East Fork Fire: 89,463 acres, 70% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Center Creek Trail Fire:  1,281 acres, 95% contained.  Located within the High Uintah Wilderness area, began 8/25/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest, posted October 15, 2020, is still in effect. A new road closure took effect on October 23, 2020. Later today we will be reopening Yellowstone Road. Please check the Ashley National Forest Facebook page for up-to-date information on the closure. These closures are subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052

Update: Colder temperatures and light snow in the fire area yesterday inhibited fire activity. Cooler conditions will dramatically slow down the easterly spread of the fire into the Rock Creek drainage, Lake Fork Mountain, Brown Duck Basin, and Fish Creek area. Crews began removing hose and other equipment from the fire area yesterday.

Today, crews will patrol the fire perimeter and finish fire line rehab where possible. Firefighter safety is a top concern and priority due to the implications of strenuous manual labor in subfreezing conditions, such as increase risk of hypothermia and other injuries due to slick, cold conditions.

Weather: Significant drops in temperatures continued overnight and into today. Ridgetop west winds at 5-10 mph, gusting up to 15 mph. Slope/valley winds are variable down drainage 5-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. At 10,000 ft, maximum temperatures are 18-23, relative humidity will fall from 90% to 20%, Haines of 3, very low.

Resources: A total of 162 firefighters are assigned to the fire. There are four crews, five helicopters, seven engines and three water tenders.

Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

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East Fork Fire: 89,463 acres, 70% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Center Creek Trail Fire:  1,281 acres, 95% contained.  Located within the High Uintah Wilderness area, began 8/25/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest, posted October 15, 2020, is still in effect. A new road closure took effect on October 23, 2020. Later today we will be reopening Yellowstone Road. Please check the Ashley National Forest Facebook page for up-to-date information on the closure. These closures are subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052

Update: Colder temperatures and light snow in the fire area yesterday inhibited fire activity. Cooler conditions will dramatically slow down the easterly spread of the fire into the Rock Creek drainage, Lake Fork Mountain, Brown Duck Basin, and Fish Creek area. Crews began removing hose and other equipment from the fire area yesterday.

Today, crews will patrol the fire perimeter and finish fire line rehab where possible. Firefighter safety is a top concern and priority due to the implications of strenuous manual labor in subfreezing conditions, such as increase risk of hypothermia and other injuries due to slick, cold conditions.

Weather: Significant drops in temperatures continued overnight and into today. Ridgetop west winds at 5-10 mph, gusting up to 15 mph. Slope/valley winds are variable down drainage 5-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. At 10,000 ft, maximum temperatures are 18-23, relative humidity will fall from 90% to 20%, Haines of 3, very low.

Resources: A total of 162 firefighters are assigned to the fire. There are four crews, five helicopters, seven engines and three water tenders.

Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

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E-mail: 2020.EastFork@FireNet.govPhone: 435-635-8738 

East Fork Fire: 89,369 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.  

Center Creek Trail Fire:  1,281 acres, 95% contained.  Located within the High Uintah Wilderness area, began 8/25/20. 

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest, posted October 15, 2020, is still in effect. A new road closure took effect on October 23, 2020, and encompassed Yellowstone Canyon Road.  These closures are subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052 

Update: The winds yesterday were lighter than predicted which kept fire behavior to a minimum. Helicopters were unable able to perform bucket drops because the lake they were dipping from was frozen over.  They were able to get a really good look at the fire and see where any problem areas might be.   

Today’s plan is to patrol the fire perimeter and use helicopter buck drops when available and finish fire line rehab where possible. Keeping a close eye on the Moon lake area making sure the fire does not go anywhere. Continue to monitor wilderness areas and begin developing long range strategies for confinement in the wilderness. 

Temperatures will be dropping for the next few days. Overnight low for tonight is predicted to be 4 degrees and is not expected to get above freezing for the next few days in the lower elevations.  This poses another safety hazard for the fire fighters.  Hypothermia is a real danger while working in these temperatures. 

Weather: Mostly to partly sunny with heavy winds increasing throughout the day, West winds at 25-35 mph, gusting up to 55 mph. At 9,500 ft., maximum temperatures at 44-52, minimum RH is 23-33, Haines of 2. 

Resources: A total of 241 firefighters are assigned to the fire. There are two crews, four helicopters, eight engines, one dozer and four water tenders.  

Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.  

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East Fork Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

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

E-mail: 2020.EastFork@FireNet.gov   Phone: 435-635-8738

East Fork Fire: 89,140 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Center Creek Trail Fire:  1,281 acres, 95% contained.  Located within the High Uintah Wilderness area, began 8/25/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020, and were expanded as of October 22, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

The expanded closure is a road closure, Yellowstone Rd.  Because of anticipated increased winds through the weekend the road will remain closed for public and firefighter safety. The current information map that shows the closure boundary as well as the closure notice can be found at Ashley National Forest Facebook page or inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052.

Update: Yesterday fire activity was moderate. Predicted Red Flag conditions did not come to fruition and did not result in much fire growth. Helicopters were able to perform bucket drops on hot spots as they arose.

Today, moderate to active fire behavior is anticipated around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir, with single tree torching. Moderate to high fire activity is also predicted for the Brown Duck Basin and north of Lake Fork Mountain including group torching, short range spotting and short, wind-driven runs. The fire will continue to progress east with westerly winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour. Crews will continue to monitor this fire behavior, and air resources will continue to drop water on hot spots as needed and as winds permit.

Weather: The fire will continue to progress east with westerly winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour. At 10,000 ft: the max temperature will be 43, minimum RH 14, Haines 4, ridgetop gusts to 25 mph from the west, slope/valley W winds 8-12 mph winds with gusts up to 20 mph.

Resources: A total of 252 firefighters are assigned to the fire. There are five crews, four helicopters, ten engines, one dozer and four water tenders.

Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

East Fork Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/

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

E-mail: 2020.EastFork@FireNet.gov   Phone: 435-635-8738

East Fork Fire: 87,000 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Center Creek Trail Fire:  1,281 acres, 95% contained.  Located within the High Uintah Wilderness area, began 8/25/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

There is a new closure as of this morning.  It is a road closure, Yellowstone Rd.  Because of the red flag warning for today, through the weekend and the fire behavior that was observed today it was decided for firefighter and public safety, the road needed to be closed. The current information map that shows the closure boundary as well as the closure notice can be found at Ashley National Forest face book page or inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052.

Update: Yesterday fire activity was very active, and smoke was visible from increased activity near Moon Lake. High winds kept helicopters from making bucket drops for most of the day. The fire progressed in Fish Creek Drainage East of Moon Lake and progressed to the East toward Cow Park.

The Center Creek Trail Fire flared up in a couple of spots yesterday.  Firefighters are not working on this area because it is within the Wilderness area but as the winds permit the helicopters will do bucket drops on it. It will also be monitored for potential threats.

Today, we anticipate more active fire behavior than has been observed in the last few weeks around the Upper Stillwater Basin, Moon Lake, Brown Duck Basin and Lake Forest Mountain. Group torching, short range spotting and short runs are anticipated. Winds may influence fire spread into the Fish Creek drainage, toward the Stillwater Road and Rock Creek drainage. Crews will monitor this fire behavior, and air resources will continue to drop water on hot spots as needed, and as winds permit.

Weather: Red flag conditions on the fire today on areas above 9000 ft., due to increased winds and low relative humidity.  Temperatures continue to drop.  At 10,000 ft: max temperature 30-45, minimum RH 15-25, Haines 3, ridgetop gusts to 50 mph from the west, slope/valley W winds 5-15 mph winds with gusts up to 15-20 mph.

Resources: A total of 252 firefighters are assigned to the fire. There are five crews, five helicopters, ten engines, one dozer and four water tenders.

Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST

SERVICE

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST ORDER:

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

East Fork Fire Closure Order for Order Number: 040 1 - 2 020 - 12

PROHIBITIONS:

Pursuant to title 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area described below, all within the Duchesne Ranger District, Ashley National Forest until notice to end.

1. Being on a road, 36 CFR 261.54(e)

EXEMPTIONS:

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

I.    Persons with special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization.

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

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

3. Local Property Owners

AREA DESCRIBED:

Road Closures will be in effect in the Yellowstone Canyon on Forest Service Road 119 from the Forest Service boundary in Section 32 to the junction of Forest Service Road 124 and Forest Service Road 124 from the Junction of Forest Service Road119 (Yellowstone Canyon Road) to its terminus. (Exhibit 1).

PURPOSE:

For the purpose of public health and safety due to wildfire 36 CFR 261.53 (e).

Digitally signed by SUSAN

SUSAN EICKHOFF EICKHOFF

Date: 2020.10.22 18:03:46 -06'00'

Forest Supervisor Ashley National Forest

Caring for the Land and Serving People

East Fork Fire: 86,231 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

Update: There was very little fire activity yesterday, and crews continued to work on and complete contingency lines on the southwest portion of the fire area. Small hot spots were observed within the fire perimeter and bucket drops will be targeted on that area today as winds permit.

Today, air crews will continue to drop water throughout the fire as needed. Ground crews will work between Petty Mountain Loop Road and Hells Canyon Road and continue mop-up around the Rock Creek area. Crews will also continue to monitor fire spread into wilderness areas.

Some resources will be timing out in the next week or so and they will not be replaced unless fire conditions warrant it.

Weather: A cold front will be moving in within the next few days, bringing with it higher winds and may increase potential for the fire to spread into the Fish Creek drainage toward the Stillwater Road and Rock Creek Drainage, as well as facilitating movement north within the wilderness boundary.

Today, relative humidities will be around 23 percent, with max temperatures at 10,000 feet remaining at 51 degrees. Winds will be 8 to 12 miles per hour, with gusts up to 35 on the ridgetops.

Resources: A total of 265 firefighters are assigned to the fires. There are four crews, four helicopters, sixteen engines, seven dozers and two water tenders.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

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East Fork Fire: 85,889 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

Update: Yesterday, there was not much activity on the fire except on the northwest side where the fire continued to move southeast in the Lake Fork drainage towards Moon Lake. Lighter winds and higher humidity’s slowed the fire spread.

The terrain is such that it is hard to get to portions of the fire or are unsafe for firefighters. Those portions are being monitored but where it is feasible the fire is being hit direct. Suppression repair has begun, and handline and dozer lines are being worked. Again today, winds that are predicted for this afternoon could ground the aircraft making it impossible to make bucket drops.

Some resources will be timing out in the next week or so and they will not be replaced unless fire conditions warrant it.

Weather: A slightly lower wind event is forecast for the fire area with winds gusting from the northwest along ridgetops at 25 to 30 mph and in the valleys at 10 to 15 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity levels will range from 10-12% and temperatures will be up to 51° at 10,000 ft. elevations.

Resources: A total of 326 firefighters are assigned to the fires. There are six crews, five helicopters, eighteen engines, one dozer and two water tenders.  Since high winds prevent the helicopters from flying on the East Fork Fire, two of them been loaned to the Range Fire near Provo, UT.  If conditions improve and bucket work is needed the helicopters will be recalled.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

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East Fork Fire: 85,232 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

Update: Nevada Interagency Team 3, Brock Uhlig, Incident Commander, took over management of the fire this morning.

Hunting season started October 15 and will run through October 25. The public and firefighters will be sharing some of the same roads outside of the closure area. Continue to drive with caution on area roads and remain out of closed areas.  If an area is closed, it is closed to all traffic, foot traffic as well as ATV. Even if you have a hunting permit, you are not allowed within closed areas and citations have been and will be issued.  Remember, hunter safety includes being sure of what you are shooting at.

Yesterday, the fire continued to move southeast in the Lake Fork drainage towards Moon Lake adding a slight increase to perimeter growth.  Around Granddaddy Lake the fire continued to fill in, burning pockets of fuel, but not adding to perimeter growth.

The priority for firefighters will be protecting structures around Moon Lake and monitoring the fire’s growth as it progresses towards containment lines. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop-up along Rock Creek Road. Around Upper Stillwater Reservoir, crews will hold and mop-up direct line above the lake. Crews will continue to monitor, and patrol lines along the Yellowstone River and Mill Park areas on the eastern flank of the fire. Winds that are predicted for this afternoon could ground the aircraft making it impossible to make bucket drops.

Weather: A slightly lower wind event is forecast for the fire area with winds gusting from the northwest along ridgetops to 45 mph and in the valleys to 25 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity levels will range from 24-38% and temperatures will be up to 51° at 10,000 ft. elevations.

Resources: A total of 363 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 4 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 19 Engines, 12 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

East Fork Fire: 85,232 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The current road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest is subject to change due to fire behavior to provide for safe and effective firefighting operations. The current closure became effective on October 15, 2020. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yyqkzuw9. The complete closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5wh4jn4.

Update: The public is urged to heed the area and road closures listed above. If an area and/or road is closed, this includes all traffic, including on foot or ATV. These closed areas are closed even to those with a hunting permit within that area. Citations will be issued for encroachments of these closed areas.

Nevada Team 3 will shadow the California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 today. This new team will take over management of the East Fork Fire on Monday, October 19. Fire management operations will not be negatively impacted by this transition.

Yesterday, the fire moved ¾ mile in the Lake Fork Drainage, and is expected to move similarly today. The fire also moved laterally towards the Stillwater Trail and towards the reservoir. Today, the priority will be to monitor the fire’s movement towards Rock Creek Road. Point protection will be provided around Moon Lake. Firefighters will continue today to mop-up, monitor areas of potential growth and begin suppression repair activities as necessary. 

Weather: Winds over the fire area will be slightly reduced from yesterday, although they still remain strong and breezy. Winds on the ridgetops will gust to 45 mph today and in the valleys, gusts will be up to 25 mph. This northwest flow pattern will continue to be breezy this week and temperatures will trend slightly warmer through midweek. Today, temperatures will reach 65 degrees in the valleys. Relative humidity levels will reach down to 19% in the valleys and will be about ten percent higher on ridgetops.

Resources: A total of 450 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 7 hand crews, 4 helicopters, 25 Engines, 13 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fire.