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/

Friday, August 2, 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. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for the hot, dry and unstable conditions. Residents of Bear who have not yet evacuated are encouraged to do so. Please use extra caution with any fires; even a small spark could burn hundreds of acres in an hour. 

Limepoint Fire

The Limepoint Fire is north of Oxbow Dam 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 19,359 acres with no containment. The area of the fire in the Indian Creek drainage threatens the communities of Cuprum and Bear, both of which remain evacuated per Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Idaho power transmission lines are threatened on the south side of the fire near Oxbow dam and throughout the fire area.  

The fire was much more active yesterday due to hotter and drier conditions. Short uphill runs were observed in the northwestern edge of the fire along Allison Creek. Firefighters mopped up along the perimeter of the tactical burn north of Cuprum and fortified structure protection. Bulldozer line was completed from the Forest Road 071 (Flat Creek/Barbour Road) north to Indian Creek. A hotshot crew constructed handline from a bulldozer line north to Indian Creek near the confluence with Huntley Gulch. Crews also worked on constructing bulldozer lines along a ridge line near Boulder Creek between Forest Road 071 and Indian Creek. The fire spotted across Forest Service 071 in several locations west of Summit Gulch and crews successfully contained the spots. Overnight, crews conducted tactical burning along Forest Road 071. Structure protection continued yesterday in Bear. Crews improved contingency fire line north of Barber Flats and west of Bear using excavators. The west flank of the fire adjacent to the Snake River is not burning actively and mop up has nearly been completed; however, potential hazards are rocks and debris rolling down onto Forest Road 454 (Hells Canyon Road). Helicopter bucket drops and air tankers retardant drops helped firefighter reduce fire spread near Allison Creek and along Forest Road 071 near Boulder Creek. Heavy air tankers dropped a retardant line along open grassy ridges from the fire’s edge to Horse Mountain Lookout Tower and near the southeastern edge of the fire north of Salt Creek. 

 
Six hand crews, 13 engines, seven bulldozers, three large helicopters and 337 people are working on the Limepoint Fire. “It’s going to be active today” said Safety Officer, Ed Bratcher. Therefore, firefighters will vigilantly work to hold firelines and seek to quickly control any new fire starts. Large airtankers will continue to support efforts. Any retardant application will be at least 300 feet from the Snake River and its tributaries to protect water quality. Crews plan to improve the recently completed fireline between Forest Road 071 and Indian Creek with anticipation of conducting a burning operation in the next few days when conditions are right. With hotter and drier conditions today, firefighters will work to hold and improve firelines. They will continue mop up north of Cuprum and continue to protect, prepare and test sprinklers and other equipment around threatened structures in Cuprum and Bear. Firefighters will also mop up along Forest Road 071 where crews conducted tactical burning last night. Near Salt Creek, crews will look for opportunities to construct bulldozer and hand lines closer to the southeastern flank. Crews will continue to scout areas along the northern flank from Allison Creek to Horse Mountain to identify where the fire can be held directly at its edge or indirectly with firelines along defensible ridges and natural barriers. A night shift will work throughout the night to ensure point protection of structures at risk and may conduct tactical burning operations, if needed.  

Cliff Mountain Fire

The Cliff Mountain Fire started 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 no 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. A reconnaissance flight was flown yesterday, and firefighters will fly one again today. Minimal fire activity was observed on the fire yesterday with only a few areas showing smoke. One ground personnel is assigned to the fire, and two field observers have been ordered.

Firefighters are identifying values near the fire and planning future protection.

Weather/Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today due to the hot, dry and unstable conditions. Maximum temperatures will exceed 100 and minimal relative humity will be near 10 percent. Winds will be southwest 1-5 mph. Relatively humidities will stay relatively low overnight, maxing out at 30 percent.

Dead and down will continue to dry, making all types of vegetation available for burning. In heavy grass, a new start could burn over 500 acres in an hour if undetected. Roll out of burning debris down slope along the west and northern flanks of the fire could cause fire spread into unburned fuels and result in rapid uphill runs. Structure protection and mop up around homes in Cuprum have been successful. Areas retaining heat in outlying areas near Cuprum could become extremely active later in the day. Spotting across eastern and southeastern firelines is possible as conditions warm throughout the day. For Cliff Mountain Fire, any fire spots into unburned vegetation will remain unchecked until resources are able to reach the fire.

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

Evacuations: The communities of Cuprum and Bear have been evacuated per Adams County Sheriff’s Department and remain under a “GO” evacuation.

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: Black Lake, Sheep Rock, Kinney Point and Horse Mountain Lookout. Big Bar is open. Huckleberry Campground is also closed. For more information, see the full closure orderand map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/payette/fire.

Kleinschmidt Grade (Forest Road 050), Calf Pen Road and Lundore 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.

The temporary flight restriction was expanded to the north to include the Cliff Mountain Fire and narrowed on the west to exclude some area in Oregon west of the Snake River.

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.

THUNDER FIRE CLOSURE TERMINATED

AUGUST 2, 2024

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger

CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idscf-thunder-fire

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has terminated the Thunder Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐014.  

The following is now open: (Description of #04-13-24-014):  

Described Area/Roads/Trails: The Described Areas includes all NFS lands, roads, and trails within the following boundaries: Starting at the junction of National Forest System Road (NFSR) #60021 Williams Creek Road and the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary (Forest Boundary), then following the Forest Boundary south to its junction with NFSR #60028 Lake Creek Road, then following NFSR #60028 Lake Creek Road to the west and north to its junction with NFSR #60021 Williams Creek Road, then following NFSR #60021 Williams Creek Road to the east to the point of origin at the junction of NFSR #60021 Williams Creek Road and the Forest Boundary. 

Additional Described Roads and Trails: This closure shall include the following National Forest System Roads and Trails outside of the designated area described above:

• That portion of NFSR #60028 Lake Creek Road that is east of the Forest Boundary.
• That portion of NFST #6040 Thunder Mountain Historic Trail that is east of NFSR #60045 Iron Creek Road.
• NFST #6080 Lake Mountain Trail. 
• NFST #6128 Henry Creek Trail.

The Bureau of Land Management has also terminated their closure order.  Additional information can be found at https://www.blm.gov/office/salmon-field-office under Latest News.  

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the VERY HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) and that portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf.  

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Operations Section Chief for Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 2, Patrick Moore, provides a final daily operations video update for the Lone Rock Fire. To view he video, go over to the fire's Facebook page (see below for link). Go there now to get our final video update.   

UPDATE 08/02/2024:

READY status: The SET Alert for the Sunflower area is LIFTED. All residents are returned to a READY status.

Please continue to use caution and follow emergency personnel instructions.

Alert information: Maricopa.gov

Fire information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../aztnf-sand-stone

READY: Prepare Now. Be aware of all hazards that affect your community.

Muir Creek Fire Update
August 2, 2024 10:00 am

National Park Service
Glacier National Park
Mike West, Incident Commander; NW Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team

Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099 / Media: 406-206-5272

Muir Creek Fire benefits from recent precipitation

Current Situation: The Muir Creek Fire, burning in the southern portion of Glacier National Park, remains at 30 acres. The Type 3 Incident Management Team is preparing to transition the fire back to management by the park as a Type 4 incident. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority. Firefighters are working to protect historic patrol cabins and a fire lookout to be prepared if fire reaches these areas later in the season. With current and expected fire behavior, along with the firefighters assigned to the incident and plan in place, a smaller organization can manage the fire for now.

Wednesday, a module of seven firefighters arrived from Saguaro National Park to assist on the incident. They are helping Glacier National Park fire staff conduct fuel reduction around backcountry structures. Personnel continue to monitor the fire from the ground and from fire lookouts. Ninety-four uncontained large wildfires are actively burning across the country, and over 29,000 personnel are assigned to those fires. This very high level of activity limits the availability of personnel and equipment.

The Muir Creek Fire area received 0.2” of precipitation earlier this week. The rainfall, higher humidity, and lower temperatures combined to decrease fire behavior. There is still heat producing light smoke within the fire perimeter, and fire activity will continue to fluctuate with the forecasted heat this weekend and potential for cooler, wetter weather next week. Historically the Northern Rockies fire season continues through mid-September or beyond.

Weather: The forecast for Friday and Saturday is for high temperatures and low humidity. There is potential for scattered showers on Sunday and continuing into next week, which could bring strong thunderstorms, including isolated heavy rain and gusty winds. Any lightning that comes with these storms could lead to new fire starts.

Closures: There continues to be an Area Closure Order in place for the area northeast of the Fielding Trail, southeast of the Coal Creek Trail, and northwest of the Park Creek Trail, including Mount Saint Nicholas climbing routes and the Fielding Trail between Park Creek and Coal Creek. The Coal Creek and Park Creek Trails, as well as the Coal Creek and Park Creek Wilderness Campgrounds, remain open.

Fire Restrictions: Fire danger is currently Very High, which means that wildfires that start have a high potential for rapid growth. Beginning Saturday August 2, Glacier National Park and surrounding areas are entering Stage 1 fire restrictions. Campfires and wood or charcoal grills are prohibited, but gas stoves with an on/off switch are permitted. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle or areas free of flammable materials. See www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more details and up-to-date fire information for the whole state.

Smoke: Current smoke and air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

This is the final Muir Fire update unless changes in fire activity occur.

Muir Fire Statistics:
Size:  Approximately 30 acres
Containment:  0%
Total Personnel:  Projected to be 11 starting August 3rd
Cause:  Lightning/Natural
Fire was detected:  Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Location:  20 miles southeast of West Glacier, MT and east of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River

Contact Information:
InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnp-muir-creek-fire
Fire Information Office:  Recording: 406-206-6099 / Media Inquiries: 406-206-5272
Fire Information Email: 2024.muircreek@firenet.gov
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlacierNPS

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LONE ROCK FIRE UPDATE August 2, 2024

Location: Lonerock, OR to west of Highway 207 | Size: 137,222 acres | Containment: 83% 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 392

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

Email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov

Red Flag Warning Forecasted for Today, Hot and Dry this Weekend 

Condon, Ore. — A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 AM to 9 PM PDT Friday. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Though these conditions are unlikely to affect current containment lines, the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and above normal temperatures will ring an increased potential for new fire starts. A crew dedicated to attacking new fire starts will be standing by and is ready to respond if needed. 

Yesterday's Activities: Despite yesterday’s increase in temperature, fire behavior on the Lone Rock Fire remained favorable for crews continuing to extinguish hotspots, perform mop-up, and reduce remaining hazards. Crews continued to patrol and monitor the containment line and focused the bulk of suppression work in the more active, middle section of the fire’s perimeter. 

Today’s Activities:  There is no change in operational objectives planned for today. The public is recommended to remain cautious today and through the weekend with the existing critical fire weather conditions. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk while working or recreating around homes and communities before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public, and firefighters safe.

Weather: The hot and dry conditions will allow remaining heat sources to either burn out and self-extinguish or begin active creeping, potentially resulting in isolated torching within the mixed conifer. Over the weekend, moisture moving into the area should result in increased cloud cover and moderate humidity values, but with only a slight chance of precipitation and a potential for dry lightning.

Evacuations: There are no Level 3 evacuations in place for the Lone Rock Fire.  For up-to-date information, checkout the Real-Time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) public information map, see link below. Additional information is also available from:  

• For Gilliam County evacuation information, visit Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
• For Wheeler County evacuation information, visit Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
• For Morrow County evacuation information, visit Morrow County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Closures:
•  For updated road closure information, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.

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

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

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Sand Stone Fire reaches 60 percent containment

Daily Update – Friday, August 2, 2024

Highlights: Due to successful firefighting efforts, the Sand Stone Fire has now reached 60 percent containment. Although State Route 87 has been reopened in both directions, travelers should be mindful on the roadways as firefighting operations are still occurring in this area.

Total personnel on all incidents: 562   

Sand Stone Fire:          Acres: 27,390     Containment: 60%     Start Date: 7/25/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush       

Operations: Minimal fire activity was observed on the Sand Stone Fire yesterday. Containment increased on the southern end of the fire, resulting in the Sand Stone Fire reaching 60% total containment. The northeast portions of the fire near Indian Springs and Quartz Creek, along with the east side near Dos S Ranch, are all holding within these areas. A structure protection group assigned to the Sunflower area continues to focus their efforts on protecting values in the community while also securing the eastern flank of the fire. Crews have prepped one mile of road along with a half-mile of chipping to reduce fuel loads near the entrance of Forest Road 201 to protect nearby communities and infrastructure. Preparation activities continue today around the Sugarloaf area and Old Highway 87. New suppression repair needs are being identified daily, including repairs to range fencing and a damaged water line. Firefighters are patrolling the northern perimeter and the area near Bartlett Lake to respond to any changes in fire activity.

Deer Fire:                 Acres: 355     Containment: 18%      Start Date: 7/17/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush, timber      

Operations: Yesterday, the Deer Fire grew slightly to the northeast, smoldering along the forest floor within the wilderness area. Firefighters continue to perform reconnaissance flights to record any changes in fire activity. Today, crews are scouting out possible holding features from past wildfires around the Deer Fire area. 

Davenport Fire:           Acres: 447         Containment: 100%      Start Date: 7/19/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush       

Operations: No smoke or fire activity have been observed for over two weeks. The Davenport Fire has now reached 100% containment. As such, this will be the last update for the Davenport Fire. 

Weather: Temperatures will become hotter today and into the weekend with chances of afternoon thunderstorms that may impact the fires. An Excessive Heat Warning was issued for the area around the Sand Stone Fire from Saturday through Monday.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

A daily smoke forecast for the Sand Stone Fire is available at www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/sandstonefire. 

Evacuations: The community of Sunflower remains in “set” status. “Set” means residents should identify the closest shelter or safe space, prepare an emergency kit, listen to public health officials, and be ready to leave the area. The Ready, Set, Go! program is a nationwide program to educate residents about steps to take during an emergency. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.gov.

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/. 

More Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-sand-stone /

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

Order Number: # 24-018-Lolo-D3
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Lolo National Forest
Missoula Ranger District
Area and Road Closure

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are
prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and roads in the Missoula Ranger
District, Lolo National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map
incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area and Roads”):
1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). It is prohibited to go into the area closed for public safety.
2. 36 CFR § 261.54(e). Being on the described roads.
 

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads,
Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them
from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer
that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or
firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
 

DESCRIBED AREA
The area encompassed by a line beginning on the Bitterroot Divide Road, National Forest
System Road (NFSR) 4243 at Eightmile Saddle (T10N, R18W, Sect 2) and following and
including NFSR 4243 east to its junction with Schwartz Creek Road, NFSR 502 (T11N,
R17W, Sect 19). Following and including NFSR 502 east to its junction with Hollowman-
Schwartz Road, NFSR 4245 (T11N, R17W, Sect 4). Continue following but not including
the Schwartz Creek Road to its junction with the Lolo National Forest System Boundary
(T12N, R17W, Sect 33). Follow the Lolo National Forest Boundary north and west to Deer
Creek Road No 533 (T13N, R18W, Sect 32). Following but not including Deer Creek Road
533 south to its junction with Skyline Drive (North), NFSR 2127-1 (T12N, R18W, Sect 7). Following and but not including NFSR 2127-1 to its junction with the Lolo National Forest System Boundary on the southern section line of Section 7 (T12N, R18W, Sect 7). Following the Lolo National Forest Boundary south to its junction with CTY-37. Following but not including CTY-37 to where it turns into Miller Creek Road NFSR 464 (T11N, R18W, Sect 7). Following and including Miller Creek Road NFSR 464 southeast to the East section line of Section 29, T11N, R18W. Following the East section line south to the Lolo National Forest Boundary. Following the Lolo National Forest Boundary southeast back to its intersection with NFSR 4243 at Eightmile Saddle (T10N, R18W, Sect 2).
 

DESCRIBED ROADS
Schwartz Creek, NFSR #502, from its junction with Hollowman-Schwartz Road, NFSR 4245 (T11N, R17W, Sect 4) to its intersection with the Bitterroot Divide Road, NFSR 4243 (T11N, R17W, Sect 19).
Miller Creek Road, NFSR 464, from its intersection with CTY-37 (T11N, R18W, Sect 7) to the end of the road.
Skyline Drive (North), NFSR 2127-1, from its intersection with Lower Skyline Road No 19075 (T12N, R19W, Sect 13) to the Forest Service Boundary (T12N, R18W, Sect 18).
Bitterroot Divide Road, NFSR 4243, from its intersection with Schwartz Creek Road 502 (T11N, R17W, Sect 19) to Eightmile Saddle (T10N, R18W, Sect 2).
Lower Skyline, NFSR 19075, from its intersection with Skyline Drive (North) Road No 2127-1 (T12N, R19W, Sect 13) to the Forest Service Boundary (T12N, R18W, Sect 18).
 

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activities.
 

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from 0001 on August 2, 2024, through 2359 on October 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area and Roads is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Missoula Ranger District in Missoula, MT, (406) 329-3814, and Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Missoula, MT, (406) 329-3750, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Area and Roads.

Signed and issued on 08/01/2024.
_______________________
Carolyn Upton