Easy Fire Update  
August 17, 2024 

Quick Facts 

Size: 2,130 acres  

Start Date: July 17, 2024 

Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA 
Containment: 29%  

Personnel Assigned: 309 

Cause: Lightning 

Resources Assigned:  10 crews, 13 engines, 6 water tenders 

CURRENT SITUATION: Thunderstorms brought rain and lightning to the fire area yesterday. Firefighters are taking advantage of reduced fire activity, working to build fireline as close to the fire’s southern edge as possible. A transition to unstable weather and thunderstorms over the fire area in the afternoon created hazardous conditions for firefighters. Suppression actions were temporarily paused due to the increased risk of debris flows, falling trees, and other hazards related to heavy precipitation and high winds. Weather also limited ability of air resources to operate in the afternoon. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Moderated fire activity is expected to continue today. Firefighters will resume suppression actions as weather conditions allow. Along the southern edge of the fire, crews will continue securing a fireline from State Route 20 towards Swamp Creek to prevent fire spread to the east and south. They will also continue monitoring the Highway 20 corridor, suppressing any hot spots. Along the northern edge, firefighters will utilize a drone or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) with infrared technology to detect any heat from the fire and will work suppress identified hot spots where possible. 

WEATHER and SMOKE: Today will be mostly sunny and drier and there will be moderate winds from the southwest throughout the day. There is a chance of thunderstorms late in the day. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a 70% chance of measurable rain and potential for additional thunderstorms. A smoke outlook for the Pioneer and Easy Fires is available at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d. 

CLOSURES: Highway 20 is closed in both directions between Granite Creek (Mile Post 148) and Rainy Pass (Mile Post 157): Stay up to date at wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ 

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area, for more information visit Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited.  

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR. 

EVACUATIONS:  There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas.  

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

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

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM 

Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov 

Incident Commander:  Rick Connell, Northern Rockies Team 5
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: 3,979 acres
Middle Fork Complex:   Bulldog: 3,407 acres   Nellie: 6,624 acres

Containment:      Middle Fork Complex: 0%    Wapiti: 0%     Bull Trout:  92%

Resources on site:      
Middle Fork Complex: 2 hotshot crews; 5 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 1 bulldozers; 2 water tenders; 
1 skidgen
Wapiti: 1 type 2 hand crew; 8 engines; 1 water tender
Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:    Middle Fork Complex: 342             Wapiti: 82      Bull Trout: 17   

KEY MESSAGE:

Join us for a Middle Fork Complex, Bull Trout, and Wapiti Fire Community Meeting today, August 17, 2024, at 7pm for an in-person explanation of current fire activity and planned actions on these fires. The Community Meeting will be located at the Lowman Emergency Services Station 80, at 8000 HWY 21, Lowman, ID.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

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

On the Bulldog Fire, firefighters successfully completed strategic firing operations yesterday. Crews will be holding, improving and securing lines around the fire. Firefighters will also utilize strategic firing, as needed, along the Forest Service Road 698 to prevent spread to the west. The public is reminded that the Middlefork Road is closed at the Forest Service boundary just north of Lightning Creek for firefighter and public safety as crews continue to work to protect private property and structures in the vicinity of Crouch.  The Nellie Fire is still slowly backing against the wind on the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters will continue point protection at lookouts and a communication tower. Smoke may be more visible from the highway. 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 a successful strategic firing operation on the northeast side yesterday. Crews were supported by an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capable of ignitions. Crews will be holding and securing lines throughout the day. The northwest side of the fire received more precipitation from passing storms and will be monitored for activity. 

Bull Trout Fire: The Bull Trout fire is still 92% contained. Due to falling dead and live trees, crews cannot safely access the interior of the fire and will continue to patrol the perimeter.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A red flag warning has been issued for this afternoon and into the evening. Southernly winds will increase by early afternoon along upper ridgelines and through wind aligned drainages, while most low-mid elevations remained sheltered. Hot, dry and unstable air will cause fire activity to increase. With higher temperatures and lower relative humidity, the fires will be experiencing a longer burn period. Backing, group tree torching, and short-range spotting
is expected. With the changing weather, small dead debris and live fuels are expected to dry and become more susceptible to ignition. 

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/     

Pioneer Fire Daily Update  

August 17, 2024 

Quick Facts 

Size: 38,728 acres  

Start Date: June 8, 2024 

Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA 

Containment: 23%  

Personnel: 668  

Cause: Under investigation 

Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 6 helicopters, 21 engines, 26 water tenders, 13 heavy equipment 

CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters successfully constructed direct handline between Boulder Creek and Little Boulder Creek drainages tying into the ridgetop retardant line. Aviation supporting the area around Stehekin was able to execute a series of retardant bucket drops before thunderstorms forced air operations and ground crews to disengage. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds from these storms create hazardous working conditions in the form of rolling debris, falling trees and landslide risk. Firefighters patrolled the Stehekin area overnight checking for fire activity and ensuring structure protection measures remain in place. The fire has been contained along the lakeshore. Firefighters continue to patrol and protect cabins, docks and other infrastructure along the lake. The southern perimeter of the fire continues to show little to no heat and crews continue to monitor the area for any potential fire activity. South of the fire and east of Manson, firefighters worked to protect structures near Deer Point and hauled away brush and debris created from previous contingency line work.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES:  In and around the community of Stehekin, crews will patrol the handline in Little Boulder Creek near the fire’s edge reducing any heat near the line. Helicopters will resume strategic water and retardant drops where needed to cool hotspots and support firefighters’ efforts on the ground. Firefighters will check the miles of hose and sprinklers around the community to ensure everything is fully operational. Near the airstrip, contingency line preparations will also continue. Crews patrolling the south side of the fire will be poised and available to respond to any initial attack needs in the surrounding area if new fires result from recent lightning. Contingency line preparations, including shaded fuel break work south of the fire and east of Manson, is nearing its end with crews having completed vegetation cutting and now working to complete remaining brush and debris removal.  

WEATHER and SMOKE: Today will be warm, with temperatures in the 80s. There is a high likelihood of developing thunderstorms occurring in the evening and into the early hours of the morning on Sunday. The forecasted weather system is anticipated to bring gusty outflow winds, heavy rain, and isolated to scattered lightning strikes throughout the fire area. 

A smoke outlook for the Pioneer and Easy Fires is available at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d. 

EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information. 

FOREST CLOSURE: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm 

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR. 

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

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

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov  

Incident Commander:  Rick Connell, Northern Rockies Team 5
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: 3,979 acres
Middle Fork Complex:   Bulldog: 3,407 acres   Nellie: 6,624 acres

Containment:      Middle Fork Complex: 0%    Wapiti: 0%     Bull Trout:  92%

Resources on site:      
Middle Fork Complex: 2 hotshot crews; 5 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 1 bulldozers; 2 water tenders; 
1 skidgen
Wapiti: 1 type 2 hand crew; 8 engines; 1 water tender
Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:    Middle Fork Complex: 342             Wapiti: 82      Bull Trout: 17   

KEY MESSAGE:

Join us for a Middle Fork Complex, Bull Trout, and Wapiti Fire Community Meeting today, August 17, 2024, at 7pm for an in-person explanation of current fire activity and planned actions on these fires. The Community Meeting will be located at the Lowman Emergency Services Station 80, at 8000 HWY 21, Lowman, ID.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

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

On the Bulldog Fire, firefighters successfully completed strategic firing operations yesterday. Crews will be holding, improving and securing lines around the fire. Firefighters will also utilize strategic firing, as needed, along the Forest Service Road 698 to prevent spread to the west. The public is reminded that the Middlefork Road is closed at the Forest Service boundary just north of Lightning Creek for firefighter and public safety as crews continue to work to protect private property and structures in the vicinity of Crouch.  The Nellie Fire is still slowly backing against the wind on the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters will continue point protection at lookouts and a communication tower. Smoke may be more visible from the highway. 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 a successful strategic firing operation on the northeast side yesterday. Crews were supported by an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capable of ignitions. Crews will be holding and securing lines throughout the day. The northwest side of the fire received more precipitation from passing storms and will be monitored for activity. 

Bull Trout Fire: The Bull Trout fire is still 92% contained. Due to falling dead and live trees, crews cannot safely access the interior of the fire and will continue to patrol the perimeter.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A red flag warning has been issued for this afternoon and into the evening. Southernly winds will increase by early afternoon along upper ridgelines and through wind aligned drainages, while most low-mid elevations remained sheltered. Hot, dry and unstable air will cause fire activity to increase. With higher temperatures and lower relative humidity, the fires will be experiencing a longer burn period. Backing, group tree torching, and short-range spotting
is expected. With the changing weather, small dead debris and live fuels are expected to dry and become more susceptible to ignition. 

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/     

RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE                  

Saturday, August 1   7, 2024  

541-208-1766, 2024.red@firenet.gov  

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire    https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/ 

Size: 730 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath  Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 246 

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 is being managed under a full suppression strategy. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire. 

Shaded Fuel Break Phases – Firefighters are completing the shaded fuel break in three phases Phase 1 includes cutting and stacking selected trees using logging equipment; Phase 2 includes limbing, trimming, and removing cut trees off site; and Phase 3 includes masticating brush and tree limbs to remove and reduce vegetation that could be fuel for the fire. 

Yesterday’s Activities – Crews made steady progress implementing Phase 1 of the shaded fuel break near the Crescent Lake Summer Homes area. Firefighters also moved almost 34,000 gallons of water through the established hose lay protecting and prepping values along the lay. 

Today’s Activities – Crews will continue to coordinate with resources from the Willamette Complex Fire South to strengthen the control lines near the two fire areas. Work on Phase 1 along the Crescent Lake Summer Homes will continue to progress. In areas where crews have completed Phase 3 of the shaded fuel break, resources will focus heavily on clean up. 

Weather and Smoke – Tomorrow, southerly winds will bring gusts up to 30 mph from about 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. when they will then shift to westerly winds, also with gusts up to 30 mph. Possible lighting and thunderstorms may enter the fire area around 1 p.m. and last until about 8 p.m. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.  

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest has implemented an emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. 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 the 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 – are 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. 

Incident Commander:  Rick Connell, Northern Rockies Team 5
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: 3,979 acres
Middle Fork Complex:   Bulldog: 3,407 acres   Nellie: 6,624 acres

Containment:      Middle Fork Complex: 0%    Wapiti: 0%     Bull Trout:  92%

Resources on site:      
Middle Fork Complex: 2 hotshot crews; 5 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 1 bulldozers; 2 water tenders; 
1 skidgen
Wapiti: 1 type 2 hand crew; 8 engines; 1 water tender
Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:    Middle Fork Complex: 342             Wapiti: 82      Bull Trout: 17   

KEY MESSAGE:
Join us for a Middle Fork Complex, Bull Trout, and Wapiti Fire Community Meeting today, August 17, 2024, at 7pm for an in-person explanation of current fire activity and planned actions on these fires. The Community Meeting will be located at the Lowman Emergency Services Station 80, at 8000 HWY 21, Lowman, ID.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

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

On the Bulldog Fire, firefighters successfully completed strategic firing operations yesterday. Crews will be holding, improving and securing lines around the fire. Firefighters will also utilize strategic firing, as needed, along the Forest Service Road 698 to prevent spread to the west. The public is reminded that the Middlefork Road is closed at the Forest Service boundary just north of Lightning Creek for firefighter and public safety as crews continue to work to protect private property and structures in the vicinity of Crouch.  The Nellie Fire is still slowly backing against the wind on the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters will continue point protection at lookouts and a communication tower. Smoke may be more visible from the highway. 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 a successful strategic firing operation on the northeast side yesterday. Crews were supported by an unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capable of ignitions. Crews will be holding and securing lines throughout the day. The northwest side of the fire received more precipitation from passing storms and will be monitored for activity. 

Bull Trout Fire: The Bull Trout fire is still 92% contained. Due to falling dead and live trees, crews cannot safely access the interior of the fire and will continue to patrol the perimeter.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

A red flag warning has been issued for this afternoon and into the evening. Southernly winds will increase by early afternoon along upper ridgelines and through wind aligned drainages, while most low-mid elevations remained sheltered. Hot, dry and unstable air will cause fire activity to increase. With higher temperatures and lower relative humidity, the fires will be experiencing a longer burn period. Backing, group tree torching, and short-range spotting
is expected. With the changing weather, small dead debris and live fuels are expected to dry and become more susceptible to ignition. 

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/     

August 17th, 2024

Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) Incident Commander-Jeb Backe

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 820 acres                                 Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                           Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9th, 2024       Total Personnel: 88

Fire Information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ruby-Fire/61563760546137/ Phone: 1-360-208-8096

Current Status: Firefighters continue protection of park infrastructure around wooden bridges, campgrounds, and trail features. Fire access is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. It is burning in timber and brush. Incident managers conducted an aerial reconnaissance flight to analyze the fire. Fire managers developed trigger points and are assembling firefighting gear in preparation of possible fire growth due to weather.  

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to work to protect values at risk in the fire area through structure protection and around critical infrastructure, park campgrounds, trail infrastructure, backcountry camps, and other resources in preparation of fire growth. The Ruby Fire is a full suppression fire, and firefighters are utilizing strategies and tactics that provide the highest likelihood for success, while mitigating risks to firefighters and the public. Firefighting strategies and tactics are based on the availability of air and ground resources across the country due to numerous ongoing fires throughout the west.  Main objectives are protecting human life, minimizing damage to values at risk, and limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: Saturday, sunny skies and warm with highs in the mid-80s. Winds out of the SE 4-8 mph gusting up to 15 mph. Saturday evening, cloudy with rain showers and thunderstorms, Flash Flood Watch 5pm Sat to 8am Sun. Low chance for heavy rainfall resulting in flash flooding and low chance for severe winds. Overnight lows in the low 60s with winds of 6-12 mph gusting up to 20 mph.

Closures: There are multiple closures in the area due to the Ruby Fire and other nearby fires. Closures are in place for public safety. Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch are closed. State Route 20 is closed east of the park from MP 148 and MP 157 due to the Easy Fire. For a full list of park closures visit https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures .

Burning Restrictions: National Park Service - Campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex – North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley.

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: National Park Service, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Seattle City Light, Whatcom County, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

Smoke: U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program - Overall air quality will be good today in upper Skagit Valley. https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/f79a6d6d            https://www.airnow.gov/

If you would like to sign up for our daily updates, please send an email to: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov

Willamette Complex North

Ore & Pyramid Fires

Incident Update

Date:  Saturday, August 17, 2024

CURRENT SITUATION

Today is expected to be a critical weather day, with warm and dry conditions anticipated in the morning, followed by strong to severe thunderstorms (including erratic winds, hail and flash flooding) across the fire area this afternoon.  Crews will remain strategically placed around the fire area for the extreme weather event and will engage when it is safe to do so.  Protecting the life of the pubic and firefighters is the highest priority of the incident. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Elevated weather conditions will start early today with poor humidity recoveries.  Strong clearing and smoke transport in the morning will allow for rapid warming and drying.  Winds will increase through the early afternoon with gusts up to 20 mph. Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon. If storms move over the fire, hail up to 1 inch in size is possible, alongside heavy rain and erratic wind gusts in excess of 60 mph.  Strong, erratic winds pose multiple hazards due to fire behavior and fire weakened trees.  Predicted maximum temperature is 80 to 84 °F in the valleys and 76 to 80 °F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidity is 32 to 38% in the valleys and 42 to 48% on the ridgetops.  For smoke and air quality conditions visit: AirNow.gov 

Ore Fire

Blue River, 3,036 Acres, 13% Contained, 457 Total Personnel, Cause Under Investigation

Yesterday, crews continued conducting burnout operations to prepare indirect line—with the goal of containing the fire at the 1509 and 827 Roads.  Crews continued to patrol the Ore Fire overnight, observing active fire behavior within existing containment lines. 

Pyramid Fire

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,320 Acres, 76% Contained, 243 Total Personnel, Lightning Caused

Crews and heavy equipment continue to hold and improve fire lines, patrol the fire perimeter, and conduct mop up. Pockets of intense and scattered heat continue to be identified in the interior of the Pyramid Fire by infrared technology.

Evacuations, Closures & Fire Restrictions

On July 17th, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Willamette National Forest, issued a Level 3: Go Now Evacuation Alert for the closure area affected. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for full details of the issued evacuation area (which will appear in red). To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit linnsheriff.org/. 

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect in the Willamette National Forest. 

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

The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest consists of 28 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 10,843 acres, with 823 people assigned. The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park has 59 people assigned, and the Diamond Complex is sharing resources as needed. The park remains open.  

Transfer of command of the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire from Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3 to California Complex Incident Management Team 4 at 0600 Sunday.  

KEY MESSAGES: A red flag warning for lightning and strong winds is in place today.  

For public and firefighter safety, the North Entrance Road in the park is temporarily closed for firefighters to prepare control lines with machinery along that road. For details, visit https://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/news/crater-lake-temporarily-closes-north-entrance-for-the-middle-fork-fire.htm   

Seventeen of the 28 fires in the Diamond Complex are now 100 percent contained.   

OPERATIONS:   

Middle Fork Fire (5,197 acres, 0% contained):  A Type 3 helicopter dropped a few buckets of water to cool the southern flank of the fire Friday. Fuel reduction was completed along roads and trails on the west of the fire. Road preparation continues along the Wizard Creek Snowmobile Trail. At the North Entrance to Crater Lake National Park, crews and equipment operators are slowly moving south along the North Entrance Road, clearing vegetation with a specialized machine called a “Spider”.  A hand crew is also cutting out some of the smaller diameter vegetation adjacent to the road.  A hand crew will widen the Burnt Creek Trail corridor to create a control line.    

Yesterday was another mild day for fire behavior. However, red flag conditions for strong outflow winds associated with thunderstorms today are likely to induce increased fire behavior. Air resources, including helicopters for water bucket drops and reconnaissance flights and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, or drones) for infrared imaging and firing operations remain available. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek, and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed. Hikers may not use the North Entrance Road to enter or leave Crater Lake National Park.  

Diamond Complex Fires   

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 3,706 acres, 30% contained): Crews continue to line and mop-up a spot between Medicine Creek and Slide Creek and the fire remains active around Camel Hump. Heavy helicopters supported the firefighters with water bucket drops. Additional hotshot crews will be working the problem areas on that southeast edge of the fire today. The 3402 Road is currently being prepared as a control line, which involves fuel reduction and widening.   

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 3,040 acres, 4% contained):  A Hotshot crew reinforced indirect dozer line on the east side, and heavy helicopters supported firefighters with water bucket drops. On the northwest flank, crews were building handline around a slopover in the Staley Creek drainage and will continue mopping that up today.   

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 511 acres, 0% contained): Near the southwest corner of Trep, firefighters are building handline down to Bear Trap Meadows.  Road preparation continues on the 230 Road.  

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 372 acres, 37% contained): Skidgines are supplying water to support the mop-up efforts. Masticating along the 2610 Road to the southwest past Bird Point will continue to create a contingency line.  

Brodie Fire (Five miles south of Hwy 138, south of Devils Canyon, 220 acres, 90% contained): Firefighters are constructing direct handline on the western edge of the fire. Crews doing mop-up are being supported with water pumped from Skookum Lake.   

Lemolo Fire (North of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, 1,246 acres, 46% contained): Mop-up continues and backhaul of equipment is underway for redistribution to other fires in the complex.  

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 842 acres, 77% contained): Firefighters are mopping up in heavy duff and securing the eastern edge into the Mount Thielsen Wilderness.    

Lost Fire (Northeast of Trep Fire, 63 acres, 0% contained): Direct handline is being constructed. The 4800 Road is being prepped and opened for mastication to create a fuel break and contingency control line.     

Trap Fire (One mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain, 17 acres, 0% contained): Crews are constructing fuel breaks along existing roads in the Bear Creek Canyon as a contingency line for this group of fires.  

Maple Fire (.2 acres, 0% containment): Firefighters are lining and mopping this small fire. 

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:    

Loafer Fire (44 acres, 56% contained)  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Heavy lightning and rain with strong winds are expected. Hail is also a possibility. Fire behavior will increase if winds precede the rain.   

SMOKE OUTLOOK: Smoke has returned to the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations. For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/   

CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, EVACUATIONS: The Umpqua National Forest has a closure in place affecting the Diamond Lake Ranger District. Most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District is closed. Closure Orders and maps can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at VERY HIGH, and Public Use Restrictions Level 3 ORDER NO. 06-15-24-04 is in effect: https://tinyurl.com/PublicUseRestrictions   

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure for the area north and west of Crater Lake National Forest along Highway 230 south to the intersection with Highway 62. See the Closure Order and map at https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts  

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has lifted evacuation orders for all areas except for east of the Pine Bench Fire, which remains at a Level 1: BE SET for a single residence east of the Potter Fire. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations