Operational Update for the Watch and Buckhorn Fires for Friday, 19, 2024, provided by John McLaughlin, Plannings Operations Trainee for Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2.  Also available in Apache! As presented by Shelly Swift. 

Available now on the San Carlos Apache Forest Resources Program-Foresty Facebook page! See below for links to both videos. 

Complex Incident Management California Team 4 will assume command of the incident at 6:00pm today, July 19, 2024, in unified command with CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2

Current Situation:

Yesterday, spot fires along Friday Ridge were successfully contained. Firing operations were completed along Route 1, reinforcing that road as a potential containment line. Crews constructed direct and indirect dozer line along the south and southwest corner of the fire and continued to scout along the west side of the fire for opportunities to go direct. 

Today firefighters will continue with firing operations along Route 1 to reinforce that potential containment line. Crews will mop-up the spot fires to the north to ensure they stay within the footprint of their fire perimeters. Crews will also continue scouting to the north and east of the fire for opportunities to go direct or possibly indirect depending on potential risk to firefighter safety. As a precaution, a structure protection group will be assessing structure protection needs within the communities of Friday Ridge, Willow Creek and South Fork Road. Air resources continue to perform water and retardant drops along the perimeter of the fire. Despite commercial airline disruptions, incident air operations will not be impacted. 

Fire weather includes low humidity recovery along the ridgetops, continued dry conditions, with temperatures in the 80’s along the ridgetops. Winds will be north and northwesterly with gusts up to 10-15 mph during the day.

Fire behavior is expected to be relatively moderate, similar to yesterday with flanking and backing activity to the north. The north side of the fire is burning within the footprint of Ammons fire where the fuels are sparse which results in minimal fire behavior in that area. There is potential for growth to the south of the fire due to the north/northwesterly winds. 

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation order and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtSheriff and https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies. Conditions are subject to change at any time, visit https://protect.genasys.com/search for a full zone description. 

Sign up for Humboldt Alert emergency notifications at https://humboldtgov.org/2014/Emergency-Notifications

Closures:

Forest Closure Order currently in effect for the area impacted by the Hill Fire. It is temporarily prohibited to be on any national forest system land, trail, or road within the closure area. To view the closure order and map of closure area visit the following link www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1191963.pdf

Road closures are currently in place on Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Service Route 6N06, Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N01 and Friday Fridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N04. For updated road closure information, visit protect.genasys.com or humboldtsheriff.org/emergency.

Fire Restrictions:

Forest fire restrictions currently in effect across the Six Rivers National Forest. Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1188610.pdf. 

Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also have restrictions in place.

Inicio del Incendio del Lago: viernes, 5 de julio de 2024 a las 3:48 p.m.

Causa: Bajo investigación

Localización: Cerca del lago Zaca, en el condado de Santa Barbara, al norte de Los Olivos, California.

Tamaño en el momento de la actualización: 38.663 acres
Contención: 73%

Personal: 2.055

Detalles completos del incidente: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-2024-lake-fire

Informe de Incendios de la Zona Norte: El Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes Complejos de California 2 (CA-CIMT2) ha llegado al Incendio Lake y se reunirá hoy con el CA-CIMT13 saliente, antes de asumir el mando del Incendio Lake a las 7 p.m. de esta noche. Un sistema aéreo no tripulado (UAS) fue volado de nuevo ayer para ayudar a los equipos en la localización y extinción de puntos calientes y brasas ardientes. Los vientos cambiantes y una advertencia de calor excesivo pueden aumentar la actividad y el humo visible desde dentro del perímetro del incendio. Las cuadrillas siguen trabajando para asegurar que el fuego no se escape del perímetro existente. La desmovilización o reasignación de recursos continuará a medida que las cuadrillas completen sus tareas y el incendio aumente su contención.

Zona Sur: La reparación de extinción de incendios continúa en la Zona Sur. Pequeñas ocurrencias aisladas de calor permanecen en el interior. Para obtener información más detallada relacionada con el Incendio Lake, visite la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Santa Barbara.

Previsión para el viernes: Se esperan las condiciones más calurosas y secas en lo que va de semana con máximas en los mediados de los 90 a cerca de 100 bajo pleno sol. Habrá bajos niveles de humedad en todo el incendio.

Donaciones: Agradecemos el apoyo de la comunidad. Pedimos que cualquier donación o esfuerzo voluntario se dirija a los bancos de alimentos locales para ayudar a la comunidad. Los puestos de Comando de Incidentes de Lake Fire no pueden aceptar donaciones.

Cierre del área del incendio del lago: Los caminos y senderos dentro del cierre están cerrados. Consulte la Orden de Cierre y el Mapa de Orden de Cierre.  Esto permanecerá en vigor hasta el 18 de agosto de 2024, o hasta que sea revisado o rescindido.

Humo: A medida que mejoran las condiciones de calidad del aire, el Distrito de Control de la Contaminación del Aire del Condado de Santa Barbara (APCD por sus siglas en inglés) - Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Santa Barbara y el Distrito de Control de la Contaminación del Aire del Condado de Santa Barbara (APCD por sus siglas en inglés) han levantado la Alerta de Calidad del Aire en el Valle de Santa Ynez. La vigilancia de la calidad del aire se mantendrá en todo el condado, y las condiciones de calidad del aire se prevé que sea buena a moderada en todo el condado.

Áreas de evacuación: El Sheriff del Condado de Santa Barbara ha reducido algunas de las órdenes de evacuación y advertencias.  Vea las actualizaciones más recientes: https://www.readysbc.org/4275/Lake-Fire-Incident---July-2024. Regístrese para recibir alertas de emergencia en ReadySBC.org. 

Cierre de carreteras: Visite el Mapa de Cierre de Carreteras del Condado para más detalles.

• Happy Canyon Road en el límite del Servicio Forestal
• Montaña Figueroa justo al norte de la escuela Midland
• Ruta forestal 10N06 
• Zaca Lake Road al este de Foxen Canyon Road.

CURRENT EVACUATION LEVELS FOR THE DURKEE FIRE-

Level 3 (GO NOW) has been issued for the Rye Valley area. Baker County Sheriff's Office personnel is in the area notifying residents.

Lake Fire Start: Friday, July 5, 2024 at 3:48 p.m.

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Near Zaca Lake in Santa Barbara County, north of Los Olivos, California

Size at time of update: 38,663 acres
Containment: 73%

Personnel: 2,055

Full Incident Details: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-2024-lake-fire

North Zone Fire Report: California Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CA-CIMT2) has arrived at the Lake Fire and will shadow with outgoing CA-CIMT13 today, before assuming command of the Lake Fire at 7 p.m. tonight. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was flown again yesterday to assist crews in locating and extinguishing hotspots and smoldering embers. Shifting winds and an Excessive Heat Warning may increase activity and visible smoke from within the fire perimeter. Crews continue working to ensure the fire does not escape the existing perimeter. Demobilization or reassignment of resources will continue as crews complete their tasks and the fire increases in containment.

South Zone: Fire suppression repair continues in the South Zone. Small, isolated occurrences of heat remain interior. For more detailed information related to the Lake Fire, visit the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.

Forecast for Friday: Expect the warmest and driest conditions so far this week with highs in the mid-90s to near 100 under full sunshine. There will be low humidity levels across the fire.

Donations: We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that any donations or volunteer efforts be directed to local food banks to assist the community. Lake Fire Incident Command posts cannot accept donations.

Lake Fire Area Closure: Roads and trails within the closure are closed. Refer to the Closure Order & Closure Order Map.  This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

Smoke: As air quality conditions improve, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) —Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have lifted the Air Quality Alert in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Air Quality Watch will remain in place countywide, and air quality conditions are forecasted to be good to moderate throughout the county.

Evacuation Areas: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff has reduced some of the evacuation orders and warnings.  See the most recent updates: https://www.readysbc.org/4275/Lake-Fire-Incident---July-2024. Register for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.

Road Closures: Visit the County Road Closure Map for details.

• Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Service Boundary
• Figueroa Mountain just north of Midland School
• Forest Route 10N06 
• Zaca Lake Road east of Foxen Canyon Road. 

Fire

Both Fires were very active yesterday with the Trout Fire being the largest smoke producer of the two. Large fire growth is possible as the atmosphere becomes increasingly unstable. The Trout Fire is now at 10,489 acres, with 0% containment. The Long Fire is now at 6,861 acres and 0% containment. Both Acorn (5 acres, 95% containment) and Packsaddle Fires (47 acres, 95% containment) remain unchanged.

Smoke

Background levels of smoke along the front range of the Sierra Nevada will likely increase starting this evening and be slow to mix out on Saturday morning. By Sunday morning, smoke will lessen in the foothill communities but increase in the Owens Valley and northward along Highway 395.

View the PDF below for the full outlook and air-quality information.

Falls Fire Update for July 19, 2024  

Quick Facts: 

Size: 114,236 Start Date: July 10, 2024 Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, Oregon 

Containment: 10% Total Personnel: 1,588 Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Structures Triaged: Residences: 228; Commercial: 37; Outbuildings: 349 

Resources Assigned: 48 hand crews, 61 engines, 27 bulldozers, and 25 water tenders 

Aerial resources available to the fire: two helicopters, and four single-engine air tankers (SEATs).

Fire growth on the Falls Fire was moderated by a persistent heavy smoke layer keeping wind and temperatures lower over the fire area. Night shift and day shift operations have been working in tandem to establish control lines and minimize fire growth. The fire is burning approximately 13 miles north of Burns, 11 miles southwest of Seneca, 7.5 miles south of Izee, and 3 miles west of Highway (Hwy) 395.

Yesterday, firefighters on night and day shift took advantage of moderated fire behavior to make headway on new line construction and continue mop-up operations. In the northwest area of the fire, resources were able to construct direct line with hand crews over to Burnt Mountain. Other direct dozer line work occurred along FSR 68 to secure small spot fires. A tree felling module worked along FSR 68 in preparation for planned tactical burnout operations intended to reinforce control lines by removing unburned fuel between the fire edge and control lines.  Fire crews and equipment continued to establish control line along the northern flank of the fire where conditions allowed for safe operations. In the northeast corner, the two spot fires that started yesterday on the east side of FSR 31, just south of Myrtle Park Meadows, resulted in about a 200 acre slop-over. Crews and dozers worked to build line to tie it back into FSR 31. Mop-up operations have begun on the slop-over. At the southeastern corner of the fire, dozer line construction is nearly complete and holding and mop-up operations are underway.  Control lines along much of the south and west portions of the fire, along FSR 43, continue to hold firm as mop-up operations continue.  Throughout the northern and eastern edges of the fire OSFM task forces continued structural prep and tactical patrols, and building upon progress made during day shift.

In conjunction with wildland resources, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) crews are providing structural protection around the clock to the communities of Izee, Silvies Ranch, Seneca, Lone Pine, and the surrounding areas. These crews are utilizing a combination of tactics to minimize the risk to structures. Structure crews support wildland operations during construction of dozer line, strategic firing operations. They perform structural triage, and surface prep. Surface prep includes mitigation tactics such as clearing away receptive fuels and relocating flammable items to areas outside the preparation perimeter.  Additional structure crews are conducting point protection of homes, tactical patrols along the edge of the fire and expanding scouted areas.

Today, in the northwest corner of the fire, operations will continue constructing and securing direct dozer line along FSR 4785, as well as an alternative contingency line on FSR 4781 Road out to Snow Mountain. Dozer work will also continue along FSR 68. Along the eastern portion of the northern flank of the fire, dozer and handline will be constructed with the objective of tying in line around Burnt Mountain. Crews will continue to hold, improve, and mop-up control lines along the westerly and southern areas of the fire. On the northeastern portion of the fire, just south of Myrtle Park Meadows, work will continue on the two-day old 200 acre slop-over. In the southeast corner of the fire, work will continue on securing dozer line and mopping-up hotspots in the Red Hill area.

This morning, two California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) strike teams joined OSFM task forces continued structural prep and tactical patrols throughout the northern and eastern edges of the fire, building upon progress made during day shift.

Today, fire weather is predicted to be similar to yesterday – warm but less windy, being influence by a persistent heavy smoke layer.  These conditions may moderate fire behavior and help firefighters to make progress on containing the fire. Temperature highs may reach 97 degrees and humidity will be low.  A Heat Advisory is predicted for the area starting Saturday and extending into Monday with temperatures possibly over 100 degrees.

Evacuation notices remain in effect in Grant and Harney Counties. 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.

The Malheur National Forest issued a fire area closure. A detailed map and additional information about the fire area closure are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1189259. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area.

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  

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

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

Durkee, Cow Valley, and Bonita Fires Update for Friday, July 19, 2024

541-208-4371, staffed 7a.m. to 7 p.m. MDT

2024.cowvalley@firenet.gov

DURKEE FIRE: Start date: July 17, 2024 | Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR | Personnel: 88 | Fire size: 2,699 acres | Cause: Lightning |Containment: 0%

Yesterday, fire personnel worked quickly to develop a strategic plan to engage and suppress the Durkee Fire. The structure protection group was formed and has started structure assessments.  Firefighters were able to make progress in partnership with local Rangeland Fire Protection Associations on creating firelines. 

Aviation was used to help minimize fire behavior supporting crews on the ground. Throughout the day, there were about 14 aircraft dropping water and retardant helping to slow the fire so crews on the ground could make progress. Overnight, there was not much fire spread to the north, but the fire did spread about 5 miles to the south into Rye Valley. 

Today, firefighters will be working to establish control points to keep the fire south of Burnt River. The fire is expected to be active today because of hot, dry, and breezy weather. Fire personnel will continue to use aviation and work to establish primary and secondary firelines. 

COW VALLEY FIRE:  Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 303 | Fire size: 133,408 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 77%

Firefighters working on the Cow Valley are patrolling to find any pockets of heat to extinguish. No fire spread is expected, and fire behavior is characterized as smoldering. 

BONITA FIRE: Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles south east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 0 | Fire size: 2,727 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 90%

Minimal fire behavior has been observed due to suppression efforts, containment features and fuel consumption. 

NEWS RELEASE

Oregon/Washington BLM Vale District

Media Contact: Larisa Bogardus, 541-523-1407

July 18, 2024

Reward offered for information relating to wildfires in Malheur Reservoir area

VALE, Ore. – Fire investigators and law enforcement officials are requesting the public’s assistance in the investigation of the Cow Valley, Bonita and other small wildfires in the Malheur Reservoir area.

These fires all began in the early morning hours of July 11, between approximately 1 and 5 a.m. They are believed to be human caused and of a suspicious nature. A monetary reward is being offered for information leading to the identification of individual(s) responsible.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call We Tip Anonymous at 1-800-47-ARSON, online at wetip.com or at the QR code shown.

This is a multi-agency investigation by the Bureau of Land Management Vale District, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police

WEATHER AND SMOKE: It will be hot and dry today with temperatures ranging between 97-108 and low humidities. Winds will be north, 8-12 mph. The inversion will lift over the Durkee fire this morning that will cause gusts to reach up to 30 MPH this afternoon. For current smoke information and air quality index, visit airnow.gov. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES: All evacuation order related to the Cow Valley Fire have been lifted. Check for updates on the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. Visit the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for more information. Baker County Sheriff's Office has closed Burnt River Canyon road to non-local, non-emergency traffic due to the Durkee Fire.

BURN BAN: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County, including all BLM lands.  For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/. 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: There is a temporary flight restriction over the Durkee Fire, please remember if you fly we cant.

Cow Valley Fire Incident Website

Durkee Fire Incident Website

Cow Valley and Durkee Fire Facebook

Acorn Fire: 5 acres - 95% containment

Packsaddle Fire: 47 acres - 95% containment    

Long Fire: 8,661 acres - 0% containment

Trout Fire: 10,489 acres - 0% containment

Total Personnel: 611

Current Situation: Thursday, the full suppression efforts continued both on the Trout Fire and Long Fire. Each fire presents its own hazards to the firefighters working in harsh terrain. To ensure fire crews’ safety, four medical teams are deployed to the fireline and a hoist rescue capable aircraft is on standby. Tulare County Sheriff announced an evacuation warning for the area north of the Long Fire and south of Kennedy Meadows. Today, members of fire management will conduct a fire information meeting in the community of Kennedy Meadows.

Acorn Fire and Packsaddle Fire: The Acorn Fire and Packsaddle Fire remain in a patrol status. Crews will monitor the fire perimeter ensuring there is no threat of flare-up or escape. 

Trout Fire: Thunderstorms brought strong outflow winds and lightning to the Trout Fire but little rain on Thursday. Decisive action by fire crews enabled them to identify a fire started by lightning outside the fire perimeter and quickly contain the new start. Today, the work of building control lines on the southern perimeter near Machine Creek continues. Crews will also focus on strengthening Sherman Pass Road as a control line. They are reestablishing control lines used during the Manter Fire near Kennedy Meadows as a contingency line.

Long Fire: The Long Fire continued burning in light flashy vegetation and experienced rapid rates of fire spread on Thursday. The area continued to experience hot and dry weather unlike the Trout Fire to the north. Today, firefighters will be working to build containment line along the southeast portion on both sides of the South Kern River. Aircraft will drop retardant to slow the fire’s spread to the north while helicopters support the firefighters along the southern portion of fire perimeter with water drops.

Weather & Air Quality: Neither the Trout Fire nor Long Fire are expected to see thunderstorms today. Localized winds will remain in the forecast. On the Long Fire, winds are predicted to align with terrain in the afternoon with gusts up to 20 miles per hour possible. The warming, drying trend, along with critically low relative humidity levels, is forecasted to continue through the weekend. A daily smoke outlook is produced for the areas and communities affected by the 2024 SQF Lightning fires (tinyurl.com/452x2uzr).

Forest Closures & Restrictions: Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout, Long, and Packsaddle Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-12. Fire restrictions are also in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. Both orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s “Forest Orders” web page: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k.

Evacuations: Tulare County evacuation warnings have been issued for zones TLC-E274-B and TLC-E261-B, the area north of Canebrake Road, south of Sacatar Trail, west of Inyo County line, east of the South Fork and Kern Rivers.

Size: 2936 acres  
Containment: 83%
Total Personnel: 396
Structures Threatened: 416
Start Date & Time: 7-7-24 9:51 am
Cause: Under Investigation
Location: Southside of Lytle Creek

Today firefighters will continue to patrol containment lines. Inside the fire footprint there may be some heat still present. Firefighters will be mopping up any hot spots that pose a threat and can be safely accessed. Containment has increased to 83% percent.

There is a heat advisory in effect today and the ongoing hot and dry conditions increase potential for new fire starts. Crews are ready to respond to any new fire starts.

Fire suppression repair activities are underway along containment and contingency lines. Suppression repair is conducted to return the forest to the desired conditions and mitigate future environmental impact. To minimize erosion along roadways, crews will construct water bars under the guidance of natural resource advisors. Heavy equipment, including chippers, are operating in the fire area to repair lines and damaged forest roadways.

AIR QUALITY: 

Visit AirNow.gov for information and actions you can take to protect yourself and loved ones.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Lytle Creek Road is closed to the general public including all recreation areas north of Glen Helen Parkway.

EVACUATIONS:

None.

Note: In an effort to quickly communicate information on impending dangers, the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department and San Bernardino County Fire Department send high-speed mass notifications via telephone and text messages. This system is known as the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS). To learn more about this service, visit the website for more information: https://sbcfire.org/alertwarning/.

CLOSURES:

The Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts are authorized to operate on lands, roads, and trails otherwise closed by Forest Order No. 05-01-24-08. This exemption applies only to customers who hold a valid lift or pass or reservation with Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts for the area within the Angeles National Forest. The area closure remains in effect to protect the public and firefighters who are working in the area of the Vista Fire. 

Closure order in effect on the San Bernardino National Forest and the Angeles National Forest. Several roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, and dispersed recreation areas are closed to the public to provide for firefighter, community and public safety. Recreation activities are prohibited within the closure area. More information about the closure order is available on the national forest websites at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sbnf/alerts-notices and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

The San Bernardino National Forest has implemented increased fire restrictions. Campfires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the Forest Order.