Actualización del incendio Easy       
30 de julio de 2024

Datos clave

Tamaño: 528 acres*                     

Fecha de inicio: 17 de julio de 2024      

Ubicación: 17 millas al oeste de Mazama, WA
Contención: 0%                             

Personal asignado: 145              

Causa: Rayo

Recursos asignados:  3 cuadrillas      5 camiones de bomberso

*no hay datos infrarrojos actualizados debido a las condiciones climáticas

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: La propagación del fuego ayer fue mínima con pequeñas cantidades de precipitación sobre el incendio Easy. La actividad del fuego permanece en el interior de la zona del incendio, ardiendo lentamente y con secciones de vegetación que se están quemando. En el extremo sur del incendio Easy, las cuadrillas instalaron y probaron 55 rociadores que ayudarán en futuras operaciones de quema estratégica. A lo largo de las orillas de la carretera 20, los bomberos extinguieron los escombros y el material de árboles que ha ido cayendo por la actividad de extinción. Además, trabajaron para mejorar las líneas de mano indirectas, al unirlas con la huella del incendio Mebee de 2004 en el extremo norte y con los conductos de avalanchas en el lado sur del incendio Easy.

Permanece abierto al tráfico la carretera 20 y un vehículo piloto escolta a los vehículos a través de los postes de millas 148-157 de 7 a.m. a 8:30 p.m. todos los días. Espere retrasos de 30 minutos mientras los bomberos continúan removiendo árboles y escombros de la carretera y llevan a cabo el trabajo de extinción completa en el incendio Easy. Por favor, no se detenga entre los postes de millas 148-157. Debido a que los incendios y las operaciones de extinción siguen activos, tal vez tenga que cerrarse la carretera nuevamente con poco aviso. Asegúrese de consultar https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ para obtener la información más reciente sobre la carretera 20.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Hoy se espera que la actividad del fuego se mantendrá moderada, con secciones ardientes de vegetación dentro del área del incendio. Las cuadrillas revisarán el progreso de las operaciones de quema estratégica del sábado en el extremo sureste del incendio Easy para determinar la posibilidad de oportunidades para futuras igniciones aéreas para controlar aún más el fuego en la cresta. Los bomberos evaluarán y removerán los peligros, tal como los árboles muertos a lo largo de los cortafuegos indirectos en los extremos norte y sur del incendio. Las cuadrillas continuarán retirando los escombros y el material de los árboles de las orillas de la carretera 20.

Existe una restricción de vuelo temporal por el incendio Easy para todas las aeronaves que no participan en la extinción de los incendios forestales. No vuele un dron personal sobre o cerca del incendio Easy. Cualquier incursión crea un peligro para la seguridad de las aeronaves y requiere que se suspendan las operaciones aéreas.

CLIMA: Las temperaturas de hoy aumentarán entre los 80 a 85 grados. El cielo estará nublado mayormente con una lluvia ligera por la mañana y luego condiciones parcialmente soleadas por la tarde. Los vientos soplarán del noroeste de 2 a 6 mph por la mañana y aumentarán a 8 a 10 mph por la tarde.

CIERRES: El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee tiene órdenes de cierre en los senderos dentro del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. Este cierre incluye una parte del sendero Pacific Crest Trail. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR. 

EVACUACIONES:  No existen órdenes de evacuación para el incendio Easy. Cualquiera que utilice la zona para recrearse debe estar atento a su entorno y permanecer fuera de las áreas cerradas. 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080 

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Tuesday, July 30 at 3 pm, at the Drewsey School Gymnasium, 78882 Drewsey Rd, Drewsey, OR 

Leaders of the Alaska Incident Management Team will be in Drewsey for a community meeting to provide an update on the Telephone Fire, Falls Fire and several other fires we are working to suppress in the area. The meeting will also be shared on the Malheur National Forest Facebook page, as well as the Falls and Telephone Fires Facebook page.

Falls and Telephone Fires Update for July 30, 2024

Telephone Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 31,721              Start Date: July 22, 2024                         Location: 12 miles NE of Burns, OR

Containment: 15%.  Total Personnel: 364 personnel          Cause: Lightning/Natural

Resources Assigned: 12 hand crews, 14 engines, 5 bulldozers, 7 water tenders, 1 skidder

*Resource numbers are changing rapidly as crews are re-allocated to this Fire.

Falls Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 142,307               Start Date: July 10, 2024                    Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, OR

Containment: 69%     Total Personnel: 769   Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Structures Triaged: Residences: 386; Commercial: 119 Outbuildings: 760

Resources Assigned: 34 hand crews, 44 engines, 21 bulldozers, 24 water tenders, 6 masticators, 8 skidders

Sand Mountain Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 4,204                Start Date: July 25, 2024                        Location: 17 miles SW of Seneca, OR

Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: Staffed by Falls Fire personnel   Cause: Undetermined

Ritter Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 459                   Start Date: July 23, 2024                        Location: Stinking Water Mountain NE of Crane, OR

Containment: 52%.  Total Personnel: 41 personnel            Cause: Lightning/Natural

Resources Assigned: 1 hand crew, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 1 skidder

Aerial resources available: 2 Type 1 Helicopters assigned and available to all fires in the area. 4 Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) available for initial attack. SEATs can deliver up to 800 gallons of fire retardant to support firefighters on the ground. These small airplanes can reload and operate in areas where larger airtankers cannot. 

New Fire Activity Quick Facts:

Whiskey Mountain: 3,402 acres; Cow Creek: 86 acres; Parasol: 485 acres; Poison: 593 acres. 

Total Personnel: Staffed by Falls Fire personnel.      

Community Meetings Scheduled:

Tuesday, July 30 at 3 pm, at the Drewsey School Gymnasium, 78882 Drewsey Rd, Drewsey, OR 

Leaders of the Alaska Incident Management Team will be in Drewsey for a community meeting to provide an update on the Telephone Fire, Falls Fire and several other fires we are working to suppress in the area. The meeting will also be shared on the Malheur National Forest Facebook page, as well as the Falls and Telephone Fires Facebook page.

Priorities for Tuesday, July 30: 

1. Initial Attack: The potential for new fire starts in the area remains significant at this time, and firefighters remain vigilant and focused on initial attack (IA) and are ready to respond to any new threats.
2. Telephone Fire:  Firefighters will work in the vicinity of the 243 road, and in the Rattlesnake area.  In the northeast portion of the fire, crews will work on dozer line, and along will local partners. 
3. Perisol and Poison Fires: Perisol will continue to hold and mop up. On Poison, continuing firing operations to hold the fire where it is along the west and south sides of the fire.
4. Continue direct suppression and prepping on the northeast corner of the Falls Fire in the Gold Hill area.
5. Crews will continue creating dozer lines to hold the 3160 road on the south side of the Sand Fire. 

Fire Summaries:

Telephone Fire:  The Telephone Fire continues to be a top priority. Monday afternoon, the Telephone Fire was the most active on the northeast side and moved about 1.5 to 2 miles out to Elephant Butte. Firefighters took actions along the eastern edge of the fire on Monday where safe to do so, but fuels were extremely dry and volatile. Overnight, crews worked in the Rattlesnake area, which is now looking good. Crews worked to hold the line on the east and south sides of the fire where there is dozer line near Robertson Draw and Davis Gulch. Line on the western side of the 28 road is holding and was reinforced. In Poujade Field, crews were successful in conducting small scale burnout around dozer line to protect structures. Burning operations were done to tie 28 to the Upper Pine footprint, and the west side of the 28 has held.

Additional ground and air resources were deployed to the area on Monday. The day started with more than 270 personnel working the Telephone Fire, many of them local and regional, including Burns BLM District firefighting engines. Also, local members of the Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) have joined the effort, working with our Operations leadership to provide more people, local knowledge, and equipment to the firefighting effort. We are working closely with local partners and resources to develop strategies on the ground for managing the eastern progression of the Telephone Fire. 

Crews, dozers, and engines are positioned in the Rattlesnake area to continue work. On Tuesday crews will work to address any spots that may occur on the north and west sides of the fire and will continue to look for opportunities on the east side to hold the fire. Work is also being done on the southeast side of the fire to connect the 28 road to dozer line and will look for opportunities to conduct firing operations. On the east side of the fire, resources are engaged in structure protection. They plan to engage the fire directly if safe to do so, or secure indirect line in order to protect values along Pine Creek Road.

Firefighters may engage a fire directly (using treatment applied directly to burning fuel such as wetting, smothering, or chemically quenching the fire or by physically separating the burning fuel from unburned fuel). In other cases,  when it is unsafe to fight fire directly at its edge due to factors such as fast-spreading or high-intensity fire, firefighters may use indirect attack. Indirect attack is a method of suppression in which the control line is located some distance away from the fire's active edge, using natural or constructed firebreaks or fuel breaks and favorable breaks in the topography. The intervening fuel is usually backfired; but occasionally the main fire is allowed to burn to the line, depending on conditions.

Falls Fire: 

On Monday the nearby Whiskey Mountain Fire was active, and crews continued firing operations to try to tie it back into the Falls Fire. The Falls Fire was bumping against the 655/684 junction. Crews patrolled the northwest side of the fire, improved dozer line along the 3170 road, and created fuel breaks in the area. Dozer line was completed to hold the fire along the 3160 road on the south side of the Sand Mountain Fire. Crews have dealt with frequent spot fires in the northeast corner of the fire in the Gold Hill area and have engaged the fire directly with success. On the Whiskey Mountain Fire, crews have had good success in keeping the fire footprint small and have been able to do firing operations to hold line. Monitoring continues around Gilbert Ridge to keep the fire in check. The line closest to Izee has held, with no fire movement in the last couple of days. Tuesday, crews will patrol the southern portion of the Falls Fire, work on holding line created yesterday in the Whiskey Mountain area (along with patrol and mop up in this area), and work on a fuel break along the 31 road.

Sand Mountain Fire:

On Monday a spot fire occurred on the southeast corner of the fire, within the planned perimeter; crews were added to this spot. Crews will work Tuesday on holding line around Smokey Creek on the northwest side of the fire. Crews will work to tie the fire into the 31 road.

Parasol and Poison Fires: The Parasol is now completely surrounded with either handline, dozer line, or road, and crews are working to reinforce the containment 5-10 ft inside the line. Infrared imagery collected Monday did not show any growth on the Parasol Fire. 

The Poison Fire was most active on Monday in the northeast corner. Fire activity was moderate along the south and southeast sides where crews were conducting burning operations along the 17 road.  Crews continued firing operations to hold the fire where it is along the west and south sides of the fire; they will continue this work on Tuesday.

Ritter Fire: Line is completed around 100% of the fire; crews continue to grid, mop up, and hold line. We will see additional containment objectives today.

Weather: Monday’s cold front brought some showers to portions of the fire areas, along with solid humidity recovery, and helped to push smoke away. Further cooling is expected today behind the cold front, and any lingering showers around the region will quickly diminish. Moderate northwesterly winds will prevail with afternoon gusts of up to 20 mph. A high pressure will begin to build over the region midweek bringing higher temperatures.

Evacuations: Due to the continued growth east of the Telephone Fire, evacuations have expanded. For the most accurate evacuation information, please visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map here: https://tinyurl.com/3zst4sjy, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.

Closures: Due to active wildfires compounded by extremely unfavorable weather conditions, limited firefighting resources and County Resources, Malheur National Forest officials have temporarily closed lands within the Malheur National Forest.

Investigation: U.S. Forest Service fire investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any tips or information pertinent to the start of the Falls Fire on the Malheur National Forest. Please submit any information that could assist fire investigation efforts to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov.  

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFRs in the area have been changing; pilots should check the latest information on the Federal Aviation Administration TFR website prior to flying: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/

Falls Fire InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire

Telephone Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-telephone-fire

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov

Harney County non-emergency evacuation questions: 541-589-5579

Air quality questions: 541-573-2271

Smoke Outlooks: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook

July 30, 2024

**Diamond Complex and Middle Fork fire Q & A session at Diamond Lake Resort, 12:00 pm, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Fire staff on hand to answer community questions.**

The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest is estimated at 5,188 acres and 9% contained and Middle Fork is 715 acres and 1% contained, within Crater Lake National Park. The park remains open. There are fire personnel in the area, so visitors should use caution when traveling within the park. 

The Umpqua National Forest increased Public Use Restrictions to Level 3 across all ranger districts of the forest today in response to the drying conditions and increased fire activity. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3xIZZdK. Broken Arrow, Diamond Lake, and Thielsen View Campgrounds are open and taking reservations through www.recreation.gov 

The Trail fire, east of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, is 826 acres and 25% contained. Yesterday, aircraft dropped buckets of water along the northeastern flank. Firefighters continue to secure the line and mop up along the north and south flanks of the fire, creating depth from the control line by removing unwanted fuels.

The Lemolo fire, north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, is 804 acres and 0% contained. Firefighters worked to contain the fire on the east side of FS Road 700. Firefighters conducted a small burnout operation along the northern flank where crews will now prep line west and south down to the Lemolo Road.

The Pine Bench fire, north of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, is 1,981 acres and 0% contained. Crews continue to hold and mop up along the FS 4775 road where a burn out operation occurred.  Firefighters will prep the northeast flank for potential future strategic burns.

The Rough fire, two miles south of Hwy 138, is 11 acres and 0% contained. Rappelers continue removing snags and creating safer conditions so crews can engage and begin creating a fuel break.

Crews on both the Watson fire, 233 acres and 50% contained, and Loafer fire, 34 acres and 50% contained, will complete direct line construction and hose lay.  Crews are working to mitigate the snags  and thick duff layer that exists within these fires.

Bear Trap, 64 acres and 10% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain now has a control line around the entire fire so crews will begin mop up and patrol.

The Pig Iron fire, near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, is 27 acres and 95% contained. Aircraft dropped more than 10,000 gallons of water where the fire crossed a small portion of the western flank control line Sunday. Firefighters are confident the fire will stay in its current footprint.

Other fires within the complex consist of:  Brodie, 116 acres and 0% contained,  about 5 miles south of Hwy 138 and south of Devils Canyon; Trep, 129 acres and 0% contained, about 4 miles south of Hwy 138; Garwood, 5 acres and 95% contained, about 3 miles southwest of Mt. Bailey; Slide, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, northeast of Pine Bench; Potter, 690 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain; Ooya, 186 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point; Clearwater, 0.7 acre and 100% contained, south of Hwy 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Elephant, 0.7 acres and 95% contained, 2 miles southwest of Lemolo Lake; Lost Bear, 0.1 acres and 0% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138; Lost, 22 acres and 0% contained, 4 miles south of Hwy 138;  Sheep, 0.3 acres and 95% contained, 3 miles north of Diamond Lake; Thin, 0.6  acre and 90% contained, four miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Trap, 13 acres and 0% contained, 1 mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain;; Campwood, 19 acres and 0% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138;  Birds, 0.1 acres and 100% contained; Wood, 23 acres and 0% contains, 2 miles south of Hwy 138, Mowich, 0.4 acre and 95% contained, 1 mile north of Hwy 138, Toolbox, 0.1 acres and 0% contained, and Canal, 1 acre and 0% contained.

The Middle Fork fire is located in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park. Firefighters completed line yesterday along the western flank. This line is now the holding feature to check potential fire spread west towards the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest.  Firefighters continue working on a control line from both the east and west to the Junction of the Bald Crater Loop Trail.  

Weather: Today will be mostly cloudy with patchy fog in the morning and a slight chance of rain early morning then clearing through the afternoon.  Temperatures in the low to mid 70’s with increased relative humidity in the 40-50% range is forecast for today.  Ridgetops winds will be around 20 mph but fire behavior should remain moderate. 

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior should be limited to backing, flanking, creeping and smoldering, especially under the canopy.  Torching is possible but unlikely today.  Fire behavior may change throughout the day as smoke and cloud shading changes. 

Smoke Outlook: Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations.  For the most up to date information, please visit www.fire.airnow.gov 

Closures and Evacuations: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impact all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at Very High and Public Use Restrictions are set at Level 3: https://bit.ly/3xIZZdK.    

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the evacuation order for the Trail fire from a Level 2: BE SET  to a Level  1: Get Ready, but the Level 3: GO NOW remains in effect for the Trail fire east of Hwy 138. The Level 2: BE SET and Level 3: GO NOW evacuations for the Lemolo fire remain in place. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For more information visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations.  

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

SPRINGFIELD, OREGON

ORDER # 06-18-10-24-22

FOREST ORDER

CHALK FIRE EMERGENCY AREA CLOSURE

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (“NFS”) areas, roads, and trails described below within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. Refer to exhibit A for the map and exhibit B for trails, and recreation sites that are closed. Also note the segment of road outside of the closure boundary that will be closed with this Order. This Order supersedes Forest Order # 06-18-10-24-20 and is effective from July 29, 2024 through November 15, 2024, unless otherwise rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Being on the road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e)

2. Being on a trail 36 CFR § 261.55(a)

3. Entering into or being upon National Forest System Lands closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)

CLOSURE AREA:

The closure area is located within the State of Oregon, Lane County, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closure applies to the NFS areas, roads, and trails and trailheads described below. The closure area is depicted on the attached map, which is incorporated into this order as “Exhibit A”. All areas, roads, trails, campgrounds, and rec sites in this closure area are closed. All roads forming the boundary of the closure area are included in the closure including FS Road 19. Recreation sites, trails and campgrounds closed by this order are depicted in “Exhibit B”.

Area Closure Description

The Area Closure boundary begins at the junction of Forest Service (FS) Road 19 and FS Road 1910, then continues due east to the Willamette National Forest ownership boundary in Township 20 S, Range 3 E, Section 33. The closure boundary follows the Forest boundary east to its junction with FS Road 1928, then follows FS Road 1928 east to its junction with FS Road 1931. The closure boundary proceeds northeast along FS Road 1931 to its junction with FS Road 1934, then follows FS Road 1934 north to its junction with FS Road 19. From the junction with FS Road 1934 and FS Road 19 the closure boundary proceeds west on FS Road 19 to its junction with FS Road 1926, then follows FS Road 1926 north-northeast until its junction with FS Road 1846, then proceeds southwest on FS Road 1846 until the junction with FS Road 1925. The boundary then follows FS Road 1925 west to its junction with FS Road 1912-646, then proceeds west on FS Road 1925-646 to its junction with FS Road 1912. The closure boundary then follows FS Road 1912 south-southwest to its junction with FS Road 1825 then briefly follows FS Road 1825 west to the Alpine Trail Segment 5 (#3450.5) Trailhead. The closure then follows the Alpine Trail (#3450) south to its junction with FS Road 1912 then follows FS Road 1912 west to its junction with FS 1911 and proceeds west along FS 1911 to the Alpine Trail Segment 3(#3450.3) Trailhead(Windy Pass) . The closure boundary follows the Alpine Trail (#3450) south to its junction with FS Road 1910-683 then follows FS Road 1910- 683 north-northeast to its origin on FS Road 1910. The closure boundary then follows FS Road 1910 east-southeast then west to its junction with FS Road 1910 and the origin point of the closure boundary.

• The segment of FS Road 19 from the junction of FS Road 1934 to its junction with FS Road 1957 is closed.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1) and (4), 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 for this Order.

(2) Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3551, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Springfield, Oregon on this 29th day of July, 2024. 

Duane Bishop

Forest Supervisor

Willamette National Forest

Chalk Fire Closure Exhibit B ClosureNumber 06-18-10-24-22 Willamette National Forest

Closed NFS Trails:

3450.3 Alpine Segment #3

3450.4 Alpine Segment#4

3450.5 Alpine Segment #5

3573 Huckleberry Lake

3573.1 Huckleberry Lookout

3666.2 North Fork Segment #2

3666.3 North Fork Segment #3

Closed NFS Campgrounds and Rec Sites:

Alpine Segment #3 (Windy Pass) Trailhead

Alpine Segment #4 (FS Road 1912-143) Trailhead

Alpine Segment #5 (FS Road 1825) Trailhead

Box Canyon (South) Trailhead

Constitution Grove Trailhead

Huckleberry Flats OHV OHV Area

Huckleberry Lake Trailhead

Huckleberry Lookout Trailhead

Kiahanie Campground

North Fork Segment #2 (FS Road 1910) Trailhead

North Fork Segment #2 (FS Road 1912) Trailhead

North Fork Segment #3 (FS Road 1919) Trailhead

North Fork Segment #3 (FS Road 1920) Trailhead

North Fork Segment #5 (FS Road 1944) Trailhead

North Fork Segment #5 (Shale Ridge) Trailhead

Shale Ridge Trailhead

Winding Waters Complex Morning Update July 30, 2024

Winding Waters Complex Command transfers to the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2

WALLOWA, Ore. – This morning the Blue Mountain Interagency Type 3 Team, under the command of JB Brock, transferred command of the Winding Waters Complex to the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 (ODF IMT 2). Yesterday, the Blue Mountain Interagency Team and ODF IMT2 shared information and updates to ensure that the transfer of command was seamless. “Brock’s team,” said Incident Commander Matt Howard, “put in a hero’s effort. Good work has been going on out there. Last night’s precipitation helped, but once the high pressure returns and temperatures rise, those conditions will test the work that has been accomplished to date. The Winding Waters Complex is comprised of the following fires:

Big Canyon: 288 Acres

Charlie Brown: 69 Acres

Courtney Creek: 59 Acres

Mountain View: 318 Acres

Water: 18.5 Acres

Last night, all available crews were assigned to the Big Canyon fire, where they focused on reinforcing the anchor point on the north end of the fire.  Today, firefighters will take advantage of the moderating weather to tighten fire lines on the south end of the Big Canyon fire in Chestnut Creek. Firefighters working on the remaining four fires in the complex will continue to secure and strengthen fire lines.

Public use and industrial restrictions remain in effect on both ODF and USFS jurisdictions. Above normal temperatures are forecast to return by Thursday.

Contact Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541) 963-7171 or dial 9-1-1 to report a fire or smoke. Stay informed about current fire-related updates in the Blue Mountains by visiting http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/

7-30-24 Update for Swawilla and Bridge Creek Fires

• EVACUATIONS:  Please see the map for updated evacuation areas. An evacuation center located at the Republic Fairgrounds is still accepting evacuees. For questions on evacuations contact the Colville Confederated Tribes EOC– (509) 634-7350.

• Closed/Open Roads (see Quick Facts charts for specifics):

  • Bridge Creek Road is open.

  • Peter Dan Road/Manilla Creek Road and Buffalo Lake Road are open to local resident traffic only. 

  • Keno Mine Road is closed

  • SanPoil Road is closed

  • 30 Mile Road is closed

  • All roads within the fire area are closed, except those that are listed as open to local resident traffic only.

Swawilla Fire

Yesterday, fire crews continued structure protection in and around Keller while primary and secondary control lines were prepped and refined. Primary containment lines are built along Jack Creek Road with a secondary dozer line in the Empire Creek Road corridor. A dozer line has been constructed from the west side of Keller to State Highway 21 which will support a controlled burn operation of approximately 3,000 acres to tie off the head of the fire around Keller. These operations will start today and continue into tonight and Wednesday night. Control lines along edges of the burnout will be ignited with drip torches, while an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS/drone) will be used for safe interior ignition. 

Fire managers are taking advantage of better weather, and areas that have had previous fuel treatments, to conduct this operation before temperatures increase and good weather conditions decline mid-week. Structure protection remains a high priority around the Keller area.  

A containment line of dozer and hand lines has been completed around the southern perimeter of the fire from the Peter Dan Road around to the Manilla Creek Road. Crews are holding this line with mop up and patrol.  

Bridge Creek Wildfire

The 30 Mile Road remains closed where firefighters are conducting burning operations along the northern border of the fire. A UAS will be used this morning to pinpoint hot areas close to the fireline. 

Fire Weather 

The forecast for Tuesday is expected to bring cooler temperatures, substantial cloud-cover, increased humidity, possibly some light showers and a slight risk of a thunderstorm with a chance of 20 mph gusts. Fire activity will pick up around 6 pm today. Wednesday, and into the weekend, a warming trend with much warmer and drier conditions will develop. This shift in conditions may bring more active fire behavior again, especially on the north edge of the fire.  

Safety Message

Smoke will increase in the area over the next few days due to the controlled  burning operation, impacting driving visibility. Please slow down and be extra cautious. 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, or from, the fires. There is a considerable amount of firefighting traffic and equipment moving slowly along roads. 

Boaters should avoid emergency firefighting aircrafts using any waterbody to acquire water to suppress fires. 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/, https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV, https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts

Durkee Fire Update for Tuesday, July 30, 2024

DURKEE FIRE

• Size: 293,390 acres                             
• Containment: 51%                
• Location: 1 mile west of Durkee, OR
• Start Date: July 17, 2024                   
• Personnel: 491
• Cause: Lightning

The Gold Team thanks everyone who attended the public meeting yesterday in Baker City. A recording is available on the Durkee Fire Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DurkeeFire. 

Current Situation

The reported increase in acres on the fire is due to more accurate mapping. 

Although yesterday’s rain was beneficial, it was not enough to extinguish heat on the fire. On the fire’s north side, firefighters patrolled and mopped up areas where strategic firing operations took place the previous day. They received support from helicopters that performed bucket drops and an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS or drone) to identify heat sources. Strategic firing operations in Dark Canyon proved difficult due to the weather; however, those same conditions allowed firefighters to engage directly with the fire in this area. Firefighters mopped up hot spots near Deep Canyon, Bridgeport, Lime and the I-84 corridor and in other areas of the fire. They patrolled control lines in the Shirttail area to ensure they were cold and removed some structure protection equipment there. Crews started a mastication project along Road 11 to create a secondary fuel break on the north side of the fire based on local specifications and engagement with resource advisors and archaeologists. 

Today, firefighters will seek out opportunities to resume strategic firing operations on the fire’s north side if weather permits. If not, they will work to finish direct line there and continue cleaning up lines, especially near steep hillsides where rolling logs could threaten containment. 

Near Bridgeport firefighters will finish ground truthing the line to ensure it will hold. They will also repair the dozer line. Crews will continue patrolling and mopping up remaining heat throughout the fire area to strengthen containment lines. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Yesterday’s weak cold front produced about 0.02-0.04 inches of rain across the fire which should reduce fire behavior today. Relative humidity is 80-90% this morning and clouds will remain until early afternoon. Minimum relative humidity is expected to be about 30-35% today. Northwest winds in the morning will turn southwest in the afternoon before returning to the northwest this evening. Highs will reach the mid-80s to lower 90s with triple digit temperatures expected to return Thursday through the weekend. 

Evacuations

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office reduced evacuation levels to Level 2 (BE SET) for Rye Valley Lane and Mormon Basin Road south to the Baker County line. All other evacuation levels remain the same.

The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069245917855) and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064434892363) have issued evacuation orders for multiple areas during the Durkee Fire. Please stay tuned to their Facebook pages for the latest information.

Residents in Level 3 Evacuations “GO NOW” should leave immediately and not return to their property until evacuation levels are lowered. Carry enough supplies to support you and your family for multiple days. A real-time map of fire evacuations is available on the State of Oregon Fire Dashboard (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html?appid=22d04c007866419c91ccf00d097526c8).

Closures:

• The Baker County Sheriff's Office has closed Burnt River Canyon Road to non-local, non-emergency traffic.
• I-84 and other highways: Please go to tripcheck.comfor current road closures as the situation is dynamic and subject to change.
• A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County (https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices), and all Bureau of Land Management lands in Malheur and Baker counties.
• A temporary flight restriction remains in effect over the Durkee Fire. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6061.html. Please remember, if you fly we can’t! If a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aircraft will be grounded.

Additional Resources:

• For current air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.
• Weather and fire behavior could impact transportation, power transmission, cell service and other utilities. Monitor IdahoPower.com for information.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

SPRINGFIELD, OREGON

ORDER # 06-18-00-24-27

FOREST ORDER

Temporary Fire Restrictions

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all areas, roads, and trails within the Willamette National Forest. This Order supersedes order 06- 18-00-24-12. This Order is effective July 31, 2024 through November 30, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.

CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION:

These prohibitions apply to all areas, roads, and trails within the Willamette National Forest.

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including a charcoal, wood, or coal fire. 36 CFR § 261.52(a). However, as noted in the Exemptions section below, pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are allowed.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).

3. Operating an internal combustion engine; including but not limited to generators and chainsaws, except in areas devoid of vegetation and those located inside of buildings. 36 CFR § 261.52(h).

4. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(i).

5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads. 36 CFR § 261.56. “Vehicle” means any device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported, including any frame, chassis, or body of any motor vehicle, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 36 CFR § 261.2.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following 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.

(2) Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

(3) Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are permitted.

(4) The Santiam OHV area remain open to motor vehicle use.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Springfield, Oregon, on this 25 day of July 2024.

Duane Bishop

Acting Forest

Supervisor Willamette National Forest

Borel Fire:  57,306 acres - 17% contained

Total Personnel: 1,352

For more information on the SQF Lightning Fires, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning

Current Situation: The Borel Fire has burned over 57,306 acres in five days. As fire crews come off the line this morning, others who are rested and ready to battle the fire will replace them. The Borel Fire has burned with extreme intensity and negatively impacted communities. In its aftermath, thorough inspections of all damaged or destroyed structures will be conducted, ensuring every affected home and structure is carefully documented. This compassionate approach will help us make informed decisions for swift and efficient recovery, providing the necessary resources and support to those in need. Ensuring the safety of residents and protecting property remain top priorities. KRN-100-B, 102-B, 419 and 744 have been placed under an Evacuation Warning. Evacuation warnings and orders enhance safety for residents and allow emergency personnel to concentrate on controlling the fire. Residents can check the status of their zone using Genasys Protect's interactive map at tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9. The Borel fire is under a unified command led by the California Interagency Incident Management Team (CIIMT) 11, and the Kern County Fire Department.

Borel Fire: The Borel Fire has slowed its progression due to a change in fuel complexion as vegetation goes from dry grass to green brush as well as mountains, rocky terrain to the east. The southern edge of the fire is north of Walker Basin, where crews constructed handline to hold the fire in its current footprint. In the northern section, crews used both direct and indirect tactics to establish a contingency line off of Kern Canyon Road, holding the fire south of Sandy Dip. On the eastern section of the fire, aerial resources, including helicopters and air tankers, are supporting ground crews in slowing the fires progression near Libel Peak. Firefighters are focusing on protecting structures and establishing containment lines around the most active fire fronts. Today, fire behavior is expected to be moderate with higher humidity and wind gust up to 25 mph on the peaks.

Trout Fire (23,369 acres - 33% containment): Fire growth was minimal on Monday with dry, warm and windy conditions. Crews to make progress in suppressing hot spots along the fires edge. On the southern perimeter, crews continue to camp near the fireline in the Domeland Wilderness to extinguish lingering areas of heat and construct fireline with hand tools from Sirretta Pass toward Smith Meadow.

Long Fire (9,204 acres - 95% containment): Fire activity remains minimal with containment at 95 percent.

Weather & Air Quality: Cooler, humid conditions are expected today with wind gusts up to 25 mph. Westerly winds will remain elevated on ridgetops throughout Sunday night. A daily smoke outlook is produced for communities affected by wildfire smoke: tinyurl.com/452x2uzr.

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. 0513-24-12. Lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Borel Fire are closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-14. Fire restrictions are in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. 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) or Burroughs High School (500 E French Ave, Ridgecrest). 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: State Route 178 is closed from 4.1 mi east of the junction of SR 184 to Democrat Springs. View the interactive Caltrans map for the most current road closure information: quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Portions of Caliente Bodfish Road are also closed. Visit the Kern County Public Works Department website for the most up to date information on county road closures (tinyurl.com/z6crvp6t)

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-734, KRN-735, KRN-736, KRN-737, KRN-738, KRN-739, KRN-740, KRN-741, KRN-742, KRN-743, KRN-747-A, KRN747-B and KRN-748.
• The following zones are under an evacuation warning: KRN-100-B, KRN-102-B, KRN- 419, KRN- 729, KRN-730, KRN-731, KRN-732, KRN-733, KRN-744, KRN-749, KRN-750 and KRN-752
• Tulare County has evacuation warnings and advisories in effect due to the Trout and Long Fires. The following zones are under an evacuation warning: TLC-E274-B and TLC-E261-B. The following zones are under an evacuation advisory: TLC-E297-A, TLC-E250, TLC-E274-A, and TLC-E261-A.