Incident Commander:  Bill Waln, Incident Commander  

Location:  10 miles southwest of Wise River, MT 

Start Date: 7/25/2024  

Cause: Undetermined 

Size: 4,157 acres  

Containment: 5% 

Resources on Site: 3 hotshot crews; 2 type 2 hand crews; 11 engines; 2 skidgens; 1 dozer 

Total Personnel:  328 

KEY MESSAGES:  

While yesterday’s rain and humidity helped slow fire activity, the Grouse Fire is expected to be a long duration fire. Firefighters and air support paused all activities during portions of yesterday’s storm activity due to lightning, and reengaged when it was safe to do so. A helicopter was able to drop a couple of bucket loads of water over a new start caused by lightning near the fire perimeter until thunderstorms moved into the area. An infrared flight will go over that area today to monitor for any heat. 

Today’s skies will be hazy due to smoke coming into the area from wildfires in Oregon and Idaho. Smoke may be visible today from this fire as the area starts to dry out and temperatures start to increase during the day. 

Removing trees and other flammable materials along roadsides to create a shaded fuel break is an effective firefighting tactic. It reduces the fire’s ability to spread rapidly while providing firefighters the opportunity to secure containment and prevent the fire from spreading beyond that point. Shaded fuel breaks also provide long-term benefits by creating a feature for firefighters to effectively protect the community and other values at risk. 

Current Status/PLANNED ACTIONS:   

The structure protection group will continue working along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway to the Harriet Lou Creek Road. This includes completing structure assessments in collaboration with the local volunteer fire department, reinforce existing protective measures around homes, testing water pumps and sprinklers, and extinguishing any remaining hot spots.  

Crews will continue mopping up and strengthening handlines, while searching for hot spots along Pettengill Creek Road. Firefighters will continue line construction along the Pettengill Creek and Reservoir Creek trails. As fire managers develop a long-term strategy for the western side of the fire, they will work to keep the fire contained along the ridge south of the main Stine Creek drainage. In the Reservoir Creek drainage, crews will continue mopping up and reinforcing containment lines.  

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

Expect warmer temperatures from 60-72 degrees with lower humidities today, and a slight chance of thunderstorms after 12:00 p.m. Light winds from the west at 3-8 mph in the slopes and valleys, and southeast at 4-10 mph in the Wise River drainage, and west-southwest at 6-10 mph at the ridgetops. 

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: 

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure (Closure #01-02-03-24-05) effective July 31, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Grouse Fire. Closure information and maps are posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-grouse. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. 

The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within three feet of the device.  

RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE

Sunday, August 11, 2024

541-208-1766, 2024.red@firenet.gov

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire

https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Size: 585 acres   Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR   County: Klamath

Start Date: July 17, 2024   Cause: Lightning   Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: 267

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.

Yesterday’s Activities – The northern section of the shaded fuel break from Crescent Lake Resort to Odell Lake Resort is about 95% finished. Crews are also extending it west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 60, which follows the northwest shore of Crescent Lake. Hose and sprinklers have been laid along Whitefish Creek, which can be used to reduce fire intensity if it moves in that direction. Firefighters have finished structure assessments and prepared protection gear that can be deployed if needed. Road crews continued using heavy equipment to improve another one and a half miles of FSR 6010 near Summit Lake, making it safer and more accessible for firefighters and heavy equipment.

Today’s Activities – Firefighters are continuing efforts to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. They are finishing the shaded fuel break’s north section and will continue expanding it west along FSR 60. Crews working around residences near Crescent Lake’s northwest shore finished laying hose along the service road and today will install sprinklers that can protect structures if needed. Road improvement work will also continue on FSR 6010. Resource advisors from the Deschutes National Forest will continue to closely work with firefighters to protect sensitive areas.

Weather and Smoke – Sunny today with a high temperature of 74° and minimum humidity of 30%. Light winds from the west/northwest with afternoon gusts to 17 mph. Most smoke in the area is drifting in from other wildfires, but the Red Fire’s smoke output may become more visible as it encounters heavier fuels. 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.fs.usda.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 – A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Red Fire area. Unauthorized drone (UAS) flights pose serious risks to the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger. If you fly, we can’t.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST SPRINGFIELD, OREGON ORDER # 06-18-01-24-15 

FOREST ORDER 

ORE FIRE EMERGENCY AREA CLOSURE 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (“NFS”) areas, roads, and trails described below within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. Refer to exhibit A for the map and exhibit B for trails, and recreation sites that are closed. Also note the roads and one trail outside of the boundary that will be closed with this Order. 

This Order is effective on July 18, 2024, through November 15, 2024, unless otherwise rescinded sooner.

 PROHIBITIONS: 

1. Being on the road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e) 2. Being on a trail 36 CFR § 261.55(a) 3. Entering into or being upon National Forest System Lands closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e) CLOSURE AREA: 

The closure area is located within the State of Oregon, Lane and Linn Counties, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closure applies to the NFS areas, roads, and trails and trailheads described below. The closure area is depicted on the attached map, which is incorporated into this order as “Exhibit A”. All areas, roads, trails, campgrounds, and rec sites in this closure area are closed. This includes FS Road 15 where it is the boundary of this closure order. 

Recreation sites, trails and campgrounds closed by this order are depicted in “Exhibit B”. Area Closure Description The closure boundary starts at the junction of FS Road 15 and Hwy 126 and proceeds north along FS Road 15 all the way to the Sweet Home Ranger District and McKenzie River Ranger District boundary. The closure then follows that boundary west and then south to Simmonds Creek. The closure then follows Simmonds Creek south until it aligns with FS Road 2620-122 and continues south down FS Road 2620-122 until it reaches the junction of FS Road 2620- 125 and continues south along FS 2620-125 until it reaches Hwy 126. The closure then continues east along, but not including Hwy 126, until it reaches the starting point at the junction of FS Road 15 and Hwy 126. • 

Outside the boundary there is a small piece of the Tidbits trail and the Tidbits trail head that are closed. (See exhibit A) 

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1) and (4), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

(1) Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically exempting them for this Order. 

(2) Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

 Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3551, 3571, and 3581

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Total Willamette Complex Personnel: 1,273

Total Willamette Complex Acres: 11,875

Resources: 2 Type 3 Engines, 26 Type 6 Engines, 18 Dozers, 15 Masticators

Fire Cause: Lightning 

Summary

Although the fires within the Willamette Complex South are not growing much in acreage, they continue to burn actively in areas of heavy dead and down timber. Much work lies ahead to ensure that communities remain safe as these fires persist on the landscape. 

Chalk Fire (4,930 acres, 50% containment)

On Saturday, the Chalk Fire remained within its pre-existing footprint due to previous fire suppression efforts. Crews continue to patrol completed containment line on the eastern side of the fire, while strengthening control line on the west. On Sunday, fire managers plan to use uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to conduct firing operations, as conditions allow, to reduce fuels in the western island. 

Coffeepot Fire (5,992 acres, 35% containment)

Successful aerial firing operations removed unburned fuels within an island near the southeastern edge of the Coffeepot Fire. Fire activity remains within the same footprint as crews patrol containment lines. On Sunday, fire managers will look for favorable conditions to burn along the eastern edge of the fire. 

Moss Mountain Fire (682 acres, 0% containment)

The Moss Mountain Fire spotted south of Forest Road 2120 as burning fuels rolled downslope. Very heavy fuels burning in steep terrain present hazards to firefighters in this area. Fire managers are working to identify areas where fireline can be constructed safely in conjunction with natural holding features. 

208 Fire (186 acres, 0% containment)

The 208 Fire in the Diamond Peak Wilderness continues to exhibit slow growth as it burns in a remote area with sparse fuels. Fire managers will continue to monitor the fire as conditions allow.  

217 Fire, Tire Mountain Fire, and McKinley Fire 

The 217, Tire Mountain, and McKinley Fires are 100% contained and in patrol status. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

On Saturday, less smoke allowed for more sunlight to heat up the region than predicted, keeping fire behavior active. Similar weather is expected on Sunday. A marine air mass is predicted to move in on Monday, with cool, damp weather calming fire activity much of next week. 

Evacuations

For evacuation information please visit: https://www.LaneCountyOR.gov/2024wildfires 

To sign up for evacuation alerts please visit: https://www.LaneAlerts.org  

Closures and Fire Restrictions

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. Temporary road barricades are in place to restrict traffic across the fire areas.

For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024.  

View current fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest at tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Chalk, Coffeepot, and Moss Mountain Fires. Visit tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.   

____________________

For More Information

Phone: (541) 208-1742, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires  

Smoke Will Continue into the Foreseeable Future, is Not a Threat

Location: Lonerock to west of Highway 207 | Size: 137,222 acres | Containment: 98% 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 189

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4369, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

Email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov

Condon, Ore. — Fire crews are maintaining a heavy presence around the perimeter. They have addressed smokes deep behind containment lines. Please be advised, smoke and glow will continue to be visible, especially at night, in neighboring communities. However, the fire is staying within its current footprint and is not a threat to containment. These smokes should not be called in. The spike camp at Spray will be closing today. Information boards at the camp and the mercantile in Spray have been removed. Community updates are still available virtually by visiting the Courtrock Fire Inciweb page or Courtrock Fire Facebook.
 

Safety— Driving in or visiting areas affected by the fire is a violation of federal agency closure orders. There are many risks in areas that have recently been exposed to fire and fire suppression efforts. Roads and structures can be damaged, flooding is more likely, fire patrol and suppression equipment is active, and vegetation is weakened. Wait to visit until the closure orders have been lifted.
 

Weather— A weather system has brought higher relative humidity levels and cooler temperatures. Today may bring very weak showers but are not expected to drop measurable precipitation. There is a possibility of lightning or dry lightning with this weather. No significant weather events are expected in the next few days.

 

Closures —

• Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-02 includes prohibitions within the Heppner Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District Office issued an Emergency Public Land Closure on BLM-managed lands along the main stem pf the John Day River and along the North Fork John Day River from Kimberly, OR. to Dale, OR.

Evacuation information: Real-Time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) public information map.

Smoke Information: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for local air quality information.
 

###

Fires experience no growth over last 24 hours; containment increases

Daily Update – Thursday, August 15, 2024

Highlights: 

Total personnel on all incidents: 297

Clair: 2,170 acres; 92% containment

Bartlett: 6,161 acres; 96% containment

Y Bar: 297 acres; 93% containment

Sheep: 2,483 acres; 26% containment

Sand Stone: 27,390 acres; 98% containment

Deer: 378 acres; 37% containment

Operational Update: Fire activity consisted of minimal creeping and smoldering, resulting in no significant movement. Firefighters completed mastication and chipping activities along 2.5 miles of Forest Road 201 around the Sand Stone and Y Bar Fire areas. Firefighters are holding and monitoring fire perimeters and will conduct reconnaissance flights. Crews remain available to provide for initial attack of new fire starts within their designated response area, while also assisting the Tonto National Forest with additional resources as requested.

Weather: Expect temperatures to be fairly stable through the next 7 days, with afternoon highs nearing 110°F.

Smoke: Some smoke is possible but unlikely to be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Closures: The Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, has issued a Bartlett Lake Post Fire Flash Flood Public Safety Closure to include National Forest System Road 459 (North Lake Road) and all National Forest System lands within 100 feet of the Bartlett Reservoir shoreline. A closure order for the Sand Stone Fire area also remains in effect. See https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/ for more information about forest closures. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire areas.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Drivers are reminded to use caution and be aware of firefighters working along State Route 87. Temporary flight restrictions are currently in place for the Bartlett, Clair, and Y Bar Fires. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/. 

More Information: 480-409-9683 / https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest / 2024.sandstone@firenet.gov 

https://inciweb.fs2c.usda.gov/incident-information/aztnf-clair / https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-bartlett / https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-sand-stone 

Falls and Telephone Fires Update for August 11, 2024 

Telephone Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 53,944 Start Date: July 22, 2024 Location: 12 miles NE of Burns, OR 

Containment: 62% Cause: Lightning/Natural 

Falls Fire Quick Facts:  

Size: 150,320 Start Date: July 10, 2024 Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, OR 

Containment: 81% Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Structures Triaged: Residences: 386 / Commercial: 119 / Outbuildings: 760 

Sand Mountain Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 7,582 Start Date: July 25, 2024 Location: 17 miles SW of Seneca, OR 

Containment: 52% Cause: Lightning/Natural 

Total Personnel Across all fires: 820 

Total Resources Assigned:  20 hand crews, 28 engines, 14 bulldozers, 22 water tenders, 1 masticator, 5 skidgines, 3 skidders. 

Aerial resources assigned: One Type 1 helicopter 

Post-fire Recovery Meeting, Hosted by Oregon State University: Tuesday, August 13, 7 p.m. at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. Learn about resources available for residents, landowners, livestock and agricultural operations impacted by the Falls and Telephone Fires. 

Priorities for Saturday, August 11:  

1. Initial Attack (IA); firefighters are ready to respond to any new fire starts 
2. East/northeast portion of Telephone Fire 
3. West side of the Telephone Fire/King Mountain area 

Telephone Fire: Yesterday, crews focused on strengthening existing containment lines on the south and east portions of the fire, patrolling the fire perimeter, and extending containment lines to the northwest corner of the fire in the area of the earlier King Mountain spread. Overnight, additional resources worked to deepen containment in the Gobbler’s Knob area. Today, firefighters will continue to focus on the northeast corner while monitoring and patrolling the eastern perimeter of the fire. 

Falls/Sand Mountain Fires: Yesterday, firefighters continued felling hazard trees in the 3150/3160/3170 Roads area and conducting firing operations near Crane Flats and the 3170/31 Roads. Crews also focused on deepening containment lines. Overnight, crews continued burnout operations to remove unburned pockets of fuel. While containment continues to increase and more of the fire is moving into patrol status, conditions are still challenging. Crews remain vigilant and committed to strengthening lines and securing any problem areas. Today, firefighters will continue monitoring and patrolling the south and west portion of the fire near Sand Mountain and Gilbert Ridge, while conducting firing operations again. Crews are working to prevent fire from impacting private property, as well as range lands and livestock. 

Weather: Overnight, the fire area saw conditions similar to Friday evening with good relative humidity recoveries on most areas. Today, temperatures are likely to be seasonably hot. Winds this afternoon are expected to be out of the west and southwest. On Monday, an increased chance of thunderstorms will bring the potential for gusty outflow winds and wetting rains in the fire area. 

Evacuations: There are no changes to the evacuation orders for Grant and Harney Counties. For the most accurate evacuation information, visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map: https://bit.ly/FallsFireEvac, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423 

Closures:  A closure is in effect for portions of the Malheur National Forest west of 395B, north of Mt. Vernon and south of Long Creek, in the Fox Valley area, including all roads, trails, and camping.  A closure map is available on the Malheur National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1198892) and in local U.S. Forest Service offices. 

Investigation: The U.S. Forest Service is seeking the public’s assistance with any information pertinent to the start of the Falls Fire on the Malheur National Forest. Submit any relevant information to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov.   

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFRs in the area have been changing; pilots should check the latest information on the Federal Aviation Administration TFR website prior to flying: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/ 

Falls Fire InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire 

Telephone Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-telephone-fire 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov 

Harney County Non-emergency Evacuation Questions: 541-589-5579 

Air Quality Questions: 541-573-2271. Air quality information, searchable by zip code: https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Smoke Outlooks: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook 

Efforts to construct, strengthen, and mop up the fire line will continue today. Repair to areas damaged by suppression efforts will also be a focus for crews. 

The steep terrain within the Tuolumne River Canyon continues to be the most difficult challenge for firefighters.

Temperatures are expected to cool slightly today and be in the upper 80's to low 90's. Winds will remain light throughout the day, gusting up to 10 mph.

Focus moves to the northside of Battle Mountain Complex 

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,855  
Location: Ukiah, Oregon 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Personnel: 1463
Containment: 68% 
Estimated Cost: $59 million 
Resources: 41 crews | 71 engines | 6 helicopters | 34 water tenders | 21 dozers

Highlights: Resources that worked the south side of the fire are being reprioritized to aid the northern half.

Operations: Fire continues to burn on the north side, mostly in Swale, Ditch, Gilbert and Potamus drainages. The constructed containment lines are holding, but these drainages are challenging. Crews are continuing to extinguish hotspots near the containment line to reduce the chance of spread to the north. At the same time, they are working on back-up lines should they be needed.

Several National Forest system roads including the 2105 and 040 are being prepared in the event they may be needed. This effort is to further protect wildlife habitat and an important seed bank that is vital to reforestation efforts in the area. The work of preparing these contingency lines includes removing small trees, thinning dense vegetation and piling brush mostly with heavy equipment. Removing these fuels along the roads will make them more defensible in the event they are needed. 

Across the rest of the fire crews received instructions from Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Oregon Department of Forestry for what suppression repair work needs to be completed. Crews and equipment will implement the plans by removing dozer berms, scattering or piling brush, and fixing stream crossings. Some areas have been identified for re-seeding to prevent invasive species from spreading. Resources Advisors and Archaeologists are also instructing crews on how to implement the repair plans.

After tonight, all night shift resources will be moved to day shift. 

Weather: Scattered clouds will move across the area during the afternoon with skies clearing overnight. Temperatures ranging from upper 70s to lower 90s through Wednesday will cool off late in the week following the passage of a dry cold front. An isolated late afternoon shower or thunderstorm will be possible on Monday and Tuesday, but unlikely. No rainfall is expected. 

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: The Bureau of Land Management and the Umatilla National Forest have closed public lands in the fire area. 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