Limepoint and Cliff Mountain Fires 

Fire Information 208-992-3032 

2024.limepoint@firenet.gov 

Limepoint: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-limepoint-fire 

Cliff Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-cliff-mountain 

https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/ 

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 

The Limepoint and Cliff Mountain Fires are burning in the Hells Canyon area, located on the Payette National Forest in west-central Idaho, east of the Snake River bordering Oregon.  

Limepoint Fire 

The Limepoint Fire is west of Cuprum and Bear communities to the Snake River in Adams County, Idaho and was started by lightning on July 24th, burning in tall grass, brush and timber. The southern part of the fire was once a smaller, separate fire named the Oxbow Fire, but both fires burned together and are now collectively known as the Limepoint Fire. It is now 25,803 acres (increase of 508 acres) with 8 percent containment. The fire threatens homes in several areas, including Cuprum, Bear, Wildhorse, Paradise Flat and Ditch Creek. Idaho Power transmission lines to the south of the fire are threatened.  

Yesterday, lightning from thunderstorms resulted in at least nine new fires across the Payette National Forest, but none of them were in the response area for firefighters on the Limepoint and Cliff Mountain fires. Aircraft, including three helicopters, large air tankers, single engine air tankers and “super scoopers” worked throughout the fire area to support ground crews and equipment. However, airplanes may have limited availability today as they respond to increased fire activity across the region. An agency drone flew a reconnaissance mission yesterday. Do not fly personal drones within the fires’ flight-restricted area. If you fly, we cannot fly! Structure protection remains in place in Bear, Cuprum, Paradise Flat, Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, Mill Creek and OX Ranch. Today, the area of focus for structure protection specialists is Paradise Flat and Wildhorse. 

On the southeastern flank near Barber Flats, crews completed firelines around the fire near Wildhorse Canyon. A hotshot crew improved lines and continued mop up where the fire burned into Flat Creek Canyon on Saturday. Crews also conducted tactical burning south of Elk Creek.  

On the eastern flank, hotshot crews completed handline down to Boulder Creek, completing a fireline paralelling Boulder Creek. They also conducted burning along this fireline yesterday evening. A drone was flown along the fire’s edge near Cuprum and no heat was detected by its infrared camera. Mop up continued along Forest Road 071 (Calf Pen Road). Firefighters also improved fireline from Forest Road 071 to the Indian Creek/Huntley Gulch confluence. Crews improved a contingency line west of Bear with feller bunchers (logging equipment), skidgens (firefighting vehicles that are a cross between a skidder and a fire engine) and other heavy equipment. They scouted options to continue this contingency line north of Bear toward Black Lake Road.  

On the northern flank, the fire continued to back down into Kinney Creek west of the Horse Mountain Lookout. The fire is still about a half mile from the lookout. Crews constructed handline and bulldozer line north of Cuprum with intention of establishing fireline up to the lookout in the coming days. The southwestern flank near Oxbow and western flank along Forest Road 454 (Hells Canyon Road) south of Big Bar had minimal fire activity yesterday. Several areas along the Snake River on the western flank are contained. 

Twelve hand crews, 30 engines, nine bulldozers, seven helicopters and 564 people are working on the Limepoint Fire. Today a hotshot crew will focus on improving and mopping up handlines around a spot fire in Flat Creek Canyon on the southeastern flank. Crews will also improve and mop up along bulldozer lines in Barber Flat.  

On the eastern flank, crews will hold and begin mopping up a fireline north of Boulder Creek that was recently burned out. Crews will continue to improve a contingency fireline between Forest Road 071 and Indian Creek/Huntley Gulch and a contingency fireline west of Bear using bulldozers, a feller buncher and other heavy equipment. Crews will continue to construct this contingency fireline north of Bear toward Blake Lake Road. 

On the northern flank, firefighters will assess and scout potential indirect firelines along ridges and natural barriers from Horse Mountain Lookout up to Sheep Rock. On the western flank, firefighters will continue to mop up and check for hot spots along the Snake River. 

Cliff Mountain Fire 

The Cliff Mountain Fire started by lightning on July 25th in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area in wilderness just below Hells Canyon Dam 25 miles east of Joseph, Oregon in Adams and Idaho Counties, Idaho. It also was once two fires, the Muddy Fire and the Cliff Mountain Fire, which burned into each other. It is 1,108 acres with 20 percent containment, burning mostly in wilderness, with growth slowed in some areas due to steep rocks. Hells Canyon Dam and associated powerlines are threatened by the fire. Minimal fire activity was observed in the interior of this fire yesterday. One ground personnel is assigned to the fire. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Today’s weather will be very similar to yesterday’s. Mostly clear skies will allow for a quick warm up. High temperatures will reach into the low 90s. Relative humidity could dip down to 18 percent during the afternoon. Winds will once again be out of the southwest, 6 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. While there is still a very small chance for thunderstorms, the chance is lower than yesterday.  

Dead and down fuels will continue to dry, making all types of vegetation available to burn. In heavy grass, a new start could burn 137 acres in an hour if undetected. Minimal fire activity is expected today along the Snake River north of Oxbow; however, material could continue to roll down onto Hells Canyon Road. As the fire moves northward along the Snake River corridor flanking fire could run uphill where fuels are available. Fire is expected to continue moving eastward either side of Kinney Creek toward Sheep Rock. Steep and rugged terrain in the Cliff Mountain Fire pose challenges for firefighter access if the fire spots outside of its current footprint. 

Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.  

Evacuations: Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations are still in effect for Cuprum, Bear, Wildhorse and Barber Flats per Adams County Sheriff’s Office. A Level 2 (Get Set - Be prepared to leave) evacuation notice is in effect for Ditch Creek and Paradise Flat, and a Level 1 (Get Ready) is in effect for Mill Creek. If you have evacuated areas under Level 3 evacuations, please do not go back. Fire personnel work closely with the sheriff’s office with recommendations to reenter evacuated areas when safe to do so. 

Closures and Restrictions: The Payette National Forest issued a Forest Closure to protect public safety during the Limepoint and Cliff Mountain wildfires. The closure includes, but is not limited to, the following recreation areas: Big Bar, Black Lake, Sheep Rock, Kinney Point and Horse Mountain Lookout. Huckleberry Campgrounds is also closed. For more information, see the full closure order and map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/payette/fire. 

Kleinschmidt Grade (Forest Road 050), Calf Pen Road and Landore Roads are closed. The Council-Cuprum Road is closed at the Forest boundary at the snowmobile parking lot. Forest Road 454, which runs along the river, is open, but please drive with caution. You may see active fire, rolling debris, firefighting equipment and firefighters on and along the road. For your safety and the safety of firefighters, do not stop on the road. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes use of personal drones. If you fly, we cannot fly. 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Payette National Forest and all state, private and BLM lands in the fire area. Prohibited: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on your own land, and only within a permanent landowner-provided structure; and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 

Smoke Outlook 8/07 - 8/08 East Central Oregon

Special Statement

An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Grant, Harney, and Wheeler counties until later this afternoon.

Fire

There are multiple fires affecting the forecast area. For more information on these incidents, please visit each fire's Inciweb page.

Smoke

The weather pattern today is similar to what we observed yesterday, with sunny skies, light winds out of the west and northwest, and warm temperatures. Smoke from local and regional fires will persist over the area as will hazy skies. The forecast is for MODERATE smoke across the entire East Central Oregon region, sites closest to the fires are likely to experience a brief period of UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS smoke this afternoon when that smoke mixes down from higher elevations. Smoky conditions will persist again tomorrow with MODERATE conditions expected.

Additional Smoke Outlooks

Smoke outlooks for adjacent areas are posted on the Fire and Smoke Map, see below.

Firefighters succeed in holding lines as containment increases on the Crazy Creek Fire

Daily Update August 6, 2024

Fire Information Phone:541-208-1768 (8am-8pm)

Media Information Phone:541-208-1770 (8am-8pm)

Email: 2024.crazycreek@firenet.gov

Acres:  Crazy Creek – 71,625; 498/Kitty Creek – 73 
Acreage changes may occur due to overnight operations and infrared mapping.

Location: Crazy Creek: 5 miles north of Paulina, OR                      Start Date: July 22, 2024 

           498/Kitty Creek: 7 miles south of Mitchell, OR                     Personnel: 662 

Containment: Crazy Creek 19%; 498/Kitty Creek 100%                Fuels: Timber and short grass

Resources: 16 crews | 2 helicopters | 30 engines | 14 bulldozers | 14 water tenders | 3 masticators | 21 skid steers

Highlights: While containment has increased on the Crazy Creek Fire, crews continue to respond to active fire conditions on the eastern portions of the fire area, including Wolf Creek and areas along Forest Service Road 5810. Additionally, evacuation statuses have been updated, as hot, dry weather persists across the region today.

Fire Activity: On the western perimeter, fire activity was significantly reduced on Monday. Crews patrolled the perimeter and conducted mop up operations to secure the fireline. In the north/northeastern areas of the fire, containment lines to Toggle Meadows are holding well. 

Initial attack resources from the Crazy Creek Fire responded to additional new starts from lightning that moved across the region yesterday. Firefighters also experienced smokey conditions caused by several spot fires near the 5810 road. Crews working in the area were able to quickly locate and contain them with the support of aircraft. While fire threatened to push uphill into private lands, firefighters were able to successfully hold the line, thanks to these resources working in tandem. 

Today, crews will prep the 5810 road and scout contingency lines further east of the active fire area to protect values at risk. Additionally, firefighters across the Crazy Creek Fire will patrol, conduct mop up and extinguish hot spots as needed to further secure and hold containment lines.  

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for areas in Crook and Wheeler Counties for areas in or near the fire. Level 3 evacuations have extended from the Forest Boundary to Highway 380. Level 2 evacuations have extended south of Highway 380. The town of Paulina is also under Level 3 evacuation status.

Weather: Hot, dry weather is expected today with temperatures in the 90s and low relative humidity. 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, to include the Ochoco National Forest are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow fire prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. The public's cooperation in adhering to fire bans and restrictions is vital to prevent new fires from starting and to help our firefighters focus on containing the existing fires. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89068. 

Smoke: Smoke from multiple fires in Central Oregon are impacting the region. Additional details are available via https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/079f0f73.

Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a forest closure for the Paulina Ranger District. More information can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89203. Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for public lands in Crook and Grant Counties. More information is available at https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-08/orwa-fpo-pri-paulina-080224.pdf. 

More Information:

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-crazy-creek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5 

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/ 

Crook County Emergency Information Map: https://arcg.is/1ij0vb 

Retreat Fire

Fire Information: 509-213-4890    Email: 2024.retreat@firenet.gov

inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-retreat

August 6, 2024

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location:  14 miles southwest of Naches, WA

Start Date: July 23, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 44,540 acres

Containment: 53%

Resources: 595 Total Personnel; 6 Dozers; 14 Hand Crews; 35 Engines

Key Messages:  

The Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. The fire remains very active along the highway and fire affected large trees continue to fall across the highway at unexpected times. The highway is expected to remain closed for several days.

Dry and windy conditions yesterday caused some interior unburnt islands within the fire area along the Highway 12 corridor to burn with intensity. Structure Protection crews assisted by helicopter bucket water drops responded and worked to suppress and contain the fire activity.

Current Status:

The Retreat Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy prioritizing public and firefighter safety.

Crews continued to mop up and patrol the containment line on the south and east sides of the fire. Firefighters supported with fire engines and water tenders continued to extinguish hot spots and secure the line. Containment increased on the northeast side as progress was made on mop up work. The containment lines on the south, east, and northeast sides of the fire will continue to be patrolled and monitored to ensure that no heat or fire pushes the line. Good progress has been made and work will continue.

Firing operations were completed on the northwest side of the fire along Bethel Ridge and stopped at the location where the plan is to turn south with the control line and use the Bethel Oak Trail. Aerial ignition was used later in the afternoon to fill in the interior area. Firing operations progressed well throughout the day. Fire managers started scouting for control line options along the Bethel Oak Trail going east on the top of the ridge as an alternative to bringing a line south to Highway 12. This line would be on the north side of the 2012 Wild Rose Fire scar and using it as a potential control feature.

On the southwest corner of the fire crews continued to mop up and secure the line from previous firing operations. Everything has been going well in this area including the structure protection system that have been set up around the structures at Camp Ghormley and along Lost Lake Road. Heavy equipment was moved into position along Forest Roads 1200 and 1201 and work on constructing a shaded fuel break will begin today. This fuel break is being constructed as a contingency line.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Yesterday, the morning started with thunderstorms moving through the fire area with three cloud to ground strikes and brief light rain. Humidity recovery was in the 50 to 60 percent range but dried out to 20 to 30 percent for the afternoon. Afternoon temperatures were still mainly in the 80s and lower 90s. Winds were lighter with the return of southeast wind to portions of the fire. Today is expected to be dry and sunny with temperatures only slightly cooler and humidity slightly lower. Winds should continue to be light.

Winds caused active fire in mixed conifer and initiated some single tree torching and short-range spotting. Sage/grass fuels at approximately 4200 foot elevation and below are mostly cured and carry active fire spread. At higher elevations sage and grass are partially cured and burn in patches with dead fuel component. Timber litter above 5000 foot elevation is dry and contributing to active fire behavior with group torching. At high elevations, large diameter fuels are not burning fully and will likely continue to smolder and burn.

Closures and Evacuations:

For the most up-to-date information on evacuations, please visit Yakima County Emergency Management located at this link: Yakima Emergency Management website.

- US Hwy 12 remains closed between the Y at Hwy 410 and the summit of the Pass at milepost 151.

- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Retreat Fire Closure: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.

- The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region has temporarily closed the Ahtanum State Forest due to increased activity from the adjacent Retreat Fire burning near Rimrock Lake. The public can access the most up-to-date closure information at www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.

- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the majority of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area to public access due to the Retreat Fire until Aug. 23 to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. More information can be found at Wildlife Areas | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE

Air quality and smoke conditions and smoke outlooks can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/

Park Fire Incident Update 

Morning of Tuesday, August 6, 2024 

For more information on the Park Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-fire  

Size: 414,042 acres with 34% containment; Personnel: 6,586 

Lassen National Forest: 

Today, smoke will be visible across the Park Fire and from surrounding communities.  Active fire behavior is expected due to dry weather conditions combined with low humidity recovery overnight. Yesterday, the fire was active in Mill Creek drainage, pushed up the north rim and spotted Tamarack Road into the South Fork Antelope Creek drainage in several places. Crews and aircraft are working aggressively to slow and contain fire movement with direct attack where safe to do so.  

The Park Fire has burned 98,048 acres on the Lassen National Forest. 

CAL FIRE: 

The Park Fire continues to burn actively in some areas. The overnight humidity recovery was very poor.  The fire is well-established in the Mill and Antelope Creek drainages where it will continue to build heat and be resistant to control. New evacuations were ordered in Tehama County in Zones TEH-718, TEH-722, TEH-724. Critically low fuel moistures, steep canyons, long drive times and daily spot fires have caused difficulty in suppressing the fire spread. Temperatures will continue to be hot and dry throughout the day, with primary growth aligning with the topography to the north and east. The fire is expected to continue to challenge crews until more favorable conditions arrive later in the week. 

For more information on the Park Fire please visit:  

• CALFIRE Park Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/24/park-fire  
• Butte County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/bcsonews 
• CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit/ Tehama County Fire Dept: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRETGU 
• CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit/Shasta County Fire Department: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESHU 
• Butte County, CA: https://www.facebook.com/ButteCounty 

Actualización del Incendio Alexander Mountain Información Actual 6 de Agosto del 2024

Acres: 9,668                                                                

Fecha de inicio: 07/29/24

Ubicación: Condado de Larimer, Colorado

Personal: 536

Contención: 74%

Puntos Destacados: Los bomberos siguen trabajando para garantizar que la amenaza de que el incendio se extienda más allá de su área de influencia actual se haya reducido al nivel más bajo posible. En la comunidad de Cedar Park, las cuadrillas seguirán trabajando para aumentar la contención y, al mismo tiempo, abordar las áreas de calor que permanecen en el interior. A medida que los propietarios regresen a sus comunidades, recuerden respetar todos los cierres de bosques y caminos y estar atentos al personal de emergencia y las cuadrillas de servicios públicos en el área.

Actividad del Incendio: Se espera que el fuego siga rescoldando sin que se expanda en su perímetro. Aunque algunos focos aislados pueden seguir ardiendo, se espera que las líneas de defensa se mantengan. Los vientos racheados pueden provocar un aumento del comportamiento del fuego más tarde hoy.

Condiciones climáticas: Las condiciones permanecerán tranquilas esta mañana. Los vientos leves aumentarán en el área del incendio durante el día. Se esperan tormentas eléctricas por la tarde después de la 1:00 p. m. con relámpagos y mayor probabilidad de lluvia. Las ubicaciones que se encuentran ladera y río abajo de las áreas quemadas son muy susceptibles a inundaciones repentinas y flujos de escombros, especialmente cerca y en terrenos empinados.

Condiciones de humo: En general, se espera una neblina ligera en toda la región. El ozono sigue siendo una preocupación hasta que se desarrollen lluvias y tormentas. Las comunidades en las inmediaciones del incendio sufrirán impactos de humo residual y nocturno, incluido Eden Valley, a lo largo de la carretera 34 hasta Idlewild y Drake. Para obtener más información sobre el humo y la calidad del aire, visite el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado.

Cierres, Evacuaciones y Evaluación de Estructuras: La Oficina de Gestión de Emergencias del Condado de Larimer está abriendo estaciones de acreditación para los propietarios de las comunidades de Cedar Park y Storm Mountain. Para obtener información detallada, visite larimer.gov. El Centro de Información Conjunta de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Larimer brinda información sobre avisos de evacuación y cierres de carreteras. Para obtener la información de evacuación más actualizada, visite, visite nocoalert.org o envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra LCEVAC al 888777. Puede comunicarse con el Centro de Información Conjunta al 970-980-2500.

Causa del incendio: Debido a un problema técnico con nuestro sistema de correo de voz, le pedimos a cualquier persona que haya llamado a la línea de denuncia antes de las 3 p. m. del viernes que vuelva a llamar. El equipo de investigación recibió las fotos y los correos electrónicos, pero quiere asegurarse de que no se haya perdido ningún mensaje de voz importante. Se puede contactar con la línea de denuncias de las fuerzas del orden del Servicio Forestal al 303-275-5266. Se pueden enviar fotografías y videos a través de https://fs.us.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/amountainfire.

Para más información:

Correo electrónico: Para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico sobre este incendio, únase a nuestra lista de correo electrónico y seleccione Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 34 to Hwy 14 (Buckhorn Canyon, Glen Haven, Cedar Park). 

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

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coarf-alexander-mtn-fire

Alexander Mountain Fire Update Daily Update for August 6, 2024 by Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1

Acres: 9,668

Start Date: 07/29/24

Location: Larimer County, Colorado

Personnel: 536

Containment: 74%

Highlights: Firefighters continue to work on ensuring that the threat of the fire growing beyond its current footprint has been reduced to the lowest level possible. In the Cedar Park community, crews will keep working on increasing containment while also addressing areas of heat that remain on the interior. As homeowners return to their communities, remember to observe all forest and road closures and be mindful of emergency personnel and utility crews in the area. 

Fire Activity: Smoldering with no perimeter growth is expected. Though isolated pockets may continue to smolder, control lines are expected to hold. Gusty winds may cause an increase in fire behavior later today. 

Weather: Conditions will remain calm this morning. Light winds will increase across the fire area throughout the day. Afternoon thunderstorms are expected after 1 p.m. with lightning and increased chance of rain. Locations that are downhill and downstream from burned areas are highly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows, especially in and near steep terrain. 

Smoke: Overall, expect light haze across the region. Ozone remains a concern until showers and storms develop. Communities in the immediate vicinity will see residual and overnight smoke impacts including Eden Valley, along Highway 34 to Idlewild and Drake. For more information on smoke and air quality, visit Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Closures, Evacuations and Structure Assessment: The Larimer County Office of Emergency Management is opening credentialing stations for property owners from the Cedar Park and Storm Mountain Communities. For detailed information visit larimer.gov. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Joint Information Center is providing information about evacuation notices and road closures. For the most up to date evacuation information visit nocoalert.org or text LCEVAC to 888777. The Joint Information Center can be reached at 970-980-2500.

Fire Cause: Due to a technical issue with our voicemail system, we are asking anyone who called the tip line prior to 3 p.m. on Friday to please call again. The investigation team has received the photos and emails but wants to make sure they did not miss any important voicemails. The Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line can be reached at 303-275-5266. Photographs and videos can be submitted via https://fs.us.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/amountainfire.

More Information:

Email: To receive email updates on this fire, join our email list and select Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 34 to Hwy 14 (Buckhorn Canyon, Glen Haven, Cedar Park). 

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

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coarf-alexander-mtn-fire

Fire Location 

• Wolf Creek: 5 miles W of Donnelly, ID 
• Boulder: 9 miles SW of Cascade, ID 

Size 

• Wolf Creek: 1,146 acres 
• Boulder: 965 acres 

Containment 

• Wolf Creek: 4% 
• Boulder: 5% 

Personnel 

• Wolf Creek: 172
• Boulder: 441

Start Date 

• Both Fires: 7/24/2024 

Cause 

• Both Fires: lightning 

Incident Commander 

Mike Johnston, Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #7

Summary: The Boulder and Wolf Creek Fires started on the evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2024. On July 31, an incident management team was delegated the West Mountain Complex which includes Boulder, Wapiti, and Bulltrout Fires on the Boise National Forest, and the Wolf Creek Fire on the Payette National Forest. The team is using a full suppression strategy on these lightning-caused fires. Please avoid high traffic fire areas, slow down while driving, and give the firefighters room to do their work. Be aware of aerial resources and give them plenty of space while recreating on Lake Cascade if they pull water from the reservoir. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: The forecasted lightning and erratic winds passed over the Boulder and Wolf Creek Fires yesterday afternoon. A drying trend will return to the area for the next few days, along with rising temperatures and wind speeds. Incident meteorologists predict sustained winds of 15 MPH at ridge tops near the fires. 

Actions: Some of the lightning ignited new fires in the area, but an initial attack crew assigned to Wolf Creek was on stand-by and available to focus on the new fires. In addition, the Idaho Department of Lands lent two ‘Single Engine Water Scoopers’ similar to ‘Single Engine Air Tankers’ that scoop water to aid in the firefighting efforts. Those aircraft are being used to help initial attack on new starts from lightning. 

Boulder Fire: Fire activity on the Boulder Fire was fairly moderate yesterday. The fire is slowly burning into Fawn Creek on the north side of the fire. It also continues to burn in pockets of subalpine fir on the east side of the fire, keeping firefighters on high alert for spot fires. Crews have been building containment lines using hand tools, masticators, and heavy equipment. The Incident Management Team is organizing a night shift of firefighting crews so work can continue 24 hours a day.  

Wolf Creek Fire: Like the Boulder Fire, fire activity on the Wolf Creek Fire was fairly moderate. The most active part of the fire is on the western edge in the Little Weiser River drainage. Hotshot crews are creating a western containment line to keep the fire in check. On the northeastern edge of the fire, crews are watching for spot fires as the fire slowly advances toward the area previously burned in the 2010 Hurd Fire.  

Important Information: The Boise National Forest has issued a closure order #0402-04-98 for National Forest System (NFS) roads, trails and lands encompassing the Boulder Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. The closure includes Blue Lake and Snowbank Mountain Road (#446) along with all #404 and #421 system roads. Near the Wolf Creek Fire, Forest Road #435 (Anderson Lake Road) was closed on August 1.  For more information on closures on the Boise National Forest please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices  

On the Payette National Forest, a closure including popular National Forest System roads around the Wolf Creek fire such as: sections of NFS #1763 (West Mountain Jeep Trail), #835, #206, #326. For a map and more detailed description of the closure please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/payette/alerts-notices  

For the Wolf Creek Fire, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office has issued a “ready” evacuation order for residents in Zone 7 and Zone 8. The “ready” status means that there is a threat or hazard to your local area. At this level, residents should be thinking about their evacuation plan and monitoring trusted news sources for any change in evacuation status. Maps and additional information on the evacuation status can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbuy6  

For timely information on evacuations, check out your county’s emergency alert system.  

• Valley County: https://www.co.valley.id.us/CompleteEmergencyNotificationandAlerting  
• Adams County:  https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/PublicUser.aspx?regionid=1077 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been issued for the Payette Fire Restrictions Area on the Payette National Forest and the West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Area on the Boise National Forest.  For more information on the restrictions and a very helpful interactive map, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/. 

Current Status

Fire Operations reported 30% containment yesterday evening as firefighters made progress over the past couple of days securing the fireline so that portions, such as the south end along the 819 trail, are reasonably expected to stop the fire from spreading further. Crews began mop-up operations, working their way from the fire edge and moving interior when conditions allow to extinguishing pockets of heat. The heavy fuel loading along with a high number of snags (dead, standing trees) falling in the fire area means firefighters must take extra time to evaluate and mitigate hazards prior to engaging in operations.

Yesterday, firefighters located another spot fire about ¼ mile to the east of the main fire. The spot was approximately 10 feet by 20 feet and was successfully lined. Crews continue to monitor for other pockets of heat holding in the fuels to the east of the main fire. On the northwest side of the fire, a feller buncher was used to remove overhead hazards to allow firefighters to safely engage directly along the fire’s edge. Crews remain spread across the entire fire perimeter, patrolling and monitoring for areas of heat to ensure the firelines are holding. Feller bunchers are reducing fuels along the Lincoln Ditch Road to create an additional holding line to protect private structures and land should the fire move further to the east and south.

Given the success of firefighter efforts to secure the fire perimeter and favorable changes in the weather, operations on the fire will remain similar over the next coming days. Updates for the Black Mountain Fire will be provided every other day unless changes in fire activity or fire operations are significant. ‘Incident Information’ will be updated daily on Inciweb. The fire information phone line and email remain staffed.

Weather 

The fire area received measurable precipitation yesterday, about ¼ of an inch over a 6 hour time span. Today, mostly cloudy with a small chance for showers early morning, with a chance for a storm in the afternoon. Cooler temperatures are expected Wednesday and Thursday along with mostly north, northeast winds.

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuations: Per the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office, an Evacuation Warning remains in effect. The following area is open to RESIDENTS ONLY: North of Lone Point Dr and Tamarack. North of North Lincoln Gulch/Morris Dr. North of the intersection of Beaver Creek Rd and Stonewall Creek and all feeder roads north of that intersection.

Closures:The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest issued a road, trail, and area closure order. The closure order and map is posted on Inciweb, Black Mountain Fire.

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