Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Monday, September 21, 2020

Contact Fire Information: 208.207.7417 or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/ Follow: #WoodheadFire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/
 
Clear skies allowed helicopters and aerial observers to operate on the Woodhead Fire yesterday. Smoke columns were visible in several locations during the afternoon, but there was no measurable fire growth to the perimeter. There is a lot of unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter, which means that smoke will be visible on the fire until significant rain or snow occurs. The Council-Cuprum Road is now open between Council and Upper Dale. Adjacent lands managed by the Payette National Forest and Idaho Department of Lands remain closed.

Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity are slowing the fire’s progress and giving firefighters greater success. The reduced fire behavior allowed fire managers to send one crew to assist with a new fire near Lowman with the intention of containing it quickly. Another crew arrives today to replace it.

Yesterday, helicopters were used to drop water buckets on the northwest corner of the fire, where the fire was most active and the access for firefighters is the most challenging. A helicopter transported firefighters to Buck Park to suppress hot spots around the structures. On the eastern edge, dozers completed contingency fireline that has been in progress for four days. It stretches from Hornet Creek to Turkey Track, connecting existing roads, and then continues across the southern boundary of the Payette National Forest to Rush Creek. This fireline gives firefighters an advantageous location to contain the fire should it resume spread to the east.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are still in place for Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, and Crooked River. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.4227. The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees.

CLOSURES – The Council-Cuprum Road is still closed above Upper Dale. The Idaho Department of Lands asks that everyone stay out of the endowment lands west of Council for their safety until further notice. And the Payette National Forest’s full closure description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/. Although Highway 71 and adjacent county roads are open, the burned area remains closed for safety. MAPS – Daily maps are posted at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/7163/. And an animated map of the fire’s progression is also available at https://arcg.is/0vjjL1.

 

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Contact Fire Information: 208.207.7417 or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/ Follow: #WoodheadFire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/
 

Variable trace amounts of rain were recorded on the Woodhead Fire yesterday. Relative humidity stayed higher and some cloud cover passed through the area. Most notably, heavy smoke cleared out of the area, creating clean air for residents and clear visibility for aviation resources. Helicopters supported firefighters with water buckets, and fire managers were able to reconnaissance. Existing roads are being utilized as fireline, connected by fireline built either by dozers or hand crews.

Fire activity did pick up late in the day, causing smoke plumes to be visible in the vicinity. However, this smoke was mainly from heavy dead and down vegetation, such as large trees, which produced thick white smoke but caused only minimal overall fire growth.

Winds will increase again today, and a warming, drying trend will be in place throughout the week. High temperatures will remain near-normal, and relative humidity isn’t expected to drop below 30%. This will be very advantageous for firefighters. With the change in weather, tactics are changing to a more direct approach, constructing fireline directly on the fire’s edge rather than further away from the fire in an indirect approach.

Containment has been achieved on fireline on the southern portion of the fire. Evacuations have been lifted for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, and Cow Creek. Additionally, Washington County roads within the fire area are open, including Mill Creek and West Pine, to residents and through traffic. The burned area remains closed in addition to the existing closures described below.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are still in place for Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, and Crooked River. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.4227. The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees.

CLOSURES – The Council-Cuprum Road is open to residents only between Council and Mile Marker 12; it is closed beyond that. The Idaho Department of Lands asks that everyone stay out of the endowment lands west of Council for their safety until further notice. And the Payette National Forest’s full closure description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/.

 

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Contact Fire Information:  208.207.7417

or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/

Follow:  #WoodheadFire

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire

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

Fire managers braced for a busy day yesterday on the Woodhead Fire under Red Flag Weather conditions, but winds stayed light and fire behavior was moderate.  The fire is still well south of Ditch Creek Road, having grown very little in the past four days.  The heavy inversion stayed in the area, prohibiting the use of aircraft for water drops or reconnaissance. 

Overnight, portions of the fire received a very small amount of precipitation as a cold front arrived.  Actual rainfall amounts varied across the area.  Minimal fire growth is anticipated today, and this advantageous weather will give firefighters a better opportunity to safely and effectively engage directly on the fire edge.  Since the fire’s large growth early in the week, fire crews have been constructing indirect fire lines, away from the active fire edge, where the chance for successful containment is higher.

Firefighters are actively working on and monitoring all sections of the fire.  All private property is being evaluated for defensibility against the fire, with those closest to the fire getting priority attention.  If the fire continues to spread, these evaluations will occur in other areas as well.

On the southern half of the fire, which includes the burned area south and west of Highway 71, crews will continue falling hazardous trees along roads and around private property to limit potential damage or injury once residents and recreationalists are allowed to return to these areas.  This area is nearing full containment, which will allow evacuations and closures to be lifted.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, Cow Creek, Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, and Crooked River. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121 or the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.4227.  The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees.

CLOSURES –  The Council-Cuprum Road is open to residents only between Council and Mile Marker 12, and it is closed beyond that.  Roads leading off Highway 71 between West Pine Creek and Gateway remain closed.  The Idaho Department of Lands asks that everyone stay out of the endowment lands west of Council for their safety until further notice.  And the Payette National Forest’s full closure description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/.

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Friday, September 18, 2020

RED FLAG WARNING

Contact Fire Information: 208.207.7417 or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/ Follow: #WoodheadFire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/

The strong inversion limited fire activity on the Woodhead Fire yesterday. Continued improvement of mapping data resulted in a decrease in acreage of about 5,000 acres, most of which was on the endowment lands managed by Idaho Department of Lands.

Low visibility prohibited aircraft from flying until late in the afternoon. Firefighters continued construction of dozer line adjacent to the fire perimeter. Around structures, crews are reducing vegetation and taking other actions to protect private property should the fire grow close enough to threaten it. Existing roads and natural vegetation breaks are identified as potential containment lines for firefighters to hold as the fire approaches.

A Red Flag Warning is forecast again today, indicating weather conditions favorable for large fire growth. Stronger winds and atmospheric instability will likely lead to an increase in fire behavior. Gusts may reach 35 miles per hour on the ridges. Overnight, there is a chance for rain, then maximum temperatures will drop to the high 50s on Saturday. This will greatly minimize the threat of the fire, but it will not be enough moisture to stop the fire from growing more.

The southern section of the fire, including area west of Highway 71, is almost fully contained. Evacuations and road closures are being constantly evaluated by Team #4 in close coordination with the Washington and Adams County Sheriff’s Offices, Payette National Forest, Boise District BLM, and Idaho Department of Lands.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are in place for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, Cow Creek, Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, and Crooked River. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121 or the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.4227. The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees.

CLOSURES – The Council-Cuprum Road is open to residents only between Council and Mile Marker 12, and it closed beyond that. Roads leading off Highway 71 remain closed. The Payette National Forest’s full closure description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/. The Idaho Department of Lands is asking people to stay out of the endowment lands west of Council for their safety until further notice. This affects about 30,000 acres that are commonly used for hunting this time of year.

 
 
 

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

RED FLAG WARNING

Contact Fire Information: 208.207.7417 or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/   Follow: #WoodheadFire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest

The Woodhead Fire was moderately active yesterday due to a strong inversion. This limited fire behavior to some tree torching, which caused embers to ignite vegetation in front of the main fire. Firefighters continue to patrol the southern and western edges, where the fire is contained, and to work around houses where embers might still be burning. The fire continues to spread north and east, in a mosaic pattern, allowing for some vegetation to remain standing after the fire moves through. Structure protection remains a top priority and firefighters continue to evaluate structures and provide protection.

Weather will be a concern for firefighters over the next few days. A Red Flag Warning as been issued for both today and Friday because of atmospheric instability. Red Flag Warnings indicate weather condition favorable for large fire growth. A low-pressure system and cold front are expected to move through the fire area. Before the front arrives, increasing clouds, cool temperatures, and high winds with gust up to 30 mph are expected. Dry thunderstorms are a threat for late Friday afternoon.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are in place for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, Cow Creek, Upper Dale, Paradise Flat, North Hornet, and West Mill Creek. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121 or the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.4227. The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees.

CLOSURES – The Council-Cuprum Road is closed at Mile Marker 12. Highway 71, between Cambridge and Gateway, is open to through traffic only. All roads off Highway 71 remain closed. The Payette National Forest has issued an area closure for the safety of firefighters and the public. The full closure area description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/. The Idaho Department of Lands is asking people to stay out of the endowment lands west of Council for their safety until further notice. This affects about 30,000 acres that are commonly used for hunting this time of year.

Community Meeting – If you missed last night’s community meeting, view it here: https://tinyurl.com/yyahmrqy. An account is not required to view.

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Contact Fire Information: 208.207.7417 or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/

Follow: #WoodheadFire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/

The Woodhead Fire was moderately active yesterday.  Fire growth was mainly on the north towards Wildhorse River and to the east toward Council-Cuprum Road, prompting evacuations for residents. Between Cambridge and Gateway, Highway 71 is open to through traffic only.  All roads off Highway 71 remain closed.  Be prepared for possible delays or restrictions based on fire behavior.  Please travel slowly with headlights on, and look out for firefighters, equipment, and falling rocks.

Firefighters continue to put out scattered hot spots along the western side of the fire, most of which is contained.  Near Cambridge, the fire perimeter is contained as well. Firefighters continue to monitor the area and take action as necessary on hot spots.  As the fire continues to grow, opportunities to use both natural and manmade features are constantly being evaluated for potential use as firelines.  Firefighters will continue to assess and prepare to defend structures as needed.

Team #4 is working closely with the Washington and Adams County Sheriff, Idaho, Department of Lands, Boise District Bureau of Land Management, and Payette National Forest to determine the best actions to contain the fire safely.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, Cow Creek, Upper Dale, Paradise Flat, North Hornet, and West Mill Creek. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121 or the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.4227.  The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees. 

CLOSURES –  The Council-Cuprum Rd. is closed at Mile Marker 12.  The Payette National Forest has issued an area closure for the safety of firefighters and the public.  The full closure area description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/.  The Woodhead Fire area includes Idaho endowment land west of Council.  These lands grow trees that are harvested to generate funding for beneficiaries, primarily Idaho schools.  It is unknown right now exactly how many endowment acres have burned or the extent of the damage.  The Idaho Department of Lands is asking people to stay out of these endowment lands for their safety until further notice.  This affects about 30,000 acres that are commonly used for hunting this time of year.

The Woodhead Fire Virtual Community meeting will be tonight (9/16) at 7 p.m. The event will be held on Microsoft Teams. Please use this link to access the meeting.

In order to join the #WoodheadFire Community Meeting from a smart phone or tablet, Microsoft Teams must be downloaded. On a computer, you can join through the web. A login or account is not required.

 https://tinyurl.com/yy6ckd5f

Idaho endowment land block near Council closed
due to Woodhead Fire

The Woodhead Fire area includes Idaho endowment land west of Council. The Idaho Department of Lands is asking people to stay out of these endowment lands for their safety until further notice. This affects about 30,000 acres that are commonly used for hunting this time of year.

 

The lands also grow trees that are harvested to generate funding for endowment land beneficiaries, which are primarily Idaho schools. Trees on these lands are burning, but acreage is not known at this time as smoke is making it difficult to map the damage.

 

The endowment land closure is within the Adams County Sheriff’s Office closure area that includes Council Cuprum Road, Hornet Creek Reservoir Road, Pole Creek Road and Cuddy Mountain Area. These are roads used to access endowment land as well as homes. They are closed to non-residents.

For details and updates visit on InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/

 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST WEISER & COUNCIL RANGER DISTRICTS

 

Woodhead Fire Area Closure – Version #2 (For Public Safety)

 

PROHIBITIONS:

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) the following acts are prohibited in the area and on the roads and trails described in this Order, all within administrative boundaries of the Weiser and Council Ranger Districts, Payette National Forest. This Order goes into effect when signed and will remain in effect until October 15, 00:001 A.M. 2020 unless rescinded by the Forest Supervisor.

 

1.     Going into or being upon the Area described below. 36 CFR 261.52(e)

2.     Being on the trails within the Area. 36 CFR 261.55 (a)

3.     Being on the roads within the Area. 36 CFR 261.54 (e)

 

EXEMPTIONS:

 

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons are exempt from this order:

1.     Persons with a special use authorization or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

2.     Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3.     Federal or State administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty.

 

AREA DESCRIBED:

 

Woodhead Fire Area:

 

(1)  National Forest System lands within the boundary described as beginning at the intersection of the Payette National Forest boundary and the fire perimeter in T16N, R4W, Section 32; then continuing southwest along the fire perimeter to its intersection with the Payette National Forest boundary in T15N, R4W, Section 18; then continuing north along the Payette National Forest boundary to the point of origination at the intersection of the Payette National Forest boundary and the fire perimeter in T16N, R4W, Section 32.

 

(2)  National Forest System lands within the boundary described as beginning at the intersection of the Payette National Forest boundary and Idaho State Highway 71 on the south side of T16N, R4W, Section 20; then continuing east along the Payette National Forest boundary to the intersection of the Payette National Forest boundary and the Council Ranger District boundary in T18N, R2W, Section 13; then continuing north along the Council Ranger District boundary to the junction with the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area boundary in T21N, R2W, Section 15; then continuing west along the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area boundary to its junction with the Snake River in T22N, R3W, Section

15; then continuing south along the high water mark of the Snake River to its confluence with Deep Creek in T22N, R3W, Section 15; then continuing east along Deep Creek to its intersection with National Forest Trail (NFT) 218, in T22N, R3W, Section 15; then continuing south along NFT 218, but not including NFT 218 to its junction with Hells Canyon Road in T22N, R3W, Section 15; then continuing southwest along Hells Canyon Road NFR 454, but not including NFR 454 to its intersection with the Payette National Forest boundary in T20N, R4W, Section 33; then continuing south along the Payette National Forest boundary to its intersection with Idaho State Highway 71 in T16N, R4W, Section 7; then continuing east, along State Highway 71, but not including State Highway 71, to the point of origination at the intersection of State Highway 71 and the Payette National Forest boundary on the south side of T16N, R4W, Section 20.

 

PURPOSE:

The Woodhead Fire Area described above has ongoing wildfire activity within its perimeter. The Area is closed for public safety and protection from hazards associated with wildfire.

 

IMPLEMENTATION:

 

1.     This Order will be in effect when signed and remain in effect until October 15, 00:01 A.M. 2020 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

2.     A map identifying the Woodhead Fire Area is attached and made part of this Order.

3.     Any violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual, or $10,000.00 for an organization, and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months. [Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3571 (b)(6), Title 18 USC 3581 (b)(7)].

4.     This Order supersedes any previous Order(s) prohibiting the same or similar acts prohibited by this Order in the Area covered by this order.

5.     Further information regarding this Order may be obtained from the Weiser Ranger District (208 549-4200), Weiser ID, the Council Ranger Districts (208 253-0100), Council, ID, and the Payette National Forest Supervisor’s Office (208 634-0700), McCall, ID.

 

Done at McCall, ID this 15th day of September, 2020.

 

 

 

LINDA JACKSON

Digitally signed by LINDA JACKSON

Date: 2020.09.15

11:09:44 -06'00'

 

LINDA JACKSON

Forest Supervisor Payette National Forest

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Contact Fire Information: 208.207.7417 or 2020.woodhead@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/

Follow: #WoodheadFire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMIdahoFire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/
 

Fire activity increased yesterday afternoon on the Woodhead Fire with higher winds, hotter temperatures, and low relative humidity. Fire growth was mainly on the northeast side, toward Cuddy Mountain and up Cracker Jack Creek, prompting evacuations for residents above Upper Dale, Paradise Flat, North Hornet and West Mill Creek. Today’s weather is expected to be calmer with warmer temperatures and lighter winds. A cold front is expecting later this week, with lower temperatures and higher humidity.

The closure on Highway 71 has been lifted. Road guards may remain in place on each end of the fire area to caution travelers of falling rocks, equipment working adjacent to the roadway, and possible delays. Please travel slowly, look out for firefighters, and keep headlights on through the fire area.

While containment percentage went down due to the increase in size, firefighters continue to improve and create containment lines on the fire perimeter yesterday. Most of the western perimeter has now been contained and the heel of the fire, near Cambridge is mostly contained as well. Firefighters continue to monitor the area and mop up any interior hot spots.

Team #4 is working closely with the Washington and Adams County Sheriff, Idaho, Department of Lands, Boise District Bureau of Land Management, and Payette National Forest to evaluate the potential for continued fire growth and determine the best actions to contain the fire safely. As the fire continues to grow towards the Cuddy Mountains, there are opportunities to use natural features as fire breaks.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are in place for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, Cow Creek, Upper Dale, Paradise Flat, North Hornet and West Mill Creek. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121 or the Adams County Sheriff at 208.253.5227. The Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 to assist evacuees.

CLOSURES – Arterial roads leading from Highway 71 between West Pine Creek and the Oregon state line are still closed. The Payette National Forest has issued an area closure for the safety of firefighters and the public. The full closure area description and map are available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7163/.