Monday, July 13, 2020 

For Immediate Release – East Fork Fire Protection District, Minden, Nevada

Contact:     Amy Ray, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal, East Fork Fire Protection District, 775-546-3738,
Ryan Elliott, Bureau of Land Management, 775-885-6167

On Monday, July 6, 2020, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Numbers Fire was detected near the Pine View Estates area, south of Gardnerville, NV.  During the investigation, several fires were located along Highway 395 that are believed to be related to the Numbers Fire.

Investigators with the East Fork Fire Protection District, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, and the USDA Forest Service worked together over the past week to determine the origin and cause of these fires.

Investigators have gathered physical evidence that indicates a semi-tractor trailer truck, while operating southbound on Highway 395, most likely experienced a failure in its exhaust system.  This possible failure allowed hot particles to be discharged along the highway right-of-way, igniting dry grass and brush.

Any persons who may have additional information about a semi-tractor trailer truck seen on Highway 395 heading south at around 6:45 p.m. on July 6, 2020, in the area of the Numbers Fire, is encouraged to use the following e-mail address 2020firetips@gmail.com.

The Numbers Fire has burned 18,340 acres and is 98% contained. 

Sunday, July 12, 2020

RED FLAG WARNING

Contact Fire Information:  208.296.1233 or 2020.Numbers@firenet.gov

The Numbers Fire is now 88 percent contained as of Saturday evening.  Containment indicates that fire managers are confident the fire perimeter will not grow beyond the existing fireline.  Smoke was visible yesterday as fire continues to consume interior islands of unburned vegetation.  The final fire size is likely to remain at 18,342 acres, unless significant activity occurs.  Of that total, 6,545 acres are on Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 5,833 acres are on Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and 5,964 acres are on private land.

Repair work continues on the fireline, including contingency firelines, that were constructed by dozers during the first days of the fire.  The crews working high on the ridgeline, near the remaining section of uncontained fireline, have been camping nearby to eliminate travel to and from the main fire camp each day.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning – an indicator for weather conditions that may lead to extreme fire behavior and rapid growth – for the Sierra Front north of Minden today due to predicted strong winds combined with high temperatures and low relative humidity.  Gusts on the ridges may reach 35 to 40 miles per hour.  Temperatures will once again reach the mid-90s and relative humidity is likely to drop to single digits.  These critical conditions are expected to continue through Monday.

Although the fire is nearing full containment, fire vehicles and heavy equipment will still be in the area for several days.  Please drive cautiously in the area, and limit use of Pinenut 2 and Blossom Canyon Roads to residents only.

Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 plans to transition the Numbers Fire back to the local units on Wednesday morning.  Full containment is estimated by that time.  Team 4 is grateful to the community and partners for the assistance and support.

FINAL MORNING UPDATE

This will be the final fire update for the Numbers Fire unless significant activity occurs.  Please follow @NevadaFireInfo on Twitter and @BLMNevada on Facebook for additional photos and information.

Saturday, July 11, 2020
Contact Fire Information:  208.296.1233 or 2020.Numbers@firenet.gov

Crews took advantage of a relatively quiet Friday to patrol and contain sections of the Numbers Fire perimeter.  Weather concerns remain as crews continue monitoring and securing the fireline.  Increased westerly winds are anticipated today, with gusts up to 30 miles per hour near the fire.  A National Weather Service Fire Weather Watch is in place, primarily for Sunday and Monday.  Conditions remain hot and dry, which means the potential for fire activity remains high for any existing embers or new fire starts. 

Numerous aviation resources are required to support firefighters on wildland fires located in steep terrain and require a number of personnel to camp near the fire or in remote areas.  For example, on a high fire activity day during the Numbers Fire, seven helicopters provided an average of 30 hours of suppression and logistical support to include water bucket drops and the movement of food and supplies to support firefighters on the ground.  Keeping this high aviation use in mind, it is important for recreational users who fly model airplanes or drones, to know before you fly.  The Federal Aviation Administration now has an improved app with interactive maps – B4UFLY, https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/b4ufly/ – to help show where the public can and cannot fly.  Wildland fire managers appreciate the public’s support to ensure the safety of all fire personnel.

Wildland fire personnel will continue working hard over the weekend to ensure public safety and the protection of cultural resources and wildlife habitat.  Heavy equipment is tasked with suppression repair work of dozer lines where containment has been secured. 

Please be aware of increased fire traffic in these areas, especially during the morning and evening hours, and limit use of Pinenut 2 and Blossom Canyon Roads to residents only.  Thank you for the ongoing community support. 

Friday, July 10, 2020
Contact Fire Information:  208.296.1233 or 2020.Numbers@firenet.gov

Fire behavior was minimal on the Numbers Fire on Thursday.  No additional growth was reported on the fire, and containment increased from 20% to 30%.  The visible fire activity occurred primarily on the southeast corner, high on the ridge of the mountain range.  Existing containment lines held despite gusty winds.  Fire crews were able to secure the section of fire perimeter high on the east slope of the mountain range where the fire burned through dense mahogany on steep slopes.  Atmospheric instability caused frequent and sometimes large dust whirls over the burned areas.

Winds will decrease today before growing stronger over the weekend.  Light cloud cover is expected, although temperatures will remain high and relative humidity could drop to 10%.  A high potential for fire growth remains as the warm and dry weather pattern persists over the area.  Fire officials will take advantage of the decreased winds today to secure as much fire perimeter as possible before the weekend.

Fire crews will continue to patrol and contain sections of the fire perimeter, looking for any remaining heat or embers.  Islands of unburned trees and brush inside the fire perimeter continue to burn.  While smoke may be visible for several days, these sections do not pose a risk for spread and will be allowed to burn out.  

Heavy equipment will begin rehabilitation of dozer lines where containment has been secured.  Firefighters are following direction from land management partners to ensure the protection of cultural resources and wildlife habitat.

The Team is working at the firecamp based at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  Please be aware of increased fire traffic in these areas, especially during the morning and evening hours, and limit use of Pinenut 2 and Blossom Canyon Roads to residents only.  The fire crews are well supplied with food, water, and other necessities.

 Thursday, July 9, 2020

Contact Fire Information:  208.296.1233 or 2020.Numbers@firenet.gov
 

Great Basin Team 4, a Type 2 Incident Management Team, assumed command of the Numbers Fire this morning.  The Team will work closely with local land managers and agencies to ensure the protection of the local communities and resources.

Today, crews are being flown to the upper ridgeline of the Pine Nut Mountains to limit fire spread over the ridge to the east and into Smith Valley.  Right now, this is the area of greatest concern for additional fire growth.  Helicopters will support these crews by dropping water from buckets and delivering supplies.

Additional firefighting resources will continue to secure and patrol existing firelines and respond to any adjacent fire activity.  In some areas, where containment is certain, crews and equipment will begin to repair suppression actions.  This includes rehabilitation of ground moved by dozers to create fireline.

The weather over the fire area today is expected to be hot, dry and breezy.  A Red Flag Warning – an indicator of critical fire weather conditions that could lead to increased fire activity – has been issued for the fire area.  The pattern of high temperatures and low relative humidity is expected to continue for several days.

The Team is working at the firecamp based at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  Please be aware of increased fire traffic in these areas, especially during the morning and evening hours, and limit use of Pine Nut 2 and Blossom Canyon Roads to residents only.  The fire crews are well supplied with food, water, and other necessities.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2020

 

Fire Information: 218-248-2411

 

Incident Names: Sundial, 212, 213, and Independence Fires

 

Description: Late in the day on July 4th, four wildfires were reported/detected on the west zone of the Superior National Forest, three within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in St. Louis County and one outside of the BWCAW in Lake County. Several thunderstorm cells developed and redeveloped with lightning activity while passing through northeastern Minnesota. The Sundial Fire is approximately 8 acres in size and burning in a remote area of the BWCAW south of Iron Lake in the Sundial Primitive Management Area (PMA) on the LaCroix Ranger District. The 212 and 213 Fires are each .10 of an acre and located north/northeast of Trout Lake and north of Lake Vermilion on the La Croix Ranger District. The Independence Fire is 1 acre in size and located near Birch Lake south of Ely on the Kawishiwi Ranger District.

 

Location: Northeastern Minnesota, St. Louis County and Lake County

Sundial: T66N-R12W Section 33

212: T64N-R16W Section 35

213: T63N-R16W Section 27

Independence: T62N-R11W Section 32

 

Status:

Sundial Fire: Yesterday afternoon this fire was detected burning in jack pine regeneration and the old 1996 White Feather Fire area. Initial response included four aircraft that were used to drop water on the fire yesterday afternoon and evening. The fire is estimated to be 8 acres in size this morning. Today, a firefighting crew will be inserted near the fire. The crew will begin suppression action as safely allowable along the fire edge. Firefighter and public safety are the most important priorities in all wildfire response and due to the remote setting of this fire the suppression efforts will be undertaken deliberately and with life safety in mind.

 

This fire started away from any travel routes and is not accessible by lakes or rivers due to low water. It is located in a very remote area about 3.5 miles south of Iron and Crooked Lakes and the Canadian border. The fire was observed smoldering this morning with higher humidity levels, however the winds are predicted to increase today and humidity levels will drop and fire activity predicted to increase slightly.

 

213 Fire: This fire is located north of Lake Vermilion and west of the Trout Lake Portage. It is accessible from Lake Vermilion and was a .10 of an acre in size and a single tree lightning strike fire. A fire crew is on site taking suppression actions today.

 

212 Fire: This fire is located northwest of Trout Lake and anticipated to be a single tree lightning strike at a .10 of an acre in size. A fire crew is traveling by boat on Trout Lake to locate and suppress this fire today.

 

Independence Fire:  This is a 1 acre fire detected yesterday and located near Birch Lake south of Ely. Two engine modules and the Morse Township Fire Department responded to suppress the fire yesterday afternoon. Crews remained on site and continued to work on the fire into the evening and early morning. The crews have been successful holding this fire and returned today to continue to mop up hot spots on the fire and secure the fire edge.

 

Northeastern Minnesota is in moderate drought conditions as we have not received significant moisture over the past several weeks. There are several soil and fuel conditions that are monitored to determine fire danger levels and several of those conditions are indicating a drying trend in the region.

 

Resources: A 12 person firefighting crew and 1-3 helicopters will be assigned to the Sundial Fire today. A 4 person fire crew is assigned to the 213 Fire, a 4 person crew is assigned to the 212 Fire, and one engine module is assisting with mopping up on the Independence Fire. Additional fire engine modules are staffing in locations across the Forest including off-forest resources from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Firefighters have been ordered to backfill in case additional fires challenge local resources. Aviation resources assigned to the Forest include two Beaver Floatplanes, three Type 3 helicopters, and two Type 1 helicopters all equipped for water dropping.

 

Closures/Campfires Prohibited: The Superior National Forest currently has campfire restrictions in place on the Forest both inside and outside the BWCAW except in specific developed campgrounds. There are no fire specific area Forest Closures at this time but visitors should continue to be aware of the dry conditions and expect to see aircraft being used for fire response and detection.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2020

 

Fire Information: 218-248-2411

 

Incident Names: Sundial, 212, 213, and Independence Fires

 

Description: Late in the day on July 4th, four wildfires were reported/detected on the west zone of the Superior National Forest, three within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in St. Louis County and one outside of the BWCAW in Lake County. Several thunderstorm cells developed and redeveloped with lightning activity while passing through northeastern Minnesota. The Sundial Fire is approximately 8 acres in size and burning in a remote area of the BWCAW south of Iron Lake in the Sundial Primitive Management Area (PMA) on the LaCroix Ranger District. The 212 and 213 Fires are each .10 of an acre and located north/northeast of Trout Lake and north of Lake Vermilion on the La Croix Ranger District. The Independence Fire is 1 acre in size and located near Birch Lake south of Ely on the Kawishiwi Ranger District.

 

Location: Northeastern Minnesota, St. Louis County and Lake County

Sundial: T66N-R12W Section 33

212: T64N-R16W Section 35

213: T63N-R16W Section 27

Independence: T62N-R11W Section 32

 

Status:

Sundial Fire: Yesterday afternoon this fire was detected burning in jack pine regeneration and the old 1996 White Feather Fire area. Initial response included four aircraft that were used to drop water on the fire yesterday afternoon and evening. The fire is estimated to be 8 acres in size this morning. Today, a firefighting crew will be inserted near the fire. The crew will begin suppression action as safely allowable along the fire edge. Firefighter and public safety are the most important priorities in all wildfire response and due to the remote setting of this fire the suppression efforts will be undertaken deliberately and with life safety in mind.

 

This fire started away from any travel routes and is not accessible by lakes or rivers due to low water. It is located in a very remote area about 3.5 miles south of Iron and Crooked Lakes and the Canadian border. The fire was observed smoldering this morning with higher humidity levels, however the winds are predicted to increase today and humidity levels will drop and fire activity predicted to increase slightly.

 

213 Fire: This fire is located north of Lake Vermilion and west of the Trout Lake Portage. It is accessible from Lake Vermilion and was a .10 of an acre in size and a single tree lightning strike fire. A fire crew is on site taking suppression actions today.

 

212 Fire: This fire is located northwest of Trout Lake and anticipated to be a single tree lightning strike at a .10 of an acre in size. A fire crew is traveling by boat on Trout Lake to locate and suppress this fire today.

 

Independence Fire:  This is a 1 acre fire detected yesterday and located near Birch Lake south of Ely. Two engine modules and the Morse Township Fire Department responded to suppress the fire yesterday afternoon. Crews remained on site and continued to work on the fire into the evening and early morning. The crews have been successful holding this fire and returned today to continue to mop up hot spots on the fire and secure the fire edge.

 

Northeastern Minnesota is in moderate drought conditions as we have not received significant moisture over the past several weeks. There are several soil and fuel conditions that are monitored to determine fire danger levels and several of those conditions are indicating a drying trend in the region.

 

Resources: A 12 person firefighting crew and 1-3 helicopters will be assigned to the Sundial Fire today. A 4 person fire crew is assigned to the 213 Fire, a 4 person crew is assigned to the 212 Fire, and one engine module is assisting with mopping up on the Independence Fire. Additional fire engine modules are staffing in locations across the Forest including off-forest resources from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Firefighters have been ordered to backfill in case additional fires challenge local resources. Aviation resources assigned to the Forest include two Beaver Floatplanes, three Type 3 helicopters, and two Type 1 helicopters all equipped for water dropping.

 

Closures/Campfires Prohibited: The Superior National Forest currently has campfire restrictions in place on the Forest both inside and outside the BWCAW except in specific developed campgrounds. There are no fire specific area Forest Closures at this time but visitors should continue to be aware of the dry conditions and expect to see aircraft being used for fire response and detection.

 

POLLES FIRE UPDATE - July 15, 2020, 6:00 p.m.

Acres: 628 acres   
                                                                                                        
Percent Containment: 92% Start Date: Friday, July 3, 2020   
                                                                                                         
Cause: Lightning Origin Location: 11 miles W of Payson, AZ  
                                                                                                            
Fuels: Pinyon juniper, high desert grass
 
Resources: approx. 177 personnel assigned: including 2 hotshot crews, 6 helicopters, 2 engines
 

 

Minimal fire activity on the Polles Fire;
Crews continue to patrol

Payson, Ariz. – Unless there is new or significant fire activity, this will be the final update on the Polles Fire.  Hotshot crews worked Tuesday in the rugged and remote terrain to cut additional fireline, track and attack heat sources, and secure the northwest edge of the fire. 

The Polles Fire is now at 92% containment, and Tuesday night’s infrared flight showed minimal heat sources. Crews will remain on scene to patrol and continue securing any hotspots. Weather conditions remain hot and breezy, with a slight chance of precipitation this weekend.

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 will transfer command of the fire to the Tonto National Forest on Thursday July 16, 2020 and 6:00 p.m. 

There are no threats from the Polles Fire to the communities of Pine-Strawberry or Payson. We do encourage that residents become familiar with Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for their county emergency notification systems and remain alert, ready and make essential preparations. Visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for more information.  

The Tonto National Forest has a Closure in effect across the forest to prevent new human caused fires.  Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.  

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. Drove incursions during a wildfire can result in significant fines and jail time. For more info, visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Polles Fire Public Information
 
Fire Information: (480) 339-9585
Email: eric.solomon@usda.gov
Inciweb:  inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6825/
Tonto NF Facebook: FB.me/TontoNationalForest/
Tonto NF Twitter:  twitter.com/TontoForest
Tonto NF Website:  www.fs.usda.gov/tonto

 

POLLES FIRE UPDATE - July 14, 2020, 8 am

Acres: 628 acres     
                                                                                                      
Percent Containment: 77% Start Date: Friday, July 3, 2020      
                                                                                                      
Cause: Lightning Origin Location: 11 miles W of Payson, AZ     
                                                                                                         
Fuels: Pinyon juniper, high desert grass
 
Resources: approx. 212 personnel assigned: including 3 hotshot crews, 6 helicopters, 2 engines
 

 

Firefighters continue securing Polles Fire perimeter
Temperatures near 100 under sunny and breezy conditions on the mesa

 

Payson, Ariz. – Hotshot crews improved fire line Monday and cleared fuels on the northwest edge of the Polles Fire. Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters supported ground crews with water drops over fire hotspots, soaking smoldering tree stumps. The objective is to secure the hotspots to reduce embers and keep them from rekindling when afternoon winds blow.  

Crews are working in extreme terrain on the mesa top where today’s temperature will reach near 100 degrees under sunny and dry conditions. Light winds with occasional gusts are predicted for today. No precipitation is in the forecast.  

Today firefighters will continue to hold lines and secure hotspots.  Additional resources are staged in Payson, prepared to assist ground crews with Polles firefighting efforts or for initial attack of any new fire starts in the area.  A road crew will be completing improvements to Twin Buttes Road to ensure quick, safe access to contingency lines should it become necessary.  

There are no threats from the Polles Fire to the communities of Pine-Strawberry or Payson. We do encourage that residents become familiar with Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for their county emergency notification systems and remain alert, ready and make essential preparations. Visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for more information.  

The Tonto National Forest has a Closure in effect across the forest to prevent new human caused fires.  Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.  

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. Drove incursions during a wildfire can result in significant fines and jail time. For more info, visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Polles Fire Public Information
Fire Information: (480) 339-9585 Email: eric.solomon@usda.gov
Inciweb:  inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6825/
Tonto NF Facebook: FB.me/TontoNationalForest/
Tonto NF Twitter:  twitter.com/TontoForest
Tonto NF Website:  www.fs.usda.gov/tonto   
 

 

 

POLLES FIRE UPDATE - July 13, 2020, 8 am

Acres: 624 acres                                                                                                           
Percent Containment: 74%
Start Date: Friday, July 3, 2020
Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: 11 miles W of Payson, AZ
Fuels: Pinyon juniper, high desert grass
Resources: approx. 208 personnel assigned: including 4 hotshot crews, 6 helicopters, 2 engines

 

Triple digit, record-breaking heat and gusty winds result in fire hotspots
 

Payson, Ariz. – The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 remained on the Polles Fire after double thunderstorms Saturday caused a rekindling of hot embers and transported fire west of the original footprint on the mesa ridge. Hotshot crews improved fire line Sunday on the northwest edge of the fire. Ground crews were assisted by helicopters dropping water in rugged and remote terrain.  

New infrared flights show the total acres at 624 and have detected hotspots on the northwest perimeter where the team will focus efforts today. Interior hotspots continue to smolder, and small groups of trees are expected to torch with afternoon temperatures.  

Monday’s weather forecast brings more gusty winds, but these should blow from the southwest back into the fire, allowing firefighters to better detect and suppress hotspots.   

There are no current threats from the Polles Fire to the communities of Pine-Strawberry or Payson. We do encourage that residents become familiar with Arizona’s Ready-Set-Go program and sign up for their county emergency notification systems and remain alert, ready and make essential preparations. Visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for more information.  

The Tonto National Forest has a Closure in effect across the forest to prevent new human caused fires.  Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.  

The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has closed due to the Polles Fire. For more information visit:  https://azstateparks.com/tonto  

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. Drove incursions during a wildfire can result in significant fines and jail time. For more info, visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Fire Information: (480) 339-9585 Email: eric.solomon@usda.gov
 
Inciweb:  inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6825/
Tonto NF Facebook: FB.me/TontoNationalForest/
Tonto NF Twitter:  twitter.com/TontoForest
Tonto NF Website:  www.fs.usda.gov/tonto