Los bomberos siguen manteniendo y asegurando más líneas de contención y las temperaturas serán un poco más leves

UKIAH, Ore.: Los bomberos junto con los equipos 1 y 3 del Departamento forestal de Oregón continúan avanzando entre los incendios del complejo Battle Mountain. Los equipos han construido más líneas de contención que están conectadas y reforzadas tanto en la zona I como en la II. Los leves cambios meteorológicos de hoy pueden poner a prueba algunas líneas, pero también ofrecerá una oportunidad para que los bomberos aseguren zonas que habían sido difíciles de controlar. El gran cambio se debe a la dirección del viento. Los vientos del oeste dominarán la zona de los incendios, que, sumados a la posibilidad de cielos despejados, podría ser una ayuda natural para bomberos y pilotos.

En la Zona I, los bomberos tuvieron una buena noche en general. En el extremo suroeste, los equipos pudieron realizar operaciones de quema estratégica para reforzar la línea entre el incendio y las viviendas dispersas en el área. Hoy, los bomberos neutralizarán estas zonas para reforzar las líneas, y las fuerzas especiales del Alguacil de incendios del estado de Oregón (OSFM, en inglés) continuarán las operaciones de protección de estructuras. Estas medidas también se realizarán en el noroeste. Los vientos del oeste que llegarán por la tarde podrían, de forma natural, ayudar a empujar el fuego lejos de la línea de contención y dirigirlo hacia el interior del incendio.

Al sur de la Zona I, los bomberos siguen manteniendo y reforzando la línea desde Monument hacia el este, y hoy concentrarán los esfuerzos en profundizar la centralización de estas zonas. Hacia el norte, los equipos continúan la construcción de las líneas. Gran parte de este terreno es de difícil acceso y la construcción de una línea sólida puede ser todo un desafío. Sin embargo, los equipos utilizaron operaciones de quema estratégica como una herramienta beneficiosa para detener el crecimiento del incendio.

En la Zona II, los bomberos aprovecharon las condiciones meteorológicas más suaves para aumentar los recursos y recortar la línea a lo largo del perímetro noreste para salvar unos 400 acres adicionales de terreno forestal. 

Tyler McCarty, comandante del incidente del equipo 3 de la ODF declaró que: “Esta es otra de las victorias que esperábamos alcanzar. Estamos muy orgullosos de los bomberos y de nuestro personal de operaciones por saber aprovechar esta oportunidad. Esto protegerá muchas viviendas de la zona, reducirá los acres afectados por el incendio y protegerá los recursos naturales de la comunidad”.

En el extremo sur del incendio, los equipos realizaron operaciones de quema para eliminar vegetación sin quemar, y utilizaron buldóceres en la Zona I, hacia el oeste, para minimizar el crecimiento.  

Por otra parte, en la Zona II, los bomberos lograron mantener y asegurar las líneas mientras extinguieron incendios más pequeños que eran detectados o aparecían en los cortafuegos. Los equipos comienzan las obras de neutralización en más áreas de la Zona II donde las líneas son más seguras. Asimismo, continuarán las actividades de neutralización en el incendio de North Fork Owens, al norte del incendio de Monkey Creek.

Evacuaciones: Se encuentran vigentes los niveles de evacuación 1 (Estar preparado), Nivel 2 (Preparado para evacuar) y Nivel 3 (Evacuar de inmediato). Para tener información actualizada, visite:

• Para el condado de Umatilla, siga en www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff o suscríbase al sistema de alertas de emergencia del condado de Umatilla en https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
• Para el condado de Grant, visite el sitio web RAPTOR arcgis o suscríbase para recibir alertas en: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.

Para el condado de Morrow, visite https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae 

Big Horn Fire

2:00 PM, July 28, 2024

Estimated size: 50,061 acres

Containment: 52%

Start Date/Time: 7/22/2024 at 1:07 PM

Area of Origin: 7 miles SE of Bickleton, WA

Cause: Undetermined                                          

Structures Damaged: 4

Update: With today’s cooler, but windier conditions, crews will continue to mop-up hot spots and will be working to improve already constructed containment lines and increase the percentage of containment.

Overnight operations had a night of cooler temperatures with minimal winds. Crews worked on several hot spots in the Alder Creek and Pine Creek drainages throughout the night. Nighttime operations bring the ability to better visualize some areas of smoldering fuels.

Today the fire will also be utilizing Unmanned Aviation Support (UAS) to help provide infrared analysis of different areas of the fire. This helps firefighting crews locate areas of high heat and threats to containment lines. Crews are also preparing for gusty winds throughout the day and are ready for hot spots that may cause problems.

Evacuation Levels: There is no change in evacuation levels. Please visit Klickitat County Emergency Management’s website or check Facebook for the most current information:

• https://www.klickitatcounty.org/249/Emergency-Management
• https://www.facebook.com/KlickitatDEM911

Road Closures: The west-bound shoulder of Highway 14 will be closed, please drive with caution as firefighters are working in the area. Alderdale Road from Linda Lane south to the intersection of Highway 14 remains closed.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cooler temps will prevail across the incident through the weekend. Winds are forecast to be 12 to 20 mph with gusts up to 28 mph later in the day.

Smoke: Satellite imagery shows large swaths of smoke across the region.  With the large number of fires in the Pacific NW and continued westerly flow, smoke impacts should be expected in central and eastern Washington through the weekend. New Air Quality Alerts are in place for Klickitat, Benton, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin counties. If you are near fire locations, please stay up to date on evacuation orders.

While there are no current air quality alerts for Klickitat County, communities close to active wildfires could see air quality worsen as the fire and wind conditions change. Critical fire weather continues across Central and Eastern Washington; please continue to recreate responsibly as any fire starts could spread quickly. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit: Washington Smoke Information (wasmoke.blogspot.com)

Resources: 34 engines, 11 water tenders, 4 dozers, 3 hand crews, 1 UAS module, 204 personnel total.

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Fire crews are working to keep the fire west of Highway 87. In an abundance of caution, ADOT is working on a closure for one southbound land on Hwy 87 for firefighter and public safety. The closure is from mile marker 209 to 213 or Sycamore Canyon to Dos S Ranch. Travelers need to be alerted to fire conditions and be prepared for firefighters and equipment working on the fire, as well as additional traffic and potential delays depending on today’s fire activity. 

Due to breezy conditions and abundant dry fuels, the Sand Stone Fire grew significantly Saturday, mostly to the north and east between Hwy 87 and the Verde River on the Cave Creek Ranger District. Today’s flight mapped the fire at 12,985 acres. There is 0% containment.   

Fire crews are working to keep the fire west of Highway 87. In an abundance of caution, ADOT is working on a closure for one southbound land on Hwy 87 for firefighter and public safety. The closure is from mile marker 209 to 213 or Sycamore Canyon to Dos S Ranch. Travelers need to be alerted to fire conditions and be prepared for firefighters and equipment working on the fire, as well as additional traffic and potential delays depending on today’s fire activity. 

Firefighters are being assisted by two helicopters and a large airtanker is arriving soon. Crews are working to protect private property in the fire vicinity and powerlines north of the fire and minimize impacts to natural resources. There are 60+ personnel assigned to the incident with more on their way, including Southwest Incident Management Team 4. This Team will assume command of the incident Monday morning. 

The forecast shows high temperatures from 100 to 105, humidity around 15%, wind gusts 15 to 20 mph and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Little to no thunderstorm activity is expected through the week.

Fire Update on the Boise National Forest 

Boise, Idaho – July 28, 2024 - The Boise National Forest continues to manage several fires resulting from the July 23 thunderstorm.  Fire crews and equipment are working toward full suppression on all incidents in the Forest. Firefighting efforts are focused on these fires:

Cascade Ranger District

Boulder Fire – The fire is at 200 acres. Its located 11 miles southwest of Cascade a mile below Tripod Peak Lookout. The area is steep terrain and sub-alpine fir. Firefighting resources include two hotshot crews, two helicopters and one engine.  Additional crews and aerial resources have been ordered. 

Lowman Ranger District

Wapiti Fire – The fire is at 50 acres with zero percent containment. The fire is two miles southwest of Grandjean. The fire has 60 firefighters on-site and helicopter support. Steep terrain is making access difficult. Boise County Sherrif’s Office evacuated Grandjean residents yesterday. A closure order for public safety was issued for the Grandjean area. Closure map is below or on the Boise NF Facebook page:   https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1196861.pdf

Bull Trout Fire – At 100 acres the fire is located on rough and steep ground. It is 35 miles northeast of Lowman adjacent to State Highway 21. Fire crews are working toward containment and are receiving aerial support. A closure order for public safety was issued encompassing the Bull Trout Lake area. Closure map is below or on the Boise NF Facebook page. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1196859.pdf

Idaho City Ranger District

Sunset Fire – Fire crews are holding at under 24 acres with 25 percent containment. Crews are downsizing.  Rabbit Creek road remains open to the public. Please be aware of firefighter vehicles and activity in the area. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. 

Emmett Ranger District & Mountain Home Ranger District – No new fires reported

Closures: Bull Trout Fire and Wapiti Fire have forest closures in effect. See - https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices - under the Lowman Ranger District.

Fire Restrictions: Currently there are no fire restrictions in effect.

Smoke: Smoke from the wildfires may affect the overall air quality of this area. For information on smoke impacts to air quality, visit http://www.airnow.gov

Boise National Forest Fire Info Hot Line - (208) 384-3266.

Contact: Dave Walsh, Fire Information Officer, (208) 373-4105, david.walsh@usda.gov

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EMERGENCY PUBLIC LANDS CLOSURE

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District, Oregon.

ACTION: Temporary Closure of Public Lands

SUMMARY: This notice supercedes the emergency closure of BLM-administered public lands in the Prineville District Office issued on July 20, 2024, near the Lone Rock and Battle Mountain Complex Fires. Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides notice that effective immediately, the public lands described below are closed to all forms of public access. The BLM is closing public lands to reduce conflicts with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression and to ensure public safety, land health, and resource integrity.

AFFECTED AREA: Lands in Grant County in the following described area:

• All BLM-administered public lands along and near the North Fork John Day River corridor from Monument, OR to Dale, OR, located in the following townships:

  • T. 06 S., Rgs. 28, 29, 30, 31 E.
    T. 07 S., Rgs. 27, 28, 29, 30 E.
    T. 08 S., Rgs. 28, 29, 30 E.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Prineville District Front Desk, at 541-416-6700 or BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov. This notice and the removal of closure notice will be available online.

DISCUSSION OF THE RULES: All uses within the area are prohibited. Exceptions to these prohibitions are noted below under Exemptions. Incidents of dangerous fire behavior have been observed throughout the District.

EXEMPTIONS: The following persons are exempt from the provisions of this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized medical, rescue or firefighting force engaged in fire, emergency, or law enforcement activities, or public utility employees engaged in emergency repairs.
2. BLM employees, contractors, or agents engaged in official duties.
3. Individuals operating within the scope of their official and legitimate governmental duties.]
4. Individuals with valid existing rights for access (e.g., Reciprocal and Unilateral Right of Way agreement holders, permittees or lease holders, or internal landowners); and
5. Parties who carry written approval by the BLM Authorized Officer (Field Manager or District Manager) allowing access to the described public lands.

PENALTIES: Any person who violates this may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or both. Vehicles found in violation of this order may be removed.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following prohibitions are established within the Heppner and North Fork John Day Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest within the area described below and shown on Exhibit A. This order supersedes Forest Order 06-14-02-24-02, 06-14-05-24-01 and 06-14-05-24-03 and is effective on August 12, 2024, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS 

1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).
2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e).
3. Being in a National Forest System Trail. 36 CFR § 261.55(a)

HEPPNER AND NORTH FORK JOHN DAY FIRE CLOSURE AREA 

The area within the following boundary: 

Starting at the Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District where it meets with Ranger District Boundary between NFJD and Heppner Ranger Districts in T. 6 S., R. 29 E., Section 32 follow the Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District West until you meet the junction of Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District and Forest Service Road 53 at T. 4 S., R. 28 E., Section 27 turn South following FSR 53 until you reach the junction where FSR 53 meets with the Proclaimed Boundary of North Fork John Day Ranger District at T. 4 S., R. 30 E., Section 34, turn South following the boundary of the NFJD Ranger District until you reach the starting point at the Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District where it meets with Ranger District Boundary between NFJD and Heppner Ranger Districts in T. 6 S., R. 29 E., Section 32. 

Also included in this order is the following boundary: 

All land on the west side of US-395 in the Proclaimed Boundary for North Fork John Day Ranger District located in T. 7 S., R. 31 E. 
All U.S. Forest Service boundary lands, trails and roads will be closed EXCEPT Forest Service Road 53. This order does not affect county, state or other federal services lands, trails and roads. 

EXEMPTIONS 

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 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 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. Forest Service employees performing official duties.

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 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581). 

Executed in Pendleton, Oregon this 12th day of August 2024. 

The area within the following boundary:

Starting at the Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District where it meets with Ranger District Boundary between NFJD and Heppner Ranger Districts in T. 6 S., R. 29 E., Section 32 follow the Ranger District Boundary North until you meet the Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District turn west following the Proclaimed Boundary around until you reach the starting point at the Proclaimed Boundary of Heppner Ranger District were it meets with Ranger District Boundary between NFJD and Heppner Ranger Districts in T. 6 S., R. 29 E., Section 32