Vernal, Utah – The BLM Vernal Field Office has issued a temporary emergency closure for the “B” portion of the Green River from the Little Hole boat ramp to the Indian Crossing boat ramp. The temporary closure is necessary for public safety and resource protection due to the Richard Mountain Fire.
“Public safety is always the top priority during a wildfire,” said Vernal Field Manager Roger Bankert. “I want to make sure the people we serve are safe while recreating on public lands while also allowing our fire crews the flexibility to quickly access these areas to protect the valuable resources that exist here. Once the Richard Mountain Fire is contained and the risk has past, everyone here at the BLM Vernal Field Office looks forward to welcoming the public back to their public lands.”
The BLM has posted emergency closure signs at the main entry points to the recreation area and trailheads. Maps of the affected area and other documents associated with this closure are available at the Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East, Vernal UT 84078 or online at utahfireinfo.gov and https://go.usa.gov/xfdNX.
The Richard Mountain Fire began at approximately 2 p.m. on August 3, 2020 and has grown to over 6500 acres. The fire remains 0% contained and is burning in sage brush, grass and juniper in both Utah and Wyoming. A BLM Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) took command of the fire yesterday evening and is currently engaging the fire as necessary to protect valuable resources a high probability of success exists and risk to fire personnel is manageable. Please report all wildfires immediately to the Casper Fire Dispatch Center (WY) at 1-800-295-9953, the Uintah Basin Interagency Dispatch Center (UT) at 1-435-789-7021 or local 911.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – A Type 3 Incident Management Team from the BLM Wyoming High Desert District took command of the Richard Mountain Fire yesterday evening. The fire is located approximately 40 miles south of Rock Springs, Wyoming and has grown to about 6500 acres. Wildland firefighters from the BLM Rock Springs Field Office, BLM Utah, Sweetwater County along with available air resources are working on keeping the fire contained to an area west of Red Creek and south of Clay Basin Road (County Road 62). The fire has moved south of Browns Park Road in the Green River District of Utah.
Today crews will put in fireline to contain the fire and engage the fire as necessary to protect oil and gas infrastructure, structures, sage grouse habitat, grazing allotments and cultural resources in the area when they have a high probability of success and risk to personnel is manageable.
The Richard Mountain Fire began at approximately 2 p.m. on August 3, 2020 and remains 0% contained burning in sage brush, grass and juniper and moving in a north east direction. 
Please report all wildfires immediately to Casper Fire Dispatch Center at 1-800-295-9953 or local 911.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Wildland Firefighters from the BLM Rock Springs Field Office, BLM Utah, Sweetwater County along with available air resources responded to a fire at approximately 2 p.m. on August 3, 2020. The Richard Mountain Fire is located approximately 40 miles south of Rock Springs, Wyoming along Clay Basin Road.
 
The Richard Mountain Fire is approximately 2500 acres, 0% contained, burning in sage brush, grass and juniper and moving in a north east direction. A Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered and should arrive on the scene shortly. Red Flag weather conditions are expected to remain in place through today with more favorable weather moving into the area tomorrow.
 
Firefighters are engaging the fire where they have a high probability of success and risk to personnel is manageable. Oil and gas infrastructure located east of the fire is an immediate concern. There are currently no evacuations in place and no structures have been lost. The cause of the fire remains unknown. 
 
Please report all wildfires immediately to Casper Fire Dispatch Center at 1-800-295-9953 or local 911.
 
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $75 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2016—more than any other agency in the Department of the Interior.These activities supported more than 372,000 jobs.
 BLM

FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 8, 2020      8:00 am.                                                                                                                                

This will be the last daily update unless significant activity occurs

 

Fire Information: Saturday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm @ 208-756-7853; after today- Monday – Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm @406-682-4253

On Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6916/

Facebook: @ Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

 

Start Date:                      August 1, 2020

Cause:                              Lightning

Current Size:                   129 acres

Total Personnel:            67

Containment:                 50%

Fuels:                                subalpine fir and whitebark pine

Location: Approximately eight (8) miles East of Twin Bridges, MT in the Tobacco Root Mountains; Approximately six (6) miles Northeast of Sheridan, MT

 

Resources Assigned: 

Type I Crew: 1

Type II Crew: 1

Type II Helicopters: 1

Type III Helicopters: 1

District Firefighters: 10

 

Current Status:  This morning, the fire transitioned from a Type III to a smaller local Type IV organization.  The Old Baldy Fire is at 50% containment and holding at 129 acres due to the successful efforts of firefighter and aviation resources.  Fire activity is minimal with heat in the interior of the existing fire perimeter.  The fire is in hazardous terrain that is steep and inaccessible with snags that are a safety concern for firefighters.   

Firefighters will continue to to address any hot spots near the fire’s edge and will utilize air resources as needed.  Fire managers expect minimal fire behavior and smoke today.  Firefighters will continue to staff the fire for the next several days and will continue to monitor the fire in the coming weeks.  

Weather:  Breezy westerly winds are once again expected this afternoon and evening, with gusts up to 30 mph expected across midslopes and ridges.  A warming and drying trend is expected this weekend into early next week as temperatures return to seasonal averages.  Westerly flow will promote breezy afternoon winds, especially across ridgetops.  A return of shower and thunderstorm activity is possible Wednesday through Friday next week. 

Closure:  The area closure (#2020-D6-016) was lifted at 5:00 pm yesterday, August 7, 2020.  

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Dillon Interagency Dispatch Center

Covering the Following Counties: Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Jefferson, Madison, Powell and Silver Bow

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has terminated Forest Order; National Forest System Area Closure-Old Baldy Fire; Order Number 2020-D6-016.  The following are now open:

Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground.  Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain.  Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak.  Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain.  Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary.  Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning.  .

FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 7, 2020      10:00 a.m.                                                                                                                             

Fire Information: 208-756-7853, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

On Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6916/

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

 

Start Date:                       August 1, 2020

Cause:                               Lightning

Current Size:                    129 acres

Total Personnel:             89

Containment:                  40%

Fuels:                                 subalpine fir and lodgepole pine

 

Location: Approximately eight (8) miles East of Twin Bridges, MT in the Tobacco Root Mountains; Approximately six (6) miles Northeast of Sheridan, MT

 

Resources Assigned:

 

Type I Crew: 1

Type II Crew: 1

Type II Helicopters: 1

Type III Helicopters: 1

Engines: 1

District Firefighters: 11

Smokejumpers: 15

Current Status:  With the successful efforts of firefighters and aviation resources, the Old Baldy Fire is at 40% containment and holding at 129 acres.  Yesterday, fire activity was minimal with heat in the interior of the existing fire perimeter.  Hot shot crews continue to make good progress securing the eastern and western edges of the fire.  The fire is in hazardous terrain that is steep and inaccessible with snags that are a safety concern for firefighters. 

Fire managers expect minimal fire behavior today with minimal smoke.  Crews will continue to address any hot spots near the fire’s edge and will continue to use aircraft to hold any hot spots on the fire’s east side.  The fire will be transitioning from a Type III to a smaller local Type IV organization tomorrow morning.  

Weather:  Breezy westerly winds are expected Friday and Saturday.  Dry weather is expected through Wednesday next week.  A slight warming trend is expected Sunday into Monday next week. 

Closure:  The area closure will be lifted at 5:00 pm today, August 7, 2020.  An area closure has been issued as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area:  The closure is defined as: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground.  Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain.  Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak.  Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain.  Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary.  Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning.  A copy of the closure order and map can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6916/52896/.

 

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FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 6, 2020      9:00 a.m.                                                                                                                               

Fire Information: 208-756-7853, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

On Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6916/

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

 

Start Date:                       August 1, 2020

Cause:                               Lightning

Current Size:                    129 acres

Total Personnel:             86

Containment:                  10%

Fuels:                                 subalpine fir and lodgepole pine

 

Location: Approximately eight (8) miles East of Twin Bridges, MT in the Tobacco Root Mountains; Approximately six (6) miles Northeast of Sheridan, MT

 

Resources Assigned:

 

Type I Crew: 3

Type I Helicopter: 2

Type II Helicopters: 1

Type III Helicopters: 1

District Firefighters: 11

Smokejumpers: 15

Current Status:  Yesterday, fire activity decreased with the fire continuing to burn in the interior of the existing fire perimeter.  Fire size remains at 129 acres.  Hot shot crews continue to make good progress working along the eastern and western edges of the fire.  The fire is in steep terrain with presence of numerous snags, firefighters are constructing indirect line and are engaging in direct line construction where safe to do so. 

Fire behavior today is expected to be moderate with short range spotting.  The fire is expected to continue to back down slopes in the drainages.  Crews will continue to address any spot fires and will attempt to hold the fire on the east side with the aid of helicopters.   

Weather:  Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches from the west.  A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms are expected, with the greatest focus of storms expected across northern portions of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF.  Thunderstorms will be capable of producing gusty erratic outflow winds.  Breezy westerly winds will continue Thursday night into Friday as colder air ushers into the Northern Rockies. 

Closure: An area closure has been issued as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area:  The closure is defined as: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground.  Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain.  Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak.  Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain.  Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary.  Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning.  A copy of the closure order and map can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6916/52896/. 

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FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 5, 2020      9:00 a.m.                                                                                                                               

Fire Information: 208-756-7853, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

On Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6916/

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

 

Start Date:                       August 1, 2020

Cause:                               Lightning

Current Size:                    129 acres

Total Personnel:             86

Containment:                  0%

Fuels:                                 subalpine fir and lodgepole pine

 

Location: Approximately eight (8) miles East of Twin Bridges, MT in the Tobacco Root Mountains; Approximately six (6) miles Northeast of Sheridan, MT

 

Resources Assigned: 

Type I Crew: 3

Type I Helicopter: 2

Type II Helicopters:1

Type III Helicopters: 1

District Firefighters: 11

Smokejumpers: 15

 

Current Status:  Yesterday, the fire burned in the interior of the existing perimeter with no increase in fire size due to favorable weather conditions.  Hot shot crews continue to work to construct a contingency line along the western edge of the fire where many dead trees make it difficult to engage the fire directly.   

Fire behavior today is expected to be moderate with single tree torching with the fire continuing to back down slopes.  Crews will continue to address any spot fires and will attempt to hold the fire on the east side with the aid of multiple helicopters.  Additional firefighting resources are expected to arrive today. 

Weather:  Today will be the warmest day of the week, with low relative humidity.  There is a potential for isolated thunderstorm tonight into Thursday morning. 

Closure: An area closure has been issued as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area:  The closure is defined as: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground.  Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain.  Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak.  Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain.  Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary.  Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning.  A copy of the closure order and map can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6916/52896/. 

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Order Number 2020-D6-016
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
BEAVERHEAD DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST
MADISON RANGER DISTRICT – DILLON, MONTANA
FOREST ORDER
National Forest System Area Closure-Old Baldy Fire
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), 36 C.F.R. § 261.53 (e), the following acts are prohibited on the Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest:
PROHIBITION:
1. To go into or be upon the area described below. [36 C.F.R. §261.53 (e)]
PURPOSE:
This closure is for public safety due to the Old Baldy Fire.
AREA CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:
Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 in section 22 T4S, R4W and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground in Section 5 T4S R3W. Continuing North to West Branham Peak in Section 32 T3S, R3W, From West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain in Section 30 T3S, R3W. Continuing North to Lonesome Peak in Section 30 T3S, R3S, From Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak in Section 24 T3S, R4W. Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain in Section 9 T3S, R4W. Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest boundary in Section 36 T2S, R5W. Continuing to follow the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning. The closure area is depicted on the attached map (Attachment A).
IMPLEMENTATION:
This order will be in effect from August 03, 2020 and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2020 or until the order is rescinded, whichever occurs first.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
Order Number 2020-D6-016
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1) Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically
exempting them from the effect of this Order. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1).
(2) Owners or lessees of land in the area. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(2).
4) Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(4).
VIOLATION:
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. (16 U.S.C. §551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571(b)(6) and 3581(b)(7).
INFORMATION:
Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Madison Ranger District Office located at Ennis, Montana, (406) 682-4253, and at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor’s Office located at 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, Montana, (406) 683-3900.
Executed in Dillon, Montana, this the 4th day of August, 2020.
Cheri Ford
Forest Supervisor

FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 4, 2020      11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                    

Fire Information: 406-682-4253, Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge Naitonal Forest

 

Start Date:                 August 1, 2020

Cause:                        Lightning       

Current Size:             129 acres

Total Personnel:       66

Containment:           0%

 

Location: Approximately 6 miles NE of Sheridan, MT

Resources Assigned: 2 – Type I Crews; 11 District Fire Personnel; 15 Smokejumpers; 4 Helicopters (Type 3 - light, Type 2 – medium, Type- 1 – heavy (2))

Current Status: Yesterday, the fire experienced interior burning and minimal perimeter growth due to slightly lower temperatures and higher relative humidities. The increase in acreage is largely due to more accurate mapping. Hot shot crews worked to construct a contingency line along the western edge of the fire where many dead trees made it difficult to engage the fire directly.

Similar fire behavior is expected today with single and group tree torching with short crown runs and spotting outside the current perimeter. Crews will continue to address spot fires and again attempt to hold the fire on the east side with the aid of multiple helicopters. Additional firefighting resources are expected to arrive today.

 

Closure: An area closure was issued on August 3, 2020 as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground. Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain. Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak. Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain. Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary. Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning. See attached.

 

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