APPLE FIRE                                 AUGUST 2, 2020 EVENING UPDATE

Public Information Phone: 909-383-5688

Media Information Phone: 909-383-5501

Incident E-mail: 2020.apple@firenet.gov

Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6902/

San Bernardino National Forest:

www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf

CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department: www.rvcfire.org

Social Media Info:

Facebook: facebook.com/SanBernardinoNF/                                      Twitter: twitter.com/sanbernardinonf

Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: July 31, 2020

Cause: Under Investigation

Fuels Involved: Chaparral & Brush

Size: 20,516 acres *

Location:  Banning Canyon

Injuries: 0

Percent contained: 5%

Strategy: Full Suppression

Resources:

Hand Crews: 29

Engines: 260

Dozers: 11

Helicopters: 9

Airplanes: 2

Water Tenders: 11

Total Personnel: 2,266

*A mapping flight scheduled tonight will provide data regarding accurate acreage. Fire growth was evident today but an accurate acreage will not be available until data is analyzed. This will be provided in the morning update.

Current Situation:

The Apple fire burned actively today, primarily to the north and east. Much of the fire activity is being driven by the record low moisture content of the vegetation in the area combined with high temperatures and low relative humidity. These conditions are contributing to active fire behavior both day and night.

The fire is burning in an area with no recent fire history. It is expected to burn into less dense fuels as it progresses. Firefighters on the ground and in the air have been engaged and are building fireline directly on the fire’s edge where possible. Others protecting structures in local communities. Additional firefighters are arriving on scene to assist with the effort to contain the fire. The assignment of the new resources will give firefighters who have been on the line over the last two days some much needed rest.

Evacuations / Closures:

For Riverside County Residents: please visit https://www.rivcoready.org/ActiveEvents for an interactive map that will allow you to enter your address to see if you are in an evacuation area. 

For San Bernardino County Residents: The community of Oak Glen is under an evacuation order. Forest Falls, Pioneer Town, and Rim Rock are all under an evacuation warning.

The San Gorgonio Wilderness has been closed to all use. An Emergency Forest Closure Order is in effect as of August 2, 2020. The order prohibits all entry into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area.  This order also includes the Pacific Crest Hiking Trail between the Forest Boundary and Forest Road 1N01. Additionally, all Forest Service recreation areas in the Forest Fall area are closed.

Weather: Hot and dry again on Monday with somewhat improved humidity recovery Monday night. Westerly winds will gust 20 to 30 mph Monday afternoon and evening between 1200 PDT and 2000 PDT, weakening after 2000 PDT but remaining gusty.

Cooperating and Assisting Organizations: Riverside County Emergency Management Department, Red Cross and Southern California Edison.

Safety Message: If you fly, we can’t. Flying a drone near a wildfire is not only dangerous to aircraft on the fire but can shut down all air operations risking firefighters and public safety.

Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: July 31, 2020

Cause: Under Investigation

Fuels Involved: Chaparral & Brush

Size: 20,516 acres

Location:  Banning Canyon

Injuries: 0

Percent contained: 0%

Strategy: Full Suppression

Hand Crews: 20

Engines: 178

Dozers: 11

Helicopters: 6

Airplanes: 2

Water Tenders: 19

Total Personnel: 1,200  

Current Situation:

The Apple Fire has burned over 20,000 acres and has no containment. Much of the northern and eastern edge of the fire is in very steep, rugged hillsides which is not accessible to firefighting vehicles. Firefighters will continue to work to slow the spread of the fire using all resources available including helicopters, fixed wing air tankers, ground equipment and hand-crews. Fire activity is expected to remain high today, with areas of active flame and smoke visible across the area.

This fire is being managed under a unified command, which includes California Interagency Incident Management Team 2, a type-1 team, has arrived to help manage the fire. Measures are being taking to reduce exposure to firefighters and first responders to risks associated with the potential spread of COVID-19 both on the fireline and in fire camp.

Evacuations / Closures:

For Riverside County Residents: please visit https://www.rivcoready.org/ActiveEvents for an interactive map that will allow you to enter your address to see if you are in an evacuation area. 

For San Bernardino County Residents: The community of Oak Glen is under an evacuation order. Forest Falls, Pioneer Town, and Rim Rock are all under an evacuation warning.

The San Gorgonio Wilderness has been closed to all use. Effective August 2, 2020 an Emergency Forest Closure Order is in effect which prohibits all entry into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area.  This order also includes the Pacific Crest Hiking Trail between the Forest Boundary and Forest Road 1N01. Additionally, all Forest Service recreation areas in the Forest Fall area are closed.

Weather: Poor humidity recovery overnight. Today will remain hot with a cooling trend in the forecast. West winds will be strong in the afternoon and into tonight.

Cooperating and Assisting Organizations: Riverside County Emergency Management Department and Southern California Edison.

Safety Message: If you fly, we can’t. Flying a drone near a wildfire is not only dangerous to aircraft on the fire but can shut down all air operations risking firefighters and public safety.  

SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST

Forest Order No. 05-12-00-20-12

Apple Fire Emergency Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and 9b) and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest.  This Order is effective from August 2, 2020 through September 1, 2020

1. Being on the National Forest System roads listed below.

   1. Forest Road 1S03 (Falls Road).

   2. Forest Road 1S03A (Falls Picnic Area Road).

   3. Forest Road 1S03C (Vivian Trailhead Road)

   4. Forest Road 1S03D

   5. Forest Road 1S42 (Momyer Parking Road).

   6. Forest Road 1N53 (Camp Angelus Road)

   7. Forest Road 1N82 (Forsee Ridge Road).

36 CFR 261.54 (e)

1. Being on the National Forest System trails listed below.

   1. Forest Trail No. 1E04 – South Fork Trail

   2. Forest Trail No. 1E06 – Momyer Creek Trail

   3. Forest Trail No. 1E08 – Vivian Creek Trail

   4. Forest Trail No. 1E09 – Lost Creek Trail

   5. Forest Trail No. 1E13 – Big Falls Trail

   6. Forest Trail No. 1W07 – Fish Creek Trail

   7. Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) from the San Bernardino National Forest Boundary in the southeast corner of Section 31, Township 1 North, Range 3 East, San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian continuing north to its intersection with Forest Road 1N01 in Section 6, Township 1 North, Range 3 East, San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian.

36 CFR 261.54(a)

1. Entering or being within the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Road and trail closures have been terminated effective September 24, 2020

The Chikamin Fire is located in the Chikamin Ridge area 22 miles north of Leavenworth, Washington. This fire is burning in heavy timber in steep inaccessible terrain. Crews are utilizing natural features, existing roads and trails, and the footprints of past fire areas to contain the spread of the fire. 

Most of the fire activity is in the Garland Creek area on the Entiat Ranger District. It is still within the confines of the old Wolverine Fire burn scar but smoke is visible from the Cottonwood Campground area. The fire is estimated to be 1,252 acres in size. Fire behavior has been fairly mild, although on Labor Day increased fire activity consumed the old miners shack on the western flank of the fire area.
 
To provide for public safety and firefighter safety on the Chikamin Fire the following road and trails are closed to public entry:  
- FS Road #6210 (Chikamin Road)  
- Lower Chiwawa Trail #1548
- Chikamin Tie Trail #1534
- Minnow Ridge Trail #1524
- Basalt Ridge Trail #1515
- Basalt Pass Trail #1530
- Rock Creek Tie Trail #1538
- Garland Peak Trail #1408
- Upper Mad River Trail #1409.1
- Alder Ridge Trail #1523
- Chikamin Tie Trail #1561
- Minnow Creek Trail #1539
- Shetipo Trail #1429 

With the hot temperatures and windy conditions this Labor Day weekend, the Chikamin Fire has spread into the Garland Creek area on the Entiat Ranger District. It is still within the confines of the old Wolverine Fire burn scar but smoke is now visible from the Cottonwood Campground area. The fire is estimated to be 1,200 acres in size.

The Chikamin Fire is located in the Chikamin Ridge area 22 miles north of Leavenworth, Washington. This fire is burning in heavy timber in steep inaccessible terrain. Crews are utilizing natural features, existing roads and trails, and the footprints of past fire areas to contain the spread of the fire. 

To provide for public safety and firefighter safety on the Chikamin Fire the following road and trails are closed to public entry:  
- FS Road #6210 (Chikamin Road)  
- Lower Chiwawa Trail #1548
- Chikamin Tie Trail #1534
- Minnow Ridge Trail #1524
- Basalt Ridge Trail #1515
- Basalt Pass Trail #1530
- Rock Creek Tie Trail #1538
- Garland Peak Trail #1408
- Upper Mad River Trail #1409.1
- Alder Ridge Trail #1523
- Chikamin Tie Trail #1561
- Minnow Creek Trail #1539
- Shetipo Trail #1429

 Leavenworth, WA – Today the Chikamin Fire was turned back to the local District Type 4 IMT, led by Incident Commander Mike Barajas and IC trainee Ross Boots. Updates will be issued as conditions change.Yesterday’s Activity- Fire crews continued to improve containment lines on the west flank as the fire slowly backed down toward a wet ravine. Fire crews patrolled the southeast flank and east flanks. With warmer temperatures the past couple days the fire grew slightly to the north and northeast into the 2015 Wolverine Fire scar..  

August 12, 2020

Leavenworth, WA – Good progress was made yesterday to reinforce and secure the fireline on the east flank of the fire. It is 65% contained and 391 acres. On Friday at 6:00 p.m. the Type 3 team will hand the fire back over to the local District to manage for the duration. The next fire update will be Saturday morning.

Yesterday’s Activity- Firecrews continued to improve containment lines on the west flank as the fire slowly backed down toward a wet ravine. Fire crews patrolled the southeast flank, while the Entiat Hotshots continued to bolster firelines along the northeast flank. With yesterday’s gusty winds the fire grew slightly to the northwest, however there was no infrared flight to get updated perimeter and acreage.

Week’s Operations- Controlling the line and mopping up on the east flank will be the primary focus for this week’s efforts. Fire crews will monitor and patrol the west flank. Brushing and chipping will continue along the 6210 road, all the way down to the Chiwawa River Road. This work will continue through Friday, then transition into suppression repair.

Weather and Fire Behavior- Cooler temperatures are expected today with increasing relative humidity. No precipitation is forecast through the week. Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate, with fire backing down the west flank and isolated torching. Aerial support is available to aid firefighters as the winds pick up.

Safety- Our highest priority remains the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. Fire operation protocols include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within the firefighting crews, fire managers and general public.

Closures- Today unfinished work will continue on the FS 6210 road and surrounding trails/areas. With heavy equipment and firefighter traffic on the 6210 road, closures will remain in effect for public and firefighter safety.

Public Use Fire Restrictions- On the Wenatchee River Ranger District Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect. However Friday, August 14 fire restrictions will increase to a Stage 2. This means that campfires will not be allowed anywhere on the National Forest, including campgrounds and Wilderness areas. For more information on fire restrictions on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, visit Fire Restrictions 

For fire information please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6901/ or contact 2020.chikamin@firenet.gov

  August 11, 2020

Leavenworth, WA – Good progress was made yesterday to reinforce and secure the fireline on the east flank of the fire. It is now at 65% containment and 391 acres.

Yesterday’s Activity- helicopter bucket drops were used to cool down hotspots along the west flank as the fire slowly backs down toward a wet ravine. Fire crews patrolled the southeast flank, while the Entiat Hotshots tied in the northeast flank into the 2015 Wolverine Fire scar.

Today’s Operations- Controlling the line and mopping up on the east flank will be the primary focus for today’s efforts. Fire crews will monitor and patrol the west flank. Brushing and chipping will continue along the 6210 road.

Weather and Fire Behavior- Moderate west to northwest winds 8 and 12 mph are projected today with gusts to 20 mph projected in the afternoon. No precipitation is forecast through the week. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate, with fire backing down the west flank and isolated torching. Aerial support is available to aid firefighters as the winds pick up.

Safety- Our highest priority remains the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. Fire operation protocols include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within the firefighting crews, fire managers and general public.

Closures- Today unfinished work will continue on the FS 6210 road and surrounding trails/areas. With heavy equipment and firefighter traffic on the 6210 road, closures will remain in effect for public and firefighter safety. The following trails and roads are still closed to public: 

FS Road #6210 - Chikamin Road 
Trail 1548 - Lower Chiwawa 
Trail 1534 - Chikamin Tie 
Trail 1524 - Minnow Ridge 
Trail 1515 - Basalt Ridge 
Trail 1530 - Basalt Pass 
Trail 1538 - Rock Creek Tie 
Trail 1408 - Garland Peak 

Trail 1409.1 - Upper Mad River 
Trail 1523 - Alder Ridge 
Trail 1561 - Chikamin Tie 
Trail 1539 - Minnow Creek 
Trail 1429 – Shetipo 

Public Use Fire Restrictions- As a reminder on the Wenatchee River Ranger District Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect. This means that campfires are only allowed in designated campgrounds and Wilderness areas where permitted, campfires are not allowed in dispersed campsites. For more information on fire restrictions on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/home/?cid=FSBDEV3_05360

August 10, 2020

Leavenworth, WA –

The current containment for the Chikamin Fire is at 60 percent and is at 383 acres. Crews will continue to secure the fire’s edge and monitor the fire perimeter for any growth using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). UAS have cameras that allow them to fly into areas of little or no visibility and areas inaccessible to firefighters.  

With continued cooler temperatures and moderate relative humidity (RH) past couple days the fire has seen insignificant growth, which has allowed firefighters to safely secure containment lines along the east flank. As fire line is secured and contingency lines are complete, personnel will begin to demobilize. Fire managers are building on a suppression repair plan, with implementation beginning later this week.

Today unfinished work will continue on the FS 6210 road and surrounding trails/areas. With heavy equipment and firefighter traffic on the 6210 road, closures will remain in effect for public and firefighter safety. The following trails and roads are still closed to public:

FS Road #6210 - Chikamin Road 
Trail 1548 - Lower Chiwawa 
Trail 1534 - Chikamin Tie 
Trail 1524 - Minnow Ridge 
Trail 1515 - Basalt Ridge 
Trail 1530 - Basalt Pass 
Trail 1538 - Rock Creek Tie 
Trail 1408 - Garland Peak 
Trail 1409.1 - Upper Mad River 
Trail 1523 - Alder Ridge 
Trail 1561 - Chikamin Tie 
Trail 1539 - Minnow Creek 
Trail 1429 – Shetipo 

As a reminder on the Wenatchee River Ranger District Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect. This means that campfires are only allowed in designated campgrounds and Wilderness areas where permitted, campfires are not allowed in dispersed campsites. For more information on fire restrictions on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/home/?cid=FSBDEV3_053600

For fire information please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6901/ or contact 2020.chikamin@firenet.gov