Grindstone Ranger District

Approximately 720 acres of burning is planned for the upcoming prescribed fire season, depending on weather and fuel conditions. Locations of the planned projects cover several counties, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama:

• Paskenta Work Station
• Stonyford Work Station
• Alder Springs Station
• Red Bluff Recreation Area
• Chico Seed Orchard
• Snow Basin
• Machine Piles
• Plaskett Meadows
• Letts Lake
• Mill Valley
• Kingsley Glade
• Three Prong
• Sugarfoot
• Sugar Springs
• Riley Ridge
• Whiskey Fuel Break
• Trail 4
• Wells Cabin
• Brewer Oak
• One Bee
• Kenny Camp
• Ides Cove
• Board Camp
• M5 HTA
• Mill Brushing
• Toomes Camp

Upper Lake & Covelo Ranger Districts

Approximately 500 acres of burning is planned for the upcoming prescribed fire season, depending on weather and fuel conditions. Locations of planned projects are in Lake and Mendocino Counties.

• Lake Pillsbury Homesites 
• Howard Mill
• Westshore
• Hammerhorn
• Northshore Project
• Hazard Tree Abatement Piles
• Booth Crossing Fuel Break Piles

Quarry Fire Update  
Friday, October 6th, 2023 

Stanislaus National Forest  
Incident Management Team (Type-3) 

PIO Contacts:
Eugenie Moore - eugenie.moore@usda.gov
steve lyon - slyon@nps.gov

Fire Statistics:
Location: The Quarry Fire is located on the Stanislaus National Forest, Mi-Wok Ranger District, off Forest Road 3N01, east of Bourland Creek and near the Emigrant Wilderness west of Cherry Creek.
Acres Burned to Date: 5,797
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 33%
Total Personnel: 101
Injuries: 0

Background: Fire professionals using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS, also known as drones) are managing fire behavior and intensity to provide for multiple resource benefits including reducing concentrations of all fuels, re-establishing multi-generational timber stands, improving wildlife habitat, promoting plant diversity, and re-introducing fire into fire adapted ecosystems. 

These UAS flights have a light footprint to bring fire to sensitive areas with minimal impact on the wilderness.

Current Activities: No fire movement today due to recent moisture. Crews made improvements to holding lines, including using natural features such as granite outcroppings to improve effectiveness, in anticipation of further fire spread later this week when weather and fuel moisture improves.

Fire professionals are managing fire behavior and intensity to provide for multiple resource benefits including reducing concentrations of all fuels, re-establishing multigenerational timber stands, improving wildlife habitat, promoting plant diversity, and re-introducing fire into fire adapted ecosystems.

Closures: Soft closures are in effect to provide for the safety of the public utilizing public lands as well as fire personnel working in the area.  The soft closures are an encouragement for the public to stay clear of the area, to find alternate routes to their locations and to provide fire personnel the widest berth possible as they go about their mission. 

With the public’s cooperation, we will continue to monitor the number and duration of each, recognizing that fire personnel and public safety is the focus. 

As of October 6, 2023, the following soft closures are in effect: 
2N71 where it meets 3N16
3N21 where it meets 3N16
3N21 where it meets 3N01
3N22 where it meets 3N01
3N17 where it meets 3N29
3N29 to 3N29C
3N16
3N34Y
3N01H
3N01J
3N01L

Smoke: The amount of smoke in the air is carefully planned for. Burn Bosses are in close alignment with and get approvals from the Tuolumne County Pollution Control District each day to burn the maximum amount of acreage that will not negatively impact air quality to an unsafe level. Additionally, firefighters monitoring smoke are staged around the vicinity of the fire to adjust tactics to minimize smoke impacts.

If possible, minimize outdoor activity if you are sensitive to smoke. Smoke does tend to settle in low-lying areas in the evenings to the mornings, so camping and recreating in this vicinity is not advised. To check air quality, visit fire.airnow.gov.

More Information: 
INCIWEB - Quarry Fire Info - https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/castf-2023stfquarry-fire
Stanislaus National Forest – Official Website - https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus

This will be the final update. Significant changes will be reported by the Umpqua National Forest.

Northwest Incident Management Team 13 will transfer command of the fires to a local Type 3 organization on Sunday October 8th at 1800. 

Dinner: Suppression repair is complete, and the fire is in patrol status. Containment– 95%

Grizzly: Oregon Department of Forestry has removed structure wrap from buildings in the Bohemian Mine area as structures are no longer threatened. A chipper has been mobilized, and chipper/excavator work is estimated to be complete in 3 operational shifts.  Containment – 0%

Brice Creek: The hazard tree abatement plan has been implemented and hand falling has begun.  Containment – 95%

Chilcoot: Suppression repair continues on the northern flank. Road graders and excavators are working to complete road repair. Containment – 87%

Ridge: Suppression repair is complete, and the fire is in patrol status. Containment – 95%

A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire area to provide a safe environment for air resources and firefighters who are engaged in mop up and suppression actions on the ground.  FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions -- Graphics

There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and wildland firefighter safety.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023  

https://www.facebook.com/bricecreekdinnergrizzlyfires2023/

Inciweb: 

Grizzly Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-grizzly-fire 

Chilcoot Fire Inciweb:   https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-2023-chilcoot-fire-unfP

Prescribed fire operations were successful yesterday with 60 acres completed. Fire personnel will be continuing operations throughout the day with the goal of completing 150 acres today.

Lookout, Bedrock, Petes Lake, Horse Creek and Pothole Fires
Friday, October 6, 2023 - Morning Update – 9:00 a.m.

Lookout Fire - Size: 25,751 acres | Start Date: August 5 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 60%

Bedrock Fire - Size: 31,590 acres | Start Date: July 22 l Cause: Under Investigation l Containment: 100%

Petes Lake Fire - Size: 3,254 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning | Completion: 80%

Horse Creek Fire - Size: 763 acres | Start Date: August 24 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 100%

Pothole Fire - Size: 109 acres | Start Date: August 25 | Cause: Lightning |Containment: 100%

Total Assigned Personnel: 313 | 5 engines | 4 crews | 2 dozers | 3 water tenders | 1 masticator | 1 helicopter

(Walterville, Ore.) – Warmer temperatures and drier weather today allowed for favorable work conditions in most areas. Crews were able to finalize repair work on the Horse Creek Fire, with Bedrock Fire efforts expected to be completed within a few days. On the Lookout Fire, resources will continue to repair damaged roads, naturalize fire lines, chip woody debris and gather remaining equipment. Incident managers will be demobilizing unnecessary resources and heavy equipment as work is completed; today, aerial resources will be utilized to retrieve communications equipment from around the Bedrock Fire.

Forecasted temperatures and wind for the weekend may cause an increase in fire behavior. Minimal to light fire activity, from smoldering heavy timber combined with dry light fuels, may develop into flare-ups within the fire's perimeter. Be aware smoke may be visible if you are traveling near the Lookout Fire.  

Weather:  The warming and drying trend will continue into the weekend. Unseasonably high temperatures and low relative humidity are predicted. Breezy east winds will extend through Friday morning but are expected to stay below critical levels. Precipitation is expected to begin early next week, bringing an estimated half-inch or more over the fire area on Monday.

Forest Closures: Established closures on the Willamette National Forest remain in place around fire-impacted areas, including the Lookout and Bedrock Fires. The public is urged to “Know Before You Go” by visiting the Willamette National Forest official webpage. For specific hunting-related questions, contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (503) 947-6000. 

Safety:  Some fire-impacted areas remain closed as critical suppression repair work continues. The public is asked to exercise caution along roadways around the fire. Drivers should be extra vigilant along Forest Road 15 between Highway 126 and Highway 20, where crews and heavy equipment are traveling and engaging in suppression repair work.

Fire Update

2023 SRF Lightning Complex 

Friday, October 6, 2023 – 8:00 A.M.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 16

John Goss, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 530-618-3339

Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov 

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm

This update covers 6 of the 15 fires being managed as part of the SRF Lightning Complex. The Copper Fire (2184 acres) was absorbed by the Blue Creek #2 Fire. On September 22, 2023, the Bluff #1 Fire (4270 acres) and Blue Creek #2 Fire (9751 acres) were absorbed by the Mosquito Fire. The combination of Blue Creek #2 Fire, Bluff #1 Fire, and Mosquito Fire is now referred to as the Mosquito Fire. On September 30, 2023 we incorporated the management of the Hancock fire (1,728 acres, 100% contained). The remaining 6 fires (Big Foot, Blue Creek, Creek, Flat, Iron, and Merrill) totaling 34 acres, are contained and in patrol status. They are checked daily, and their size and containment remain unchanged. 

Current Situation:

The 15 fires on this incident total 49,509 acres and overall containment is 73%. In total, 392 personnel are assigned to the incident. A warming and drying trend continues across the Complex. Firefighters continue to diligently respond to and address additional heat as they pop up around the incident. This written incident update will be distributed every other day. If fire conditions necessitate this update will return to being distributed as often as necessary.

Crews continue to actively assess the conditions of the Pearch and Mosquito Fires. Prioritizing the safety of firefighters and the public is paramount, given that recent rainfall has heightened the risk of fire-weakened trees falling due to the saturation of soil. Continuous monitoring efforts have been extended to cover the remote Marlow Fire and the north side of the Mosquito Fire. Progress is steady on the mowing and mastication work taking place across many Divisions. On the Pearch Fire, the process of backhauling pumps and hoses from locations where they are no longer needed is nearly completed. Hazard tree removal, chipping, and suppression repair is in full swing.

Firefighters are closely monitoring the Highway 96 corridor and Salmon River Road for any signs of falling rocks, debris, or fire activity. Both CalTrans and Siskiyou County crews remain on standby to clear roadways if necessary. Fire activity is expected to increase throughout the week, due to warmer and dryer conditions. Smoke production will increase across areas affected by the fires over the next few days. Tactical patrol of the fires edge ensures that it remains in the existing footprint. 

Pearch Fire (12,131 acres, 67% contained) – The Pearch Fire is now in Patrol status as mop up continues. Firefighters have completed all backhaul and suppression repair in Butler Creek and Butler Flat. Suppression repair was completed on Michael Rd. Suppression repair continues around the town of Orleans.

Mosquito Fire (33,521 acres, 68% contained) –Suppression repair efforts are ongoing on the northeastern edge of the fire near the Dillon Mountain and Sidewinder Road as well as Lightning Ridge and Beans Ridge. On the east side, smoke production has increased due to isolated pockets of heat in the interior of the fire. With the increased temperatures smoke production is expected to continue but it is not a threat to the fire line. Crews are patrolling the Go Road. The Slate Creek mastication and chipping project was completed. A similar operation on Bluff Creek Road is nearing completion. 

Marlow Fire (1,988 acres, 100% contained) – Minimal activity is reported on the Marlow Fire, which is in a remote area. The fire is contained by indirect control lines to the east and south, as well as prior fire footprints where fuels are less dense. No values or structures are currently threatened by the Marlow Fire.

Monument (2 acres, 100% contained), Let er-Buck (96 acres, 100% contained) and Hancock (1,729 acres, 100% contained) Fires – A confinement strategy has been employed for these three fires due to the limited values at risk and the challenging, remote, and steep terrain, which presents safety concerns for firefighters. Natural fire barriers such as rock outcroppings and old fire footprints with sparse fuels are being used to contain fire growth until the arrival of season-ending precipitation. Regular monitoring by air ensures that both fires remain within an acceptable perimeter, all are now considered 100% contained.

Weather: Temperatures on Friday will once again range from 10 to 15 degrees above normal. By Saturday, the pattern shifts to slightly cooler onshore flow with temperatures about 5 degrees lower than Friday. On Friday, valley highs will continue to be in the upper 80s to mid-90s while temperatures along the mid-slopes and ridges will range from the lower 70s to lower 80s. Saturdays highs will range from the upper 60s on the ridges to the lower 90s in the valleys. Lighter winds will continue with speeds of 7 to 12 mph and gusts to 20 mph expected. Moderate to excellent overnight recoveries are expected in the valleys but mid-slopes and ridges will only see moderate recovery to the lower 40s on Friday. A slight uptick in moisture will be noted for Saturday with humidity readings about 10 percent higher than what is expected on Friday.

Please stay informed and exercise caution in the affected areas and be aware that warmer and drier conditions may lead to ongoing fire-related challenges.

Evacuation Information

Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices 

Closures

Six Rivers National Forest: Area and campground closures are in effect on portions of Six Rivers National Forest. They can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1096395. 

Additional Fire Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-2023-srf-lightning-complex-and-redwood-lightning-complex 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2023SRFRedwoodLightning

More Fire Information Links: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio 

For Air Quality Information: www.airnow.gov 

NOTE: For information about the Elliot Fire which is part of the

Happy Camp Complex, please visit https://linktr.ee/happycampcomplex2023 .

Incendio Anvil

Área: 22,170 acres           Fecha de inicio: 25 de agosto, 2023          Localizado:  8 millas Este de Port Orford, OR
Contenido:  54%     Personal: 847     Recursos:  20 escuadrillas de bomberos, 6 helicópteros, 22 camiones de bomberos

El día de ayer, los bomberos lograron completar una sección desafiante de líneas de incendios construidas manualmente sobre el eje Oeste.  A su vez, astilladoras completaron su trabajo en la misma área. El día de hoy, la maquinaria dará la vuelta en la esquina dirigiéndose hacia el Sur para realizar su trabajo en dicha área. Los camiones de bomberos están trabajando en la mitad de la zona Norte del incendio, realizando reparación de supresión en las carreteras del Servicio Forestal. En la punta Noreste, los bomberos establecieron líneas manuales directas y están evaluando otros puntos en donde líneas indirectas podrían beneficiar a los esfuerzos de supresión en las partes más elevadas. A lo largo del eje Sur, las escuadrillas de bomberos y maquinarias prosiguen reparando líneas de supresión. La trituradora localizada en esta área se movilizará hacia el Sur, dirigiéndose a la zona de buldóceres sobre la carretera Forestal 5502. La maquinaria trituradora localizada en el lado Sur de la carretera 5502 continuara en pie, dirigiéndose hacia el Oeste. El Sistema Aéreo Automatizado (drones) llevo a cabo vuelos en la línea Noreste del incendio, identificando fuentes de calor y recolectando información de los drenajes localizados en áreas profundas y densas. Estos vuelos seguirán dándose el día de hoy y apoyarán a los bomberos en la elaboración de planes sobre el terreno para los próximos días.

Evacuaciones:  La Oficina del Alguacil para el Condado de curry, creo zonas de evacuación cerca del Incendio Anvil; Zonas 1, 2 y 4 se encuentran en un Nivel 2 “LISTOS”, la Zona 3 se encuentra en un Nivel de evacuación 1 “PREPARESE”. Las condiciones climáticas podrían cambiar rápidamente. Por favor, este atento a la información actualizada. Para revisar un mapa interactivo de evacuación, visite: https://bit.ly/AnvilEvacs. Puede registrarse en el sistema de Alertas de emergencias para el condado: https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM

Incendio Flat

Área: 34,242 acres       Inicio:15 de agosto, 2023     Localizado: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR    

Contención:  93%             Personal:  51    Recursos: 3 camiones de bomberos, 1 escuadrilla de bomberos.

Dos masticadores continúan reduciendo el material de combustión a lo largo de las líneas situadas en la esquina Noreste del incendio. La maquinaria en la esquina Suroeste se encuentra limpiando las líneas de incendios y carreteras forestales en dicha zona.

Las áreas para Emergencia de Incendio y las Ordenes de Cierre de Carreteras aún se encuentran en efecto: Se dio un cambio en la Orden de Emergencia de cierre de Área y carreteras para el incendio Flat, reduciendo el espacio afectado por la misma y adyacente al área del incendio. La orden se dio en efecto el 3 de octubre, 2023 y rescinde el 31 de diciembre, 2023, a menos que sea anulada antes de esa fecha. Puede encontrar mapas e información más detallada en: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire

Restricciones: El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River Siskiyou, levanto todas las Restricciones en las tierras del bosque para uso del público. Esta acción incluye la porción de tierras vírgenes y escénicas de Rogue River. Todos los cinco Distritos han reducido el nivel de incendio a “Bajo”.  El Nivel de Precaución de Incendios se encuentra a un Nivel 1 a través del Bosque Nacional.

Condiciones climáticas:  El día de hoy será similar al día de ayer con temperaturas de 80 grados y vientos ligeros. A pesar de que la materia de combustión se está secando poco a poco, solamente la de mayor tamaño se espera que producirá  humo en el interior del perímetro del incendio.

Condiciones del humo:  Se podrá ver la presencia del humo de vez en cuando durante el día. Para información actualizada en cuanto a la presencia del humo y la calidad del aire, visite: https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke. Por favor conduzca despacio y con las luces encendidas a través de cualquier área de incendio.

Carreteras: Visite www.tripcheck.com o llame 511 para información al día acerca de cierres de carreteras. Por favor no utilice las carreteras forestales como una ruta alternativa. 

Líneas Informativas: (541) 216-4579 o (541) 237-6369                     

Email: 2023.anvil@firenet.gov 

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023 

X/Twitter: twitter.com/RRSNF 

Inciweb Anvil Fire: bit.ly/AnvilFireOR 

Inciweb Flat Fire: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

Anvil Fire

Size: 22,170 acres       Start Date:  August 25, 2023 Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR
Containment:  54%   Total personnel: 847 Resources: 20 crews, 6 helicopters, 22 engines

Crews were able to complete a challenging section of handline on the western edge of the fire yesterday. Chipping in this area was also completed and equipment will turn the corner to work further south today. Engines are working on the northern half of the fire doing suppression repair on Forest Service Roads. On the northeastern tip of the fire, crews put in direct handline and are assessing other points where indirect line will benefit suppression efforts on the ridgetop. Along the southern edge of the fire, crews and equipment continue to repair suppression lines. The chipper in this area is moving south, down the dozer line towards Forest Road 5502. Chipping on the south side of the 5502 is ongoing, working back to the west.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) flew the northeast line of the fire, looking for heat and gaining information in the deep, thick drainages. These flights will continue today and help ground crews make plans for the coming days.

Evacuations:  Curry County Sheriff’s Office has identified evacuation zones near the Anvil Fire: Zones 1, 2, and 4 are in Level 2 “Set” status. Zone 3 is in Level 1 “Ready” status.  Conditions may change quickly. Monitor for updates in evacuation levels. View the interactive evacuation map at https://bit.ly/AnvilEvacs.  Sign up for Curry Co. emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM.

Flat Fire

Size:  34,242 acres   Start Date:  July 15, 2023     Location:  2 miles southeast of Agness, OR    Containment:  93%       Total personnel:  51    Resources: 1 crew, 3 engines

Two masticators continue to reduce fuels along lines on the northeast corner of the fire. Engines on the southwest corner are cleaning up line and forest roads.

Emergency Fire Area and Road Closures Still in Effect: There is an update to the Emergency Area and Road Closure for the Flat Fire, reducing the closure area and reopening roads adjacent to the fire area. The new order is effective October 3, 2023 through December 31, 2023 unless rescinded sooner. For current closure information and maps, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire.

Fire Restrictions: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lifted all Public Use Restrictions on Forest Service lands. This includes the Wild and Scenic portion of the Rogue River. All five Ranger Districts have been moved into “low” fire danger. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level was reduced to Level 1 across the forest. 

Weather: Today's weather will be much like yesterday with temperatures in the low 80's and light winds. Although fuels will be drying out, only large, thousand-hour fuels are expected to smoke in the interior of the fire perimeter. 

Smoke: Smoke may be visible at times. For current smoke and air quality updates visit, https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke . Please drive slowly and with headlights on through any fire area. 

Roads: Visit www.tripcheck.com or call 511 for current road closures. Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.

Contact Fire Information: (541) 216-4579 or (541) 237-6369 

Email: 2023.anvil@firenet.gov 

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023 

X/Twitter: twitter.com/RRSNF 

Inciweb Anvil Fire: bit.ly/AnvilFireOR 

Inciweb Flat Fire: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

Smith River Complex Daily Update for October 5, 2023 

Size: 94,690 acres
Percent Contained: 91%
Cause: Lightning
Fire Information: 707-383-9727
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Email: 2023.SmithRiverComplex@firenet.gov
Incident Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-smith-river-complex-
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) and Brush
Number of Personnel Assigned: 726
Start Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 0700

ANNOUNCEMENT: Updates will only be released every other day. Our phone hours have changed to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

CURRENT SITUATION: The fire is being held within the containment lines and total containment increased to 91% with the total acres burned at 94,690. The weather will continue to get warmer and drier through Saturday and firefighters remain vigilant as winds increase. A firefighting UAS (unmanned aircraft system) with infrared capabilities has been flying the fire and picks up occasional hot spots. Heat signature information is relayed to firefighting crews, and they continue to extinguish those hot spots and interior smokes. The fire was wind tested yesterday and overnight, it held within containment lines, and it’s not expected to grow. Crews continue to assess the fire from the ground and air as the fire areas dry out and accessibility improves.

Extensive suppression repair and hazard tree abatement work continues throughout the fire. Firefighters have almost secured the fire line around the Craig Creek drainage and the Hurdy Gurdy Fire. Water bars are being constructed near primary containment lines to prepare for the rainy season. Machine work and hazard tree removal is occurring along the 17N49 road as well as south of US199 near Little Jones Rd (17N08). Additional work continues on US199, the 405 road and the French Hill area. Great suppression repair work has occurred on the 05 and 08 roads with one or more days of work left. Major chipping operations continue throughout all repair areas. Crews have made great progress with suppression repair work in Gasquet (17N69), Steven’s and Smith River repair areas with possibly three to four more arduous workdays. As the soil continues to dry out and containment increases, crews will identify additional target areas to complete suppression repair work. Positive attitudes, hard work and diligent focus by firefighters continues. More heavy equipment is coming in as crews try to maintain the cultural and natural resources of the area.

WEATHER: Drier, windy and warmer weather will be occurring through Saturday with light rain expected on Sunday. Warm temperatures and breezy conditions will continue for the next few days. Northeasterly winds will be felt with gusts of 18-30 mph. Possible rain on Sunday that could continue through Wednesday but only a total of one to one and half inches will fall.

CLOSURES: While county roads remain open, Six Rivers National Forest lands, roads, and trails around the Smith River Complex fires are closed (Forest Order No. 10-23-09). View the Order and closure map on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/4atens8c.
US 199 in Del Norte County is fully closed twice daily, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 1 PM to 4 PM. During all open hours, traffic will be one-way and piloted between Grassy Flat Campground east of Gasquet and Oregon Mountain Road. Motorists should anticipate delays during all open hours. Caltrans provides information on current highway conditions online (roads.dot.ca.gov), by phone (800-427-7623), and on Facebook (facebook.com/CaltransD1).