Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Alpine Ranger District
Start Date: August 18, 2020                          
Size: Approx. 5,200 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Percent Contained: 18
Personnel: 13
Resources Assigned: 1

The continued warm, day-time temperatures and low humidities, coupled with poor nighttime recovery have enabled the Cow Canyon Fire to burn approximately 5,200 acres within the Blue Range Primitive Area. The fire is being driven by available fuels and favorable terrain and continues to be characterized by a low surface fire with the occasional single tree or group torching.

Previously, firefighters prevented the fire from impacting the Franz Cabin and corrals by providing point protection and burning out around the structures. Today, firefighters were flown back in and conducted additional burnout operations on the Bear Mountain Lookout in preparation for the fire which is anticipated to reach the area later today. Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire’s progress and are engaging other Forest Service managers as it moves into Clifton Ranger District and the Glenwood Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

Temporary trail closures remain in effect and an area closure is expected as the fire continues to grow. The following trails are closed for public health and safety due to wildland fire activities along the trails:

Cow Flat Trail (#55) beginning at the trail junction of Bonanza Bill Trail (#23), following the Cow Flat Trail (#55) to the southwest until it meets the junction of WS Lake Trail (#54).

Lanphier Trail (#52) at the trailhead and the junction of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).

South Canyon Trail (#53) at the trailhead and the junction of NFSR 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).

The public should expect increased smoke visible east of Hwy. 191 on the Alpine, Clifton and Springerville Ranger Districts, west of Saddle Mountain, and near the town of Glenwood, New Mexico. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.  

For further information, please contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or email Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at as_portal_comments@usda.gov.  

Location of Origin: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Alpine Ranger District
Start Date: August 18, 2020                          
Size: Approx. 1500 Acres
Cause: Lightning                                            
Percent Contained: 18
Personnel: 9
Resources Assigned: 1    

Currently the Cow Canyon Fire is active on all edges and is burning through ground fuels with some isolated torching. Fire activity has increased over the last two days and led to some additional suppression efforts by firefighting crews but overall continues to remain a low risk to the values in the area.
 

The weather has contributed to the fire’s recent growth and the forecast is calling for dry and warmer conditions. Additionally, high winds, along with low relative humidity, have produced poor nighttime fuel moisture recoveries. These factors will aid in the continued growth of the fire over the next few days.
 

Yesterday, a Type 3 Helicopter flew fire personnel to the Franz Helispot to conduct burn out operations on the previously prepared Franz Cabin and corrals. The burn out was successful securing both structures.  Today, suppression efforts are also focused around the Bear Mountain Lookout and Bear Valley Corrals. Firefighters will be sent in to prepare these areas for possible burn out operations depending on fire progression and activity.

Temporary trail closures remain in effect and more are expected as the fire continues to grow. The following trails are closed for public health and safety due to wildland fire activities along the trails:

Cow Flat Trail (#55) beginning at the trail junction of Bonanza Bill Trail (#23), following the Cow Flat Trail (#55) to the southwest until it meets the junction of WS Lake Trail (#54).

Lanphier Trail (#52) at the trailhead and the junction of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).

South Canyon Trail (#53) at the trailhead and the junction of NFSR 281, following the trail to the southeast until it meets Cow Flat Trail (#55).
 

The public should expect increased smoke visible east of Hwy. 191 on the Alpine, Clifton and Springerville Ranger Districts, west of Saddle Mountain, and near the town of Glenwood, New Mexico. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/.  
 

For further information, please contact the Alpine Ranger District at 928-339-5000 or email Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at as_portal_comments@usda.gov.  

10-15-2020 –  THIS CLOSURE HAS BEEN TERMINATED.  10-15-2020

The Boise NF and Sawtooth NF have REVISED the temporary closure of the Grouse Fire area, roads and trails

Grouse Fire Update - September 21, 2020 
  

• 3,980 acres
• 40 percent contained
• Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho
• Start: Sept. 6
• Cause: Under investigation

Fire operations will primarily focus on monitoring and patrolling containment lines, repairing dozer lines, and bringing equipment off the fire. In the coming days, the Type 3 incident will transition into a smaller, less complex Type 4 operation (A Type 1 incident being the most complex command system). The fire will be managed and monitored by the local district until the area receives enough precipitation to eliminate any threat of the fire being active. This will be the last public update unless need arises. Any follow-up inquires should be addressed to the Mountain Home Ranger District.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, mopping up and monitoring. Crews will be patrolling the 166 road.

Weather: Cooler temperatures are expected for today, leading to a drying and Southwesterly winds starting Tuesday.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. A new forest closure will be created within the week allow the public to access areas not directly Impacted by the fire. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. 

Personnel and resources: 102 people are assigned to the fire. One 20 person crews, 4 engines, 1 helicopter, 3 excavators, and 2 water tenders.

For public safety: Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/
 

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/ 
 

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.
 
 

Grouse Fire Update - September 20th, 2020

• 3,980 acres
• 39 percent contained
• Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho
• Start: Sept. 6
• Cause: Under investigation

After receiving significant rainfall over the fire area, operations have shifted to monitoring, mop up and suppression repair. Resources continue to be reassigned to Incidents of greater need. Repair and Rehabilitation of a burned area can last up to one year after the fire is out. The first step is to repair damage created by the suppression activities including repairing dozer lines by pulling material over the bare soil and re-seeding with native species. The second step is to stabilize soils and waterways that are in danger of producing sediment and uncharacteristic stream flows. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment will be conducted to determine the needs which are in a large part based on the severity of the burn.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, mopping up and monitoring. Crews on the western edge of the fire will be engaged in preparing contingency line.

Weather: Cooler temperatures are expected for today, leading to a drying and warming trend through the remainder of the week.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. 

Personnel and resources: 125 people are assigned to the fire. Two 20 person crews, 10 engines, 1 Air Attack, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.

For public safety: Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

Grouse Fire Update - September 19th, 2020

• 3,980 acres
• 30 percent contained
• Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho
• Start: Sept. 6
• Cause: Under investigation

The fire received about four tenths of an inch of rain yesterday and early this morning. Fire resources will be reassessing tactics this morning, but continuing to secure line and mop up into the interior. As a result of the rain, incident commanders will also be reassessing the need for resources currently on scene, hoping to provide support to other incidents with greater needs.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, mopping up and monitoring. Crews will be reassessing tactics considering the amount of precipitation the fire received overnight.

Weather: Colder temperatures are expected with gusty and erratic winds expected most of the day. A chance of precipitation is forecast for later today.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. 

Personnel and resources: 183 people are assigned to the fire. Four 20 person crews, 10 engines, 1 Air Attack, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.

For public safety: Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

Grouse Fire Update - September 18th, 2020

• 3,980 acres
• 30 percent contained
• Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho
• Start: Sept. 6
• Cause: Under investigation

Firefighters will patrol and monitor the containment lines on the northern and northeastern portions of the fire , mopping up areas where heat is still present. On the western flank, crews and air resources are monitoring and mopping up where safe as difficult terrain and lack of safety zones make direct engagement difficult. Crews will continue to check the spread of the fire towards the 166 road, as well as prep contingency line for future operations. Fire resources will be on the lookout for expected higher winds out of the southwest as a cold front moves through the area today.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and F orest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, mopping up and monitoring. Crews will look for opportunities to engage the fire on the western flank in less than optimal weather conditions, providing it is safe to do so.

Weather: A red flag warning for the region has been issued for low relative humidity and gusty winds.  A slight chance of rain in the evening may give firefighters some respite.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. 

Personnel and resources: 191 people are assigned to the fire. Four 20 person crews, 11 engines, 1 Air Attack, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.

For public safety: Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

Grouse Fire Update - September 17th, 2020

• 3,980 acres
• 30 percent contained
• Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho
• Start: Sept. 6
• Cause: Under investigation

Fire resources are continuing to patrol and mop up in the northern section of the fire, holding the perimeter and eliminating any hot spots deeper into the interior. Firefighters hope to make good progress constructing line and mopping up along the eastern flank, picking up from the completed line north of the fire. Incident commanders will assess opportunities for engaging the western flank of the fire as weather conditions may make engaging the fire directly unsafe.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, while constructing new fireline south along the eastern flank. Crews will look for opportunities to engage the fire on the western flank in less than optimal weather conditions, providing it is safe to do so.

Weather: A red flag warning for the afternoon has been issued for windy conditions. Temperatures will continue to be warm with low RH’s with winds out of the southeast.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. 

Personnel and resources: 230 people are assigned to the fire. Four 20 person crews, 11 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.

For public safety: Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Grouse Fire Update - September 16th, 2020

• 3,922 acres
• 23 percent contained
• Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho
• Start: Sept. 6
• Cause: Under investigation

Fire resources are in the patrolling and mopping up phase in the northern area of the fire (mopping up is a process of eliminating hot spots in a fire with water and/or dirt to prevent spreading). Resources are continuing to hold the perimeter as well eliminating any hot spots deeper into the interior. Skidgines and crews are building indirect fireline down the western flank to prevent any spread towards the communities of Pine and Featherville. Firefighters will base all actions on safety, taking into consideration the steep terrain and heavy dead and down fuels, while looking for opportunities to go direct down the eastern flank.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open at this time.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, concentrating efforts to finish the northwestern portion. Crews will look for opportunities to build direct handline down the western and eastern flanks, considering safety first.

Weather: Temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week, while RH values drop. A chance of rain at the end of the week could bolster firefighting progress. Smoke will linger in the area from fires in western Idaho, Oregon, and California may affect firefighting efforts and visibility.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. 

Personnel and resources: 274 people are assigned to the fire. Six 20 person crews, 11 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 5 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.

For public safety: Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

             Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

Grouse Fire Update - September 15th, 2020

·         3,922 acres

·         8 percent contained

·         Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

·         Start: Sept. 6

·         Cause: Under investigation

Crews are continuing mop up operations on the northern edges of the fire, holding the perimeter as well as securing the line deeper into the interior. Handcrews, with the help of aircraft, are gridding for spot fires along the eastern flank of the fire, while additional resources are building indirect fireline down the western flank and utilizing aircraft to check the spread of the fire.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open at this time.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, concentrating efforts in the northwestern portion. Handcrews will be tasked with extinguishing spot fires, as well as beginning to construct direct handline into Lime Creek.

Weather: Temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week, while RH values drop. A chance of rain at the end of the week could bolster firefighting progress. Smoke will linger in the area from fires in western Idaho, Oregon, and California may affect firefighting efforts and visibility.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post.  Public entry into the closures only hampers firefighting efforts and can be a safety hazard for fire personnel and the public.

Personnel and resources: 269 people are assigned to the fire. Six 20 person crews, 11 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 5 bulldozers, and 6 water tenders.

For public safety: All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.