State Fire Marshal Thanked for Partnership

DAYS CREEK, Ore. – After several days of structure preparation and protection, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) crews demobilized from the Dixon Fire this morning. “Thanks in part to OSFM’s efforts, this fire is on a very positive trajectory”, said Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Incident Commander Matt Howard. “OSFM provides strong service to Oregonians, and they are good partners.” Mop up to 100 feet around structures is complete. ODF and local crews will provide ongoing structure protection and monitoring as needed.

Containment of the fire increased from 4% to 11% last night. Low temperatures and high relative humidity helped crews accomplish extensive mop up around much of the perimeter. They laid hose on the southern edge of the fire and will expand mop up today in that area. Aircraft were crucial assets in cooling down hot spots earlier this week, but their numbers will be downsized today as this need is reduced.

The public should continue to exercise caution in the local area as multiple hazards are present. On roadways, fire traffic is turning and entering the fire area off the main road systems. In Level 2 evacuation areas, residents should remain prepared to leave at a moment’s notice as fire behavior may shift. They should also be aware of the dangers posed by falling trees and rocks, burned ground, smoking or smoldering material, and any downed power lines. Rain is forecast for Saturday, which will increase the likelihood of debris falls, slides, and poor surface road conditions.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels are managed by the Douglas County Sheriff and were updated yesterday afternoon. Please stay up to date on evacuation levels at: http://www.dcso.com/evacuations
Shelter: The official Red Cross call-in shelter has closed.
Road closures: The Tiller Trail Highway is reopened.
Forest closures: There are two forest closures impacting every district of the Umpqua National Forest. The Rocky Ridge Fire closure has been rescinded. Closure information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices

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: 87

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 continued protection of park infrastructure including bridges, campgrounds, and
trail features. Fire access is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. An infrared flight was conducted to
gather data on the fire’s spread, resulting in more accurate acreage. Several new resources have arrived,
including Warm Springs and Crow Peak modules, and Big State Wildfire crew.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to work to protect values at risk in the fire area through point
source structure protection to nearby infrastructure and natural and cultural 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 of the current fire location.

Weather: Increasing chance for rain showers all day, with isolated thunderstorms between 2-9 pm. Chance of
precipitation is 50 percent. Partially cloudy with high of 74. West winds 4 -8 gusts to 15 mph. Partially cloudy in
the evening with a low of 61. East winds 1-3 mph. There is continued risk of thunderstorms in the fire area this
weekend that could cause flash flooding if they contain larger rain amounts.

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 

Town Gulch Fire Daily Update

Friday, August 16, 2024

Fire Information: 541-208-7092, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.           

Town Gulch Fire Facebook: tinyurl.com/ycypw2bt 

Email: 2024.TownGulch@firenet.gov                            

Linktree: linktr.ee/TownGulchFire

Size: 18,215 acres                                                         Cause: Lightning

Containment: 89 percent                                              Start Date: August 5, 2024

Total Personnel: 304                                                    Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 4

This will be the final update produced for the Town Gulch Fire. For current fire information, check the Oregon Department of Forestry – Northeast District  (https://www.facebook.com/oregondeptofforestryNEO) and Wallowa Whitman National Forest (https://www.facebook.com/WallowaWhitmanNF) Facebook pages. The Southern Area Blue Team will be transitioning the fire at 7:00 PM today to a Type III team. The Blue Team would like to thank our federal, state, local and tribal partners, along with the residents of Richland, Halfway and the surrounding communities for their kindness, grace and cooperation during our time managing the Town Gulch fire. 

CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter while also being available for initial attack in the event of a new start. Suppression repair and the removal of water handling equipment will continue for the next several days. 

The effort to rightsize the organization will continue with the Type III team. Excess resources will continue to be released from the incident as needs for patrolling, backhauling and repairing control lines decreases.  

WEATHER: The fire received around 0.2 inches of rain yesterday. Today will be sunny and warm with light winds. No weather threats to the fire are forecast. 

CLOSURES: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Town Gulch Fire are temporarily closed and fire restrictions are in effect. Forest closure orders and maps can be found on the Forest’s “Forest Orders” web page: tinyurl.com/36t4f2t2. 

EVACUATIONS: Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations for areas near the fire. Follow the sheriff’s office Facebook page (tinyurl.com/3auvka4j) for the latest evacuation news. Residents may sign up to receive emergency notifications through Baker County ALERT (tinyurl.com/884czdrf).

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: 3,872 acres

Middle Fork Complex:  Bulldog: 3,089 acres     Nellie: 6,118 acres

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

Resources on site:      

Middle Fork Complex: 2 hotshot crews; 6 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 2 bulldozers; 3 water tenders; 
1 skidgen

Wapiti: 1 type 2 hand crew; 8 engines; 1 water tender

Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:         Middle Fork Complex: 413               Wapiti: 59      Bull Trout: 17   

KEY MESSAGE:

Join us for a Middle Fork Complex, Bull Trout, and Wapiti Fire Community Meeting Saturday, 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 continue holding and improving lines and building containment along the southern edge of the fire. Crews are making progress along the west side of the fire, building handline and removing vegetation along FS road #698, to the junction of FS road #698 and FS road #671. Helicopters continue to support the efforts of the crews on the ground by dropping buckets of water to cool the edge of the fire on the southeast side along the Lightning Creek trail. The fire continues to burn to the north and east towards the Rattlesnake (2006) burn area. Fire activity includes backing into large diameter fuels, with occasional tree torching on ridgelines. 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. Smoke may be visible as strategic firing operations are possible today on the north side of the fire as conditions for safe operations improve.

The Nellie Fire is burning in steep terrain with limited access. The fire is burning into the Pioneer Fire (2016) burn area to the east. Firefighters are continuing protect infrastructure; yesterday, they were able to complete the wrapping of the Deadwood Lookout with fire resistant material to protect the structure from radiant heat and embers. 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 continues to slowly burn down the north and northeast side. The fire has reached the South Fork of the Payette River to the northeast, providing firefighters with a safe location to implement suppression tactics. The west side of the fire has moved into more favorable terrain for firefighting activity, which may allow for strategic firing operations. Firefighters will continue to ensure the fire’s edge is secure by patrolling the fire line today looking for and extinguishing heat. Structure protection remains a high priority, and crews continue to maintain and improve water pumping systems for the homes in the area. As the fire slowly backs to the north and east, strategic firing operations are likely today as conditions improve. 

Bull Trout Fire: There has been very little change to the Bull Trout Fire and containment remains at 92%. An engine patrols the fire throughout the day, with an unmanned aerial system (UAS) searching for remaining heat within the fire perimeter. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Today temperatures in lower elevations will rise into the upper 80’s. Mid-70s are expected for elevations above 4,500 feet and high-mountain temperatures will be in the 60s. The inversion is predicted to lift at approximately 2 pm, giving way to filtered sunshine, which will cause the relative humidity to drop. Light winds from the west/southwest are expected throughout the region today, with variable, slightly higher wind speeds on ridgelines. 

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/     

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: 3,872 acres

Middle Fork Complex:  Bulldog: 3,089 acres     Nellie: 6,118 acres

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

Resources on site:      

Middle Fork Complex: 2 hotshot crews; 6 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 2 bulldozers; 3 water tenders; 
1 skidgen

Wapiti: 1 type 2 hand crew; 8 engines; 1 water tender

Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:         Middle Fork Complex: 413               Wapiti: 59      Bull Trout: 17   

KEY MESSAGE:

Join us for a Middle Fork Complex, Bull Trout, and Wapiti Fire Community Meeting Saturday, 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 continue holding and improving lines and building containment along the southern edge of the fire. Crews are making progress along the west side of the fire, building handline and removing vegetation along FS road #698, to the junction of FS road #698 and FS road #671. Helicopters continue to support the efforts of the crews on the ground by dropping buckets of water to cool the edge of the fire on the southeast side along the Lightning Creek trail. The fire continues to burn to the north and east towards the Rattlesnake (2006) burn area. Fire activity includes backing into large diameter fuels, with occasional tree torching on ridgelines. 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. Smoke may be visible as strategic firing operations are possible today on the north side of the fire as conditions for safe operations improve.

The Nellie Fire is burning in steep terrain with limited access. The fire is burning into the Pioneer Fire (2016) burn area to the east. Firefighters are continuing protect infrastructure; yesterday, they were able to complete the wrapping of the Deadwood Lookout with fire resistant material to protect the structure from radiant heat and embers. 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 continues to slowly burn down the north and northeast side. The fire has reached the South Fork of the Payette River to the northeast, providing firefighters with a safe location to implement suppression tactics. The west side of the fire has moved into more favorable terrain for firefighting activity, which may allow for strategic firing operations. Firefighters will continue to ensure the fire’s edge is secure by patrolling the fire line today looking for and extinguishing heat. Structure protection remains a high priority, and crews continue to maintain and improve water pumping systems for the homes in the area. As the fire slowly backs to the north and east, strategic firing operations are likely today as conditions improve. 

Bull Trout Fire: There has been very little change to the Bull Trout Fire and containment remains at 92%. An engine patrols the fire throughout the day, with an unmanned aerial system (UAS) searching for remaining heat within the fire perimeter. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Today temperatures in lower elevations will rise into the upper 80’s. Mid-70s are expected for elevations above 4,500 feet and high-mountain temperatures will be in the 60s. The inversion is predicted to lift at approximately 2 pm, giving way to filtered sunshine, which will cause the relative humidity to drop. Light winds from the west/southwest are expected throughout the region today, with variable, slightly higher wind speeds on ridgelines. 

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/     

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: 3,872 acres

Middle Fork Complex:  Bulldog: 3,089 acres     Nellie: 6,118 acres

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

Resources on site:      

Middle Fork Complex: 2 hotshot crews; 6 type 2 hand crews; 9 engines; 2 bulldozers; 3 water tenders; 
1 skidgen

Wapiti: 1 type 2 hand crew; 8 engines; 1 water tender

Bull Trout: 1 engine

Total Personnel:         Middle Fork Complex: 413               Wapiti: 59      Bull Trout: 17   

KEY MESSAGE:

Join us for a Middle Fork Complex, Bull Trout, and Wapiti Fire Community Meeting Saturday, 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 continue holding and improving lines and building containment along the southern edge of the fire. Crews are making progress along the west side of the fire, building handline and removing vegetation along FS road #698, to the junction of FS road #698 and FS road #671. Helicopters continue to support the efforts of the crews on the ground by dropping buckets of water to cool the edge of the fire on the southeast side along the Lightning Creek trail. The fire continues to burn to the north and east towards the Rattlesnake (2006) burn area. Fire activity includes backing into large diameter fuels, with occasional tree torching on ridgelines. 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. Smoke may be visible as strategic firing operations are possible today on the north side of the fire as conditions for safe operations improve.

The Nellie Fire is burning in steep terrain with limited access. The fire is burning into the Pioneer Fire (2016) burn area to the east. Firefighters are continuing protect infrastructure; yesterday, they were able to complete the wrapping of the Deadwood Lookout with fire resistant material to protect the structure from radiant heat and embers. 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 continues to slowly burn down the north and northeast side. The fire has reached the South Fork of the Payette River to the northeast, providing firefighters with a safe location to implement suppression tactics. The west side of the fire has moved into more favorable terrain for firefighting activity, which may allow for strategic firing operations. Firefighters will continue to ensure the fire’s edge is secure by patrolling the fire line today looking for and extinguishing heat. Structure protection remains a high priority, and crews continue to maintain and improve water pumping systems for the homes in the area. As the fire slowly backs to the north and east, strategic firing operations are likely today as conditions improve. 

Bull Trout Fire: There has been very little change to the Bull Trout Fire and containment remains at 92%. An engine patrols the fire throughout the day, with an unmanned aerial system (UAS) searching for remaining heat within the fire perimeter. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Today temperatures in lower elevations will rise into the upper 80’s. Mid-70s are expected for elevations above 4,500 feet and high-mountain temperatures will be in the 60s. The inversion is predicted to lift at approximately 2 pm, giving way to filtered sunshine, which will cause the relative humidity to drop. Light winds from the west/southwest are expected throughout the region today, with variable, slightly higher wind speeds on ridgelines. 

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/     

Rain provides relief over much of the fire area

Total Complex Estimated Acres:  183,026 
Location: Ukiah, Oregon 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Personnel: 865
Containment: 94% 
Estimated Cost: $71 million 
Resources: 13 crews | 20 engines | 1 helicopters | 23 water tenders | 15 dozers

Operations: The northern half of the fire received a quarter to a half inch of rain yesterday in many of the drainages that have been smoldering. Firefighters continued to work on repairing any impacts from the suppression effort across the entire fire. The group working on back-up firelines around Penland Lake also continued removing trees, brush and other vegetation.

On the northern side of the fire, crews are focused on repairing handlines. Southwest of Dale, crews worked with chippers to remove brush that was cut along roadsides. There is still some dozer line repair happening on the southern side of the fire. On the western edge, excavators continue to make progress repairing the lines by scattering brush to prevent potential erosion.

As the fire is nearly fully contained equipment and firefighters are leaving the incident. Firefighters will rehab their gear, rest and get ready to respond to other fires. As equipment is no longer needed or is being moved to other areas of the fire to complete repair work, the public may see trailers and trucks parked along roadsides. 

Weather: After several rounds of rain and thunderstorms yesterday, today will be mostly sunny. An isolated late afternoon thunderstorm or shower is possible. The weekend will be mostly clear with a few clouds on Monday. An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible on Saturday afternoon, but generally there will not be widespread rain. Highs around 80 to mid-90s.

Smoke: Smoke has moderated but is expected to persist from regional fires in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel. To see a detailed smoke outlook visit: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Public Land Closures: Both the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service have either rescinded or reduced closure orders for public lands. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

Road closures and fire restrictions: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Easy Fire Update        
August 16, 2024

Quick Facts

Size: 2,130 acres                           

Start Date: July 17, 2024           

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

Personnel Assigned: 336          

Cause: Lightning

Resources Assigned:  10 crews, 16 engines, 6 water tenders

Command of the Pioneer, Easy, and Flat Creek Fires was transferred to Northwest Incident Management Team 3 at 6:00 a.m. today.

CURRENT SITUATION: The Easy Fire is burning in extremely steep terrain above State Route 20 North Cascades Highway. Firefighters have been taking advantage of cooler, wetter weather and moderated fire behavior taking direct suppression actions where possible to build fireline close to the fire’s edge. Crews have constructed a fireline by hand from the highway upslope and are working towards Swamp Creek. Firefighters are assisting Washington Department of Transportation to remove debris deposited from recent slides that affected State Route 20 also known as North Cascades Highway. The highway remains closed in both directions between Granite Creek (Mile Post 148) and Rainy Pass (Mile Post 157).

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Fire activity is expected to be low today with minimal spread. 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. Firefighters will also monitor the northern edge of the fire which continues to retain some heat but is holding in an unnamed creek drainage. 

WEATHER and SMOKE: There is a threat of significant heavy rain over the fire area today with most locations receiving up to a half inch of rain and some isolated locations receiving up to an inch. Heavy precipitation increases the risk of debris flows along the Highway 20 corridor. The area may also experience additional rain and thunderstorms on Saturday.

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 

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

Smoke Outlook for August 16, 2024. Visit Current Smoke Outlook for Northern California-Coastal Mountains (airfire.org) to view an on-line version. 

Outlook: 

Improvement in air quality, overall, is anticipated going into Saturday and Saturday Night, especially for locations east and southeast of the fire that have been the most heavily impacted during the past several days. Transport winds from the W-NW today will become more from the S-SW on Saturday and strengthen as the next Pacific storm system approaches the region. As a result, once the inversion breaks by early afternoon, new smoke will get pushed nearly due east today. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity will bring improved fire weather conditions on Saturday with generally less smoke production anticipated. Meanwhile, areas of moderate smoke will continue to settle along portions of the Highway 96 corridor immediately west of the fire but nighttime and morning impacts will be considerably more widespread over the Salmon River Watershed and deep valleys to the east of the fire extending southeast toward Weaverville.