Unified Command: CIIMT5 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 3,434 

Percent Contained: 0% 

Personnel: 1,029

Cause: Lightning

Start Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:05 AM

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA

COFFEE POT FIRE PUBLIC MEETING: A public meeting will be held tonight, August 26, at 6:00 PM at the Three Rivers Memorial Building 43490 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the fire situation, information on the strategic firing operation, and to inform residents of any upcoming evacuation warnings or orders. Those who are unable to attend in person can watch the meeting live on the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Facebook page @SequoiaKingsNPS or YouTube channel @sequoiaandkingscanyonnps5018. Questions can be submitted prior to the meeting by emailing 2024.coffeepot.ca@firenet.gov. Please write "Meeting Question” in the subject line.

FIRE INFORMATION: A Public Information Officer will be at the Three Rivers Village Market daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM to provide fire information and answer questions.

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, the Coffee Pot Fire increased by 311 acres. Sixty-three percent of primary and indirect control lines have been completed, including indirect control lines between South Fork Drive and Cinnamon Gap, Cinnamon Gap to the top of Case Mountain, and along South Fork Drive. Water hoses and pumps have been placed along the indirect control lines to assist with future fire operations. Three, 10-person Fire Use Modules are identifying control features, such as rock outcrops and other natural barriers, to contain the east flank of the fire.

Protecting Three Rivers and adjacent areas is the highest priority, as fire crews are continuing to strengthen and widen indirect control lines on the western and southern flanks. This afternoon, fire crews may begin a strategic firing operation to test burning conditions. This operation will be conducted near the fire’s edge, away from the indirect control line. If tests are successful, a strategic firing operation using a backing fire to control the fire’s intensity and rate of spread will be initiated near Case Mountain, continuing down to South Fork Drive. This operation is anticipated to last several weeks. 

WEATHER: Temperatures are continuing to increase today, with humidity decreasing, and sunny and hazy conditions persisting. Wind will be light out of the northeast in the morning and will shift out of the west and southwest in the afternoon, with some gusts over ridges. Weather will continue to trend hotter and drier until mid-week. 

SMOKE IMPACTS: Continued warm and dry conditions will produce more smoke today. The highest smoke concentrations will be in the Mineral King area, with air quality levels moving from MODERATE in the morning to UNHEALTHY later this afternoon. The Giant Forest area can expect to see MODERATE levels during the day, with concentrations increasing to UNHEALTHY overnight. The area from Three Rivers to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Foothills Visitor Center is seeing increased smoke this morning and will remain between MODERATE and UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS today, possibly reaching UNHEALTHY tonight. Pinehurst and Springville can expect to experience MODERATE conditions as well today. Expect increasing smoke impacts later this week as crews begin to execute strategic firing operations. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.

HIGHWAY AND ROAD IMPACTS: Highway 198, Mineral King Road, and Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open. Due to heavy equipment and personnel working on Mineral King Road, expect 30-minute delays or longer. Please plan accordingly. Visitors should exercise extreme caution, stay alert, and drive slowly to keep themselves and fire crews safe.

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed. Park closure information is available online at nps.gov/seki. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area at blm.gov/press-release.

EVACUATION WARNING: An Evacuation WARNING has been issued for TLC Zones TLC-E128-B and TLC-E094-B, area north of South Fork Drive, East of Skyline Drive (Salt Creek Fire Control Road), South of Mineral King Road, and West of the National Park Boundary. An evacuation WARNING means you should prepare to evacuate the area should the fire approach your home, or, if ordered to do so. Please stay clear and out of the areas affected by the fire. If there is an emergency, please dial 911. For more regarding evacuations, alert notifications, and zone information, please visit tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Park Fire Morning Update for August 26 is posted on the Park Fire Status Update Page

A closure is in effect for Ashland Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Powder River and Rosebud County, MT.

Williams Mine Fire Update for Monday, August 26, 2024

KEY MESSAGES:

In the coming days, some of the closures and restrictions in the areas around the Williams Mine Fire will be reduced and some rescinded. As closures change, the public is asked to ensure they follow existing closure information as firefighters will still be working in the area. Many roads and trails will continue to have staff working around them and road guards on closed roads will still be present. 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources has lifted their closures around the Williams Mine Fire. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest still has a Forest Closure area, although this area closure has been reduced in size.  See the attached links below for the most up to date information regarding closures.

CURRENT STATUS: 

Fire crews in the southern and eastern areas of the fire perimeter, continue to mop up and patrol the established firelines.  Cold trailing is also underway, and this method ensures there is no residual interior heat aiding in containment. To the north-west, masticating and chipping operations continue to develop fuel breaks and this operation will continue over the next several days along the 023, 070, 521, and 101 roads.

In all areas, ladder fuels are being reduced to slow, remove the potential for fire spread. Dump trucks arrived to help with the removal of woody debris and slash and to aid in the long term staging and disposal of this material. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Today is expected to be another clear, warm day with temperatures in the 70’s and humidity levels in the 40s. Tomorrow temperatures will take a minor dip, but then rise again through the week. Smoke production may begin to be seen again within the fire perimeter through the week into Labor Day as temperatures warm and dry. This smoke is coming from unburned fuels within the fire area.

SAFETY AND CLOSURES: 

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Tract D Recreation Area is currently closed, please see Yakama Tract D Road Closure for more information.  The FS-23 and FS-25 roads are closed, see the Williams Mine Area and Road Closure for more details. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from the PCT's intersection with FS 23 to Potato Hill. The current area closure spans the entire Mt. Adams Wilderness.

Buffalo Field Office
Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office is implementing fire restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the boundary of Johnson County beginning July 1, 2024.

Whisky Creek Size: 2,075 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 24%
Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 37%
Total Resources: 533 | Hand Crews: 10 | Engines: 9 | Dozers: 2 | Other Heavy Equipment: 19 | Helicopters: 4

(Odell, Ore.) -- Fire suppression efforts continue on the Whisky Creek Fire, 6 miles southeast of Cascade Locks, Ore. and the Sandstone and Blister Creek Fires, 9 miles southwest of Ripplebrook, Ore. The fires are burning in steep and rugged terrain on the Mt. Hood National Forest where rolling debris and fire-weakened trees challenge firefighting efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the incident’s top priority. 

Once a wildfire is confirmed on the landscape, fire managers determine which locations may best serve as firelines to protect key values while minimizing firefighter risk. Control lines are purposely constructed or carefully identified natural features that serve as barriers against fire growth. If fire suppression operations are successful and fire behavior moderates, these control lines may be designated as containment lines, effectively halting fire spread. At this point on the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires, firefighters are focusing their efforts on building and strengthening these lines. 

Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and monitor along the fire’s contained edge, confirming old spot fires have been completely extinguished. Hand crews extended control lines north on the Tomlike Mountain ridge as mastication efforts along Forest Road 2810 were completed. Today, mastication efforts to remove fuel along Capron Springs Road will continue. Firefighters along the Tomlike Mountain ridge will focus on expanding fireline construction north toward the fire perimeter. 

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, aerial flights confirmed no heat in the open and exposed areas on the northern edge of the Sandstone Fire. Personnel closely monitored the fire perimeter of the Blister Creek Fire. Crews continue to use chippers to break down debris created from fire suppression work along Forest Road 7015. Grading operations to repair and improve road access were completed near Trout Creek. Today, firefighters will continue to monitor, patrol, and mop up the contained fire edges while heavy equipment operations and road maintenance are ongoing. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures will rise and drying will continue, with light winds expected. A weather system may bring a small sprinkle of rain on Tuesday, but warm and dry conditions are anticipated to return. Lower daytime humidity and elevated temperatures are expected to increase fire activity later in the week. 

Closures: The Mt. Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Hood River County closure information can be found by scanning the QR code or following the link below. Closures are in place for the safety of the public and fire crews.

Safety: The public plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire; use caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit, https://keeporegongreen.org. Fire restrictions are in place within the Mt. Hood National Forest. More information can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over both fire areas. 

Smoke: Air quality conditions are forecast to be good for both fire areas.  For more information on smoke conditions in your area, go to: www.AirNow.gov. 

For further information about the Whisky Creek and Sandstone Fires, see the following resources: 
Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov or 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov 
Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Web: Scan the QR code or go to https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024

Tamaño de Whisky Creek: 2,075 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio   |   Causa: De orígen humano, a ser determinada   |   Contención 24%
Tamaño de Sandstone: 702 acres | Fecha de inicio: 5 de agosto   |  Causa: Rayo   |   Contención 37%
Total de recursos: 533 | Equipos de obreros: 10 | Camiones de bomberos: 9 | Topadoras: 2 | Otras maquinarias pesadas: 19 | Helicópteros: 4

(Odell, Oregón.) -- Sigue el trabajo de extinción en el incendio Whisky Creek, a 6 millas al sureste de Cascade Locks, Oregón, y en los incendios de Sandstone y Blister Creek, a 9 millas al suroeste de Ripplebrook, Oregón. Estos arden en un terreno escarpado y accidentado en el Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood, donde los escombros rodantes y los árboles debilitados por el fuego dificultan el trabajo de extinción. La seguridad de los bomberos y la del público siguen siendo la principal prioridad.

Una vez que se ha confirmado un incendio forestal en el bosque, los encargados de incendios determinan qué sitios pueden servir como los mejores para cortafuegos de manera que se proteja los valores clave y se minimice el riesgo para los bomberos. Las líneas de control son características naturales construidas intencionalmente o que se han identificado con cuidado y sirven como barreras contra el desplazo del fuego. Si el trabajo de extinción tiene éxito y se modera la intensidad del fuego, estas líneas se pueden convertir en líneas de contención, para frenar efectivamente la propagación del fuego. En este momento de los incendios Whisky Creek y Sandstone, los bomberos se están enfocando en construír y reforzar estas líneas.

Whisky Creek: Ayer, las cuadrillas siguieron patrullando y vigilando a lo largo del borde contenido del incendio, confirmando focos de calor que se tenían que extinguir por completo. Las cuadrillas de mano ampliaron las líneas de control hacia el norte en la cresta de la montaña Tomlike mientras que terminaron el trabajo de trituración a lo largo del camino forestal 2810. Hoy, continuará el trabajo detrituración para eliminar el combustible a lo largo de Capron Springs Road. Los bomberos a lo largo de la cresta de la montaña Tomlike se centrarán en ampliar la construcción del cortafuegos al norte, hacia el perímetro del incendio.

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Ayer, los vuelos aéreos confirmaron ningún calor en las áreas abiertas y expuestas del norte del incendio Sandstone. El personal observó de cerca el borde del incendio Blister Creek. Sigue el trabajo de astillado para reducir las pilas acumuladas de vegetación y escombros que resultaron por la extinción en el camino forestal 7015. Se completó el trabajo de nivelar para reparar y mejorar la entrada por carretera cerca de Trout Creek. Hoy, los bomberos continuarán monitoreando, patrullando y neutralizando los bordes del incendio contenido mientras realizan las operaciones de maquinarias pesadas y el mantenimiento de las carreteras.

Clima y comportamiento del fuego: Las temperaturas subirán y se seguirá secando, con vientos ligeros. El martes, un sistema meteorológico puede traer una pequeña cantidad de lluvia el martes, pero se prevé que regresen las condiciones cálidas y secas. Se espera que la humedad reducida durante el día y las temperaturas elevadas aumenten la intensidad de los incendios.

Cierres: Información sobre el cierre del Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood y el Área Escénica Nacional del Río Columbia se puede encontrar en escaneando el código QR o siguiendo el enlace en la esquina inferior derecha de la página. Los cierres se implementarn para la seguridad del público y de los equipos de bomberos.Seguridad: El público juega un papel importante en la prevención del próximo incendio forestal. Tenga cuidado con cualquier fuente de ignición. Para obtener consejos de prevención, visite, https://keeporegongreen.org. Hay restricciones contra incendios dentro del Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood. Se puede ver más información en https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/fire. Se ha establecido una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) en ambas áreas de incendio.

Humo: Se espera que la calidad del aire sea buena para ambas áreas de incendio. Para ver más información sobre las condiciones del humo en su área, visite: www.AirNow.gov.

Para más información sobre los incendios de Whisky Creek y Sandstone, consulte los siguientes recursos: 

Correo electrónico: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov or 2024.sandstone.or@firenet.gov       
Teléfono: 541-208-1743, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sitio web: Escanea el código QR a la derecha o vaya a https://linktr.ee/whisky_creek.2024

Buffalo Field Office
Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office is implementing fire restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of Campbell and Sheridan Counties beginning July 9th, 2024.

Location: 13 miles west of Grant, MT      Start Date: August 23, 2024

Cause: Undetermined                       Size: 3414 acres             Containment: 40%

CURRENT STATUS + PLANNED ACTIONS:

Yesterday, crews took advantage of lower temperatures and higher relative humidities to extinguish any residual heat along the southern edge of the fire resulting in an increase of containment to 40%. Containment is a measure of confidence that even in the event of strong winds or other adverse weather, control lines will continue to hold. The fire did not experience any forward progression.

Today, personnel will focus efforts on the northwest corner of the fire in the timber on Forest Service ground. This area of the fire experienced short-range spotting, ignition that occurs ahead of the main perimeter of the fire, and crews will begin to line and extinguish heat within the spots to ensure security in preparation for the expected high wind and low relative humidity that is expected over the fire area tomorrow. Helicopters will continue to concentrate water placement the northwest corner to aid ground resources.

Light smoke will still be present from large fuels smoldering in the timbered portions of the fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Yesterday cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds allowed for low to moderate fire behavior. The fire area did not receive any moisture. 

Today’s forecast shows a small chance of showers along with a high of 57 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are predicted to range from 10-15 mph out of the west with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon.

A cold front passage forecasted for Tuesday will bring an increase of winds with gusts up to 30-40 mph out of the southwest and relative humidities in the teens.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

All evacuation orders have been lifted. The public has also been asked to remain clear of the area to avoid impeding firefighting activity. For updates on evacuations, visit the Inciweb page.

North Art Complex Fire Daily Update – 11:00 AM

Monday, August 26, 2024

*This will be the final update*

Size: 4,313 acres

Containment: 100%

Date Started: August 23, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Structures: No identified damaged structures.

Evacuations: There we no mandatory evacuations in place during this fire. 

Closures: None 

Yesterday: Crews continued to patrol and mop up any heat found along the fire perimeter. Local officials toured the area for fire impacts and recovery needs.  State fire resources from Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, and Emergency Medical Task Force were released back to regional staging locations at end of shift.

Today: Locals will monitor fire area as needed. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Scattered thunderstorms remain in the forecast for the coming week. Potential for additional area starts is highly dependent on amount of precipitation realized from these storms. Forecast temperatures are lower and relative humidity lower for the coming week.  

 

Fire Information 

Kayla Driver                                                                               Information Officer          

Texas A&M Forest Service                                                          Texas A&M Forest Service 

kayla.driver@tfs.tamu.edu                                                         information@tfs.tamu.edu                    

325-304-4914                                                                          979-255-0591     

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-north-art-complex

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS