Stayman Fire Update                                 

August 23, 2024


Quick Facts

Size: 3,118 acres                     

Start Date: August 20, 2024                 

Location: 1.5 miles SE of Chelan        

Containment: 86%                

Personnel: 192                                    

Cause: Under investigation

Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 10 engines, 1 helicopter, 1 water tender

Final Daily Update for the Stayman Fire Unless Fire Activity Changes

CURRENT SITUATION and TODAY’S ACTIVITIES:  Firefighters successfully lined the fire with retardant, dozer lines, and hand line. Yesterday they worked to patrol, mop up, and secure those lines. Much of the fire is now contained and today firefighters are focused on mopping up and securing the northern edge. When crews mop up a fire, they stir water in to burnt areas along the edge of the fire using shovels and sometimes their gloved hands, working to extinguish any remaining heat. Aided by the cooler temperatures and rainfall expected today, firefighters anticipate completing remaining mop up. Crews will continue to patrol the area and check for any heat. Fire activity has decreased significantly, and as containment objectives are met, resources will be released from the incident and available for initial attack in the area.

WEATHER: A low-pressure system is moving into the area today but carrying a high probability of rain. It will bring light showers in the late morning and rainfall will increase in the afternoon. Precipitation is expected to sporadically fall through Saturday at noon.

EVACUATIONS:  Evacuation orders are in place for the Stayman Fire. For current evacuation information, please contact Chelan County Emergency Management (facebook.com/CCSOEM) or view the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map: Chelan Co Emergency Incidents App (arcgis.com).

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080 

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov 

Pioneer Fire Update  

August 23, 2024

Quick Facts

Size: 38,730 acres

Start Date: June 8, 2024

Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA

Containment: 23%

Personnel: 444

Cause: Under investigation

Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 6 helicopters, 11 engines, 20 water tenders, 9 heavy equipment

CURRENT SITUATION: The Pioneer Fire remains within the same footprint. In Stehekin, firefighters continued work on Little Boulder handline, mopping up any hot spots as needed. There was no visible smoke in the Boulder Creek area and the retardant check line is holding. Crews continued chipping of vegetation piles along roads. South of the fire, road work to repair damage caused by fire traffic is ongoing. As objectives are met, equipment and resources are being released from the incident.

Following a change in evacuation levels yesterday, Stehekin is now open to visitors. Many fire-related hazards remain in the area and services may be limited or altered. Additionally, many trails and campgrounds remain closed due to these hazards. Visitors should confirm available services before traveling. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: In Stehekin, patrol of handlines and check line at Little Boulder and vegetation debris chipping will continue. The perimeter along the lakeshore has been contained and crews are working to repair the fireline in that area, pulling the berm and duff layer back over the constructed line. There has been no movement of the southern edge of the fire in the last month, giving increasing confidence that the fire will continue to hold within its existing footprint. Approximately 5 miles of hose lay from the Nelson Butte contingency line south of the fire will start to be removed; however, the hose system on the Coyote Ridge contingency line will remain in place. Resources assigned to the Pioneer Fire continue to be available for initial attack of new fires should a need arise.

WEATHER: Precipitation is likely across the Pioneer Fire this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Temperatures will be in the mid to high 70s with uplake wind gusts.

EVACUATIONS: Chelan County emergency management downgraded evacuation levels for the Pioneer Fire and Stehekin area, effective August 22, 2024. To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/media/index.html?appid=ca1e19e4123b4002a9fb176b25434e03/.

CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080 

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov 

Willamette Complex North

Daily Update

2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov

Information line: 541-208-1262, 8 am to 8 pm
Facebook: facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024
Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov
August 23, 2024

SUPPRESSION OBJECTIVES: The Ore Fire and the Pyramid Fire remain under a full suppression strategy to protect values at risk, including the Middle Santiam Wilderness and private timberlands. Firefighters are using a combination of direct fire line where conditions permit, and indirect fire line where it is necessary to work at a distance from the fire’s edge.

CURRENT SITUATION: A forecast of rain today plus the lingering effects of recent moisture will continue to moderate fire behavior, activity, and fire spread probability. A warming and drying trend is expected later this weekend into next week. 

Ore Fire: 7 miles Northeast of Blue River, 3,140 acres, 16% contained, 671 total personnel, human caused. The Ore Fire area received 0.56” of rain last night. Day and night shift resources continue to secure containment lines. Current weather and fuel conditions are too wet for firing operations which would continue to increase the fire perimeter containment percentage. Crews on the northeastern flank will continue to construct and improve containment lines, while crews on the east and west flanks will strengthen existing and create new contingency lines. A contingency line is a secondary or alternate strategic fire line, which is created as a back up to the primary fire line, based on current needs and conditions.    The southwestern and southeastern areas remain solid barriers to fire spread.

Pyramid Fire: East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 88% contained, 227 total personnel, lightning caused. The Pyramid Fire area received 0.4-0.6” of rain last night. On the west and northwest flanks, crews continue to build fire line between the fire edge and the wilderness area. Roadside wood and brush chipping is ongoing, and crews continue to secure containment lines and fortify outlying contingency lines.  Firefighters are also working to strengthen existing fire breaks along roads by removing brush and smaller trees to widen a fuel break. 

CLOSURES & FIRE RESTRICTIONS UPDATE:   Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map for current status.  (Please see below).

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect on the Willamette National Forest. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. Please see Pyramid Fire Area Closure Forest Order and the Ore Fire Area Closure Forest Order.

Due to long term hot and dry conditions, all campfires, charcoal fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited, including in developed campgrounds and wilderness areas. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are allowed.  Please see Forest Order 06-18-00-24-27 for additional information.

ROADS:  When traveling in the area, please be mindful of firefighters and their vehicles working near roads. Please visit the Oregon Department of Transportation website for current road conditions.

August 23, 2024

Email: 2024.flat@firenet.gov

Incident Information Phone Line: 208-923-1265 - daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Flat Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-2024-flat

Smoke Report: https://www.airnow.gov

Flat Fire Facts

Location: Approximately one mile northeast of Pioneerville in Boise County, Idaho

Reported: August 5, 2024 

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Acres: 3,732

Containment: 53%

Fuels: Timber with grass and understory

Personnel: 431 (10 hand crews, 10 engines, 6 water tenders, 2 dozers, 3 masticators and 5 helicopters)

Highlights: Yesterday was another productive day and fire containment continues to increase. The fire has remained within its footprint, the increase in acreage is from more precise mapping of the perimeter.  The northern side of the fire, along the previous 2016 Pioneer fire, has provided lower fire intensity and slowed the rate of spread allowing crews and equipment to continue to improve containment lines. Although it has slowed fire intensity, it has also slowed firefighter progress as the many snags (standing, dead trees) in the burn scar have to be mitigated to allow for firefighter safety. Along the eastern edge of the fire, resources are going direct (along the fire edge) where possible, although steep terrain along with snags also dictates indirect line (not along the fire edge) be established.  Unburned pockets of fuel inside the fire continue to put up light smoke. With relative humidity reaching as low as 7% and wind gusts to 30 MPH yesterday, the control lines held. Overall fire behavior has been minimal. Mop up progresses both along and deeper into the fire, as it continues to be monitored and patrolled. Fire line repair work has begun in areas where possible. This jump starts the naturalization of disturbed areas so as to control erosion, break down of organic matter and visually improve areas of bare earth that stopped fire progression.

Fire Behavior and Weather: A low pressure system approaching today will bring winds with gusts predicted to 28 MPH. Warm and dry conditions experienced yesterday will moderate as temperatures begin to lower and relative humidity increases through the next few days. There is a chance of wetting rain for today predicted to be a 10% chance.

Road and Trail Closures and Restrictions: The Boise National Forest has implemented an Area Closure for the Flat Fire. See link for additional information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. The Summit Flat Road (#380) between Pioneerville and Coulter Summit and FS Road 379 (Elk Creek Road) is closed for public and firefighter safety.

Fires Burning in the Vicinity: There are other fires burning north of the Flat Fire. See link for additional information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-nellie-anderson.

###

Willamette Complex South Update

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Friday, August 23, 2024 

Total Willamette Complex South Personnel: 546

Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 13,082

Resources: 2 Type 2 Hotshot Crews, 19 Type 2 Crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew, 31 Engines, 9 Dozers, 7 Masticators, 3 Skid Steer, and 6 Feller Bunchers

Fire Cause: Lightning  

Summary 

Firefighting crews are monitoring the weather conditions for potential safety hazards – rolling logs and falling limbs – resulting from the precipitation that fell overnight. As conditions are determined safe, firefighters will continue to focus on mop-up efforts. The management of the Willamette Complex South transitioned from the Alaska Incident Management Team to the Eastern Area Incident Management Team at 7:00 a.m. this morning.  

Chalk Fire (5,684 acres, 66% containment) 

On the eastern portion of the Chalk Fire, crews are continuing to remove hose lay from sufficiently secure lines. Along the western portion of the fire, hazard trees remain a risk to firefighters and efforts to remove the hazard by felling crews continues. The west side of the fireline is the priority for ongoing work, and UAS operations will continue to be an option to locate areas of concern as weather conditions permit. 

Coffeepot Fire (6,197 acres, 100% containment) 

On the Coffeepot Fire, firefighters have achieved 100% containment line around the fire. They will continue to observe the perimeter of the fire for any lingering spots of heat within the interior of the fire. Efforts are underway to remove pumps and hose lay used during the suppression efforts. 

Moss Mountain Fire (864 acres, 0% containment) 

The 2120 road remains a high priority for halting the southern growth of the Moss Mountain Fire. Heavy timber, steep terrain, and rollout downhill remain a challenge to holding efforts. Two hotshot crews and a Type 1 helicopter support the ongoing operation. Specialized heavy machinery has been used to create shaded fuel breaks.  Feller bunchers, masticators and chippers are used to clear woody undergrowth that prevent fire from spreading beyond the containment line.  

208 Fire (249 acres, 0% containment) 

The 208 Fire is being monitored and patrolled using aerial resources due to minimal activity on the perimeter. When necessary, helicopters use bucket drops to keep fire in check.

217 Fire (38 acres 100% contained), Tire Mountain Fire (23 acres 100% contained), McKinley Fire (24 acres 100% contained)

With 100% containment on the 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley fires, all are being patrolled regularly. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

A low-pressure system produced up to three quarters of an inch of rain over the complex last night. A low chance of thunderstorms exists this afternoon into the early evening. Minimal fire behavior is predicted. 

Closures and Fire Restrictions 

• For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024  
• For current fire restrictions visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024  
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.     

Whisky Creek Tamaño: 2,067 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio  |   Causa: De orígen humano, a ser determinada   |   Contención 24%
Sandstone Tamaño: 702 acres | Fecha de inicio: 5 de agosto   |  Causa: Rayo   |   Contención: 29%
Total de recursos: 659 | Equipos de obreros: 14 | Camiones de bomberos: 11 | Topadoras: 5 | Otras maquinarias pesadas: 25 | 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. Los encargados de los incendios están aprovechando las condiciones climáticas buenas para evaluar y desarrollar planes para realizar esfuerzos más directos de extinción. Ya que se acerca el fin de semana, es importante recordar que, a pesar de la lluvia reciente, persiste el riesgo de incendio. El respetar las áreas de cierre de incendios y cumpliendo con las restricciones contra incendios al participar en una recreación responsible, ayuda a prevenir futuros incendios forestales y proteger a nuestros bomberos.

Whisky Creek: Ayer, las cuadrillas tuvieron éxito al construír más de media milla de cortafuegos nuevo cerca de Tomlike Mountain, al eliminar árboles peligrosos mientras se coordinaban con los asesores de recursos. Los asesores de recursos son expertos en la materia que ayuda a los bomberos a identificar y proteger las características naturales y culturales. Avanzó la removida de escombros leñosos acumulados en los caminos forestales 630 y 650. Hoy, las cuadrillas se centrarán en reforzar las líneas de contención existentes. Cada día se evalúan las opciones de líneas de contingencia se como protección adicional contra la posible propagación del fuego.

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Ayer, las cuadrillas neutralizaon y patrullaron el incendio Sandstone a lo largo de la cresta de Thunder Mountain. Parece que el agua vertida está enfriando el fuego que de otro modo sería inaccesible, dentro del desague de Blister Creek; las cuadrillas de tierra evaluarán cualquier oportunidad para construír líneas en el extremo sureste no contenido del incendio Blister Creek una vez que el sistema meteorológico actual haya avanzado. Hoy, los bomberos continuarán fortaleciendo las líneas de contención establecidas y las características de control en todas las áreas de incendios. Continúa el astillado, la trituración y el trabajo en las carreteras, lo que fortalece aún más el trabajo de contención.

Clima y intensidad del fuego: Se mantendrán frescas y nubladas las condiciones con lluvias dispersos y precipitaciones moderadas hasta el sábado. Aunque la lluvia brinda un alivio temporal a la intensidad del fuego, es posible que haya vientos racheados y erráticos. El domingo se espera que regresará una tendencia de calentamiento y sequía.

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

Our primary mission on the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire is to serve the public with dedication and compassion. With your safety and the safety of our firefighters in mind, we are committed to addressing the needs and concerns of your communities by managing and controlling the fires to keep your forests, parks, and natural areas safe and enjoyable. Using safe and aggressive firefighting suppression methods our goal is to help you return to enjoying the outdoors.

The Diamond Complex in the Umpqua National Forest consists of 30 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 11,106 acres and is 53% contained. Twenty-four of the original 30 fires in the Diamond Complex are now 100 percent contained. 

The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park is 5,244 acres and is 0% contained. The fire is primarily burning within the 2015 National Creek and 2017 Spruce Lake fire scars. Throughout the fire area there is an extreme hazard to firefighters due to falling dead standing trees remaining from the 2015 and 2017 fires.

Rains in the area during the next several days will require firefighters to adapt to changing conditions and potential safety issues caused by heavy rains and lightning. In areas where firefighters can continue to access the fires the rains are expected to moderate fire activity and allow for more direct firefighting tactics. Initial Attack firefighters are also standing by to respond to new fires caused by lightning strikes as needed.

OPERATIONS:

Middle Fork Fire: (5,244 acres, 0% contained):

Crews are removing heavy timber and vegetation along the 230 Road and at the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park. On the southern side and along the Bald Crater Trail, crews are improving firelines and looking for additional opportunities to safely engage the fire directly. The park remains open.

Diamond Complex Fires:

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 3,943 acres, 36% contained):

Hand crews and dozers are working in the lower portion of the fire reinforcing control lines and extinguishing hot spots along the East and West edges of the fire. Fire activity along the southern edge of the fire has been significantly reduced. The fire is being monitored in the Wilderness where little smoke is being observed.

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 3,416 acres, 6% contained):

Crews continue to build dozer lines and hand lines on the east side of the fire into Nancy Creek in the east. On the north side, Hot Shots and Dozer operations are working through steep and dangerous terrain while facing extreme hazards from falling trees. On the west side of the fire, crews are continuing to build fireline along the 2154 Road.

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 545 acres, 0% contained):

Firefighters are working to extinguish hot spots, reinforce control line as needed and hold the fire west of Bear Creek Drainage.

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 374 acres, 85% contained): Crews, including National Guard units, are conducting patrols and extinguishing hot spots.

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 842 acres, 100% contained): Crews will continue to extinguish hot spots and ensure firelines continue to effectively prevent further spread.

Loafer Fire (44 acres, 56% contained)

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Temperatures will be near or slightly below normal and minimum relative humidity values will be around 40 percent. Rain is predicted across the area, but with uneven amounts of wetting rain affecting the various fires. Winds will be from the west at 5 to 10 mph, occasionally gusting to 15 mph. We can expect moderate burning conditions today.

SMOKE OUTLOOK:

For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/

EVACUATIONS:

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has lifted evacuation orders for all areas except for east of the Pine Bench Fire, which remains at a Level 1: BE SET for a single residence east of the Potter Fire. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations

FOREST CLOSURE:

On August 21, 2024 the Forest reduced the temporary closure order, allowing increased access to specific roads, trails, and campgrounds that are listed as exemptions in Forest Order 06-15-24-06. For more information visit the Umpqua National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/?aid=88996

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure for the area north and west of Crater Lake National Forest along Highway 230 south to the intersection with Highway 62. See the Closure Order and map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices.

PARK CLOSURE:

The North Entrance Road is closed from North Junction to the park boundary at the junction with Highway 138. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of fire crews and the public. The date for reopening is not known at this time. All other park roads will remain open, except for construction closures on East Rim Drive. Crater Lake National Park remains open and is accessible from Highway 62 on the western and southern routes.

Crater Lake National Park has several closures in effect, closure orders and maps can be found at: 

https://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-north-entrance-road-continues.htm

REMINDER: The Pacific Crest Trail between the Lightning Springs and Rim Trail Intersections, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails are closed until further notice due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the Middle Fork Fire. Hikers and bikers may not use the North Entrance Road to enter or leave Crater Lake National Park.

Crazy Creek Fire & Kitty Creek Fire Update – August 23, 2024, 7 a.m.

Acres: Crazy Creek –86,963; 93% contained     Kitty Creek –73; 100% contained

Location: Crazy Creek: 5 miles north of Paulina, Oregon; 498/Kitty Creek: 7 miles south of Mitchell, Oregon

Start Date: July 22,2024                      Personnel: 368

Resources: 11 crews |10 engines | 1 bulldozer | 10 water tenders | 1 skid steer

Highlights: Firefighters continue to make significant progress on the Crazy Creek with containment steadily increasing. While fire activity is expected to remain minimal, crews remain vigilant as they work to secure and strengthen containment lines.

Yesterday on the Crazy Creek Fire, increased fire activity occurred in the northeast corner as snags ignited causing flare-ups. Despite these challenges, all containment lines held firm. The Kitty Creek Fire remains fully contained. Resources today will focus on suppression repair, patrolling for any remaining hotspots, and securing existing containment lines. 

Evacuations: The Crook County Sheriff’s Office has lowered the evacuation level from Level 3 (recommended evacuation) to Level 2 (set for evacuation) from Highway 380 north to SE Puett Road. The area north of SE Puett Road around the perimeter of the fire remains at a Level 3. The area south of Highway 380 has been lowered to Level 1 (prepare for possible evacuation). An evacuation map is available online through the Crook County Emergency Management Office website.

Weather: Today’s weather includes a high of 65°F with a chance of rain in the morning, declining in the afternoon. Winds are possible with gusts between 5 and 10 miles per hour.

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, including the Ochoco National Forest, are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. 

Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a forest closure for the eastern portion of the Paulina Ranger District.

More Information: 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-crazy-creek

Facebook: Facebook.com/CrazyCreekFire

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.

CURRENT SITUATION: As anticipated, the Coffee Pot Fire remains active and continues to grow. Over the past few days, firefighters have made significant progress constructing indirect control lines along the south and west flanks of the fire. With much of that work complete, their focus has shifted to the north and east flanks. The fire has begun transitioning from heavily forested terrain into areas dominated by brush and grass, which will decrease fire behavior. 

Today, fire crews will continue preventative work along Mineral King and Cinnamon Gap Roads to prepare those roads as indirect control lines along the north flank of the fire. In addition, firefighters will scout and begin working to contain the fire’s progress in the southeast by connecting indirect control lines with natural barriers like rock outcroppings, streams, and previous burn scars. With cooler temperatures and higher humidity expected this weekend, fire activity should slow, allowing firefighters to more aggressively attack the fire.

Crews continued working in several northwestern giant sequoia groves, clearing timber litter around the base of trees to reduce the intensity of the fire as it backs downhill into the groves. Yesterday, fire managers took proactive measures as the fire started moving into a drainage near Eden Grove. Firefighters began a strategic aerial firing operation to introduce a low-intensity fire on the landscape to moderate the main fire as it burns toward the grove. When it is safe, resource advisors from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will conduct assessments to determine the impacts on the groves.

WEATHER: Today’s temperatures will be much cooler as a cold front moves through the area. Humidity and recovery will remain high. No rainfall is expected with the new weather system.

SMOKE IMPACTS: For information about smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov to view current smoke conditions and outlook. 

WEBCAM: The National Park Service hosts a webcam looking southwest viewing the edge of the Giant Forest in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park here: nps.gov/subjects/air/webcams.

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, so please plan accordingly. Visitors should exercise caution, stay alert, and drive slowly.

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive in Sequoia National Park and trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed until further notice. You can view all Park closure information 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. 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.

Whisky Creek Size: 2,067 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 24%
Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 29%
Total Resources: 659 | Hand Crews: 14 | Engines: 11 | Dozers: 5 | Other Heavy Equipment: 25 | 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. Firefighters and public safety remain the incident’s top priority. Fire managers are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to implement plans for more direct fire suppression efforts where possible. As the weekend approaches, it is important to remember that despite the recent rainfall, risk of fire persists. You can aid in the prevention of future wildfires and safeguard our firefighters by engaging in responsible recreation, respecting fire closure areas and complying with fire restrictions. 

Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews successfully constructed over half a mile of new fireline near Tomlike Mountain, removing hazard trees while coordinating closely with resource advisors.  Resource advisors are subject-matter experts, helping firefighters identify and protect natural and cultural features. Clearing of accumulated woody debris progressed along Forest Roads 630 and 650. Today, crews will focus on reinforcing existing containment lines.  Options for contingency lines are evaluated daily as additional protection from potential fire spread.

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, crews mopped up and patrolled on the Sandstone Fire along Thunder Mountain ridge. Extensive water drops appear to be cooling the otherwise inaccessible fire within the Blister Creek drainage; ground crews will evaluate opportunities for line construction on the uncontained southeastern edge of the Blister Creek Fire once the current weather system has moved through. Today, firefighters will continue improving established containment lines and control features across the fire areas. Chipping, mastication and road work continue, further strengthening containment efforts. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Conditions will remain cool and cloudy with scattered showers and moderate precipitation through Saturday. While rain may offer temporary relief to fire activity, gusty and erratic winds are possible. A warming and drying trend is expected to return on Sunday. 

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