See attached PDF.

Fact Sheet

BLM Arizona – Colorado River District Office

Media Contacts: Dolores Garcia, dagarcia@blm.gov, (602) 828-8734
Jason VanBuskirk, jvanbuskirk@blm.gov (928) 466-6938

August 8, 2024

Wildfire Fact Sheet – Element Fire
 

Fire crews continue to be deployed to the most active area on the northwest side of the Element Fire near the Mount Tipton Wilderness to improve containment and slow its progression to the north. Helicopters are assisting firefighting efforts on the ground with water bucket drops. Firefighters continue with structure protection in the Vock Canyon area as well as residences west of Stockton Hill Road.

Start Date: August 6, 2024
Location: About 12 miles north of Kingman, west of Stockton Hill Road.
Jurisdiction: Kingman Field Office, Bureau of Land Management
Fire Size: 3,986 acres.
Containment: 5%
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Fuels: Lower Elevation-Grass/Brush; Higher Elevation-Chaparral/Pinyon Juniper.
Structures: Vock Canyon and homes west of Stockton Hill Road between milepost 18-23 currently in “SET” status.
Closures: Big Wash Road from the water tank junction (CM1470) to the Cherum Peak Trailhead; CM1364 to Big Wash Road; Packsaddle Campground; Windy Point Campground; and Cherum Peak Trailhead.
Fire Resources: 2 water tenders, 6 engines, 2 Interagency Hotshot Crews, 2 Department of Corrections crews, 1 suppression module crew, 2 helicopters, total personnel 145.
Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire.
Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t.
Updates will be posted to InciWeb.

Fire Closure Order Number. AZ-CRD-2024-01

PUBLIC LAND CLOSURE 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT

KINGMAN FIELD OFFICE

INSERT LANGUAGE REGARDING RESCINDING OF PREVIOUS ORDER. REFERENCE ASD ORDER FOR HOW THIS WAS DONE.

Under the authority of the Federal Land Management Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and pursuant to 43 CFR 9212.0-6 and 43 CFR 9212.1-4, this Fire Prevention Land Closure applies to lands administered by the Kingman Field Office. Notice is hereby given that the Colorado River District (BLM) will immediately close selected public lands to public access in Mohave County, AZ.

Due to the extreme fire conditions and activity currently in this area and in the interest of public safety, the following areas will be temporarily closed until the end of the current fire emergency.

(1) BLM Road CER 7005 (Big Wash Rd.) from the intersection of CM1470 to the Cherum Peak Trailhead totaling 10.48 miles.
(2) BLM Road CM1364 where the route starts on BLM managed lands in T. 23N, R. 18W, Section 1 SW1/4SW1/4 to the intersection of BLM Road CER 7005 (Big Wash Rd.) totaling 3.26 miles.
(3) Packsaddle and Windy Point Campgrounds.
(4) Cherum Peak Trailhead.

This closure will be in effect on August 7th, 2024, at 0900 for the purpose of protecting the public and shall stay in effect until rescinded. The Colorado River District Fire Management Officer and Kingman Field Manager will make the determination as to when the closure will be rescinded based on public safety. The map of the closure area is attached to this order.

(1) Persons exempt from the closure and that are allowed in the closed area without written permission include the following:
a) Emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
b) Government employees acting in the performance of their duties.
c) Grazing permittees in the performance of permitted acts.
d) Utility companies and other right of way holder employees acting in the performance of their duties.
(2) Private landowners shall be allowed access to their private property across BLM
lands, on established roads. Deviation from the shortest, most direct travel route to their property will be considered a violation of the closure and may be subject to the penalties as described in 43 CFR 9212.4
(3) The closure also applies to special recreation permit holders who are authorized to conduct activities on BLM land.
(4) This closure follows provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701) and 43 CFR 9212.0-6 and 43 CFR 9212.1-4. The penalties of this Fire Prevention Order are provided in 43 CFR 9212.4. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations at 9212.1 of this title shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment of not more than 12 months or both.

Due to the extreme danger associated with flash flooding as a result of the Ridge Fire and in the interest of public safety this closure shall be implemented immediately to protect human life.

/S/Chris Bryan
Assistant Field Manager
Kingman Field Office

At 6:00 a.m. this morning, the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team took command of the Sandstone Fire, which also includes the addition of nearby smaller fires Blister Creek and Thunder Mountain. The fire is currently burning in the 2006 Blister Fire burn scar, where there is dead and down fuel and steep, rugged terrain. Fire management objectives include a full suppression strategy. 

The fire moved southward, spotting over Forest Road 7010 and threatening the BPA powerline to the south. Today, crews are continuing to gain access to the fire and are assessing the southern edge, where it has spotted over the 7010 road to determine the most direct and appropriate course of action to protect values at risk. Heavy equipment, such as dozers and a masticator, are being transported to the incident and will be working on connecting and improving existing roads to establish control lines in the southern perimeter. Additional crews and heavy equipment are on order to assist with suppression efforts.

There is an existing closure around the fire area. For closure information, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.

 Additionally, there are Level 2 & 3 evacuation orders in place, and information can be found at the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office’s wildfire webpage: https://www.clackamas.us/wildfires

Warner Peak Fire Daily Update

August 8, 2024

Acres: 17,000

Containment: 0%

Personnel: 160

The Warner Peak Fire started on the evening of Monday, August 5, 2024, and is burning within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, 6 miles east of Plush, Oregon. This fire is a full suppression fire.

Firefighting Strategy: Firefighters are utilizing burnout operations to create fire lines and secure the perimeter of the blaze. Additionally, they are scouting and prioritizing structures within the wildlife refuge for protection.

Closures and Evacuations:

• The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is closed.
• There are currently no evacuations in place.

Important Information:

• This is a rapidly changing situation. Please stay informed by checking the links below for the latest updates.
• The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge has issued a closure order. More information can be found on their webpage and on Inciweb.

Links: 

• Inciweb Warner Peak Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orfwf-warner-peak
• Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope
• Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/index.aspx
• Fremont-Winema National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema

Information Bulletin - Closure Notice

Temporary Closure of Hart Mountain National Antelope Due to Warner Peak Fire

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and all access, including roads and campgrounds, are closed until further notice due to the growing Warner Peak Fire and active fire suppression efforts. Fire crews will use established roads along the eastern side of the fire to conduct firing operations for perimeter control. Direct and indirect construction of primary and secondary containment lines will be utilized. The fire started near Warner Mountain within the refuge on August 5 and has grown to approximately 17,000 acres. It is 0% contained and is expected to continue to grow. There are no structures threatened and no evacuations at this time. The fire currently remains within the boundary of the refuge. Up to date fire information can be found: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orfwf-warner-peak

All campgrounds, hot springs, trails, access, and roads into the refuge are closed. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Blue Sky Road and all adjoining roads, including Black Canyon Road, Martin Canyon Road, South Boundary Road, Shirk Road, Barnhardi Road, and Post Meadows Road.
• Frenchglen Road
• Hot Springs Campground
• Post Meadows Campground
• Camp Hart Mountain Campground

All hunting and fishing, including the Hart Mountain Unit for Antelope and Archery Deer Seasons, have been closed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife until further notice due to the fire. For more information regarding the hunting and fishing closure, please call ODFW: 541-883-5732.

For more about Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge access and closures, visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/hartmountain. The 278,000 refuge was established to protect pronghorn antelope and other wildlife like California bighorn sheep and hundreds of other plant and wildlife species that rely on the protected habitat, including seasonal and yearlong water resources fed by snow melt and springs.

For additional information please visit: https://www.scofmp.org/ or online on Facebook at facebook.com/SCOFMPFireInfo . 

Size: 1,447 acres

Start Date: July 20, 2024

Cause: Human – Under Investigation

Location: 6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR

Containment:  0%

Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass

Highlights:

There were no operational burning operations yesterday.   A small spot fire located in rough terrain was reported approximately 1.3 miles from the fire edge.  Crews continued to improve contingency lines in preparation for future firing operations, if conditions warrant. Smokey conditions will continue as winds out of the east are expected to bring smokey conditions to the west end of the Gorge and the Portland Metropolitan area. NOAA has issued an air quality alert for the Portland Metropolitan.

Operations:

Crews made good progress holding and securing hand lines. Today, crews will continue to improve existing handlines on the western side of the fire, and on the east and southeast flanks of the fire crews will monitor and hold lines where firing operations were conducted.  If conditions are favorable firing operations to reduce fuels between the fire and control line will be conducted. 

Fire Behavior and Weather

Today is expected to be one of the warmest days of the week. Temperatures will be warm today as a ridge of high pressure builds over the area with terrain driven winds. Winds with gusts up to 25 mph are expected on ridges and relative humidities will drop to 30 with overnight recoveries in the 60’s.  Warmer and drier weather may increase fire intensity while east winds forecasted will increase smoke on the west side of the gorge. Fire activity and smoke production is expected in the afternoon as fine fuels dry and become more receptive to burning, but lighter winds should reduce rates of spread. Smoke forecasts specifically for the Whisky Creek Fire area can be found at AirNow.gov.

Road and Trail Closures:

The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area closure information can be found at: Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Hood River County has closure information that can be found on their website. Closures are put in place for the safety of the public and fire crews – intrusion in a closure area can stop fire suppression activities, endanger life and property, and can result in fines.

Total Fire Resources Assigned:

• Approx. 387 personnel, 8 hand crews, 5 engines, 4 water tenders, 2 dozers, 5 masticators, 3 skidders, 1 feller buncher, and 2 helicopters.  
                        

Contact Information:                                                                                                                          

Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov       

Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M        

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officers, Vicki Shaffer and Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 4,206 acres 

Percent Contained: 10%

Resources Assigned: 193 personnel

Crews (8); Engines (7); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (4); Heavy Equipment (6)

Yesterday: Crews continued to prep and secure the hand and dozer lines on the south end of the Bucktail Fire using existing roads and trails. Helicopters contained spot fires when embers landed on the unburned side of the fireline. New total fire growth was minimal. 

Today: With the secured line in place, fire crews will conduct hand and aerial ignitions today on the northwestern side of the fire. Firefighters use this method of igniting fires and burnout operations to control the speed, intensity, and overall fire behavior. Expect to see increased smoke due to these fire operations. Helicopters, including a Type 1, will continue water drops on hot spots. Road barricades are in place for firefighter and public safety.

Weather: Above normal heat continues with a decrease in moisture.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty, erratic winds, are still possible this afternoon.  Temperatures will range between 87-92F while relative humidity will be slightly lower at 15-20%.

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  Road and area closures are in place within the proximity of the fire for public and firefighter safety. This includes 25 Mesa Road to the northwest, as well as Houser Road, Cottonwood Trail, and Hwy 90 to the south. The closure area also includes all roads and trails within this boundary. For a complete list of closed roads and a map of the closure area, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-bucktail-fire. 

The BLM temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted to the BLM Southwest District Fire page under Current Fire Restrictions & Notices / Uncompahgre Field Office at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. 

The Forest Service temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted on the Forest Service Website at: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1198456.pdf. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

Smoke Information: Visit CDPHE - Colorado.gov/AirQuality to learn about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. For more information on current air quality go to Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov) and zoom in on Southwest Colorado. 

Fire Prevention: Fire managers would like to remind everyone to be attentive to their actions and surroundings, especially in areas with dry vegetation or dead/down trees. Preventing new fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Practice smart wildfire prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring fires are completely out and cold. Make sure trailer chains don’t drag and dispose of smoking materials properly.  Every spark can start a fire! 

Evacuation Updates:

KRN- 747

Genasys Zone KRN-747 has been split into two different zones, 747-A and 747-B.

Genasys Zone KRN-747-A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning. Those that are now under an evacuation warning should be prepared to LEAVE. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in the area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.

KRN-747-B remains in an Evacuation Order. Those that remain in an evacuation order should be aware that visibility in the area can be reduced and roads may become blocked.

Access points will open at 2:00pm.

Click on the link below for health and safety information for safely returning home: https://kernpublichealth.com/returning-home-after-a.../

737-

This is an update to the Borel Fire in the Havilah area.

Genasys Zone KRN-737 has been split East and West at approximately two miles East of Caliente Bodfish Rd.

KRN-737-A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning. Those that are now under an evacuation warning should be prepared to LEAVE. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in the area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.

KRN-737-B remains in an Evacuation Order. Those that remain in an evacuation order should be aware that visibility in the area can be reduced and roads may become blocked

Click on the link below for health and safety information for safely returning home: https://kernpublichealth.com/returning-home-after-a.../

Access points will open at 2:00pm for residents of Havilah only. Please be prepared to show identification to law enforcement.

735B,736,738,740B,741A:

This is an update to the Borel Fire in the areas North and South of Havilah.

Genasys Zones KRN-735-B, 736, 738,740-B and 741-A have been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning.

Those that are now under an evacuation warning should stay prepared to LEAVE. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in the area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.

Click on the link below for health and safety information for safely returning home: https://kernpublichealth.com/returning-home-after-a.../

Access points will open at 2:00pm to residents of the area, only. Please be prepared to show identification to law enforcement.

Follow the link to view a map of the updated area: https://go.genasys.com/d8zclc

For the most updated information, please continue to monitor local media or visit Facebook.com/ReadyKern

If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.