East Fork Fire: 69,929 acres, 72% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT. Began August 21, 2020, lightning caused.

Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,225 acres, 0% containment. Located 5 miles northeast of Moon Lake in the High Unitas Wilderness. Began August 25, 2020, lightning caused.

Overview: The Ashley National Forest Type 3 Incident Management took control of the East Fork and Center Creek Trail Fires at 0700 on September 29. Jon Rupp is the Incident Commander. The firest are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, State of Utah

The public is advised to be aware of area and road closures on the Forest. Any changes to these closures will be published on the InciWeb sites as soon as they are finalized. Use caution driving on area roads, as heavy firefighting equipment is in the area. Increased traffic will continue through the weekend as hunting seasons open.

Yesterday: Crews continued to secure the fire’s edge in the Mill Park area. Around the Moon Lake and Upper Stillwater Dam area, firefighters worked to monitor the edge as well as in the wilderness.

Today’s Operations: Crews will patrol the fire perimeter from Upper Stillwater dam to Twin Pots. They will monitor the fire progression in Brown Duck Basin and be prepared for any necessary protection measures around the Moon Lake Guard Station. Firefighters will continue gridding and lining spot fires that are outside of control lines to prevent additional fire growth. They will work to contain the slop over between Petty Mountain Loop Road and Hells Canyon Road. Fire progression west of Lake Fork Mountain will be monitored.

The Center Creek Fire will be monitored for southern progression. Suppression repair work will continue.

Weather: Sunny and warmer with highs near upper 50s at 10,000 feet and near 70 degrees at 8,000 feet. Minimum relative humidity levels will be at 11-18%. Terrain driven winds will be 4-9 mph sustained and with gusts to 18 mph.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 6 Engines, 4 water tenders, 1 Type-1 handcrew and 2 Type-2 Initial Attack handcrews. Currently 150 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.

Closures: Closures are in effect for the Ashley National Forest and Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands. Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office has closed county roads in and near the fire area. All closures are posted at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7052/       

High Uintas Wilderness Fires and Closures

The Grandview, Upperstillwater, Moon Lake, Center Creek and Swift Creek Trailheads are closed due to the East Fork  and Center Creek Trail Fires.

East Fork Fire

Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, Utah

Approximate Acreage: 69,412

Containment: 72%

Start Date: August 21, 2020 lightning caused

Center Creek Trail Fire

Location: 5 miles northeast of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness

Approximate Acreage: 1,225

Containment: 0%

Start Date: August 25, 2020 lightning caused

#EastForkFire & #CenterCreekTrailFire
Update Sept. 29, 2020

Fire activity is expected until significant precipitation occurs.

Command of the East Fork and Center Creek Trail Fire has transferred to a local Type-3 Team. 

As this new team stands up to manage these fires updates will be limited.

Closure areas area evaluated daily and any changes will be announced here and on our facebook page: Ashley National Forest.

Fire restrictions are in place across the Ashley National Forest no wood or charcoal use is allowed outside of developed campgrounds.  Devices that use liquid petroleum products, natural gass or propane that have a knob or switch that completely extinguishes the device are generally acceptable to use.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 6 Engines, 6 water tenders, 1 Type-1 handcrew, 2 Type-2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers. Currently 150 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.
 

Yesterday: Crews established hose lays along the Petty Mountain Loop Road and contained all spot fires near Hells Canyon. Firefighters with the help of helicopter water drops suppressed fire activity throughout the interior of the fire perimeter.

Today’s Operations: Crews will continue to monitor and contain fire activity above Hells Canyon and near Brown Mountain. Suppression repair continues along the eastern perimeter. The fire continues to burn moderately in the wilderness. The fire is cleaning up dead and down timber, which will benefit wildlife and forest health. Fire activity is expected until significant precipitation occurs. Command of the East Fork and Center Creek Trail Fire will transfer to a local Type-3 Team tomorrow. In preparation, the new team will shadow Great Basin Team 7 today to gain familiarization with the fires.

Weather: Sunny and cool with temperatures in the upper 50s at 8,000 feet and 40s at 10,000 feet. Winds will be terrain driven at 5-10 mph with gusts of 15-20 mph.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 8 Engines, 3 water tenders, 1 Type-1 handcrew, 2 Type-2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers, and 1 Wildland Fire Module. Currently 249 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.
 
East Fork
Fire location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
Approximate acreage: 69,244
Containment: 72%
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 258

Center Creek Trail
Fire location: 5 miles NE of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Approximate acreage: 1,225
Containment: 0%
Start date: August 25, 2020
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 9    

Yesterday: High winds increased fire activity and visible smoke northwest of the Moon Lake campground in Brown Duck Basin. These high winds also grounded aviation resources early in the day. Crews established hose lay along the Petty Mountain Loop Road, conducted suppression repair work, and monitored the perimeter for spot fires.

Today’s Operations: Crews will continue to monitor and contain spots in Hells Canyon. Reduced wind activity will allow seven aircraft, including Utah National Guard Blackhawks, to continue bucket work to suppress hot spots throughout the interior of the fire. Suppression repair will be taking place along the east perimeter of the fire. Tomorrow, Great Basin Team 7 will begin to transfer command of the fire to local resources.

Closure Update: Rock Creek Road is now open to the Stillwater Ponds. The road remains closed just past the ponds. We ask all forest users to respect closures and drive carefully as heavy fire traffic is in the area.

Weather: Today will be sunny with gusty northerly winds early in the day, up to 40 miles per hour on the ridgetops in the early morning. Winds will abate by noon, decreasing to around 10-15 miles per hour. Temperatures will be about 10 degrees colder today, with 44-48 degrees at 10,000 feet, and 56-61 degrees at 8,000 feet.

Resources: 7 Helicopters, 9 Engines, 3 water tenders, 1 Type-1 handcrew, 2 Type-2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers, and 1 Wildland Fire Modules. Currently 266 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.
 
East Fork
Fire location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
Approximate acreage: 69,244
Containment: 68%
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 266

Center Creek Trail
Fire location: 5 miles NE of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Approximate acreage: 1,225
Containment: 0%
Start date: August 25, 2020
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 9   

Yesterday: Firefighters held their own against red flag conditions. Crews, “scooper” fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and dozer operators worked swiftly to line spot fires between Petty Mountain Loop Trail and Hells Canyon Road before they could pose a serious threat down canyon. Crews installed a hose lay to reinforce protection measures near Moon Lake.  Adjacent to Upper Stillwater Reservoir, firefighters monitored the fire as it slowly backs downhill towards Rock Creek Road east of the reservoir. The Center Creek Trail Fire saw minimal activity.

Today’s Operations: Crews will continue to fully suppress spot fires from the previous days’ wind events and monitor containment lines throughout the eastern perimeter. As safety allows, excavators will continue repairing dozer line on Petty Mountain Loop eastwards to the PC-HC Cutoff trail. Drainage repair on the canal near Moon Lake Road will continue, with firefighters removing woody debris by hand.  Firefighters will monitor the fire above Upper Stillwater Reservoir. Fire management will continue monitoring the wilderness fire as it burns at various intensities, running out of fuel at high altitudes.

Weather: Relative humidities will see a significant increase today. Accompanied by cooler weather, slightly decreased winds, and some cloud cover, this should moderate fire behavior. Temperatures up to 70° at lower elevations and 57° in the higher elevations. Evening temperatures will dip to 40°. Winds today from the south are expected at 12-17 mph with gusts to 32 mph.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 12 Engines, 6 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers, and 2 Wildland Fire Modules. Currently 232 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.
 
East Fork
Fire location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
Approximate acreage: 68,342
Containment: 64%
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 232

Center Creek Trail
Fire location: 5 miles NE of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Approximate acreage: 1,220
Containment: 0%
Start date: August 25, 2020
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 9  

Yesterday: Increased fire behavior generated visible smoke on the northern and eastern sections of the East Fork Fire. Firefighters, supported by “scooper” fixed wing aircraft dropping water from the skies, quickly responded to help mitigate fire spread. Helicopters conducted bucket drops to assist firefighters and reduce heat sources throughout active fire areas. The Center Creek Trail Fire saw minimal activity.

Today’s Operations: Crews will attempt to fully suppress spotting from yesterday’s wind event and continue monitoring containment lines throughout the eastern perimeter. Winds may increase fire behavior and crews will be prepositioned to respond. Crews are installing a hose lay to reinforce structure protection measures near Moon Lake, as fire along Brown Duck Creek moves closer. An excavator is repairing drainage features and removing debris caused by suppression activities on a canal along Moon Lake Road. Minimal activity is expected on the west side of the fire. Utah National Guard Blackhawk helicopters will assist with fire suppression efforts today.

Weather: A red flag warning has been issued due to high winds and dry conditions. Winds could gust up to 34 mph on the ridges, with sustained speeds of 18-23 mph. Fuels are very dry and humidities remain low. Today will be sunny and warm, with temperatures in the mid-70s.

Resources: 5 Helicopters, 2 fixed-wing aircraft, 13 Engines, 6 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers, and 2 Wildland Fire Modules. Currently 242 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.
 
East Fork
Fire location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
Approximate acreage: 68,342
Containment: 64%
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 246

Center Creek Trail
Fire location: 5 miles NE of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness
Approximate acreage: 1,220
Containment: 0%
Start date: August 25, 2020
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 9 

           EAST FORK and CENTER CREEK TRAIL FIRE UPDATE
Yesterday: Containment increased yesterday as crews continued mop up along Petty Mountain Loop. Crews made progress chipping and excavating for suppression repair along the eastern perimeter of the fire. Helicopter water drops were made near Lake Fork Mountain to moderate fire behavior. Crews monitored heat in Mackentire Draw and the lower portions of Rock Creek drainage, engaging when safe to do so. The fire is running out of burnable fuel in the northwest portion of the fire in the wilderness and West Fork Rock Creek areas. Crews continued monitoring the nearby Center Creek Trail Fire.

Today’s Operations: Crews will monitor containment lines as high winds push through the area and mop up when conditions are safe. Fire behavior is expected to be active in the Brown Duck drainage northwest of Moon Lake, west of Francis Lake and in Raspberry Draw. Suppression repair continues along the eastern fire perimeter and a feller buncher will start clearing the Dry Ridge Road.

Safety: Hunters please adhere to all closure orders and remain cognizant of fire personnel in the area. The fire is still active, hazard trees are a danger, and rockslides in burned areas can occur.

Weather: A red flag warning has been issued for high winds today, which could create challenging fire behavior for firefighters. Winds could gust to 37 mph, with sustained winds of 14-19 mph. Fuels are very dry and humidities remain low, with no relief in sight. Today will be sunny and warm, reaching temperatures in the high 70s.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 13 Engines, 6 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers and 2 Wildland Fire Module. Currently 246 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 9 firefighters assigned.

Incident Commander: Jeff Knudson, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team 7
Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal lands, State of Utah

East Fork
Fire location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
Approximate acreage: 67,116
Containment: 28%
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 246

Center Creek Trail
Fire location: 5 miles NE of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness

Approximate acreage: 1,220
Containment: 0%
Start date: August 25, 2020
Cause: natural - lightning
Personnel: 9

East Fork Fire: Yesterday fire behavior was moderate northwest of the Moon Lake campground in the Brown Duck Basin. Fire behavior was light in the Mackentire draw, and the lower portions of Rock Creek drainage. The West Fork Rock Creek area saw minimal intensity and rates of spread as the area slowly runs out of burnable fuel near treeline.

Center Creek Trail Fire: The Center Creek Trail Fire is showing limited fire behavior and currently poses no threat of moving south toward the wilderness boundary.

Today’s Operations: Crews will work to monitor values near Yellowstone drainage and Brown Duck drainage northwest of Moon Lake as fire behavior remains moderately active. Mop-up, Chipping operations, and suppression repair continues along the eastern fire perimeter. Suppression repair work is complete on contained lines from Moon Lake Road to Rock Creek Road. Crews will continue monitoring these containment lines.

Safety: With muzzleloader deer season starting today, Great Basin Team 7 reminds hunters to adhere to all closure orders and remain cognizant of fire personnel in the area. The fire is still active, hazard trees are a danger, and rockslides in burned areas can occur. Information about closures for hunters can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7052/56691/.

Weather: Precipitation in the area yesterday had little impact on the fire, despite briefly increasing relative humidities. The bulk of the showers missed the fire and fine fuels will quickly dry out this morning. Today will be mostly sunny, with temperatures in the upper 50s at 10,000 ft, and in the mid-70s at lower elevations. Afternoon winds from the S/SE are expected at 5-9 mph with gusts to 18 mph.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 19 Engines, 8 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers and 1 Wildland Fire Module. Currently 270 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 12 firefighters assigned.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

East Fork   
   Fire Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
   Approximate Acreage: 67,006
   Containment: 26%
   Start Date: August 21, 2020
   Cause: Natural - Lightning
   Total Personnel: 282

Center Creek Trail
   Location: 5 miles northeast of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness 
   Approximate Acreage: 1,220
   Containment: 0%
   Start Date: August 25, 2020 
   Cause: Natural - Lightning  
   Total Personnel: 12
 
Incident Commander: Jeff Knudson, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #7

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

Online Links

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

Center Creek Trail InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7166/

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

E-mail: 2020.EastFork@FireNet.gov

Phone #: 435-635-8738   

September 22, 2020

Area Closures Due to East Fork and Center Creek Trail Fires Restrict Access to Part of the South Slope Yellowstone Big Game Hunting Unit and Fire Restrictions Continue into October on the Ashley National Forest

Duchesne, Utah: With the arrival of fall, the changing colors of the forest is a signal to many hunters to begin checking and purchasing new equipment, packing trailers, tuning up all-terrain vehicles and sighting in rifles or muzzleloaders in preparation for the Fall big game hunts.

With all of this preparation, this year many hunters will find access is limited on the South Slope Yellowstone Unit during the muzzle loader deer hunt and rifle elk hunt in the Rock Creek drainage, Pigeon Water, Petty Mountain and Hells Canyon, and the Yellowstone and Swift Creek drainage.

If your hunting plans include any areas on the South Slope Yellowstone Unit, please check our area closures prior to departing for your hunt to ensure you have access to your planned hunting location. For current information on the roads and area closure on the Ashley National Forest please click the "Closures" tab here on the fire InciWeb page, or visit the Ashley National Forest Facebook page .

• Rock Creek Road is closed. However, Forest lands south of Rock Creek Road are open.
• Blindstream Road is open from the intersection of Hwy 35 to the Blindstream summit. Forest lands accessed from this section of Blindstream Road are open.
• To the west of the fire, all Forest lands west of Mill Flat are open.
• To the east of the fire, Moon Lake Road and Yellowstone Road are closed.
• All Forest lands east of Dry Gulch and Jackson Park are open.
• For closure areas in the High Uintas Wilderness please refer to the map located on the East Fork Fire InciWeb page or the Ashley National Forest Facebook page.

The East Fork Fire and Center Creek Fire both started in the wilderness due to lightning. The East Fork fire which started in the wilderness on August 21 is still burning within the boundaries of the High Uintas Wilderness in the Granddaddy Basin, Brown Duck Basin and Petty Mountain and is expected to burn until significant rain or snow arrive. Road closures associated with this fire include the Blind Stream Road above Hanna Utah, The Rock Creek Road which accesses Upper Stillwater Reservoir, and Pigeon Water.

The Center Creek Trail Fire which was identified on August 25th is burning in the Yellowstone drainage approximately three miles from the Swift Creek Trailhead in the Yellowstone drainage.

For the latest information on area closures and road closures associated with these fires please visit our Facebook page or visit our webpage.

Fire restrictions are still in place on the Ashley national forest. Fire restrictions were instituted on August 11 due to drought conditions. Currently there are no plans to lift fire restrictions prior to either of these hunts.

Joseph Flores, Ashley National Forest Fire Management Officer stated, “With the current forecast showing continued hot and dry weather well into October, the potential for wildfires is at an unprecedented level, well outside our normal weather pattern. This is driving the need to continue fire restrictions into October until we receive significant moisture.”

No campfires are allowed, but propane or gas stoves or propane fire rings are okay for use. Generally, if the item you want to use has an on and off switch or knob and completely extinguishes when the knob or button is turned or pushed it is OK for you to use. No charcoal should be used.

East Fork Fire: A visible smoke plume rose over Brown Duck Basin late yesterday afternoon as warm dry conditions caused an increase in fire behavior. Nearby structures at Moon Lake were well-protected in advance and the fire poses little risk. With the successful completion of firing operations on the eastern fire perimeter, mop up and suppression repair operations are now taking place along the direct and indirect line from Mackentire Draw to the wilderness boundary. The northwestern wilderness portion of the fire has begun to slow, as the fire runs out of fuel near treeline to the far north.

Center Creek Trail Fire: The Center Creek Trail Fire is showing limited fire behavior and currently poses no threat of moving south toward the wilderness boundary.

Today’s Operations: Fire activity is expected to be moderate today. Crews will patrol the south and southeastern perimeter of the fire and begin pulling water hoselays, pumps, and other firefighting equipment. Suppression repair work will be ongoing throughout the fire area. Mop up operations are underway along the burn area near Flea Flat on the eastern control lines. Crews will continue to monitor the fire west of Lake Fork mountain and high up in the wilderness.

Safety: As containment increases and suppression repair progresses, some closures may soon be lifted. Fire-affected areas may still present hazards to the public. Fire-weakened trees fall easily, fire-damaged soils can contribute to rockslides and flooding, and firefighters and fire traffic may still be operating nearby. We ask that the public maintain vigilance when and if visiting fire-affected areas.

Weather: Today’s temperatures will be in the upper 50s at 10,000 ft, and in the mid-60s at lower elevations with clouds and a possibility of showers and thunderstorms. These storms could bring gusty outflow winds of 30 miles per hour. There is a 30% chance of wetting rains. Moisture in the area will not likely have significant impacts on the fire.

Resources: 3 Helicopters, 19 Engines, 8 water tenders, 2 Type 2 Initial Attack handcrews, 2 dozers and 1 Wildland Fire Module. Currently 263 firefighters are assigned to the East Fork Fire. The Center Creek Trail Fire has 12 firefighters assigned. 
 

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

East Fork   
   Fire Location: 13 miles north of Hanna, UT
   Approximate Acreage: 66,655
   Containment: 26%
   Start Date: August 21, 2020
   Cause: Natural - Lightning
   Total Personnel: 263

Center Creek Trail
   Location: 5 miles northeast of Moon Lake in the High Uintas Wilderness 
   Approximate Acreage: 1,214
   Containment: 0%
   Start Date: August 25, 2020 
   Cause: Natural - Lightning  
   Total Personnel: 12
 
Incident Commander: Jeff Knudson, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #7
Jurisdiction: Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, State of Utah
 

Online Links

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

Center Creek Trail InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7166/

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

E-mail: 2020.EastFork@FireNet.gov

Phone #: 435-635-8738