Woodhead Fire Morning Update

  Monday, September 14, 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 late yesterday on the Woodhead Fire when smoke lifted enough to break the inversion and provide air to the fire. The observed easterly growth was on the north side, toward Cuddy Mountain and up Cracker Jack Creek. The fire burned actively through the night. Today’s weather will be very similar, with warm temperatures and light winds. Later this week, a cold front will arrive and bring a chance for moisture.

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.

Firefighters gained a lot of containment on the fire perimeter yesterday. Most of the western perimeter has now been contained. The fire has burned a mosaic across the landscape, leaving patches of unburned vegetation while burning intensely in other areas. Smoke and fire activity may be visible in interior, unburned areas of the fire in the coming days, and firefighters will continue to monitor all contained sections of fireline.

Aviation resources were unable to fly yesterday due to the dense smoke covering the region. In some locations, visibility was reduced to less a mile. Pervasive smoke will be present again today but may begin to break tomorrow. As it does, it allows aviation to support firefighters, but it also causes an increase in fire activity.

Team #4 is working closely with the Washington 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, and Cow Creek. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121. 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/.

 

 Highway 71 has reopened to residents only, and evacuations are lifted for the highway corridor. All arterial roads remain closed, and Highway 71 is still closed to the public from Hansen Lane to the Oregon state line. Residents should expect delays along the Highway, with some fire activity, rolling rocks, and firefighters and firefighting equipment near the highway. Please use caution, go slow, and travel with lights on.

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Sunday, September 13, 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 was moderate on the Woodhead Fire on Saturday due to a stable weather pattern. Weather conditions are expected to change with a low pressure system approaching from the west. Winds are expected to increase to 10 mph with gust up to 25 mph. This system will continue to bring in smoke from Oregon and California fires, causing smoke levels to
deteriorate to unhealthy levels for all people. If you are in a smoke sensitive group, avoid outside activities after noon. Go to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality site, http://deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/, for more information on health issues and wildland fire smoke.

Firefighters continue to make good progress containing the perimeter, securing private property, and reinforcing firelines. Highway 71 has reopened to residents only, and evacuations are lifted for the highway corridor. All arterial roads remain closed, and Highway 71 is still closed to the public from Hansen Lane to the Oregon state line. Residents should expect delays along the Highway, with some fire activity, rolling rocks, and firefighters and firefighting equipment near the highway. Please use caution, go slow, and travel with lights on.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are in place for Seid Creek, East Pine/Pine Estates, Advent Gulch, upper Rush Creek, and Cow Creek. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121. Evacuees should contact the American Red Cross at 800.853.2570 for shelter and assistance.

CLOSURES – 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/.

WEEKEND REMINDER – Check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service. Respect fire restrictions in your area. Call 1-844-ID-FIRES (1-844-433-4737) or visit http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ to check restrictions in Idaho.

 
 
 
 

Saturday, September 12, 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 was moderate on Friday due to a stable weather pattern. Weather conditions for today are expected to be similar with a little more wind.  Winds will shift to the southwest in the afternoon, which will bring heavy smoke conditions by mid-afternoon over the fire and the region from the major fires in Oregon and California.  Smoke levels may get to unhealthy levels for all people.  If you are in a smoke sensitive group, avoid outside activities after noon.  Go to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality site at http://deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/ for more information on health issues and wildland fire smoke.
Firefighters continue to make good progress containing the perimeter, securing private property, and reinforcing firelines.  Due to the amount of firefighters and equipment on Highway 71, as well as rocks coming down onto the road, it will remain closed to non-residents at Hansen Lane.  Residents that live between Hansen Lane. and Advent Gulch Road will be allowed in.  No traffic is allowed north of Advent Gulch Road.
Team 4, working closely with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, will constantly evaluate road closures and evacuations and recommend reopening as soon as it is safe to do so.  Evacuations will be lifted by the Washington County Sheriff once fire managers are certain the fire perimeter near private property is contained. 
EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Goodrich, Grizzly Creek, Cow Creek, Rush Creek, East Pine, Advent Gulch, Woodhead, West Fork, Seid Creek, and Mill Creek and Horse Flat Roads.  Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121.  Evacuees should contact the American Red Cross at 800.853.2570 for shelter and assistance.
CLOSURES –  Highway 71 remains closed between Hansen Lane and the Oregon state line.  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/.
WEEKEND REMINDER –  Check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Respect fire restrictions in your area.  Call 1-844-ID-FIRES (1-844-433-4737) or visit http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ to check restrictions in Idaho.

Woodhead Fire Road Closure Update
9/11/20

The road closure point on Highway 71 west of Cambridge has been moved up to West Pine Creek.  And the road is open to local residents only between there and the Advent Gulch turnoff.  All arterial roads remain closed and all other evacuations remain in place.  Residents may be escorted in to care for animals by contacting the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121.

Woodhead Fire Morning Update

Friday, September 11, 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 growth of about 12,000 acres on the Woodhead Fire is mostly the result of more accurate mapping. Fire activity did increase around midday Thursday, once the inversion started to break. Similar weather conditions are expected today. Winds will be light and temperatures warming. Sunday, near record temperatures and stronger wind gusts are forecast. This may lead to another critical fire weather day, although conditions will not be near the historic wind event that happened Monday. Firefighters will work hard the next two days to contain as much of the fire as possible before then.

The areas of concern for firefighters today will be the southwest section, where the fire crossed Highway 71 near Mill Creek, and the southern edge, nearest the community of Cambridge. Firefighters want to minimize additional fire spread on the south side of Highway 71. Helicopter use to support firefighters working on the ground has been limited because of the smoky conditions.

Team 4 will constantly evaluate road closures and evacuations and recommend reopening as soon as it is safe to do so. Utility equipment and firefighting vehicles are actively working along Highway 71. Evacuations will be lifted by the Washington County Sheriff once fire managers are certain the fire perimeter near private property is contained. Much of that section of the fire is in grass and brush, where fire spread quickly but is also more easily suppressed.

EVACUATIONS – Evacuations are in place for Goodrich, Grizzly Creek, Cow Creek, Rush Creek, East Pine, Advent Gulch, Woodhead, West Fork, Seid Creek, Highway 71 corridor, and Mill Creek and Horse Flat Roads. Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121. Evacuees may go to the Cambridge High School Gym. Additionally, the Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 for assistance.

CLOSURES – Highway 71 remains closed between Cambridge and the Oregon state line. The Payette National Forest will 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/.

WEEKEND REMINDER – Check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service. Respect fire restrictions in your area. Call 1-844-ID-FIRES (1-844-433-4737) or visit http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ to check restrictions in Idaho

 
 

Order Number: 0412-554

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

PAYETTE NATIONAL FOREST

WEISER & COUNCIL RANGER DISTRICTS

Woodhead Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure – Version #1

(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 will be effect when signed and will remain in effect until October 15, 00:01 A.M. 2020 or unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.

1. Going into or being upon the Area described below. 36 CFR 261.53(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: National Forest System lands within the boundary described as beginning at the intersection of the Payette National Forest Boundary and State Highway 71 on the south side of T16N, R4W, Section 20, then continuing east along the Payette National Forest Boundary to the southeast corner of the northeast quadrant of T16N, R3W, Section 25, then continuing north along the section line for T16N, R3W, Section 25 to its intersection with FST No. 236, then continuing northwest along and including Trail No. 236 to its junction with national FST No. 289 in T16N, R3W, Section 10, and continuing North along and including Trail 289 to its junction with National Forest System Road 055 in T16N, R3W, Section 11, then continuing northwest along and including Road 055 to its junction with the Payette National Forest Boundary in T17N, R3W, Section 32, then continuing North along the Payette National Forest Boundary to its junction with Road 055 in T17N, R3W, Section 17, then continuing west along and including Road 055 to its junction with FSR 1820 in T17N, R3W, Section 18, then continuing north along and including Road 1820 to its junction with National Forest System Trail 251 in T17N, R3W, Section 4W, Section 12, then continuing along and including Trail 251 to its junction with FST 252 in T17N, R4W, Section 2, then continuing southwest along Trail 252 to its crossing of No Business Creek in T17N, R4W, Section 10, then continuing northwest along No Business Creek to its intersection with the Payette National Forest boundary in T17N, R4W, Section 3, then continuing west and then south

Order Number: 0412-554

along the Payette National Forest boundary to the southeast corner of T16N, R4W, Section 16, then continuing west and then south along the Payette National Forest boundary to its intersection with national FSR 085 on the west side of T16N, R5W, Section 7, and continuing east on and including Road 085 to its junction with National Forest System Road 030 in T15N, R5W, Section 9, and continuing southeast along and including Road 030 to its junction with FSR 1878 in T15N, R5W, Section 9, then continuing south on and including Road 1878 to its junction with FSR 1005 in T15N, R5W, Section 15, then continuing east on and including Road 1005 to its junction with FSR 031 in T15N, R5W, Section 15, then continuing southeast along Road 031 to its junction with FSR 032 in T15N, R3W, Section 23, then continuing southeast along and including Road 032 to its junction with FST 275 in T15N, R5W, Section 25, then continuing southwest along and including Trail 275 to its junction with National Forest System Trail 242 in T15N, R5W, Section 26, then continuing west along and including Trail 242 to its junction with NFT 276 in T15N, R5W, Section 34, then continuing south along and including Trail 276 to its junction with FSR 573 in T14N, R5W, Section 10, then continuing south along but not including Road 573 to its junction with NFT 278 in T14N, R5W, Section 14, the continuing northeast along and including Trail 278 to its junction with FSD 037 in T14N, R5W, Section 11, then continuing southeast along and including Road 037 to its intersection with the Payette National Forest Boundary on the east side of T14N, R5W, Section 13, then continuing north along the Payette National Forest Boundary to the point of origination at the intersection of the Payette National Forest Boundary and Idaho State Highway 71 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 10th day of September, 2020.

_____________________________

LINDA JACKSON

Forest Supervisor

Payette National Forest

Thursday, September 10, 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/
 

This morning, Great Basin Team #4 assumed command of the Woodhead Fire.  A fire camp is in place at the Washington County Fairgrounds to support the firefighters assigned to the Woodhead Fire.  Be aware of increased traffic in and around Cambridge from firefighter and support vehicles and equipment.

Priorities for the Woodhead Fire include protecting private property, infrastructure, and livestock forage.  Timber values on state and private lands and shrub stands in the Cecil Andrus Wildlife Management Area are also valuable resources to be protected.  Assessments are ongoing to determine the number of structures lost or damaged.

The fire burned actively overnight because of relatively low nighttime humidity.  An inversion is in place this morning and will likely lift late this morning.  Regional smoke from fires in the west acts like cloud cover, holding warmer air in at night and limiting the sun’s intensity during the day.  However, the heavy smoke has also hindered aviation resources from working on the fire.

The weather pattern through the weekend will stay sunny and warm with light winds.  This is favorable for firefighters; however, firefighting resources are stretched thin with many large fires burning throughout the west.  Team #4 will establish plans for reducing or expanding closures and evacuations based on fire threat and safety concerns.

EVACUATIONS –  Evacuations are in place for Goodrich, Grizzly Creek, Cow Creek, Rush Creek, East Pine, Advent Gulch, Woodhead, West Fork, Seid Creek, Highway 71 corridor, and Mill Creek and Horse Flat Roads.  Residents may be escorted in to care for animals; contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 208.414.2121.  Evacuees may go to the Cambridge High School Gym.  Additionally, the Red Cross is available at 800.853.2570 for assistance.

CLOSURES –  Highway 71 remains closed between Cambridge and the Oregon state line.  The Payette National Forest will issue an area closure for the safety of firefighters and the public.  More information and a map will be available once the closure order is finalized.

WEEKEND REMINDER –  Check InciWeb for the latest updates to evacuations and closures before leaving cell service.  Respect fire restrictions in your area.  Call 1-844-ID-FIRES (1-844-433-4737) or visit http://www.idahofireinfo.com/ to check restrictions in Idaho.

Closure order is expected to go into place sometime today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12:00 pm – September 9, 2020

Favorable Weather Forecast

for Personnel Battling

Payette Fires

McCall, ID, September 9, 2020 – Firefighters continue to suppress the nearly 27,000 acre Woodhead

Fire northwest of Cambridge, ID. The fire started Monday September 7, 2020 and quickly grew under

high winds. Evacuation orders are still in effect and are being managed by the Washington County

Sheriff’s Office. Highway 71 also remains closed from the Oregon border to 4th Street in Cambridge.

The National Weather Service predicts a return to warmer weather over the weekend, with weakening

winds.

Firefighters responded to four additional fires over the holiday weekend, with only two of them larger

than an acre. The Mann Fire, in Porcupine Creek drainage, is 18 acres and the Auburn Fire, near Lost

Valley Reservoir, is 2 acres with resources on scene of both incidents.

The Porphyry Fire continues to burn in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. An area

closure is still in effect for the surrounding area.

Fire Updates

Woodhead: Council Ranger District – northwest of Cambridge, ID. The Woodhead Fire started on

September 7, 2020 north of State Highway 71 near milepost 6. A cold front bringing strong sustained

winds fanned the flames and it quickly grew to approximately 26,883 acres within first 48 hours. Low

visibility, high winds and powerlines hindered aerial firefighting efforts and precluded the use of

airtankers. Calmer winds have aided fire suppression activities, but the fire is still 0% contained and

evacuations and highway closures remain in effect. Communities near West Pine Rd, Mill Creek Rd,

Cemetery Rd, Rush Creek, Goodrich, Pine Creek, Seid Creek and Advent Gulch are under an

evacuation order managed by Washington County Sheriff’s Office. State Highway 71 is closed by ITD

from the Oregon border to 4th Street in Cambridge. A Type 2 Incident Management Team is on order

and will be in-briefed later in the day. For more information on evacuations, call the Washington

County Sheriff’s Office at 208-414-2121. For fire updates, follow the Payette National Forest on

Facebook and check Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7163/.

Mann Creek:

• Located between 4th of July Creek and Mann Creek in the Porcupine Creek drainage

• 18 acres

• 16 personnel on scene

• Working on ground to establish and secure a fireline

• Fire is surrounded by fireline and retardant

• 0% containment at this time

Auburn:

• 3 miles west of Lost Valley Reservoir

• 2 acres

• Resources on scene

• No impacts to recreation at this time

Porphyry:

• 5 miles east of Hettinger Ranch

• 5,768 acres as of last report

• Closure Order in effect as of September 7, 2020

• Minimal fire activity

• Type 3 Incident Management Organization

• Agency Administers and Fire Managers urge hunters to stay aware and alert of fire activity even

outside of the closure area, and to establish an alternate/backup route into and out of their hunting

areas.

• Floaters are asked to move quickly through the segment of SFSR where fire activity is. The river

is not included in the Closure Order but it if not safe to camp or beach near the closure area.

Floaters should continue on to the confluence or camp well up river from the closure area

Wildfires can produce high quantities of smoke. In the midst of fire activity, firefighters can do little to

reduce smoke impacts. Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions.

Learn more at https://airnow.gov.

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