Update for Swawilla I and Bridge Creek Fires

• EVACUATION LEVELS: The town of Keller, the Highway 21 corridor, Mt. Tolman, Buffalo Lake and McGinnis Lake are now in Level 2 evacuation. 

• ROADS: All roads in evacuation level 2 areas are open, including Hwy 21, Peter Dan/Manilla and Cache Creek.

• The Keller Ferry is open and fully operational.

This will be the final update for the Swawilla I and Bridge Creek fires. The Southern Area Blue Complex Incident Management Team will be transferring management of the fires to a Type 3 organization at 0600 tomorrow, August 8th. Any fire updates moving forward will be posted to the Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information and the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook pages. 

Swawilla I Fire

Firefighters will continue to identify and suppress smoking areas and residual pockets of heat, focusing on mopping up 100’ inside of containment lines. Suppression repair resources are rehabilitating control lines by installing water bars and spreading slash to control erosion. Crews will continue removing hose, pumps and other equipment from the fire area so it can be refurbished and utilized on other fires in the region. Firefighters are available to assist local resources with initial attack if needed. 

Bridge Creek Fire

The fire is 100 percent contained and suppression repair is complete. 

Fire Weather 

Temperatures will reach the mid-80s today, with similar highs through the rest of the week. Relative humidity will bottom out around 17% today with lows between 20 – 24% through Friday.                                                                                        

Safety Message

Due to the high temps and low relative humidity, unburned fuels in the interior of the fire will continue to ignite, resulting in visible smoke throughout the fire area. The persistent smoke may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially in and around Keller. Visit airnow.gov for air quality in your area and take precautions for protecting your health. 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to and from the fires. Firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and the potential for poor visibility due to lingering smoke could pose potential hazards to motorists. 

No drones are allowed within our Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).   Remember, if you fly, we can’t! 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ 

Keller Ferry 

https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV

https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts 

Airnow.gov 

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

Update for Swawilla I and Bridge Creek Fires

• EVACUATION LEVELS: The town of Keller, the Highway 21 corridor, Mt. Tolman, Buffalo Lake and McGinnis Lake are now in Level 2 evacuation. 

• ROADS: All roads in evacuation level 2 areas are open, including Hwy 21, Peter Dan/Manilla and Cache Creek.

• The Keller Ferry is open and fully operational.

This will be the final update for the Swawilla I and Bridge Creek fires. The Southern Area Blue Complex Incident Management Team will be transferring management of the fires to a Type 3 organization at 0600 tomorrow, August 8th. Any fire updates moving forward will be posted to the Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information and the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook pages. 

Swawilla I Fire

Firefighters will continue to identify and suppress smoking areas and residual pockets of heat, focusing on mopping up 100’ inside of containment lines. Suppression repair resources are rehabilitating control lines by installing water bars and spreading slash to control erosion. Crews will continue removing hose, pumps and other equipment from the fire area so it can be refurbished and utilized on other fires in the region. Firefighters are available to assist local resources with initial attack if needed. 

Bridge Creek Fire

The fire is 100 percent contained and suppression repair is complete. 

Fire Weather 

Temperatures will reach the mid-80s today, with similar highs through the rest of the week. Relative humidity will bottom out around 17% today with lows between 20 – 24% through Friday.                                                                                          

Safety Message

Due to the high temps and low relative humidity, unburned fuels in the interior of the fire will continue to ignite, resulting in visible smoke throughout the fire area. The persistent smoke may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially in and around Keller. Visit airnow.gov for air quality in your area and take precautions for protecting your health. 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to and from the fires. Firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and the potential for poor visibility due to lingering smoke could pose potential hazards to motorists. 

No drones are allowed within our Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).   Remember, if you fly, we can’t! 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ 

Keller Ferry 

https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV

https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts 

Airnow.gov 

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

Porcupine Fire Update
August 9th, 2024

Reported date: August 5th, 2024 Cause: Lightning Strike Containment: 82% Size: 6491 Fuels: Tall grass, Brush & Timber litter/understory Strategy: Full Suppression Fire Behavior: Creeping, smoldering Resources: 93 Personnel
 

CRANE, Oregon: Forward progression of the fire has been halted as firefighters continue to make substantial progress toward containment. Aviation bucket drops were employed on the northern edge of the fire yesterday and will be available again today if required. Crews will continue to mop up along the fire’s edge, address additional heat threats near the containment line, and patrol areas with minimal heat to maintain control. A minor correction to the size of the fire is displayed due to more accurate mapping by fire officials.
 

Message from the Incident Commander, Lino Baca: "Drawing on decades of experience fighting fires across the country, our team is enthusiastic about serving the communities of East Oregon again. We are dedicated to forging, sustaining, and enhancing our relationships with incident partners. Our success is defined by achieving our goals safely, reducing firefighter exposure, and reinforcing support from stakeholders. Our commitment to success is guided by our core values of duty, respect, and integrity."
 

Location: Approximately 8.5 miles southeast of Crane, Oregon. 

Values at risk: Within the Temporary Flight Restriction radius of the Porcupine Fire, there are multiple values at risk (structures and miscellaneous infrastructure) including the Sage Grouse Habit and parts of HWY 78. 

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the top priority. Members of the public should avoid the Porcupine Fire area. A TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in effect around the fire. Unmanned aircraft such as drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”. Temporary flight restriction: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_3575.html 

Smoke: Minimal smoke may be visible from the towns of Burns, Hines, Crane, and Princeton. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

https://linktr.ee/porcupinefire

Red Fire

August 7, 2024

Daily Fire Update

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

Facebook: 2024 Red Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/ 

YouTube Channel: EA CIMT

Fire Information Line: 541-208-1766, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Email: 2024.red@firenet.gov

Red Fire Quick Facts

• Size: 508 acres
• Start Date: July 17, 2024
• Origin: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR
• County: Klamath
• Cause: Lightning
• Total Staff: 283
• Containment: 0%
• Completed Fuel Break: 10.4 miles (includes 3.0 miles of Shaded Fuel Break)

Operations: Yesterday, a helicopter was used to drop water on the south side of the fire, which helped cool and slow down the fire’s activity. The shaded fuel break work between Crescent Lake and Odell Lake extended north from Crescent Lake Resort past Crescent Lake State Airport, with hand crews completing limbing and brushing. Crews resumed structure protection assessments around the Odell Lake Resort, Diamond Peak community, Willamette Ski Resort, and surrounding homes, preparing structure protection gear that can be deployed if needed. They also reduced ladder fuels between Forest Service Road 60 and the residential service road by removing grass, brush, small trees, and low-level limbs that can convey fire into tree canopies and have completed about 90 out of 100 acres. Road crews continued working on improving Forest Service Road 6010 to Summit Lake with a dozer, making it safer and more accessible for heavy equipment.

Helicopter operations will continue today along the south side of the fire. Firefighters will resume their efforts to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources; they will focus on structure assessments and protection planning. Hand crews and heavy equipment are working to expand the shaded fuel break west from Crescent Lake Resort along Forest Service Road 60. Crews will soon finish extending the northern section of the shaded fuel break between Crescent Lake and Odell Lake. The work on ladder fuel removal between Forest Service Road 60 and the service road is nearly complete, which will create defensible space for residences in the area. Resource advisors from the Deschutes National Forest continue working closely with firefighters to protect sensitive areas. The Eastern Area Team is preparing to transition the management of the Red Fire to the Southern Area Gray Team. The Gray Team will assume command at 6:00 AM tomorrow morning, August 8.  

Round Mountain & Wickiup Fires: Please be aware fire operations will continue around these fires. The Eastern Area Team will transition the management of both fires back to the Deschutes National Forest at 6:00 AM tomorrow morning, August 8. The Round Mountain Fire is 108 acres and 85% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol, mop-up, and complete repair work. The Wickiup Fire is 168 acres and 90% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol and mop-up.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office lifted the evacuation order around the Wickiup Fire. Temporary emergency closures remain in effect for areas around the Wickiup Fire and Round Mountain Fire.

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 

Evacuation Notices: 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). For information, or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds, are in effect for the Deschutes National Forest.  Visit the Deschutes National Forest’s website fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown”.

Weather: Sunny with a high of 83°, relative humidity 14%, and northwest winds gusting to 14 mph.

Smoke: Smoke may be more visible today as the Red Fire encounters heavier fuels. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

An up-to-date Bench Lake Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure order and map can be found on the Sawtooth National Forest's Alerts and Closure's webpage. 

Incident Update
Wednesday, August 07, 2024

Fire Information: 917-921-5226, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Media Line: 917-921-5226, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.lightning@firenet.gov 
Inciweb Fire Info: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning

Trout Fire: 23,559 acres | 68% contained 
Long Fire: 9,204 acres | 98 % contained
Total Personnel: 264                                                         

Trout Fire: Crews will continue to hold and mop-up Sherman Pass Rd from Bald Mountain to indirect line and improve former line to Sirretta Pass. Handline improvement will be underway from H37-H38. Chipping operations will continue along road systems that contain debris created during suppression operation. Suppression repair to continue in the Sirretta Meadows area. Continue to monitor and patrol the east flank of the fire. Crews will be working to improve line in steep country. The warming and drying trend will increase the threat of short-range spotting especially with the onset of stronger northwestern winds. Heavy surface and ground fuels will continue to generate heat.

Long Fire: Fire activity remains minimal with containment at 98 percent. A patrol status is being maintained to periodically reassess for any changes. Suppression repair assessments have begun in effected areas. Rehab work continues in Kennedy Meadows, along with grading operations and dozer line repair in effected areas. Crews are coordinating removal of structure protection wrap from The Rock House.

Weather & Air Quality: Warm, dry conditions will continue today with cumulus build-ups to the north of the fire. A slow cooling trend begins Thursday onward as pressure aloft gradually weakens. Max temperatures of 79-86 degrees are expected today with a minimum relative humidity (RH) of 13-20%. West/northwest wind speeds of 9-14 mph with gusts of 24 mph are expected after 2pm. On ridges/exposed areas wind speeds of 11-17 mph with gusts of 26 mph are expected. Tonight, minimum temps across the fire will range from 49-63 degrees with RH recoveries between 30-47 percent.

Sequoia National Forest & BLM Closures & Restrictions: Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout and Long Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-13. All orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k. The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has temporarily closed Long Valley Campground, Chimney Creek Campground, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). View the emergency closure order here: tinyurl.com/4mprcb9b. The PCT is closed between Hwy 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge (mile 717.7). 

Evacuation Center: Residents under an evacuation warning or order can go to either the Tehachapi Education Center (126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi). Animal services are available to assist in sheltering companion animals at the center. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. 

Large-Animal Assistance:

The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) is available for residents who need to move large animals or livestock. For more information, contact Orion, Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 661-340-0026.

Road Closures: The Trout Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the intersection of the Sequoia National Forest Boundary and Sierra Way (Mtn 99) in Section 14, Township 25 South, Range 33 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian, then continues approximately 76.5 miles south, east, north, and west along the Forest Boundary to its intersection with the North Fork of the Kern River in Section 1, T. 20 S., R. 34 E., MDB&M, then continues along Mtn 99 approximately 20.3 miles to the starting point. Visit the Forest Service Forest Orders and Forest Regulations website for more info on closures in the Sequoia National Forest (tinyurl.com/4zrmvnzy)

Evacuations: Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in.

• Kern County has multiple evacuation orders and warnings in effect due to the Borel Fire. The following zones are under an evacuation order: KRN-403-A, KRN-403B, KRN-735-B, KRN-736, KRN-737, KRN-738, KRN-739-A, KRN-740-B, KRN-741-A, KRN-747-A, and KRN747-B. 

• Tulare County has evacuation warnings and advisories in effect due to the Trout and Long Fires. The following zones are under an evacuation advisory: TLC-E250, TLC-E261-A, TLC-E261-B, TLC-E274-A, TLC-E274-B, and TLC-E297-A. 

Size: 1,335 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:

Firing operations were successful in the southeast corner of the fire yesterday. Crews were able to construct fireline down to the old Eagle Creek burn scar and connect to established control lines in the northeast

part of the fire.  Crews continued to improve contingency lines in preparation for future firing operations if conditions warrant. 

Operations:

Yesterday, helicopters dropped water along the southeastern edge of the fire to cool the area down and reduce fire spread.  Crews conducted firing operations with the goal of removing fuel between the control lines and the fire’s edge to reduce the fire spread potential.  Today, crews will 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 yesterday. 

Fire Behavior and Weather

Temperatures will begin to warm tomorrow as a ridge of high pressure builds over the area. Winds will generally be westerly around 10 mph or less with gusts to 18 mph and relative humidities will drop to 30 to 40 percent. Warmer and drier weather may increase fire intensity, but slightly less wind forecasted will reduce likely rates of spread. Winds should be terrain driven upslope/up valley. 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. 449 personnel, 12 hand crews, 6 engines, 5 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        

Tamaño: 1,313 acres

Fecha de inicio: 22 de julio de 2024

Causa: A ser determinada

Ubicación: 5 millas al oeste de Mosier, OR

Contención:  89%

Combustibles: Arbustos, restos de madera y césped

Causa: A ser determinada

 Aspectos destacados:

Siguen quemándoes secciones de vegetación y escombros dentro del borde del incendio, resultando en humo que puede verse al viajar por la Interestatal 84. Tenga cuidado al andar por esta zona. No ha crecido el perímetro. Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes sobre el incendio o el humo, llame a la línea de información sobre incendios al 541-208-1744.

Operaciones:

Las temperaturas más altas junto con la humedad relativa baja, pueden contribuir a que se intensifíque un poco la actividad del fuego en el interior del incendio. A medida que la vegetación se quema en la sección empinada del norte, puede desprenderse, rodar cuesta abajo y quemar más material. Esto sucede dentro del perímetro del incendio y por eso las cuadrillas vigilan y extinguen los focos de calor donde se puede acceder a mano o al usar un sistema de mangueras y rociadores.

Las cuadrillas continuarán patrullando y neutralizando los cortafuegos sin contención para fortalecer el borde. Se sigue extinguiendo los incendios para reparar los daños y minimizar la posible erosión del suelo y otros impactos por las actividades de extinción. Mediante este trabajo se reparan las líneas manuales y de las topadoras, y los caminos y senderos que se usaron en las actividades de extinción para devolver las áreas perturbadas a un estado más natural. Manténgase alejado de estas áreas, ya que afecta el que los bomberos lleven a cabo su trabajo.

Clima e intensidad del incendio:

Hoy se espera un clima soleado, más cálido, y con brisa. Se formará una cresta de alta presión más adelante en la semana que resultará en temperaturas más calientes y condiciones secas.

Evacuaciones:

Siguen vigentes las evacuaciones de nivel 2 y 1 en el condado de Wasco: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff

Sigue vigente la evacuación de nivel 1 en el condado de Hood River: https://www.facebook.com/hrcso

Caminos y vías cerrados:

Para garantizar la seguridad del público y de los bomberos, existen órdenes de cierre para el sendero Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail y carreteras en el condado Hood River. Podrá encontrar los detalles de estos cierres en sus páginas web: https://www.hoodrivercounty.gov/closures and https://stateparks.oregon.gov/ Para mantenerse informado sobre las condiciones actualizadas en la Interestatal 84, visite https://tripcheck.com/

Total de recursos asignados al incendio:

• Aprox. 58 personal, 1 equipo de obreros, 4 camiones de bomberos, 1 water tender, 1 tractor                                     

Información de contacto: 

Correo electrónico: 2024.microwavetower@firenet.gov,

Teléfono: 541-208-1744, de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m.                                            

Size: 1,313 acres

Start Date: July 22, 2024

Cause: Undetermined

Location: 5 miles west of Mosier, OR

Containment:  89%

Fuels: Brush, timber, and grass

Highlights:

Pockets of vegetation and debris continue to burn within the fire’s perimeter, producing smoke which may be visible while traveling on Interstate 84. Please use caution when venturing along this area. No perimeter growth has been observed. For questions or concerns about the fire or smoke, please call the fire information line at 541-208-1744.

Operations:

Rising temperatures coupled with low relative humidities may contribute to a slight increase in fire activity within the interior of the fire. Along the steep northern section, as vegetation burns it can break loose, roll downhill and ignite additional material. This has been occurring within the fire’s perimeter and crews are monitoring and extinguishing hot spots where accessible by hand or utilizing a system of hose lays and sprinklers. 

Crews will continue to patrol and mop-up uncontained fire lines to secure the edge.  Fire crews continue 

to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and other impacts resulting from firefighting activities. These activities repair the hand and dozer lines, roads, and trails used during firefighting activities to return disturbed areas to a more natural state.  Please stay out of these areas as it impedes firefighters ability to do their work.

Fire Behavior and Weather:

Breezy, sunny and warmer weather is expected today. A ridge of high pressure will build later in the week to bring warmer temperatures and dry conditions.

Evacuations:

Level 2 and 1 evacuations remain in effect for Wasco County: https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff 

Level 1 evacuations remain in effect for Hood River County: https://www.facebook.com/hrcso 

 Road and Trail Closures:

For public and firefighter safety, closures are in place for The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and for roads in Hood River County. Details of these closures are available on their websites: https://www.hoodrivercounty.gov/closures and https://stateparks.oregon.gov/

To stay informed on the most up-to-date road conditions on Interstate 84, visit https://tripcheck.com/ 

Total Fire Resources Assigned:

• Approx. 58 personnel, 1 hand crew, 4 engines, 1 water tender, 1 skidder.                                      

Contact Information: 

Email: 2024.microwavetower@firenet.gov,

Phone: 541-208-1744, 8 A.M - 8 P.M