Mike Almas’ Northern Rockies Team 3 began managing the Sunnyside Complex on Tuesday, September 8 and began managing the Iron Gate Fire today at 6:00 a.m.  The Sunnyside Complex is comprised of two fires (Clover Fire and MM49 Fire) along the Highway 12 corridor between Ahsahka and Kamiah. The Iron Gate Fire is located approximately eight miles southeast of Clarkia.  

Clover Fire: The Clover Fire is estimated at 1,632 acres and is approximately 45% contained. Much of the remaining fire perimeter is surrounded by a combination of roads and unsecured containment line, which crews are continuing to secure by mopping up hot spots.  As the weather continues to warm and dry this week, hot spots and unburned islands in the fire’s interior may increase to burn and smoke for some time. Where hot spots could potentially impact containment lines or structures, or where burned snags could affect the powerlines, crews are working to eliminate those hazards.

MM 49 Fire: The MM49 Fire is estimated at 1,996 acres and is approximately 30% contained.  Containment lines along the fire’s northwestern and southwestern perimeter are still holding, and crews are continuing to patrol and strengthen those lines. Additionally, crews are staffing and improving point protection efforts near homes, both north of the fire near Crockett Bench and also south of the fire along the Highway 12 corridor.  Recently disced fields along the fire’s southwest edge have helped secure the fire in that area. Much of the fire is burning in extremely steep, rocky terrain, and the fire is continuing to flank up-valley to the south/east along Highway 12, causing rocks and debris to roll down onto the highway. 

Friday, favorable weather conditions allowed crews to begin the long, slow process of conducting burnout operations to help secure indirect containment lines southeast of the fire.  Most of this activity is currently still high up in the canyon above the Highway but could become visible to travelers and area residents as crews slowly bring fire downhill adjacent to the indirect line. Fire managers will continue to work with both Clearwater and Lewis County Sheriff’s and Emergency Management offices, as well as Idaho Transportation Department regarding public safety considerations. Today firefighters will continue providing point protection around homes, powerlines/poles, and other resources, as well as continuing to strengthen indirect containment lines with burnout operations, as conditions allow. 

Closures/Restrictions/Evacuations:  All road closures associated with the Clover fire were lifted as of 8:00pm on September 9.  Travel on Highway 12 is currently restricted to a single lane with a pilot car guiding traffic through the MM49 fire area, and the road could be temporarily closed at times for public safety.  Please use caution to avoid rolling/falling debris in the area, expect at least a 45-minute delay in the area, and if possible, select alternative routes. Stay up to date with current road status and conditions by visiting http://511.idaho.gov/.  A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire areas. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones), so if you fly, we can’t! No evacuation orders are currently in place.  Residents near the MM49 fire along the river are in ‘set’ mode.  For information about evacuations, please contact the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office – 208-476-4521.

Special Announcements:  Please join us for a hybrid public meeting TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m.! We ask that anyone who has internet connectivity to join us (or view the recorded meeting) on the Sunnyside Complex Facebook page (link above).  For those who have no/limited connectivity, please join us at the OCI/Lumberjack arena adjacent to the Clearwater County Fairgrounds, but please wear a mask and adhere to CDC social distancing recommendations.  Information boards have been installed in several local communities, and updated maps and fire information will be updated regularly to those boards, as well as other public posting locations. Air quality in the area is currently unhealthy due to a combination of both area smoke and drift smoke from large fires in Oregon and California. Check http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/ for current air quality conditions.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  A high pressure system has settled over the fire area resulting in warming and drying conditions. Warmer and drier conditions may result in increased fire activity as fuels dry out.  Although winds remain light west to northwest winds could align with terrain allowing the MM49 fire some potential for short uphill runs. Drift smoke from Oregon, as well as smoke from other local area fires is concentrating and settling into the valleys (especially at night), as a result of local inversions.

                       Fire Information Line: 208-254-2099                               

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7164/  

Email: 2020.sunnysidecomplex@firenet.gov  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunnyside-Complex-Fires-Idaho-Department-of-Lands-110063324168351 

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 

Clover Fire – The fire is estimated at 1,632 acres and is 20% contained. The public should expect to see interior smokes popping up and becoming more visible as the weather continues to warm and dry.  Firefighters are actively monitoring and mopping up these hotspots where they pose a potential threat.  Fire personnel are removing hazardous burned trees in the area of power lines to make sure the area is safe for utility crews to work. 

MM 49 Fire – The fire is estimated at 1,942 acres and is 0% contained, although unsecured containment lines along the fire’s northern and western perimeter are still holding.  Recently plowed fields along the fire’s southwest edge has helped secure the fire in that area, and crews are patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the fire’s edge. The fire is actively burning above and next to Highway 12 along the fire’s southeastern flank, causing rocks and debris to roll down onto the road.  Today, firefighters will continue protecting power poles with fire resistant wrap along Highway 12, as well as ongoing structure protection efforts around several properties in the vicinity of the fire.  Fire crews are continuing to improve dozer lines and hand lines southeast of the fire area in anticipation of a burnout operation, to help secure indirect line should weather conditions become favorable.  These operations may be visible from Highway 12 and may cause temporary delays for travelers in the area.   

Closures/Restrictions:  All road closures associated with the Clover fire were lifted as of 8:00pm on Wednesday September 9, 2020.  Travel on Highway 12 is currently restricted to a single lane with a pilot car guiding traffic through the MM49 fire area.  Please adjust travel plans for at least up to a 30-minute delay, and if possible, select alternative routes.  Watch for debris on the road as rocks and burning material is being dislodged by the fire and rolling downhill.  A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones), so if you fly, we can’t! 

Evacuations:   No evacuation orders are currently in place.  Residents near the MM49 fire along the river are in ‘set’ mode.  For information about evacuations, please contact the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office – 208-476-4521. 

Special Announcements:  Information boards have been installed in several local communities.  Updated maps and fire information will be updated regularly. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  A high pressure system is moving over the fire area today resulting in warming and drying conditions. Warmer and drier conditions may result in increased fire activity as fuels dry out.  Although winds remain light west to northwest winds could align with terrain allowing the MM49 fire some potential for short uphill runs.   

 Fire Information Line: 208-254-2099                               

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7164/  

Email: 2020.sunnysidecomplex@firenet.gov  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunnyside-Complex-Fires-Idaho-Department-of-Lands-110063324168351 

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 

Clover Fire – Fire is estimated at 1,632 acres. Today, crews are actively engaged in mop up and patrolling for hotspots near structures, as well as continuing to strengthen and defend containment lines (especially along the fire’s western and northern flanks where the fire is most active).  Monitoring efforts will pay special attention to wooded draws where fire activity may increase as fuels dry out today.  A drone may be used to look for heat internal to the fire.  The Clover fire had a small spot out onto the farm fields which was caught quickly.

MM 49 Fire – Fire is estimated at 829 acres. Fire managers will receive more accurate mapping after an infrared flight occurs over the fire area. Firefighters will continue structure assessment and protection around Zan’s and elsewhere along the river. Fire managers scouted for the most effective place to tie off the northern corner along Highway 12.  That area of the fire became active last night around 6pm and received helicopter water drops to cool it down.  The dozer line along the northern perimeter is being improved and firefighters are preparing to install water hoses to keep the fire from moving north toward Crockett Bench.  The fire moved to the south along Highway 12 about a half mile.  Fire managers are planning to perform burnout operations on the southeastern flank of the fire to secure dozer lines.  These operations may be visible from Highway 12.

Closures/Restrictions:  All road closures associated with the Clover fire have been lifted as of 8:00pm on Wednesday September 9, 2020.  We encourage nonresidents to limit travel into and through the area to due to heavy traffic as firefighters and power company crews are still working in the area.  Road restrictions may be implemented for the MM49 fire in the near future as fire suppression activities continue.  A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones), so if you fly, we can’t! 

Evacuations:   Most residents evacuated due to the Clover Fire have returned to their homes.  Many of those who left their homes due to the MM49 Fire have also returned.  Residences on Crockett Bench and along the Clearwater River downstream of the MM49 fire are in ‘set’ status.  For information about evacuations, please contact the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office – 208-476-4521. 

Special Announcements:  Fire managers hosted a community meeting last night with simultaneous live streaming to the incident Facebook page.  About a dozen members of the public attended in person.  More than 150 people tuned joined the live Facebook feed and the recorded meeting was shared to over 2000 times.  If you would like to view the meeting please visit the incident Facebook page (link above).  

Sunnyside Complex
Announcement
September 9, 2020 10pm

Fire Information Line: 208-254-2099
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7164/  

Email: 2020.sunnysidecomplex@firenet.gov  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunnyside-Complex-Fires-Idaho-Department-of-Lands-110063324168351 

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 

Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz announced this evening that the road closures around the Clover fire would be lifted at 8pm.  However, he encouraged people who were not residents to limit travel into or through the area.  There is still active fire in some areas, there are firefighters still working to improve fireline and structure protection.  In addition, Clearwater Power Co. has trucks and workers in the area attempting to replace poles, repair lines and restore power to the affected residents.  For additional information please visit the Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Sheriff-Goetz-106049644269451.

Fire Information Line: 208-254-2099                               

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7164/  

Email: 2020.sunnysidecomplex@firenet.gov  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunnyside-Complex-Fires-Idaho-Department-of-Lands-110063324168351 

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 

Mike Almas’ Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team assumed command of the Sunnyside Complex on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. The complex consists of two fires, the Clover Fire and MM49 Fire. 

The wind event on Monday, September 7 caused fast and significant fire spread of both the Clover Fire and the MM49 Fire. The Clover Fire’s rapid fire spread lead to the loss of numerous residences, outbuildings, and vehicles during its first night of growth on September 7.   

Initial attack crews from the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protection Association, Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, and many rural fire departments, were instrumental in safely protecting numerous homes in the area. Further, by yesterday morning, crews had rough containment lines established around much of the Clover Fire and had begun both direct and indirect line construction along flanks of the MM49 Fire.  Structure and point protection efforts have been ongoing for both fires and thus far, have been successful in defending the remainder of the homes.  As of this morning, the Clover Fire was estimated at 1,632 acres and the MM49 Fire was estimated at approximately 829 acres. 

Today, crews at the Clover Fire are still actively engaged in both mop up and patrolling for hotspots near structures, as well as continuing to strengthen and defend containment lines (especially along the fire’s western and northern flanks where the fire is most active).  On the MM49 Fire, firefighters will continue point and structure protection efforts and direct line construction along the fires western flank.  Fire managers scouted for the most effective place to try to corral the MM49 Fire, and equipment operators are beginning indirect line construction along a ridge south and east of the fire front, working east and northeast towards Highway 12 and the Clearwater River corridor. As available, air support from helicopter water drops and retardant drops for single engine air tankers (SEATs) and large air tankers will help cool hot spots and reduce spread potential. 

Closures/Restrictions:  Road closures remain in place and the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Department currently has roadblocks at New Hope Road and Cavendish Highway, South Road and Cavendish Highway, and Sunnyside Bench Road and Old Peck Grade.  Any roads within the roadblocks are currently closed as well to include New Hope, Sunnyside, Rainbow Drive, Havelock Grade, Charles Lane, Clover Drive, Twin Springs and View Drive.

Fire Information Line: 208-254-2099                             

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7164/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sunnyside-Complex-Fires-Idaho-Department-of-Lands-110063324168351

Incident Commander:  Mike Almas, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team

Mike Almas’ Type 2 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team assumed command of the Sunnyside Complex on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.  The Complex consists of two fires, the Clover Fire and the MM49 fire.

Due to a significant wind event yesterday, both the Clover Fire and MM49 Fire spread rapidly and began threatening numerous residences, necessitating evacuations for 96 residences adjacent to the Clover Fire and 36 residences adjacent to the MM49 Fire.  With sustained high winds for ten hours and wind gusts up to 69 miles per hour, air resources were unable to assist firefighters on the ground. The fires remained active through much of the night.  Local initial attack resources and volunteer fire departments worked valiantly through the night and have made good headway getting unsecured line around much of the Clover Fire and have been working on both line construction and point protection on the MM49 Fire.

As of this morning, the Clover Fire was estimated at 1,631 acres and by late today State Fire Marshall’s estimate that the Clover Fire damaged or destroyed 13 residences, 31 outbuildings, 26 vehicles, and 1 Sheriff’s patrol vehicle.  Additionally, the MM49 Fire was estimated at approximately 900 acres.

Road closures remain in place and the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Department currently has roadblocks at New Hope Road and Cavendish Highway, South Road and Cavendish Highway, and Sunnyside Bench Road and Old Peck Grade.  Any roads within the roadblocks are currently closed as well to include New Hope, Sunnyside, Rainbow Drive, Havelock Grade, Charles Lane, Clover Drive, Twin Springs and View Drive.

The Clearwater County Sheriff asks that if you have been evacuated but have not yet been in contact with their office to please call the Clearwater County Dispatch at 208-476-4521.  Property owners are being escorted by sheriff department officers to their property to retrieve essential items or pets, if that property is in an area deemed safe to enter by fire managers.

A community meeting is tentatively planned for the evening of Wednesday, September 9, 2020.  It will be a “hybrid” meeting that will be live streamed on the fire’s Facebook page.  Residents who do not have access to the Internet and Facebook, may be able to attend in person, however, strict enforcement of COVID-19 mitigation guidelines will be followed.  More information with meeting details and additional fire details will follow tomorrow morning.

See attached press release from Idaho Fish and Game that all closures are lifted at Andrus Wildlife Management Area. This area was previously subject to closure due to the Woodhead Fire.

McCall, Idaho –Forest Supervisor Linda Jackson has terminated the Woodhead Fire Closure Order, effective October 19th. With the change in weather patterns and associated precipitation in the fire area, fire behavior is minimal and is no longer a threat to containment objectives.  Fire suppression resources continue to work in the area and some smoke may still be visible.

Forest users entering the burned area are reminded that there are still hazards in the area, including fire-weakened trees, smoldering fire, and heavy equipment operating in and around the fire area.  A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire. Those travelling or recreating in the burned area are reminded to be very aware of your surroundings and follow warming signs and directions from agency personnel. Hazards include unstable terrain, displaced wildlife, hazard trees, burned stump holes and root chambers, and the possibility of flash flooding and debris flows during periods of heavy rain. Travelers should exercise caution and patience while traveling on narrow roads in and around the burned area.

The Woodhead Fire, northwest of Cambridge, Idaho, started on September 9, 2020, and has burned on lands managed by the Payette National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, the Idaho Department of Lands, the Andrus Wildlife Management Area, and privately owned land.  Suppression damage repair and burned area emergency response are in process.

Additional information about the termination of the closure order, traveling in the burned area, and rehab activities can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/

###

BAER Assessment underway for Woodhead Fire on the Payette National Forest

McCall, Idaho, October 13, 2020 – The Woodhead Fire has burned almost 100,000 acres to date, though the fire is not yet contained. The fire is located east of Council, Idaho including lands in the Payette National Forest. Starting September 28, a team of Forest Service specialists are conducting field assessments to determine the need for burned area emergency response (BAER) treatments. Specialists include hydrology, soils, engineering, botany, range, recreation, fisheries, archeology, and wildlife. BAER is a specific effort to reduce further damage due to the land being temporarily exposed in a fragile condition. Loss of vegetation exposes soil to erosion; water runoff may increase and cause flooding; sediment may move downstream and damage houses or fill reservoirs, putting habitat and community water supplies at risk. The BAER program is designed to address these situations through the key goals of protecting life, property, water quality, and deteriorated ecosystems.

Led by West Zone Hydrologist Melanie Vining, the Woodhead Fire BAER Team uses satellite imagery of the burned area to classify the landscape into low, moderate, and high soil burn severity. Ground-truthing the satellite imagery is ongoing, but generally the fire on the forest burned in a mosaic pattern with most of the burned area preliminarily classified as unburned, low severity, or moderate severity. The burned area is initially classified using the satellite imagery and adjustments in classification are being made based on ground surveys and updated imagery while the fire is not yet contained. Eventually these efforts will result in a final soil burn severity map which can be shared with adjacent landowners, other agencies, and the interested public.

The entire burned area is mapped, though the field work and treatments identified by the Forest Service BAER Team are limited to only the acres of burned area on the Payette National Forest. A BAER Plan summarizing the assessment results and describing the proposed treatments will be prepared and submitted for approval. Approved treatments will be implemented over the next 12 months using federal dollars on federal lands.

Areas of concern for watershed impacts are in places that experienced higher burn severity, namely in Crooked River, No Business Basin, and Brownlee Creek. To date, major federal infrastructure was not lost to the fire, though there is likely damage to trails, signage, fences, and similar minor infrastructure that might need replacement. The BAER assessment team will be looking at those impacts more closely over the coming days.

After the fire burn severity map is completed and the BAER treatment plan is approved additional information will be provided to the public. While the BAER program does not prescribe treatments on non-federal lands, the assessment and hydrologic risk analysis can be useful to adjacent and downstream landowners to inform their own range of possible treatments. The Woodhead BAER team continues to share information with County officials and other agencies who in turn coordinate with affected landowners.

Information about fire operations, maps, and closure information for the Woodhead fire is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/
 

Woodhead Fire Morning Update
Friday, October 9th, 2020
Council District Office: (208) 253-0100
Weiser District Office: (208) 549-4200
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/

This will be the last morning update regarding suppression operations on the Woodhead fire, unless significant changes occur. Inciweb will continue to have updates posted by the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team, that will be rehabbing the Woodhead fire area. The Woodhead fire information line will no longer be in use after today. Please call the Council or Weiser Ranger District Offices for any information regarding the fire or National Forest closure.

The local Type 3 Incident Management Team who has been managing the Woodhead fire will be transitioning command of the fire to a local Type 4 Incident Commander, October 10th, 2020. The weather system predicted to arrive on Saturday is expected to bring ½-1 inch of rain, and snow levels are predicted to be as low as 5000’ on Sunday. Operations on the fire today consisted of continued patrolling of the fireline, repair, and backhaul of hose, pumps and other equipment.

The Payette National Forest closure will remain in effect until further notice. At midnight tonight the temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the Woodhead fire area will be lifted.

CLOSURES – A Payette National Forest closure remains in effect. Mill Creek, Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, and Crooked River Roads are closed. Idaho endowment lands west of Council remain closed to the public. Highway 71 and county roads are open, but the burned area is closed for safety. Descriptions and maps of the closures are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/

MAPS – The latest map of the fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/7163/.