Indian Creek Fire Update for Thursday, August 20, 2020
 
Brian Gales, Incident Commander
Lonnie Click, Deputy Incident Commander 
                         

Start date: Aug. 16, 2020

Location: Jonesboro, Oregon

Cause: Human/under investigation

Fire size: 20,300 acres

Containment: 20%

VALE, Ore. – Fire behavior remained moderate Wednesday due to smoke and cloud cover, allowing firefighters to conduct burnouts, continue building and reinforcing lines and position incoming resources.

The fire was estimated at 20,300 acres last night, with 20 percent containment.

Winds moving in from the west could shift the fire’s direction more north/northeast into unburned rangeland during the coming days. As a precautionary measure, fire managers are positioning resources around the north/northeast flank to establish firelines.

Existing roads and other natural barriers are being used as a starting point, connected by hand and dozer lines to establish a continuous boundary. Crews are also burning out pockets of vegetation between established firelines and burned areas along the west flank to prevent further spread.

The Hog Creek Herd Management Area is located in the fire area, but is not considered at risk at this time. Bureau of Land Management Vale District staff are monitoring the situation closely and will take action if needed.

For the safety of the public and firefighters, all fire personnel are following COVID-19 precautions, including temperature checks, wearing masks and keeping at least 6 feet apart.

WEATHER: Conditions are expected to remain constant over the next few days with highs in the 90s, humidity in the teens and occasional gusty winds.

RESTRICTIONS:  Fire restrictions are in effect across the Bureau of Land Management Vale District and Bureau of Reclamation-protected lands. This includes a ban on campfires and open flames, driving or parking on dry vegetation, and operating equipment or engaging in activities that could create a spark. Go to https://tinyurl.com/Vale-BLM-fire-restrictions for details.

Public information: 717-831-8113

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6991/

Email: 2020.indiancreek@firenet.gov

https://www.blm.gov/office/vale-district-office
 

INDIAN CREEK AM FIRE UPDATE – August 19, 2020

Brian Gales, Incident Commander

Lonnie Click, Deputy Incident Commander

Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 13, under Incident Commander Brian Gales, assumed management of the Indian Creek fire at 6:00 am on August 18th. Firefighters from the Vale and Burns Districts of the Bureau of Land Management performed initial attack in tough environmental conditions. Their actions provided a solid footing for current and future fire suppression efforts. Additional suppression resources have been requested and are arriving daily.

The estimated 14,000 acre fire is burning in rugged terrain with dense fuels. Fire growth is being impacted by thunder cells and associated updraft winds. The fire is moving in a north/northeasterly direction.

Down draft winds may contribute to up slope fire progression in Trail Creek and the upper reaches of the Pole and Cottonwood Creek drainages.  Current vegetation dryness for this time of year will contribute to intensity of fire spread.

Weather conditions are challenging firefighters in their efforts to establish fire lines. Forecasts are for continued thunderstorms.  Fire managers are closely monitoring weather forecasts for how it will impact fire behavior. 

Yesterday, firefighters used aviation resources to protect homes and structures along Highway 20. There are no evacuation notices in place.

Highway 20 is open for all traffic. Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority.  The public is asked to exercise caution when traveling from Harper to Juntura and Harper–Westfall Road due to the presence of firefighters and equipment along the roadway.  Today, firefighters will work to expand and secure fire lines.

A COVID-19 safety plan is in place to provide a safe environment for the community and firefighters.

The cause of the Indian Creek Fire is under investigation. Anyone who was in the area of Hwy. 20 at Jonesboro near milepost 203 about 12:30 p.m. MT Sunday is encouraged to contact Vale BLM Fire at 541-473-6374 or the WeTip hotline at 1-800-472-7766. WeTip calls are toll free and anonymous.

Indian Creek Fire Information Office:  2020.indiancreek@firenet.gov   717-831-8113

Burn Restrictions:  Burn restrictions are in effect.  Please refer to your local land management agencies website.

Public asked for any information regarding Indian Creek Fire

VALE, Ore.  Vale District Bureau of Land Management is asking members of the public who were in the Jonesboro area early Sunday afternoon to share anything unusual they might have noticed that could be associated with the Indian Creek Fire.
"We are looking for any knowledge the public may have about the fire to assist us in our investigation of its cause," said Al Crouch, Vale BLM fire investigator. 
The fire began about 12:30 p.m. MT along Hwy. 20 near milepost 203. Anyone who saw the fire when it was very small, observed any suspicious activity in the area prior to the fire, or has factual information about the start of the fire, is encouraged to call Vale BLM Fire at 541-473-6374 or the WeTip hotline at 1-800-472-7766. The call is toll free and anonymous. 
A Type 2 incident management team, Pacific Northwest Team 13, will be briefed this evening and take command of the suppression response Tuesday morning. 
Firefighters are bracing for high winds and thunderstorms expected to move into the area late this afternoon or evening. At 4 p.m. it was estimated at 9,000 acres in size and 10 percent contained. It is burning on private, state and BLM-managed lands. No structures have been lost or damaged. 
Castle Rock, which is a sacred place to the Burns Paiute Tribe, is more than 20 miles north of the fire zone and is not considered at risk. The fire is burning sagebrush, juniper and grasses in an area classified as in priority sage-grouse habitat.
Vale Fire resources are also responding to a second fire reported outside Jordan Valley about 1:30 p.m. MT today. The Anderson Crossing Fire was estimated to be 25 acres at 3:15 p.m. Two engines were on scene, with more en route, and air support has been requested.

VALE, Ore. The Indian Creek Fire spread to 8,000 acres overnight and a Type 2 Incident Management Team is en route to assume command Tuesday morning.
Vale District Bureau of Land Management crews worked well past midnight Sunday night, engaging in direct attack, extinguishing spot fires, cutting dozer line and grading existing roads in the area to establish firelines. Air resources are expected to resume water and retardant drops this morning. 
The fire was reported at midday Sunday near Hwy. 20 at Jonesboro. It is burning to the northwest on private, state and BLM-management rangelands. Juntura Rangeland Fire Protection Association is assisting with suppression efforts.
This morning it was burning actively in relatively calm conditions. High winds and thunderstorms are expected out of the west this afternoon, which could make suppression efforts more challenging. 

VALE, Ore. – Nine aircraft were dropping retardant to slow the Indian Creek Fire's progression Sunday afternoon while Vale Bureau of Land Management ground resources were being mobilized.

The fire was reported at Jonesboro about 12:45 p.m. burning northwest of Hwy. 20 outside Juntura. Its cause is under investigation. 

A combination of air and ground resources were dispatched immediately. Juntura Rangeland Fire Protection Association is assisting with the response, along with 6 single engine air tankers (SEATs), 3 large air tankers, air attack, 10 engines, two hand crews and 3 bulldozers.

At 6:30 p.m. the fire was estimated to be a thousand acres in size. Heavy winds kicked up about 8:30 p.m., sending embers flying and crews scrambling to extinguish spot fires. By 9 p.m., the fire had grown to 5,000 acres.

The High Desert Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire Monday. Fire managers will continue assessing the situation and resource needs throughout the night.

"We won't hesitate to go ahead and call in a Type 2 team if we think it's needed," Assistant Fire Management Officer Tracy Skerjanic said, noting that extreme fire conditions are expected to continue the next several days.

The fire burned around the Burns Paiute Ranch, but no structures were damaged. It is burning primarily on Vale BLM-managed lands in priority habitat for Greater sage-grouse.

Fire conditions are extreme, meaning even a very small spark can ignite vegetation, and fire restrictions are in place throughout southeast Oregon. 

Residents and the public are encouraged to check the fire restrictions in place for their area before starting a fire, smoking outdoors, or using equipment that could cause a spark.

Restrictions for state and federally-protected lands, including privately-owned property outside of a fire district, can be found at http://bmidc.org/restrictions.shtml For local fire districts, check with the local fire department.

There may be short term access restrictions on BLM Road 7101, also known as Flag Mine Road and Antelope Wash Road as fire crews continue masticating vegetation along those roadways. 

PUBLIC LAND CLOSURE
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT
KINGMAN FIELD OFFICE 
 
Due to decreased fire conditions and activities in the area, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado River District, Kingman Field Office is partially rescinding Fire Closure Order Number: AZ-CRD-2020-01.
 
The closure area that will remain in place includes:

(1) BLM Road 7101 (Ridge Rd) from the Moss Basin Overlook, located approximately 2.5 miles past the intersection of  BLM Road 7101 and Antelope Wash Road, to the intersection of BLM Road 7101 and 7196D, accounting for approximately  6.75 miles of BLM Road 7101.
(2) BLM Road 7200 from the intersection of BLM Roads 7205 and 7302, to include a portion of the Moss Wash Technical Off-Highway Vehicle Trail, but not including the portion of the trail located along BLM Road 7209 north of its intersection with BLM Road 7204.
(3) BLM Road 7206 (Cedar Wash Road) from its intersection at Blake Ranch Road to its intersection with BLM Road 7101 (Ridge Road).
 
All other areas affected by the original fire closure order will be open.

This partial rescission of the area closure will be in effect on August 26, 2020 at 7:00 am for the purpose of protecting the public and shall stay in effect until rescinded. The Colorado River District Fire Management Officer and Kingman Field Manager will make the determination as to when the remaining closure area will be rescinded based on public safety. The map of the closure area may be obtained from InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/

(1) Persons exempt from the closure and that are allowed in the closed area without written permission include the  following:
 
a) Emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel.          
b) Government employees acting in the performance of their duties.          
c) Grazing permittees in the performance of permitted acts.          
d) Utility companies and other right of way holder employees acting in the performance of their duties.

(2) The closure also applies to special recreation permit holders who are authorized to conduct      
activities on BLM land.

(3) This closure follows provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and43 CFR 9212.0-6 and 43 CFR 9212.1-4. The penalties of this Fire Prevention Order are provided in 43 CFR 9212.4.

Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations at 9212.1 of this title shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment of not more than 12 months or both. 

Fuels Treatment: Hualapai Mountains

A PDF version with photos can be found below.
 
Much has been written about the intensity and size of fires on our western public lands over recent decades as mega fires have occurred, altering landscapes around the west and destroying other values. The subject of mega fires has been studied in academia and explored by many. The result has been an awakening about the negative consequences of over a century of total wildland fire suppression.

Compounding the issue of mega fires has been the increase in our country’s population and the development of inholdings of private property created during times of the Homestead Act, enacted in 1862. These factors have created a perfect storm and a need for solutions.

Knowledge gained from research and the experience of fire managers has provided possible solutions for resource managers searching for ways to mitigate damage to natural resources and private property. The solution was determined to be an attempt to recreate pre-settlement conditions across our landscapes by reintroducing fire where possible, providing vegetation manipulation using mechanical and other means, and in some cases logging and firewood sales.

Public and State Trust Lands around Arizona, and in Kingman specifically, are among many locations where various techniques have been used to prepare for defense of inholdings of private property and other values at risk from wildfire. Starting in the 1990s, fuels reduction programs which thin dense brush and trees began to be implemented to address the problem of fuel loading. Prescribed fires, both natural ignition and intentionally ignited, have been used at times of high fuel moisture and cooler temperatures to reduce fuel loading. Other strategies, such as those used in the Hualapai Mountains area to create fire breaks, have also been used.
When a wildfire occurs after treatments, firefighters have enhanced abilities to protect private holdings by steering fire away from values at risk. At Pine Lake fire breaks had been constructed and frequently maintained years before the lightning ignited the Ridge Fire. These breaks in continuous fuels constructed among the chaparral near the community of Pine Lake, provided fire managers appropriate time to prepare if the Ridge Fire had continued to move in that direction. Additionally, prescribed fires conducted close to the communities at risk had sufficiently reduced fuel loading that aided firefighters in stopping fire movement. Prescribed fire treatments previously conducted near the Ridge Fire appear to have directly aided firefighters in stopping fire spread in Moss and Blue Tank drainages.
State, county, municipal and federal partners have all contributed to fuels management projects in the Hualapai Mountains through combination of directed funds and grant funding when available.Many communities have completed and implemented fire plans to guide their actions.

Our hope is that our experience on the Ridge Fire, documented by photos and maps included here, can be a tool to help our communities understand the importance of these treatments for the protection of wildland resources and the communities they serve.

 The Ridge Fire Operations Video Update for August 25, 2020 is available at http://bit.ly/RidgeFireOpsUpdate

SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #3

Ridge Fire
Tuesday, August 25, 2020        

Public Information: (951) 708 6177
Media Information: (951) 708 1665
Email: 2020.Ridgefire@firenet.gov
Size: 3,079 acres

Containment:  87%
Cause:  Lightning   
Location: Hualapai Mountains, 5 miles south of Pine Lake            
Total Personnel: Approximately 263 
Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                   

Ridge Fire Nearing Containment

Yesterday crews continued to mop up along the fire’s perimeter, extinguishing sources of heat and repairing suppression actions that could aggravate erosion from future rains. No smoke was observed from the fire. Meanwhile, other resources continued to prepare a structure protection plan for Pine Lake and improve contingency lines in that area. Local resources focused on potential initial attack response for fires generated by new lightning strikes.
Today several crews will be reassigned to other incidents while remaining resources will continue to patrol the fire perimeter and work on contingency lines. A road grader continues repair of area roads impacted by recent fire traffic.
On Wednesday the fire’s management will transfer to a local Type 4 Team that will continue work on the fire.

Closures: A fire area closure remains in effect for the fire and adjacent area. Area campgrounds, OHV trails, some roads, and access to the Wabayama Peak Wilderness Area are all affected by the closure order. Please consult the following website for additional information and maps if you have plans to visit. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6990/

Evacuations: Pine Lake residents remain in READY status. There are no immediate threats to area ranches or communities from this fire, but wildfires are unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly. All Mohave County residents are encouraged to learn about Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for Mohave County emergency notifications by visiting: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke: Fires in California are producing substantial smoke over the western United States. Those who are sensitive to smoke should avoid outdoor activities.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  Temporary flight restrictions are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t! 

For further information, please visit the following links:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6990/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMArizona/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire #RidgeFire #AZFire

  The Ridge Fire Operations Video Update for August 24, 2020 is available at http://bit.ly/RidgeFireOpsUpdate