RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE 

Monday, August 20, 2024 

541-208-1766 

2024_red@firenet.gov 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire 

https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFire

Size: 737 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath   

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%    

Total Personnel: 194  

Crescent, OR – The Red Fire is burning within the Diamond Peak Wilderness of the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. The fire continues being managed under a full suppression strategy. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.   

 Yesterday’s Activities – Crews continued work on the fuel break line protecting the homes on the northwest side of Crescent Lake. The trees and vegetation are being trucked out of the fire area for storage and disposal. 

 Today’s Activities – Work continues today on the shaded fuel break between Crescent Lake and Summit Lake. Crews are clearing the break area of undergrowth and leaving trees spaced appropriately to serve as a fireline buffer. 

Weather and Smoke – An offshore trough will move east across the area today bringing a slight chance of showers. A low-pressure system will develop off the pacific northwest coast by Thursday and is expected to bring wet chilly weather across the fire area by Friday.  https://fire.airnow.gov/.   

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in Diamond Peak Wilderness is still in effect. The public should note that Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. More closure information is available at: https://www.fsa.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091    

 Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction areas remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). Visit www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management for more information or to sign up for alerts. 

  Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions – which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds – remain in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown.” Visit fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.   

Drone Restrictions – Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized drones (UAS) are in the area. Unauthorized drone use over a fire area poses serious risks to fire personnel and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t.  

Actualización diaria del incendio Easy

20 de agosto de 2024 

Datos clave

Size: 2,130 acres

Fecha de inicio: 17 de julio de 2024         

Ubicación: 17 millas al oeste de Mazama, WA

Contención: 29% 

Personal asignado: 129

Causa: Rayo

Recursos asignados:  2 equipos de obreros, 6 camiones de bomberos, 5 tanques de agua

Habrá una sesión informativa virtual comunitaria el miércoles 21 de agosto a las 5:30 p.m.

Vea la sesión informativa virtual comunitaria en la página de Facebook de información de los incendios Pioneer e Easy en https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080. Envíe sus preguntas con antelación a 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov o a través de Facebook Messenger.   

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Las lluvias recientes, la nubosidad y las temperaturas moderadas, han ayudado a los bomberos a lograr mantener el incendio Easy dentro de su huella actual. Se usaron sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas (UAS) para buscar áreas de calor que quedan y encontraron unos cuantos puntos de calor. Los helicópteros vertieron agua para enfriar los focos de calor. Las cuadrillas continuaron extinguiendo los focos de calor y fortaleciendo las líneas hasta 100 pies dentro de la carretera 20. Los recursos siguen apoyando al Departamento de Transporte de Washington al remover lodo y escombros a lo largo de la carretera.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Los bomberos continuarán usando UAS para vigilar el calor dentro del perímetro del incendio. Las cuadrillas continuarán el trabajo de neutralización a lo largo de la carretera 20. Los recursos en los extremos norte y sur del incendio mantendrán y mejorarán las líneas de control. Los recursos han comenzado a remover equipo que ya no es necesario.

CLIMA: Hoy estará parcialmente nublado con un 60% de probabilidad de lluvias ligeras y una baja posibilidad de tormentas eléctricas dentro de un sistema meteorológico que permanecerá en la zona hasta el jueves por la noche. Las temperaturas estarán en los 70 grados y se mantendrán dentro del rango de temperatura promedio mensual toda la semana.

CIERRES:  La carretera 20 está cerrada en ambas direcciones entre Granite Creek (MP 148) y Rainy Pass (MP 157): Manténgase al día en https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/.

El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee tiene cierres vigentes para los senderos dentro del área del incendio. Para saber más vaya a Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Este cierre incluye una parte del sendero Pacific Crest Trail y encontrará más información en https://closures.pcta.org.

Están prohibidas las fogatas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR.

EVACUACIONES:  No existen órdenes de evacuación para el incendio Easy. Cualquiera que utilice la zona para recrearse debe estar atento a su entorno y permanecer fuera de las áreas cerradas.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire

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

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM 

Correo electrónico: 2024.easy@firenet.gov

Actualización diaria del incendio Pioneer

20 de agosto de 2024

Datos clave

Tamaño: 38,727 acres

Fecha de inicio: 8 de junio de 2024            

Ubicación: 31 millas al NO de Chelan, WA

Contención: 23% 

Personal: 582

Causa: A ser determinada

Recursos asignados: 5 equipos de obreros, 7 helicópteros, 19 camiones de bomberos, 25 tanques de agua, 10 maquinarias pesadas

Habrá una sesión informativa virtual comunitaria el miércoles 21 de agosto a las 5:30 p.m.

Vea la sesión informativa virtual comunitaria en vivo en la página de Facebook de información de los incendios Pioneer e Easy en facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080. Envíe sus preguntas con antelación a 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov o a través de Facebook Messenger.

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: El incendio Pioneer se ha mantenido dentro de su huella con áreas limitadas de actividad de fuego o calor. Los bomberos en Stehekin, continuaron fortaleciendo la línea de mano cerca de Boulder Creek y Little Boulder Creek. Su trabajo fue respaldado por agua vertida para enfriar los focos de calor y mantener el fuego por debajo de la línea de control. Un helicóptero entregó a los bomberos en la cresta por arriba de los desagues de Boulder y Rainbow, donde prepararon un área segura o "helipunto" para que los helicópteros puedan aterrizar y dejar a los bomberos. Las cuadrillas continuaron con el trabajo de proteger estructuras en el área de Company Creek. Cerca de Manson, mejoraron las carreteras de la zona con grava para reparar los daños causados por el tráfico de los incendios e eliminaron los obstáculos restantes y los árboles talados alrededor de Cooper Ridge. Siguen disponibles los recursos aéreos y terrestres de extinción del incendio Pioneer para el atacar inicialmente otros incendios en coordinación con el personal de la agencia local.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Las cuadrillas en Stehekin, continuarán preparando las estructuras. Si las condiciones lo permiten, los bomberos volarán al helipunto en la cresta por arriba de los desagues Boulder y Rainbow para mejorar la línea de control y así contener el fuego por debajo de la cresta. El trabajo en tierra contará con la ayuda de recursos aéreos mediante agua vertida según sea necesario. Las maquinarias pesadas han comenzado a salir del extremo sur del incendio mientras que llega a su final el trabajo en la línea de contingencia. Las cuadrillas estarán disponibles para el ataque inicial en el área alrededor. El Equipo 3 del Noroeste ha asumido el mando del incendio Rennie, un nuevo fuego al norte de Stehekin, y vigilará el incendio con recursos aéreos.

CLIMA: Las temperaturas alcanzarán los 70 grados hoy con vientos ligeros del lago. Hay una mayor posibilidad de lluvias por la tarde junto con posibles tormentas eléctricas aisladas.

EVACUACIONES: Los niveles de evacuación en el incendio Pioneer a partir de las 12 p.m. del domingo 18 de agosto son los siguientes:

• Nivel 2 (Estar preparado): El Stehekin Valley, desde High Bridge sur hasta Adams Point
• Nivel 1 (Manténgase alerta): Desde (and including) Adams Point sur hasta Camas Creek

Aunque han cambiado los niveles de evacuación en el área de Stehekin, el área permanece cerrada a los visitantes. Para ver más información, visite: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies.

Closures: Cierres actuales para el Parque Nacional North Cascades: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm. El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee ha emitido una orden de cierre sobre gran parte del área afectada por el incendio: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Las fogatas están prohibidas. El sendero Pacific Crest Trail está cerrado en diferentes áreas de Washington debido a varios incendios. Para más informació, visite closures.pcta.org/. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR.

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

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

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Whisky Creek Tamaño 2,057 acres | Fecha de inicio: 20 de julio | Causa: De orígen humano, a ser determinada | Contención 9% Sandstone Tamaño: 702 acres | Fecha de inicio: 5 de agosto | Causa: Rayo | Contención: 29% Recursos en total: 761 | Equipos de obreros: 19 | Camiones de bomberos: 10 | Topadoras: 4 | Otras maquinarias pesadas: 25 | Helicópteros: 4

(Odell, Oregón.) – Continúa el trabajo de extinción en el incendio Whisky Creek, a 6 millas al sureste de Cascade Locks, Oregón, y en los incendios 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. A pesar de que hubo mucha lluvia, el paisaje sigue siendo propicio al fuego. El sábado por la noche, hubo más de 3.400 rayos en Oregón, lo que provocó nuevos fuegos por toda la región. Los recursos aéreos de Whisky Creek y Sandstone respondieron rápidamente a las peticiones de misiones de reconocimiento en toda el área para ayudar a evitar que nuevos incidentes se conviertan en grandes incendios forestales sin contención. Durante estas misiones, se vieron tres nuevos fuegos en el Bosque Nacional Mt. Hood y equipos locales les están dando atención.
 

Whisky Creek: Ayer, las cuadrillas se enfocaron en el extremo noreste del incendio, donde se retrasó el trabajo de extinción ya que se tuvo que remover árboles peligrosos. Se lograron grandes avances en las líneas de contención alrededor de los fuegos salpicados cerca de Black Lake, lo que aumentó aún más la confianza que estas áreas se mantendrán controladas. En los caminos forestales 630 y 650, se completó la trituración (la molidad de escombros y la vegetación que han sido removidos para convertirlos en un material más fino y controlable). Avanzó la trituración de los escombros leñosos a lo largo de la carretera forestal 2810. Los bomberos exploraron el terreno cerca del lago Wahtum en búsqueda de posibles líneas de contingencia.
 

Hoy, las cuadrillas patrullarán el extremo noreste del incendio, buscando focos de calor cerca de las líneas de contención. Se están neutralizando y reforzando las líneas de contención en el extremo este del incendio. Al sur del incendio, cerca del lago Wahtum, continuará el trabajo de trituración a lo largo de las carreteras.
 

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Ayer, lanzamientos de agua bien dirigidos vertieron unos 800 galones de agua al fuego que arde cerca de acantilados escarpados en el extremo sur del incendio Blister Creek, ya que no es posible entrar para los equipos de tierra. Continuó la construcción de la línea de contención frente a Thunder Mountain hacia el sur.
 

Hoy, los bomberos del incendio Blister Creek vigilarán más de cerca la parte del acantilado incontenible e inaccesible del incendio con la ayuda de helicópteros. Continuó el trabajo de astillado a lo largo de carretera forestal 7015 y se está removiendo el equipo no esencial del cortafuegos fortalecido para que se use donde más se necesite. Los operadores de maquinarias pesadas nivelarán la carretera forestal 4620 para reparar cualquier daño causado por el trabajo de extinción. Las cuadrillas fortalecerán las líneas de contención alrededor de losfuegos salpicados al norte de Forest Road 4620 mientras buscan oportunidades seguras de luchar directamente en el extremo del incendio.
 

Clima y intensidad del fuego: Las temperaturas más frescas, la mayor humedad y los cielos parcialmente nublados continuarán calmando la intensidad del fuego. Para el miércoles por la noche y el viernes, se pronostica una mayor probabilidad de lluvias dispersas.
 

Safety: 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 enhttps://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.
 

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.
 

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:

Homestead Complex Fire Update for Tuesday August 20, 2024

No Man, Salmon 33, Horse Heaven Creek, Bullpup, Fuller Lake, Reynold’s Butte, Lost Bucket

Start date: July 19, 2024 | Location: Northeast of Glide, Oregon | Total Personnel: 892

Total Homestead Complex Fire size: 5,875 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 35%

Summary

The Homestead Complex experienced moderated fire behavior yesterday. The fires could see slow rates of spread within the firelines today. In addition to resources on the ground, a K-MAX and Black Hawk helicopter are assigned to the fires to assist from the air. As fuels continue drying out, there is some rain in the forecast for tomorrow that could impact their receptivity to fire.

No Man (1,940 acres) and Salmon 33 (254 ac.): Firefighters will work on indirect and direct lines around both fires as well as continue firing operations on the No Man fire as opportunities present. Some chipping of downed material will also occur today.

Horse Heaven Creek Fire (2,235 ac.): The fire continues to creep and smolder on the landscape demonstrating the most activity on south-facing slopes. Operations will prep and advance the indirect lines to the east to further lessen spread towards private lands and associated values. A large boulder had to be blasted to clear a partially blocked road yesterday.

Bullpup Fire (462 ac.) and Fuller Lake Fire (397 ac.): Crews are constructing indirect line and conducting tactical firing operations to keep the fires within control lines along the 5850 and 300 Roads. Operations are also strategizing how to best remove logs and other material from the area.

Reynolds Butte Fire (335 ac): An engine crew will be patrolling the fire perimeter today.

Lost Bucket Fire (34 ac.): 100% contained on July 29, 2024.

Weather: Today is anticipated to be slightly warmer and drier than yesterday. Temperatures will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s with relative humidities in the 30s and 40s. Winds will be out of the west- northwest 6-10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph at the mid slopes and ridge tops.

Closures and Fire Restrictions

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, has issued a closure order for portions of BLM land which border the Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure north of Steamboat. The closure order can be viewed here: https//www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg- 072624.pdf.

The Umpqua National Forest has Emergency Fire Closures in place impacting every district of the forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Homestead Complex Fire. Please remember, if you fly we can’t! If a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aviation equipment will be grounded.

Fire Information Line: 541-208-7100 (Staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov

Incident management personnel from Hawaii join Dixon Fire

DAYS CREEK, Ore. — Hawaii, the most recent state to join the Northwest Compact, hit the ground running by sending personnel to Oregon on their first fire assignments under the compact.

This past April, Hawaii became the eleventh member of the Northwest Wildland Fire Protection Agreement (NW Compact). The purpose of the NW Compact is to promote effective prevention, suppression, and control of forest fires in the Northwest wildland region of the United States and Western areas of Canada. It provides an efficient way for member states, provinces, and territories to cope with wildland fires that might be beyond the capabilities of a single member agency, through information sharing, technology and resource distribution.

Willamette Complex North

Ore & Pyramid Fires

Incident Update

Date:  Tuesday, August 20, 2024

SPECIAL NOTE

State Route OR-126 will be closed for 48 hours from 7 a.m. 8/20 through 7 a.m. 8/22 for road repaving from mile marker 13 to 19.8. This will impact travel East of Belknap Springs. OR-20 and OR-58 are recommended as full detours around the closure; vehicles over 35 feet long are not allowed on OR-242.   

CURRENT SITUATION

Conditions will be warmer and drier today leading to an increase in fire activity ahead of predicted wetting rain later in the week. There are confirmed new lightning fires in the area, and incident resources are available to assist with new fire responses if necessary. Management of the Willamette Complex North will transition from California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 to Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 7 at 07:00 a.m. Wednesday.  

Ore Fire

Blue River, 3,135 Acres, 14% Contained, 571 Total Personnel, Human Caused

Overnight resources continued to secure containment lines. If conditions prove favorable, crews will resume firing operations today along the 1509 Road to strengthen the northwestern flank. Crews on the northeastern flank will continue to construct and improve containment lines. The southwestern and southeastern flanks remain a solid anchor for the fire. 

Pyramid Fire

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,312 Acres, 82% Contained, 283 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused

Infrared flights still show heat within the fire interior. As drying continues, potential for interior flareups will increase. Crews continue to secure containment lines and clean up contingency lines.   

Weather & FIre Behavior

Skies are expected to be clearer today, even in the morning, allowing for stronger and faster warming and drying compared to the last couple of days. Afternoon winds are predicted to be 4-8 mph in valleys and 8-12 mph on the ridgetops.  Predicted maximum temperatures are 76-80°F in the valleys and 72-76°F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidities are 34-40% in the valleys and 42-48% on the ridgetops.  For smoke and air quality conditions visit: AirNow.gov 

Evacuations, Closures & Fire Restrictions

On August 19, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office lifted the previous Level 3 Evacuation order. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for further information. To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit linnsheriff.org/. 

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect on the Willamette National Forest. The Pyramid Fire closure area was reduced on August 19. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487. 

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. 

For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Whisky Creek Size: 2,057 acres | Reported Date: July 20 | Cause: Human, Under Investigation | Containment: 9% Sandstone Size: 702 acres | Reported Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 29%                          Total Resources: 761 | Hand Crews: 19 | Engines: 10 | Dozers: 4 | 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. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority. Fire managers are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to assess and develop plans for more direct fire suppression efforts. Despite considerable rainfall, the landscape remains receptive to fire. Over 3,400 lightning strikes occurred in Oregon on Saturday night, igniting new fires across the region. Whisky Creek and Sandstone aerial resources swiftly responded to requests for reconnaissance missions across the area to help prevent new incidents from escalating into large, uncontained wildfires. During these missions, three new fires on the Mt. Hood National Forest were located and are being addressed by local crews.

Whisky Creek: Yesterday, crews focused on the northeast edge of the fire, where suppression activities were delayed by hazard tree removal. Significant progress was made on containment lines around spot fires near Black Lake, further increasing the confidence these areas will hold. On Forest Roads 630 and 650, mastication (the grinding of removed debris and vegetation into finer, more manageable material) was completed. Mastication of woody debris progressed along Forest Road 2810. Firefighters scouted the terrain near Wahtum Lake for possible contingency lines.

Today, crews will patrol the northeast edge of the fire, looking for hot spots near containment lines. Mop up and strengthening containment lines on the east side of the fire is ongoing. South of the fire near Wahtum Lake, mastication operations along roads will continue.

Sandstone & Blister Creek: Yesterday, targeted bucket drops delivered approximately 800 gallons of water to fire burning near steep cliffs on the south side of the Blister Creek Fire, where access by ground crews is not possible. Containment line construction continued off Thunder Mountain to the south.

Today, firefighters on the Blister Creek Fire will closely monitor the uncontained, inaccessible cliff portion of the fire with helicopter assistance. Chipping operations will proceed along Forest Road 7015 and non-essential equipment is being backhauled from secured fire line to be redeployed where needed most. Heavy equipment operators will grade Forest Road 4620 to repair any road damage caused by suppression activities. Crews will improve containment lines around the spots north of Forest Road 4620 while scouting for safe opportunities to engage directly at the fire’s edge.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and partly cloudy skies will continue to moderate fire behavior. An increased chance of scattered showers is in the forecast for Wednesday evening into Friday.

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 is expected to be good for both fire areas. For more information on smoke conditions in your area, go to www.AirNow.gov.

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. 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

Incident Commander:  Rick Connell, Northern Rockies Team 5

Locations:

• Middle Fork Complex Location: 9 miles east of Garden Valley, ID
• Bull Trout Location: 15 miles WNW of Stanley, ID
• Wapiti Location: 2 miles southwest of Grandjean, ID

Start Dates:  07/24/24 – 08/06/2024

Cause: Lightning

Size:                                       

• Bull Trout: 271 acres
• Wapiti: 9,049 acres
• Middle Fork Complex:             
  • Bulldog: 4,986 acres
  • Nellie: 19,517 acres

Containment:

• Middle Fork Complex: 5%
• Wapiti: 10%
• Bull Trout:  92%

Resources on site:      

• Middle Fork Complex: 7 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 1 water tender
• Wapiti: 2 hot shot crews; 2 type 2 hand crews; 20 engines; 2 water tenders; 1 skidgen, 1 bulldozer
• Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:         

• Middle Fork Complex: 369
• Wapiti: 178
• Bull Trout: 22  

KEY MESSAGE: 

** Effective as of August 20, 2024, 8:34 AM, Highway 21 is closed from MP92 to MP107 from the Granjean area to the Custer County line due to wildfire activity. This area starts at Forest Road 025RC (MP 92) which accesses Warm Springs Guard Station and air strip to the Custer County line MP107. This closure is to provide safety for firefighters completing strategic firing operations along Highway 21 to reduce hazardous fuels and limit fire intensity.

The community of Hanging Valley is in Level 3 “GO” evacuation status due to the Highway 21 closure. Evacuation information will be posted on the Boise County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. The Bonneville Campground is also closed effective immediately. For closure information, please visit Boise National Forest’s website – Alerts & Closures.

During these critical fire weather days, the protection of communities, historic landmarks, and other values at risk are the primary objectives. Firefighters are utilizing all resources available including helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, and water scoopers; aircraft are utilized as tactics, weather, smoke, and terrain conditions allow safe operations. Firefighter and public safety are always the highest priorities. Smoke will be visible and could impact roadways today, please follow the instructions of emergency responders and drive safely.

Current Status/PLANNED ACTIONS: 

Middle Fork Complex: The Middle Fork Complex is comprised of the Bulldog and Nellie fires.  

Yesterday on the Bulldog Fire, crews prepared the FS road 698 for holding the fire on the east side.  An assessment of structures and other values at risk was completed in the Silver Creek area to the north, and lines held on the south/southeast edge. Today, firefighters will continue to improve and hold direct and indirect lines.  The public is reminded that the Middlefork Road (FS Road 698) is closed at the Forest Service boundary just north of Lightning Creek and the Scriver Creek Road (FS Road 693) is also closed at the Forest Service Boundary for firefighter and public safety as crews continue to work to protect private property and structures in the vicinity of Crouch.

On the Nellie Fire, there was growth to the north and south with group torching, long-range spotting, and terrain driven spread. Active fire behavior occurred throughout the afternoon and evening leading to a 3,000 acre growth. Firefighters continued to provide for protection of the Deadwood and Scott Mountain Lookouts and the communication tower. A wildland fire module will assess the Deadwood Reservoir area to provide for infrastructure and historic structure protection. Firefighters will continue to identify potential control lines surrounding the fire area. The public is reminded that Forest Service Road #555 is closed at the intersection of Highway 17 all the way to the Forest Service Road #579 intersection.

Wapiti Fire:  The Wapiti Fire had active fire behavior with group torching, long range spotting, and terrain driven runs. Crews continued structure protection throughout the day and night for Sawtooth Lodge, Bear Creek, Camp Creek, and Wapiti Creek Summer Home areas.  An additional structure was lost due to showering embers in the Wapiti Summer Homes area. Fire is expected to continue to spread downhill and along the ridge lines to the west and north. Firefighters will be operating along Highway 21 may conduct strategic fire operations if needed, to reduce heavy fuels and limit the intensity of fire spread. Smoke will impact the Highway 21 corridor today. 

Bull Trout Fire: The Bull Trout fire is still 92% contained, with little heat observed yesterday. An engine continues to patrol the fire daily to ensure no changes in activity. 

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Critical weather conditions on Monday created hot dry windy conditions that brought active fire behavior.  Fire spread due to group torching with spotting up to ½ mile. Today, when the inversion lifts conditions will be elevated to near-critical fire weather throughout the afternoon and evening.  Winds will be from the southwest at around 6-12 mph with gusts up to 15-20mph possible.  Isolated showers and thunderstorms may be possible east of the Sawtooth Range. These thunderstorms may bring gusty outflow winds that could cause fire to spread. Inversion will settle during the late evening and overnight with light winds across all areas. Due to weather conditions, fire behavior is expected to include group torching, short- and long-range spotting with terrain driven spread through dead and fine fuels again today. As dry weather continues, fuels continue to be very dry and will remain dry. Fire spread will be wind driven and align with slopes and fuel types. 

CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, AND evacuations:

Middle Fork Complex: The Boise County Sheriff's Office continues to maintain the Level 2 evacuation notice for residents on and near the Middlefork Road between Stump Ranch Road up to Tie Creek Campground. The Boise National Forest issued an area closure for the fire (Closure #0402-06-59) effective August 12, 2024. The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during the fires.

Wapiti Fire: The evacuation order for Summer Homes and the Sawtooth Lodge remain in effect for the Wapiti Fire, as does the area closure issued by the Sawtooth and Boise National Forests (Closure #0402-05-94) effective August 12, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Wapiti Fire. 

Bull Trout Fire: The Bull Trout Fire Area Closure (Closure #0402-05-93) remains in effect for the roads and trails within the perimeter of the fire. The Boise National Forest issued this order on August,12, 2024. It will be rescinded as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Closure information and maps are posted on the Forest’s website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place. https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7 

The Boise National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management are in Stage 1 fire restrictions on state, endowment, private and federal lands within the West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Zone. For more information on the restrictions and a map visit: 

https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/     

Evacuation Levels Decrease as Mop Up and Repair Work Nears Completion

DAYS CREEK, Ore. – Crews continued to further secure the perimeter of the Dixon Fire overnight, searching through burned areas for any remaining heat and eliminating fuel pockets as mop up nears completion. Along the northwest portion of the fire, mop up has been largely completed, and monitoring and patrol are underway. Along the southeast perimeter, crews have completed the bulk of mop up, heavy equipment work, and felling of hazard trees. On the eastern flank, crews continued final mop up, including checking for heat near structures.