end of the 2023 East Fire burned area. 

Crews are scouting for potential holding features closer to the active fire edge, as well as taking fuel moisture samples to aid in anticipating fire behavior. 

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 959 acres                           Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                      Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024        Total Personnel: 80

Fire Information:  Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov   Phone: 360-208-8096

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire

Current Status: Warm sun and dry skies graced the North Cascades on Wednesday, helping the forest start to dry out after recent rains. Warm, dry weather is forecast to continue through Sunday, raising fire risk. Fire suppression work continues today as safety permits heading into the Labor Day weekend. Access to the fire on the rugged slopes of Ruby Mountain is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. 

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to protect critical infrastructure, park campgrounds, trails, backcountry camps and other resources in preparation for possible fire growth. The Ruby Fire is a full suppression fire, and firefighters are utilizing strategies and tactics that provide the highest likelihood for success, while mitigating risks to firefighters and the public. The main objectives are protecting human life, minimizing damage to values at risk and limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: Upper-level ridging will continue to build over the fire, allowing for continued warming and drying. Temperature will rise up to the upper 60s to mid 70s by Friday and into the weekend. Light easterly flow will inhibit overnight humidity recoveries, only reaching 50-60%. An approaching upper-level disturbance will allow for increasing instability, and as the forest dries through this period, firefighters will monitor for potentially critical fire weather conditions moving into the weekend.

Closures: There are multiple closures in place for public safety; Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm south of Diablo Lake, and area trails and camps. For a full list of closures visit https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Thursday and Friday. https://www.airnow.gov/

Burning Restrictions: Campfires, the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. 

Drone Restrictions: Drones can seriously impact the safety of firefighting efforts, and operating drones within North Cascades National Park is prohibited, except with prior written approval from the superintendent. 

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: National Park Service, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Seattle City Light, Whatcom County, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Dept. of Transportation. 

To sign up for our daily updates, please send an email to: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov