Fire Information Line: (406) 740-7005

Public Inquiry Email: erin.fryer@usda.gov

Type III Lincoln Ranger District Incident Commander:  Jarel Kurtz & Jerod Russell, Trainee

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6932/

The Fields Gulch Fire was initially observed by Stonewall Lookout on August 6th, 2020.   Two helicopters, three Lincoln Ranger District engines, and the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department responded on the initial attack.  The fire is situated in Fields Gulch, some six airmiles south of Lincoln.  The terrain is densely timbered, steep, and contains a heavy load of beetle killed fuels.

Size: Approximately 5 acres                Containment: 20%                                          Cause:  Unknown

Structures threatened:  0                   Location: 6 miles south of Lincoln                 Structures destroyed:   0

Aircraft:  Type 3 Helicopter (1)         

Heavy Equipment:  Dozer (1) and Clippers (2)

Fire Crews:  Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots, Willamette Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, & Lincoln Ranger District IA crew.

Engines:  3    Water Tenders:  3

Current and Planned Operations: Yesterday crews were able to improve containment lines as well as continue extinguishing hot spots within the interior of the fire.  Hose lays installed on Monday were used to reduce heat in strategic areas along the fire’s perimeter, further assisting the firefighter’s efforts to bolster containment lines.  Three water tenders, including one from the Lincoln Rural Fire Department, worked to supply the water reservoir to the hose lays.  Today, crews will focus on improving the containment lines and on finding additional hotspots interior to the fire and extinguishing them.  A Type 3 helicopter is available to support today’s firefighting operations if needed; however, windy conditions are expected this afternoon, which will affect the ability to fly.  The current Type 3 Incident Command team will transition out at the end of shift today and a smaller local Type 4 organization will take control of fire operations at the start of shift Thursday morning.  In addition, some equipment will be released in order to free resources up for other initial and extended attack operations across the state.

Firefighter’s efforts take a great deal of support from the affected community.  In this case, the community of Lincoln, their restaurants and motels have been an integral part of the Field Gulch Fire and their sacrifices and efforts are greatly appreciated.

Communities Impacted:  Motorists on the Dalton Mountain Road (FS 329) can expect to encounter a water tender spraying the road to help keep the dust down with all the additional traffic.  Residents and the general public are reminded to drive with caution on this road.  If fire traffic or the water tender are encountered, it helps maintain the safety of operations if motorists can pull over and allow fire traffic to pass.

Evacuations and Closures:  At present, there are no evacuations, road, or trail closures.  The Type III team is in close coordination with the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Lewis and Clark County Sherriff, and Lewis and Clark County Commissioners in the event conditions should change regarding evacuations and / or closures.         

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  Weather forecast for today has a red flag warning, with temperatures into the mid-70s and relative humidity dipping into the high teens in the afternoon.  Winds are forecast from the west at 6 to 11 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph and gusts up to 22 mph this afternoon.  Fuel conditions consist of heavy timber with extensive dead and down lodgepole intermixed.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area.

Physical information availability:  There are fire information boards posted at the Lincoln Post Office, Lincoln Ranger District, and the top of Stemple Pass.  These boards are posted daily.

##

FIELDS GULCH FIRE UPDATE

AUGUST 11th, 2020

Fire Information Line: (406) 750-8934

Public Inquiry Email: duane.buchi@usda.gov

Type III Lincoln Ranger District Incident Commander:  Jarel Kurtz & Jerod Russell, Trainee 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6932/

The Fields Gulch Fire was initially observed by Stonewall Lookout on August 6th, 2020.   Two helicopters, three Lincoln Ranger District engines, and the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department responded on the initial attack.  The fire is situated in Fields Gulch, some six airmiles south of Lincoln.  The terrain is densely timbered, steep, and contains a heavy load of beetle killed fuels.      

Size: Approximately 5 acres

Containment: 20%    

Cause:  Unknown                   

Structures threatened:  0  

Structures destroyed:   0

Location: 6 miles south of Lincoln                                                                             

 

Aircraft:  Type 2 Helicopter (1) and Type 3 Helicopter (1)

Heavy Equipment:  Dozer (1) and Clippers (2)

Fire Crews:  Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots, Willamette Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, & Lincoln Ranger District IA crew.

Engines:  3   

Water Tenders:  3

Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority throughout the aggressive suppression of this wildfire.  Yesterday crews made effective headway and further fire growth was negligible overnight.  With all three crews working in concert with one another, they were able to get the initial containment line around the entire fire area.   Additionally, hose lays were installed in strategic spots around the perimeter and water was consistently delivered to cool the heat throughout the day.  Three water tenders, including one from the Lincoln Rural Fire Department, worked tirelessly to sustain the water reservoir supplying the hose lays.  Today, crews will focus on improving the containment lines and on finding additional hot spots to direct water to.  A type 2 and type 3 helicopter are available to support today’s firefighting operations.  The three crews continue to be thoughtful regarding the dangerous conditions and there have been no injuries resulting from working on this fire, despite steep, snag-laden, heavily timbered terrain.

Communities Impacted:  Motorists on the Dalton Mountain Road (FS 329) can expect to encounter a water tender spraying the road to help keep the dust down with all the additional traffic.   Residents and the general public are reminded to drive with caution on this road.  If fire traffic or the water tender are encountered, it helps maintain the safety of operations if motorists can pull over and allow fire traffic to pass.    

Evacuations and Closures: At present, there are no evacuations, road, or trail closures.  The Type III team is in close coordination with the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Lewis and Clark County Sherriff, and Lewis and Clark County Commissioners in the event conditions should change regarding evacuations and / or closures. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions:   Weather today is forecast very similar to yesterday with temperatures into the mid-80s and lower humidity reaching into the high teens in the afternoon.  Despite the headway made to date, these conditions create opportunity for active fire behavior. Winds are forecast at 5-10mph down low and 20mph on ridge tops.   Fuel conditions consist of heavy timber with extensive dead and down lodgepole intermixed. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. 

Physical information availability:  There are fire information boards posted at the Lincoln Post Office, Lincoln Ranger District, and the top of Stemple Pass.  These boards are posted daily.   

FIELDS GULCH FIRE UPDATE

AUGUST 10th, 2020

Fire Information Line: (406) 750-8934

Public Inquiry Email: duane.buchi@usda.gov

Type III Lincoln Ranger District Incident Commander:  Jarel Kurtz & Jerod Russell, Trainee 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6932/

 

The Fields Gulch Fire was initially observed by Stonewall Lookout on August 6th, 2020.   Two helicopters, three Lincoln Ranger District engines, and the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department responded on the initial attack.  The fire is situated in Fields Gulch, some six air miles south of Lincoln.  The terrain is densely timbered, steep, and contains a heavy load of beetle killed fuels. The Lincoln Ranger District’s Type IV team is transitioning to a Type III team today, due to the complexity of the terrain and the forecast weather conducive to active fire behavior.      

Size: Approximately 5 acres   
Containment: 0%      
Cause:  Unknown                   
Structures threatened:  0  
Structures destroyed:  0
Location: 6 miles south of Lincoln                                                                               

Aircraft:  Type 1 Helicopter (1) and Type 2 Helicopter (1)
Heavy Equipment:  Dozer (1) and Clippers (2)
Fire Crews:  Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots, Willamette Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, & Lincoln Ranger District IA crew.
Engines:  3

Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority throughout the aggressive suppression of this wildfire.  Fire growth overnight was minimal.  Yesterday, two firefighter crews established a solid anchor point near the fire from which they'll continue containment lines today. The fire is still at 5 acres with 0% containment. Know that until crews can construct solid containment lines, this 0% will not move. A type 1 and type 2 helicopter are available to support containment line construction today.  Completion is still expected to take several days as the terrain is steep, heavily timbered, and includes numerous snags that are a threat to firefighters. 

Communities Impacted:  Beginning today, motorists on the Dalton Mountain Road (FS 329) can expect to encounter a water tender spraying the road to help keep the dust down with all the additional traffic.   Residents and the general public are reminded to drive with caution on this road.  If fire traffic or the water tender are encountered, it helps maintain the safety of operations if motorists can pull over and allow fire traffic to pass.    

Evacuations and Closures: At present, there are no evacuations, road, or trail closures.  The Type IV team is in close coordination with the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Lewis and Clark County Sherriff, and Lewis and Clark County Commissioners in the event conditions should change regarding evacuations and / or closures. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions:   Weather today is forecast for higher temperatures into the mid-80s and lower humidity reaching 18% in the afternoon.  These conditions will increase the fire behavior. Winds are forecast at 5-10mph down low and 20mph on ridge tops.   Fuel conditions consist of heavy timber with extensive dead and down lodgepole intermixed. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. 

Physical information availability:  There are fire information boards posted at the Lincoln Post Office, Lincoln Ranger District, and the top of Stemple Pass.  These boards are posted daily.   

FIELDS GULCH FIRE UPDATE

AUGUST 9TH, 2020

Fire Information Line: (406) 750-8934

Public Inquiry Email: duane.buchi@usda.gov

Type IV Lincoln Ranger District Incident Commander:  Brian McGowan 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/ 

Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6932/

The Fields Gulch Fire was initially observed by Stonewall Lookout on August 6th, 2020.   Two helicopters, three Lincoln Ranger District engines, and the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department responded on the initial attack.  The fire is situated in Fields Gulch, some six airmiles south of Lincoln.  The terrain is densely timbered, steep, and contains a heavy load of beetle killed fuels. The Lincoln Ranger District’s Type IV team is in command of the incident.

Size: Approximately 5 acres

Containment: 0%     

Cause:  Unknown                  

Structures threatened:  0  

Structures destroyed:   0

Location: 6 miles south of Lincoln                                                                           

Aircraft:  Type 1 Helicopter (1) and Type 2 Helicopter (1)

Heavy Equipment:  Dozer (1) and Clippers (2)

Fire Crews:  Flagstaff Interagency Hotshots, Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots, Willamamette Type II Initial Attack crew, and Lincoln Ranger District Initial Attack crew.

Engines:  3

Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority throughout the aggressive suppression of this wildfire.  Fire growth overnight was minimal.  Helicopter operations will begin mid-morning today to help minimize fire growth and cool hot spots as the heavy equipment and firefighters resume their efforts in creating access to the fire from Dalton Mountain so they can safely build containment line around the fire.  This initiative is expected to take several days as the terrain is steep, heavily timbered, and includes numerous snags that are a serious threat to firefighter safety. 

Communities Impacted:  The town of Lincoln and residences along Dalton Mountain Road (FS 329) will experience increased fire vehicle traffic as crews engage this fire.  Residents and recreationists travelling the Dalton Mountain Road are encouraged to drive with care as a result of the increased traffic.  If convoys are encountered, motorists should pull over and allow fire traffic to pass if it is safe to do so.    

Evacuations and Closures: At present, there are no evacuations, road, or trail closures.  The Type IV team is in close coordination with the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Lewis and Clark County Sherriff in the event conditions should change regarding evacuations and / or closures. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions:   Weather today is forecast as partly sunny, with expected highs in the mid 70s.  Winds at lower elevation will be 5 – 10 mph and ridgetops will see 10 – 20 mph.   Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for relative humidity to reach 21% which will likely increase the burning intensity in the fire area.  Fuel conditions consist of heavy timber with extensive dead and down lodgepole intermixed. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. 

Physical information availability:  There are fire information boards posted at the Lincoln Post Office, Lincoln Ranger District, and the top of Stemple Pass.  These boards are posted daily.    

FIELDS GULCH FIRE UPDATE
8/08/2020

Type IV Lincoln Ranger District Incident Commander:  Brian McGowan

Fire Information Line: (406) 750-8934

Public Inquiry Email: duane.buchi@usda.gov

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/

The Fields Gulch Fire was initially observed by Stonewall Lookout on August 6th, 2020.   Two helicopters, three Lincoln Ranger District engines, and the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department responded on the initial attack.  The fire is situated in Fields Gulch, some six airmiles south of Lincoln.  The terrain is densely timbered, steep, and contains a heavy load of beetle killed fuels. The Lincoln Ranger District’s Type IV team is in command of the incident.    

Size: Approximately 5 acres   Containment: 0%    Cause:  Unknown    Structures threatened:  0  Structures destroyed:   0

Location: 6 miles south of Lincoln                                                      

Aircraft:  Type one Helos (2), Type two Helos (1), & Single Engine Air Tankers (4)

Heavy Equipment:  Dozer (1) and Clipper (1)

Fire Crews:  Flagstaff Interagency Hotshots, 20-person Type II IA crew from Oregon, and 20-person initial attack crew from Lincoln

Engines:  3

Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority throughout the aggressive suppression of this wildfire.  Today’s operations will include an initial observation of the fire area from the air at 10:00am, followed by a contingent of air resources working the fire throughout the day.  Heavy equipment crews will be working toward the fire from Dalton Mountain to establish a contingency line so firefighters can safely control the fire. 

Communities Impacted:  The town of Lincoln and residences along Dalton Mountain Road (FS 329) will experience increased fire vehicle traffic as crews work this fire.    

Evacuations and Closures: At present, there are no evacuations, road, or trail closures.  The Type IV team is in close coordination with the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Lewis and Clark County Sherriff in the event conditions should change regarding evacuations and / or closures. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions:   Weather today is forecast as partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 77. Light west-southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.  Fuel conditions consist of heavy timber with extensive dead and down lodge-pole intermixed. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. 

On-line information availability:  An inciweb information page will be available not later than 6am Sunday, August 9th.  There is currently up-to-date information available at the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/.

Physical information availability:  Initiatives are underway to erect physical fire information boards with current information and a fire map at the following locations:  Lincoln Post Office, Lincoln Ranger District and Stemple Pass.

RAWLINS, Wyo. – Wyoming fire crews are securing the perimeter of the Bradley Fire today and no fire growth is expected to occur. The fire is 50% contained and very minimal fire behavior, like smoldering and some interior torching, is expected to occur but should not pose any additional threat.
 
Evacuations along Long Creek were lifted at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Landowners who plan to return to their property are being asked to stop by the Incident Command Post located at the North Red Hills Campground for a fire update and coordination on any fire activities that may be occurring.
 
“I just want to thank all the landowners and our partners at Carbon County,” said Incident Commander Timothy Sherwin. “We had a prompt and effective evacuation along Long Creek and that really assisted our fire crews in getting this fire under control and limit the risk to the public and our firefighters.”
 
The Bradley Fire remains at approximately 1,700 acres and started at approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 7, 2020. The cause of the fire is unknown.
 
Please report all wildfires immediately to the Casper Fire Dispatch Center at 1-800-295-9953 or dial 911.

RAWLINS, Wyo. – The Bradley fire grew by only 100-acres due to firefighter efforts and aviation support which held the fire along the northern section of the Long Creek drainage as it tried to burn towards Tin Cup Creek and Little Long Creek. The Bradley fire is currently 1,700 acres and 10% contained.
 
Today crews will focus on strengthening fire lines, conduct mop-up operations, and protect valuable resources. Wildland firefighters will directly engage the fire if there is a high probability of success and risk to personnel is manageable. Evacuations remain in effect along Long Creek due to accessibility issues and active fire operations. The forecast calls for another day of red flag weather conditions in the area.
 
The Bradley Fire started at approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 7, 2020. The cause of the fire is unknown.
 
Please report all wildfires immediately to the Casper Fire Dispatch Center (WY) at 1-800-295-9953.

RAWLINS, Wyo. – BLM Wyoming fire crews are currently working the Bradley Fire located about 50 miles north of Rawlins, Wyoming on Bradley Peak. The fire is approximately 1,600 acres and 10% contained.
 
Carbon County has ordered evacuations along Long Creek as potential fire activity is expected to move in that direction. Red flag weather conditions are present over the fire and multiple air resources are being used to drop retardant and water to minimize fire growth and protect structures in the area. Fire crews are focused on structure protection, establishing fire line to minimize fire growth, and actively engaging the fire when there is a high probability of success and risk to personal is manageable.
 
The Bradley Fire started at approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 7, 2020. The cause of the fire is unknown.
 
Please report all wildfires immediately to the Casper Fire Dispatch Center (WY) at 1-800-295-9953.

RAWLINS, Wyo. – BLM Wyoming fire crews have responded to the Bradley Fire, which started at approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 7, 2020. The fire is currently 400 acres, 0% contained and burning in sage brush, grass, and juniper on private and BLM managed lands about 50 miles north of Rawlins, WY. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The Bradley Fire has minimal access routes making direct attack of the fire with crews and engines difficult. There have been multiple air resources assigned to the fire and those resources have been using retardant and water drops to try to minimize fire growth and protect multiple structures that are located east of the fire. Additional fire crews have been ordered and will be arriving over the next 12-24 hours.

Fire crews will engage the fire when feasible and necessary to protect valuable resources in the area when they have a high probability of success and risk to personnel is manageable.

Please report all wildfires immediately to the Casper Fire Dispatch Center (WY) at 1-800-295-9953.

Final Update 

Acres: approx. 2,993 acres                                                                              Percent Containment: 84% 

Start Date: Friday, August 7, 2020                                                               Cause: Human Caused – Under Investigation 

Origin Location: 10 miles E of Crown King, AZ                                        Fuels: high desert grass and brush 

Personnel Assigned: approx. 130 personnel 

Progress continues on the Bumble Bee Fire 

PHOENIX – Firefighters have worked hard and long hours in triple degree heat getting the Bumble Bee Fire to a high level of containment, reducing the threat to area communities by Saturday. Resources from the fire have also responded to new fires in the area supporting the initial attack, including the Canyon Fire that started Saturday on the east side of Interstate-17, and the Hackberry Fire which threatened the Spring Ridge Academy in the community of Spring Valley/Mayer north of the fire area on Sunday.  

Firefighters will patrol and monitor the fire perimeter, looking for any heat that may threaten the containment line. Fire resources will be available to respond to new fires in the area.  

Evacuations: No evacuations currently. 

Closures: Bumble Bee Road/County Road 59 remains closed between Maggie Mine Road at its south and Crown King Road at its north. Maggie Mine Road remains open for travel to Black Canyon City and the Crown King Road is open. Closures to be lifted by 8 p.m. today.  

Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone.” The use of private drones around or near a wildfire is prohibited by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation and Arizona Statute.  

Fire Danger is high. Use caution when recreating or working outdoors. Check for fire restrictions or information on fire activity around Arizona at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/   

Bumble Bee Fire Information on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6930/ 

 

Sign up for Yavapai County's Code Red Emergency Alert System:   

https://www.ycsoaz.gov/community/Emergency-Preparedness/Emergency-Notification-System 

 

Learn more about Arizona's Ready-Set-Go program: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

 

 

-end-