Nugent Complex Fire Final Update

Thursday, August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024

Size: 360 acres

Containment: 100%

Date Started: August 7, 2024

Cause: Under investigation

Structures: 3 homes and 4 outbuildings were destroyed yesterday during the initial response to these fires

Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place at this time.

The Nugent Complex Fire started on August 7, 2024, and initially was responded to by local fire departments from Jones County. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested for assistance and responded with aviation resources, heavy equipment, and engines from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Texas A&M Forest Service is currently in unified command with Jones County fire departments.

Closures: There are no road closures at this time. 

Yesterday: Crews were able to construc containment lines around all the separate fire starts along FM 600. Firefighters worked through the night taking advantage of the lower temperatures and winds to stop any further spread of the fire and suppress and burning structures.

Today: Firefighters arrived back on scene this morning and immediately went to work searching out any areas of heat and putting them out. A strike team of engines, five fire engines, worked around all the structures in the area and ensured that no further loss of structures would occur because of small flames or heat sources around the unaffected structures. Additional resources worked to improve containment lines and patrolled these lines searching for any areas of heat. As less and less threats were found on subsequent passes, some resources began to rehabilitate and reset their equipment so that they would be available to respond to any additional fire starts in the area.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures are expected to remain extremely high again tomorrow. Winds and relative humidity will be very similar tomorrow as well creating continued fire danger throughout the area. This fire has been showing active fire behavior with rapid fire growth and occasional tree torching, fire behavior that can be difficult for firefighters to put out and contain. 

This will be the Final Update

Fire Information 

Information Officer

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service                                 

Email: information@tfs.tamu.edu         

Phone: 979-255-0591

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-paint-crossing

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS

HORSETHIEF READY EVACUATION NOTICE 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 8, 2024 
 
CASCADE, Idaho- The Valley County Sheriff’s Office has issued a “READY” evacuation order for the Horsethief area, including the YMCA Camp, and areas of Scott Valley. All areas outlined in purple on the attached map are included in this ready order. 
 
The Snag Fire, which was started on Monday, August 5, 2024, by lightning, continues to be active and out of an abundance of caution for the residents, recreators, and YMCA campers in the area, a “ready” order has been put in place to ensure everyone has adequate time to plan. 
 
The Warm Lake Highway remains closed to all inbound traffic. With this additional area being placed to a ready evacuation status, the checkpoint along Warm Lake Highway will be moved to the Horsethief turnoff. All residents of Scott Valley will be granted access. 
 
As a reminder, a “ready” evacuation order means: 
• There is a threat/hazard in your local area. 
• Monitor local social media, news channels and radio for emergency information. 
• This is the time to prepare any family members with special needs, mobile property, and pets and/or livestock. 
• If conditions worsen, emergency services may contact you via an emergency notification system. 
• Designate an out-of-area contact who can relay information. 
• Plan how you’ll transport your pets. 
• Keep the car fuel tank at least half full. 
 
A CODE RED alert will be sent to all residents impacted by the ready evacuation order. 

Quick Facts

Start date:  July 17, 2024           Location:  17 miles west of Mazama, WA        Cause:  Lightning                               Fire size:  1,754 acres             Containment:  0%                                           Total personnel:  185

 CURRENT SITUATION: Warm and dry conditions with increased winds have produced very active fire behavior along the southeast side of the fire resulting in areas of torching and active spread on the lower right flank. As interior fuels continue to burn down, there will be a general increase in fire behavior resulting in active fire spread. Heavy fuels will continue to retain heat due to seasonal dryness and serve as potential ignition sources as warming and drying occurs.

TODAY: Crews will continue removing trees and debris along State Route 20 to reinforce the fire break along the road in an effort to keep the fire north of the highway. On the southeast flank, a combination of aviation and hand crews are working in the Swamp Creek area evaluating handline locations to keep the fire out of that drainage. On the northwest side of the fire, resources are reinforcing through handline construction an unnamed natural barrier to halt the fire’s northwesterly spread.

WEATHER AND SMOKE: Warm and mostly dry conditions will be in place through Friday. Winds will be light out of the east and southeast at speeds of 6 to 10 mph. There is a 10 percent chance for afternoon thunderstorms on Thursday increasing to 50 percent on Friday. Any storms that impact the fire will bring a threat of gusty outflow winds, heavy downpours, and lightning. 

Expect winds out of the east to scour the smoke and improve air quality across most of the communities east of the Pioneer and Easy fires in the morning. As winds shift to out of the northwest, they will bring light to moderate levels of smoke from regional fires to communities in the Okanogan Valley and Chelan area overnight. 

Please visit www.airnow.gov more information about smoke and air quality. 

CLOSURES: State Route 20 is closed in both directions between Granite Creek (MP 148) and Easy Pass Trailhead (MP 157): https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. 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. Visitors recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas. 

Quick Facts

Start date:  July 17, 2024           Location:  17 miles west of Mazama, WA        Cause:  Lightning                               Fire size:  1,538 acres             Containment:  0%                                           Total personnel:  174

CURRENT SITUATION: Fire behavior continues to increase directly impacting Highway 20. Numerous large trees have fallen across the highway, near-roadway fire activity and smoke production make it unsafe for vehicles.

The fire progressed to the south into the Swamp Creek drainage. Fire engines will remain positioned on State Route 20 overnight to monitor any fire activity that could threaten the west side of the highway and take action should there be a need. Yesterday, crews flew in and wrapped Mebee Fire Lookout tower with fire protective material.

Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20.

Today: Fire behavior should decrease today as where the fire is burning will be sheltered from the winds by topography. Crews will continue removing trees and debris along State Route 20 to reinforce the fire break along the highway. Hot shot crews will continue indirect line preparation in the Porcupine Creek drainage and look for opportunities to contain the southern flank. Prep work continues along

State Route 20. Additionally, firefighters will continue night shift operations.

WEATHER: Today’s temperatures will remain warm and dry. Valley fog and low clouds will be present in the early morning, but we will see mostly sunny skies by the afternoon. Winds will be northwest 6-10 mph. Visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d for more information about smoke and air quality.

CLOSURES: State Route 20 is closed in both directions between Granite Creek (MP 148) and Easy Pass Trailhead (MP 157): https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. 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. 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. Visitors 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

Quick Facts:

Start date:  July 17, 2024        Location:  17 miles west of Mazama, WA        Cause:  Lightning                               Fire size:  1,538 acres          Containment:  0%                                            Total Personnel:  188

CURRENT SITUATION: Fire behavior continues to increase directly impacting Highway 20. Numerous large trees have fallen across the highway, near-roadway fire activity and smoke production make it unsafe for vehicles. The fire progressed to the south into the Swamp Creek drainage. Weather forecasts show increased winds in the afternoon. Given the expected weather, fire activity is likely to increase.

Fire engines will remain positioned on State Route 20 overnight to monitor any fire activity that could threaten the west side of the highway.

Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20.

Today: Fire will continue to spread as dry weather persists. Crews are diligently removing down trees and debris along State Route 20 to reinforce the fire break along the highway. Today’s weather will bring more instability and increased winds that will further challenge containment lines with increased torching and spotting. Resources assigned to the fire continue to grow to meet the needs of the incident.

WEATHER: Skies have been mostly clear through early afternoon aside from some cumulus build-ups on higher ridgetops. There remains a small chance of a thunderstorm, but the chance remains 10 percent or less. Light downslope and down-valley winds prevail early but become more up-valley after 10 a.m. at 8 to 12 mph. Humidity is expected to decrease to 18-25 percent range by afternoon.

https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d for more information about smoke and air quality.

CLOSURES: State Route 20 is closed in both directions between Granite Creek (MP 148) and Easy Pass Trailhead (MP 157): https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. 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. 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. Given the increase in fire activity, 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 

USDA Forest Service

Pacific Northwest Region

Media Contact: Jennifer Risdal 

sm.fs.r6pressoffice@usda.gov

www.fs.usda.gov/r6 

PORTLAND, Ore., August 8, 2024 —Fire Managers in the Pacific Northwest predict that many wildfires currently burning in Washington and Oregon, and potentially new ones, will persist until the region experiences significant rain or snow this fall.

Firefighters are actively battling these fires. With widespread lightning expected this month, fire managers will be adopting a strategic approach to integrate risk management, ecosystem resilience, and community involvement on long-duration fires before typical east wind events potentially arrive around the beginning of fall.

“Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service.

Among other tactics, firefighters working long-duration wildfires will focus on identifying and preparing a network of primary and contingency containment lines to help stop fires as they approach critical areas like communities, powerlines, water supply systems, and natural and cultural resources.

“Firefighting is inherently risky. Our role as fire managers is to develop strategies that maximize success while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders,” said Kelly Kane, Acting Fire, Fuels and Aviation Director for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Regions. “There is no structure that is worth the life of the sons, daughters, parents, siblings and friends that make up our wildland firefighting workforce.”

Long-duration fires are typical in timber-dominated forests, such as those found in Oregon and Washington, particularly along and west of the Cascades. These areas provide ample fuel that can sustain fires for extended periods and hold heat deep within the interior of a wildfire until conditions either escalate or moderate fire activity.

The steep, remote locations also make it difficult for firefighters to access wildfires on National Forest lands and present significant hazards, including rolling rocks and logs that can cause injuries. Extracting injured firefighters from these areas is also challenging and increases the risk of complications. Despite these challenges, suppression efforts to protect communities and critical areas will continue.

"Communities will likely face prolonged smoke and other impacts from these fires,” said Kane. “Large and long-duration fires vary in intensity and will continue to produce smoke as they move with wind and terrain until extinguished by significant rain or snow.”

Helpful tips from our partners on what you can do to prepare:

• Create Defensible Space: Clear vegetation and debris around your home to create a buffer zone that can help slow the spread of fire.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as water, food, medications, important documents, and personal items.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest fire information and evacuation orders from local authorities.
• Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have an Evacuation Plan: Plan and practice multiple evacuation routes with your family.
• Protect Your Air Quality: Use air purifiers and keep windows closed to reduce smoke exposure indoors.

Information on preparing for and staying safe from wildfire smoke are available at Smoke- Ready Toolbox for Wildfires | US EPA <https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires>.

Support firefighters engaged in this challenging fire season by respecting emergency closures and adhering to fire restrictions. Do your part to prevent human-caused wildfires. Learn more at: https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos.

For more news & information about National Forests in the Pacific Northwest, visit our news page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/r6/news-events or our home page, at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6. For more information about the USDA Forest Service visit https://www.fs.usda.gov.
 

Datos clave 

Tamaño: 36970 (No se actualizaron las imágenes infrarrojas)     Fecha de inicio: 8 de junio de 2024            Ubicación: 31 millas al NO de Chelan, WA       Contención: 13 porciento          Personal: 653        Causa: De orígen humano, a ser determinada 

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Permancen las fuentes de calor dispersas por todo el borde del incendio debido a las condiciones estacionalmente secas y la vegetación que no se ha quemada, especialmente en las áreas de aguas cabeceras de Prince Creek y aproximadamente a una milla y media al sureste en las aguas cabeceras de Purple Creek. La intensidad del fuego a lo largo de la cresta entre Imus y Purple Creek sigue siendo la más activa, con una propagación cuesta arriba mientras que el fuego se desplaza hacia densas secciones de árboles. Un viento persistente río arriba causará dificultad a los bomberos, ya que una combinación que no se ha visto de fuego, viento y terreno pueden contribuir a un mayor intensidad de fuego.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Las cuadrillas se concentrarán en construir líneas de mano alrededor del área de Little Boulder Creek para que el fuego se mantenga al sur del arroyo y evitar que se propague más hacia la comunidad de Stehekin. En coordinación con los recursos en tierra los medios de aviación continuarán vertiendo agua para enfriar y detener el fuego. 

CLIMA Y HUMO: El clima hasta el viernes será cálido y mayormente seco los próximos días. Los vientos de 5 a 10 mph se desplazarán hacia el norte por el lago durante la mayor parte del día. Hay un 10 por ciento de probabilidad de tormentas eléctricas por la tarde el jueves, y esta aumentará al 50 por ciento para el viernes. Cualquier tormenta que afecte el incendio resultará en una amenaza de ráfagas de viento, lluvias fuertes y relámpagos. 

Puede esperar ver vientos del este que despejen el humo y mejoren la calidad del aire en la mayor parte de las comunidades al este de los incendios Pioneer y Easy por la mañana. A medida que los vientos cambian hacia el noroeste, traerán niveles ligeros a moderados de humo de los incendios regionales a las comunidades en el valle de Okanogan y el área de Chelan por la noche. Es probable que en Stehekin el nivel de humo sea ligero a moderado durante la mayor parte del día y la noche. 

EVACUACIONES: Los niveles 1, 2 y 3 de evacuación siguen vigentes alrededor del incendio Pioneer. Comuníquese con el Departamento de gestión de emergencias del condado de Chelan o visite https://t.ly/QoH9w para obtener más información. 

CIERRE DEL BOSQUE: Cierres vigentes del Parque nacional North Cascades: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee ha emitido una orden de cierre sobre gran parte del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080 Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Quick Facts

Size:  36,970 acres          Start Date: June 8, 2024          Location: 31 miles northwest of Chelan, WA      Containment: 13%          Personnel: 653          Cause:  Human-caused, under investigation

CURRENT SITUATION:  Scattered heat sources remain across the fire perimeter due to seasonally dry conditions and unburnt vegetation, particularly in the north end of the fire at Purple Creek and south to Prince Creek. Fire activity along the ridgeline between Imus and Purple Creek remains the most active with uphill spread as fire gets into dense pockets of trees. A persistent uplake wind will challenge firefighters as previously unseen alignments of fire, wind, and terrain may contribute to increased fire behavior.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES:  Crews will focus their efforts constructing handlines around the Little Boulder Creek area to keep the fire south of the creek and prevent further movement into the community of Stehekin. Aviation assets will continue working in the area with water drops to cool and slow the fire in coordination with resources on the ground.

WEATHER AND SMOKE:  The weather through Friday will be warm and mostly dry over the next few days. Winds of 5 to 10 mph will move north up the lake for most of the day. There is a 10 percent chance for afternoon thunderstorms on Thursday increasing to 50 percent on Friday. Any storms impacting the fire will bring a threat of gusty outflow winds, heavy downpours, and lightning. 

Expect winds out of the east to scour the smoke and improve air quality across most of the communities east of the Pioneer and Easy fires in the morning. As winds shift to out of the northwest, they will bring light to moderate levels of smoke from regional fires to communities in the Okanogan Valley and Chelan area overnight. Stehekin will likely have light to moderate levels of smoke throughout most of the day and evening. 

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

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

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