Incident Start Date: Wednesday August 12, 2020 Incident

Start Time: 3:38 p.m.

Incident Type: Brush Fire

Cause: Unknown Incident

Location: Lake Hughes, Unincorporated Los Angeles County

Unified Command Agencies: United States Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Size: 14,714 acres

Containment: 12%

Expected Full Containment: 9/2/2020

Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: 0

Firefighter Injuries: 0

Structures Threatened: 4,570

Structures Destroyed: 6

Outbuildings Destroyed: 15

Structures Damaged: 3

CURRENT SITUATION

Situation Summary:

Improved infrared mapping of the fire perimeter revealed a decrease in acreage burned. Low humidity and high overnight temperature contributed to the fire remaining very active throughout the night. Fire growth primarily occurred where downslope and downcanyon winds aligned with drainages. An excessive heat warning remains in effect today with max air temperatures reaching 97°-106°. Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon increasing the risk of dry lightning and gusty winds. Steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain continues to challenge firefighters and firefighter safety. Damage assessment continues to be performed. Current damaged and destroyed structures (listed above) are only those that have been inspected and confirmed.

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd. East of Ridge Route Road West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78 North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road South of SR-138

Evacuation Point(s): Highland High School - 39055 25th Street West Palmdale, CA 93551 *Clients and small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.

Road Closures: San Francisquito Cyn Rd from Stater Lane to Spunky Canyon 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon

@Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD

 Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208 (323) 205-5263 Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725

Animal Care: Castaic Animal Care Ctr - 31044 Charlie Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384 Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) – 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

ASSIGNED RESOURCES: Engines: 192 Hand Crews: 27 Dozers: 17 Water Tenders: 23 Helicopter: 10 Total Personnel: 1,563

Cooperating Agencies: County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles Public Works, County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control, County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation, Red Cross, Southern California Edison.

@Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD

 Klaus Fire Update for 8/17/2020 at 9:00 am

Location of Origin: 11 miles southwest of Portal       
Fire Information Line: (602) 730-6144
Percent Contained: 60% 
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest
Size: 4,864 acres                                                         
Personnel: 63
Cause: Lightning    
Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6952/                                                     
Facebook: https://bit.ly/KlausFireInfoFacebook 
Email: 2020.klaus@firenet.gov

Containment Increases, Transition to Local Type 4 Incident Commander

Firing operations conducted over the weekend have led to an increase in containment and decrease in fire behavior. The Type 3 Management Team will transition command of the fire to a Type 4 Incident Commander at 6 am on Tuesday, August 18. This will be the final update for the Klaus Fire unless significant events occur.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and patience during this incident and road closures. Our number one priority is the safety of public and firefighters. We have had great success gaining containment over this past weekend and have no reported injuries” stated Incident Commander Mark South.

Over the weekend, firefighters completed firing operations and worked to strengthen the fire perimeter. However, there is still active fire behavior within the interior and smoke may be visible in the upcoming days as the fire moves through unburned pockets of vegetation. The Incident Management Team will begin to release resources today and make them available to respond to other incidents throughout the Southwest. Local forest resources will remain in the area to monitor and patrol the Klaus Fire.

The Road Closure Order on the Douglas Ranger District will be lifted at 6 pm on Monday, August 17, 2020.

The Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area were lifted on Sunday, August 16, 2020.

For future updates on the Klaus Fire, visit https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF/ or visit the InciWeb page posted above.  As of Monday, August 17 at 8 pm, the Klaus Fire Facebook page, email, and information phone line will no longer be monitored. Please contact the Coronado National Forest Public Affairs Officer at (505) 842-3193 with any questions

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Firefighters Begin Firing Operations, Smoke Activity Increases 
Klaus Fire Update for August 15, 2020
 
Location of Origin: 11 miles southwest of Portal
Fire Information Line: (602) 730-6144
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest
Percent Contained: 30%
Size: 2,900 acres
Personnel: 80
Cause: Lightning
Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6952/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/KlausFireInfoFacebook
Email: 2020.klaus@firenet.gov
 
Yesterday, firefighters conducted a small firing operation in Two Weeks Spring Canyon to prepare for today’s operation. This operation stopped forward progress in this specific area while allowing crews to observe fire behavior in preparation for today’s operations. Dozers have improved road conditions on Jack Wood Road (Forest Road 686), making it safer and easier for crews traveling through the area.

Expect to see an increase in smoke as firefighters begin firing operations this morning. Crews will utilize drip torches and flares to place fire on the ground in safe, predetermined locations. This tactic is used to burn vegetation ahead of the advancing fire, ultimately removing fuel to stop forward progress. These operations will take place for the majority of the day on the southernmost part of the fire perimeter between Red Hill Tank and Jack Wood Pass. A helicopter is available for reconnaissance flights throughout the day to support crews on the ground, as well as provide water bucket drops if needed. Fire crews remain available to assist with initial attack in the surrounding area if new fires occur.

Forecasted weather for today will be scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing this afternoon. Expect near record high temperatures in the low 100s with westerly winds at 10 to 15 mph.

Road closures have been implemented for Forest Roads 314, 686, and 685. Closure orders can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6952/. There are no evacuations in place at this time.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Remember that wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t!

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST
DOUGLAS RANGER DISTRICT
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited on the roads described in this Order and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Douglas Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Cochise County, Arizona.
     1. Using any type of motor vehicle. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(a).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
     1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
     2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, Law Enforcement Officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

ROADS DESCRIBED
The National Forest System (NFS) roads at issue are within Township 19 S., Range 31 E., Sections 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 33, and Township 20 S., Range 31 E., Sections 2, 4 and 10, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order, specifically:
     
     • NFS Road 314 from the Forest Service Boundary to its terminus at the Wilderness Boundary;
     • NFS Road 685 from the intersection of NFS Road 314 to its terminus;
     • NFS Road 686 from the Forest Service Boundary to the intersection of NFS Road 314;
     • NFS Road 4283 from the intersection of NFS 686 to its terminus; and
     • NFS Road 4314 from the Forest Service Boundary to its terminus.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public and firefighter safety due to ongoing firefighter operations and the fire’s proximity to the NFS Roads indicated.

IMPLEMENTATION

     1. This Order will be effective on August 13, 2020, at 6:00 PM, and shall remain in effect until August 31, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

     2. A map identifying the road closures is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.

     3. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).

     4. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Douglas Ranger District located in 1192 W. Saddle View Road, Douglas, AZ 85607, telephone number (520) 364-3468, and at the Coronado National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Tucson, AZ, telephone number (520) 388-8300.

     5. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Done at Tucson, Arizona, this 14th day of August, 2020.
KURT J. DAVIS
Deputy Forest Supervisor
Coronado National Forest  

The Douglas Ranger District has implemented a road closure due to the Klaus Fire. Forest Roads (FR) 314, 686, and 685 are closed to the public as of Thursday, August 13, 2020. Roadblocks are in place and will be staffed by Law Enforcement 24/7. 

 

Klaus Fire Update for August 13, 2020

Location of Origin: 11 miles southwest of Portal        
Fire Information Line: (602) 730-6144
Jurisdiction: Coronado National Forest   
Cause: Lightning                                 
Percent Contained: 0%
Size: 1,000 acres                         
Personnel: 60                                                              
Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6952/
Email: 2020.klaus@firenet.gov                                                       
Facebook: https://bit.ly/KlausFireInfoFacebook

Fire Transitions to Local Type 3 Incident Commander

The Klaus Fire was located on August 10, 2020 and has been under the command of a local Type 4 Incident Commander. Today, the fire transitioned to local Type 3 Incident Commander Mark South at 6:00 am. The fire is located on the Douglas Ranger District on the Coronado National Forest. The Klaus Fire is moving through grass and brush vegetation in steep, rugged terrain.  Resources assigned include two crews, four engines, two dozers, one type three helicopter, and miscellaneous overhead.

Firefighters are using full suppression tactics to slow fire spread and go direct when they can do so safely. Due to the rugged terrain, crews will utilize UTVs to patrol the fire perimeter and assist crews with access to the fireline. The fire is currently creeping through drainages and across ridgetops. Yesterday saw new fire growth on the north end of the fire with most activity occurring in the evening and overnight. A helicopter is available to provide reconnaissance and water bucket drops if needed. Fire crews are available to assist with initial attack in the area if new fires occur.

Forecasted weather will be mostly sunny with the afternoon becoming partly cloudy. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 107 with lows in the 70s. Expect winds at 15-20 mph. Isolated thunderstorms may move into the area this afternoon and continue throughout the week.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Remember that wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t!

There are no closures or evacuations in place at this time.

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The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management have updated the closures for the Bear Creek Fire.  The Lemhi Pass Road and the Continental Divide Trail are both open under the new orders. Hunters and other recreationists should be aware of the possibility of encountering fire traffic and other vehicles in the area.  For a map of the area click on the maps tab.

DATE OF DETECTION:  Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CAUSE:  Lightning

CURRENT SIZE:  11,900 acres

CONTAINMENT:  85%

LOCATION:   Lemhi Pass area (29 miles east of Salmon, Idaho)

JURISDICTION:  Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

COOPERATING AGENCIES:  Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE:  Resources currently assigned to the fire are 4 engines, 1 excavator, and miscellaneous crew members for a total of 46 total personnel. Demobilization of resources and equipment no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized.   

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews are focusing efforts on mopping-up and rehabilitation, pulling back berms, smoothing out the constructed firelines and patrolling the burn area.  

TOMORROW’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  With the clear skies and warmer temperatures predicted over the next few day, fire activity may pick up where there is a heavy fuel load. Occasionally smoke may be visible with some burning located in the interior of the fire.

TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY:  All remaining resources will patrol the line, complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the fire and patrol the burn area.  

SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority.  A new Closure Order was effective today. The Lemhi Pass Road and the CDT are open. All other closures are still in effect.  Visit our website to view the Order and a map, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices. 

Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.

This will be the final update unless significant changes occur.

For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951  or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/

DATE OF DETECTION:  Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CAUSE:  Lightning

CURRENT SIZE:  11,900 acres

CONTAINMENT:  85%

LOCATION:   Lemhi Pass area (29 miles east of Salmon, Idaho)

JURISDICTION:  Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

COOPERATING AGENCIES:  Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE:  Resources currently assigned to the fire are 4 engines, 1 excavator, and miscellaneous crew members for a total of 46 total personnel. Demobilization of resources and equipment no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews are focusing efforts on mopping-up and rehabilitation, pulling back berms, smoothing out the constructed fire lines and back-hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed.

TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR:  Skies will begin to clear with the high of approximately 77 °.  SW winds will be 11-16 mph with gusts up to 23 mph.   With the clear skies and warmer temperatures predicted over the next few day, fire activity may pick up where there is a heavy fuel load. Occasional smoke may be visible with some burning located in the interior of the fire.

TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY:  All remaining resources will patrol the line, complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the fire.  

SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.

The Lemhi Pass Road is OPEN.

Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.

For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951

 or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/

BEAR CREEK FIRE

DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: 11,900 acres

LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles east of Salmon, Idaho)

JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest

PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources currently assigned to the fire are 46 total personnel. Demobilization of resources and equipment no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Due to the weather and rain, crews are focusing efforts on mopping-up and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines and back-hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed.

TOMORROW’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cooler temperatures with rain and snow at higher elevations are predicted. This will reduce fire activity with most of the fire activity occurring where there is a heavy fuel load. The area will return to warmer, and drier conditions, Tuesday and Wednesday.

TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: All remaining resources will patrol the line, complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the fire.

SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Refer to the "Closures" and "Photos" tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.

or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/