Order No 04-19-466 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE 857 WEST SOUTH JORDAN PARKWAY SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH 84095 SPECIAL ORDER OF FOREST SUPERVISOR UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST SPANISH FORK RANGER DISTRICT TEMPORARY WILLIAM FIRE AREA CLOSURE PROHIBITION: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) and 36 CFR 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System areas described in this order. The area affected is located on the Spanish Fork Ranger District, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This order is in effect starting September 7, 2020 through October 31, 2020 or until rescinded. 1. Being in or upon the area, as described below and shown on attached map, this includes any type of motorized vehicle, all pedestrian, hikers, equestrian and bicycle use. [36 CFR 261.53(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 firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. 3. Federal or State administrative personnel in performance of an official duty. AREA DESCRIPTION: The closure includes all National Forest System lands between the Santaquin Canyon road on the north to the Mona Pole road on the south and the Forest Boundary on the west to the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway on the east located in Township 10 South, Range 1 East, Sections 13, and 24; Township 10 South, Range 2 East, Section 19; Township 10 South. Range 2.5 East, Sections 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35; Township 11 South, Range 1.5 East, Sections 2, 1, 37, 5, 4, 3, 11, 12, 38, 7 8, 9, and 10; Township 11 South, Range 2 East, Sections 39, 18, 17, 16, 15, 20 and 21; Township 11 South, Range 1 East, Sections 14, 13, 39, 23 and 24 all within the Salt Lake Based Meridian, as shown on the attached map. PURPOSE: The area closure is for firefighter and public safety during fire suppression efforts of the William fire. IMPLEMENTATION: 1. This Order will be in effect when signed September 7, 2020 and shall remain in effect until October 31, 2020 or until rescinded. 2. Attached map shows the area affected by this Order. 3. Violation of the above prohibition(s) is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization and/or imprisonment for not more than 6 months. [Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3571(b) (6), Title 18 USC 3581(b) (7)]. 4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Spanish Fork Ranger District office (801) 785-3563 or Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Supervisors office, (801) 999-2103. 5. This Order supersedes any previous Order(s) prohibiting the same, or similar acts prohibited by this Order in the area covered by this Order. Done at Salt Lake City, Utah this 7th day of September 2020. David C. Whittekeind Forest Supervisor Order Number: 04-19-466

September 10, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: 2 miles south of Santaquin, UT
Email: 2020.William@firenet.gov
Phone: 1-435-414-9418 
Start Date: September 6, 2020
Cause: Human caused, target shooting
Acres: 4,895 Percent
Contained: 18% Personnel
Assigned: 175
 
Current Status: Firefighters will continue building both direct and indirect firelines. Where possible, crews will hike to the fireline to secure it by putting out hotspots. Where access directly to the fireline isn’t possible, due to steep terrain, crews will construct and improve contingency lines between the fire and values at risk.

Today helicopters will assist firefighting efforts by transferring personnel to a spot fire located about a mile south of the main fire and by providing water to ground resources when needed. Helicopter crews will also provide transport for a radio repeater to be installed for fire communications.

There are closures on Pole Canyon Road and the Mona Pole Road (Forest Service road #600/#160) and details can be found on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf.

We ask that the public stay away from the area for the safety of the firefighters and the public.

Fire behavior on the William Fire today is expected to be minimal with smoldering and surface creeping in heavy mountain brush, grass and mixed type timber. More smoke may be visible as sun and wind warm and dry fuels available in the fire area.

Weather: The next few days will trend warmer and drier with temperatures forecast in the 70s.

A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) has been implemented over the fire area – which means recreational drones and private aircraft cannot fly over the fire. The TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_5589.html. Please remember, if you fly, we can’t.

Fire information can be found on Utah Wildfire Information at https://utahfireinfo.gov/. Check out News & Events and ‘Like Us’ on facebook.com/UtahWildfire , and ‘Follow Us’ on twitter.com/UtahWildfire for further information.

Did you see smoke on the Inchelium Complex Fires today?

Fuels continue to burn within the perimeter of the fires (Inchelium Highway, Fry, and Kewa Fields) and are unlikely to spread beyond the containment line.  Fire crews will continue to monitor the line to ensure containment.

How long will smoke appear on Inchelium Complex Fires?

Smoke will continue for several weeks or more.  Internal fuels, such as logs and stumps will take some time to burn and completely consume.

What is causing the smoke?

Partially and unburned fuels exist within the fire perimeter and these will continue to smolder and be consumed through a slow burn.  In fire terms, areas of the Inchelium Complex Fires had a dirty burn: an area where there is still a lot of standing, half-burned fuel susceptible to reburning.

When should I report smoke and to who? 

Please understand that smoke from far interior burning is generally not a concern. If you see, however, some active burning closer to the fire’s edge, around structures or some burning that is a concern, please call Mt. Tolman Dispatch (509-634-3100).

All Level 1 Evacuations are lifted on the Inchelium Complex as of 8:00AM 9/27/2020

FINAL News Release

 September 27th, 2020

Inchelium, WA:

Wildland hand crews and engines will finalize containment at the end of shift today on the Kewa Fields fire, bringing overall containment to 100%.  Crews will continue with rehabilitation primarily of dozer lines around the fire and remove unneeded hoses and pumps off of the fire line.

 With the finalization of containment, the Inchelium Complex Fires (Inchelium Highway, Fry, and Kewa Fields) will reduce in complexity to type 4 fires and returned to the Colville Administration at 6:00am on September 28th.  Jason Fulfer (IC 4) will assume command of the fire.  Level 1 evacuations will be lifted on all areas surrounding the fires at 8:00am on September 27th. 

 Crews will continue to be demobilized throughout the day and units will be returning to their home districts or be reassigned to another fire.  The remaining crews will continue with rehabilitation of the fire and conduct patrols of the fires. 

Fire danger rating remains High, even with recent rainfall.  Increasing warm and drying weather into next week will quickly dry fuels and increase the potential for fire initiation and spread.  This year in Washington State, over 90% of fire starts have been human caused.  It is extremely important to stay diligent when it comes to fire safety and to keep our communities safe. 

 News Release  -  September 26th, 2020

Inchelium, WA:

Heavy rainfall across the fires was utilized by wildland fire crews to increase containment on the northern lines of the Kewa Fields Fire as well as around structures and homes. Rainfall made for hazardous conditions on roads as well as within the fire perimeter and crews were diligent at maintaining safety through throughout the day. 

Increasing containment allowed units to demobilize early from the fire and return to their home districts or be reassigned to another fire. Additionally, some crews continue to ‘time-out’ on the fire and are being demobilized to rest in their home units before being redeployed to fires or to conduct initial attack in their home districts.  Wildland crews typically time out after 14 days of fire engagement and are required to take rest and relaxation days (R&R) before returning to duty, although extensions are possible.

  Additional rainfall helped to reduce some of the interior burning of materials as well as help to reduce the number of hot spots around the fire line and around homes.  However, hotspots can remain sheltered within dozer berms or deep in stump holes and continue burning, even with rainfall. 

Fire danger rating remains High, even with recent rainfall.  Increasing warm and drying weather into next week will quickly dry fuels and increase the potential for fire initiation and spread.  This year in Washington State, over 90% of fire starts have been human caused.  It is extremely important to stay diligent when it comes to fire safety and to keep our communities safe. 

News Release  -  September 25th, 2020
 

Inchelium, WA:

A strike team of engines will continue to patrol the Inchelium Highway and Fry fires for hot spots around the perimeter of the fire as well as around houses and structures.  Inchelium Highway and Fry Fires continue to be in patrol status. 

Crews will continue to focus on the northern line of the Kewa Fields fire, working along the perimeter to strengthen the fire line by extinguishing hot spots.  Hazard trees along the fire line and around structures will continue to be evaluated and removed where necessary.  Hand crews and wildland fire engines, in combination with excavators and skidgens continue to repair and rehabilitate dozer lines around the Kewa Fields fire perimeter and around houses.  Berms created by dozers during initial attack can retain burning material and will be extinguished by working crews.  Crews will also work closely with resource advisors for proper rehabilitation standards and evaluation as well as safety of cultural resources. 

  Additional rainfall today will help to reduce some of the interior burning of materials as well as help to reduce the number of hot spots around the fire line and around homes.  However, hotspots can remain sheltered within dozer berms or deep in stump holes and continue burning, even with rainfall.  Rainfall and cooler temperatures helps to minimize fire behavior and crews will utilize this advantage to increase containment on the fire line.  Higher temperatures and dry conditions are expected next week as high pressure sets into the region. 

 News Release  -  September 24, 2020

Inchelium, WA: 
Rains overnight, where helpful in reducing some hotspots within the fire perimeter, is not enough to completely put out the fire.  Hotspots can remain sheltered within dozer berms or deep in stump holes and continue burning, even after raining.

Activities:
Wildland engines and hand crews made significant progress securing the line on the Kewa Fields fire (Div. U and M).  Crews will continue to identify and extinguish hot spots along the fire line to increase containment.  Excavators in tandem with hand crews will continue to identify hot spots and repair dozer berms, especially around houses and fences, to ensure that structures are secure. 

  Crews continue to ‘time-out’ on the fire and are being demobilized to rest in their home units before being redeployed to fires or to conduct initial attack in their home districts.  Wildland crews typically time out after 14 days of fire engagement and are required to take rest and relaxation days (R&R) before returning to duty, although extensions are possible. 

  Today’s Operations:

Inchelium Highway Fire (7,120 acres) and Fry Fire (482 acres): Have been placed into patrol status and crews will continue to monitor the perimeter and around structures as well as houses for hotspots.

News Release September 23, 2020

Inchelium, WA NEWIMT Type 3 Team 1 has taken command of the Inchelium Complex (Inchelium Highway, the Fry, and the Kewa Fields fires).

Activities: 
The Inchelium Highway and Fry fires will be placed into patrol status and crews will continue to monitor the perimeter and around structures for any additional hotspots.  On the Kewa Fields Fire (Kewa – Meteor area), crews continue to work on the northern section to strengthen the fire line and increase containment.  Wildland fire engines and hand crews are gridding along containment lines and around structures for hotspots.  Heavy equipment, such as excavators, feller-buncher, graders and skidgens are working on smoothing roads and re-naturalize berms of dirt that dozers created when building fire line. On steep slopes excavator operator’s built water bars to inhibit erosion.

Today’s Operations:
Inchelium Highway Fire (7,120 acres): Has been placed into patrol status and crews will continue to monitor the perimeter and around structures and houses for hotspots.

Fry Fire (482 acres): Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the perimeter and around structures and houses for hotspots.

Kewa Fields Fire (11,797 acres): Crews will continue to increase containment on the northern section of the fire line and around structures and houses.  Heavy equipment will work on removing danger trees, maintaining roads and repairing dozer lines.

Two fires currently burning in a mix of timber and brush on the Colville Indian Reservation and one in patrol status comprise the Inchelium Complex: Inchelium Highway Fire, Kewa Fields Fire, and Fry Fire. All three fires are being managed for full suppression. Crews remain focused on securing exterior lines with an emphasis on mopping up around structures, and the ongoing protection of natural and cultural resources.
 
NW Incident Management Team 7 is transitioning command of the Inchelium Complex to NE Washington Incident Management Team 1 (IC – Tom Merritt) at 6 a.m. tomorrow, September 23.  Personnel from the Type 3 organization will ‘shadow' today. NW Incident Management Team 7 would like to express its gratitude to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and the local community of Inchelium for their cooperation and support.
 
It is important to note that as crews near full containment, fuels will continue to burn within the interior of the fires. The public may notice some smoke over the coming weeks.
 
Current Situation: Yesterday on the Inchelium Highway Fire, crews focused on ‘gridding’ for hot spots and mopping up on all flanks. The repair group made good progress contouring dozer lines back into the natural landscape. On the Kewa Fields Fire, a National Guard crew was added to assist on the northeast flank. Hand line was completed directly along the fire’s edge across the entire north flank, with gridding for hot spots and mopping up occurring on all flanks. The Fry Fire remains in patrol status.
 
Today’s Operations: Inchelium Highway Fire (7,120 acres): Crews will continue mop up operations to better secure fire lines on all flanks and around structures within the perimeter. Fire suppression repair work continues.
 
Kewa Fields Fire (11,797 acres): Crews will install hose lays across the newly completed hand line on the north flank to aid in securing containment lines. Securing, improving, and patrolling fire lines on all other flanks will continue.
 
Fry Fire (482 acres): Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the Fry Fire.
 
Weather and Fire Behavior: Today is expected to be another mild weather day with temperatures in the low 70s and light winds. Tomorrow the weather is expected to begin transitioning to wetter and cooler conditions. Fire behavior will be limited to smoldering, creeping, and isolated flare-ups.
 
Smoke: Air quality has improved and is now rated good.
 
Road Closures:  Seylor Valley Road north of Bridge Creek and Hall Creek Roads are closed. Bridge Creek Road is open.
 
Evacuation Levels: As of Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 all evacuations are at Level 1.  For the latest evacuation information see updates from Colville Tribal Emergency Operations https://www.colvilletribes.com/active-fires.
 
COVID-19:  Mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the Tribal community per CDC guidelines.