Fire Update

2023 SRF Lightning Complex 

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Eastern Area Gold Team

Brian Jenkins, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 530-536-0767

Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov 

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm

COMMUNITY MEETING:    Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., Karuk Tribe DNR (39051 CA-96, Orleans, CA 95556)  

This update covers 7 of the 14 fires being managed as part of the SRF Lightning Complex. The Copper Fire (2184 acres) has been absorbed by the Blue Creek #2 Fire. 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 are unlikely to change. 

Current Situation: The 14 fires in this incident total 29,839 acres and overall containment is 7%. The 7 uncontained fires described below total 27,621 acres. In total, 1006 personnel are assigned to the incident. Prior to European settlement, millions of acres would burn annually across California, from September until heavy rain or snow extinguished them. Some of these fires were ignited through natural events such as lighting and others through the practice of cultural burning conducted by the local Tribal Nations. These fires were generally low to moderate in intensity and maintained the forest understory from becoming too dense. Since that time, we have suppressed fires to such a degree that these forests are too rich in vegetation, both in the understory and the density of trees. This has led to high intensity fires that consumes all the vegetation and leaves the area devoid of nutrients.

The objective of the strategic firing operations currently being conducted as part of the 2023 SRF Lightning Complex are to reduce the dense understory, and thus lower the risk of a future high intensity fire. This aligns with the ultimate objective of the Incident Management Team, which is to suppress and contain the fires and protect the surrounding communities. To do this fire managers are using historic techniques but with modern technology. The applied low intensity fire allows for resident heat to slowly consume the understory vegetation, remove low hanging branches that serve as a ladder to the tree canopy, and remove small diameter trees that are choking sunlight from the forest floor. As the fire, weather, and fuel conditions allow, fire managers will continue using the technique of strategic firing operations which will accomplish the overall goal of fire suppression, reducing the risk of future extreme wildfires, and upholding our responsibilities to Tribal Nations. 

Pearch Fire (7938 acres, 7% contained) – A heavy marine layer rested over the fire area for most of the morning yesterday, significantly decreasing fire activity. Crews continued to monitor fire activity on all sides of the fire, especially those in the Butler and Somes Creek drainages. The Structure Protection Group continued reinforcement and assessed structures at the confluence of the Klamath and Salmon Rivers. Crews will remain on the fire during both day and night shifts. An Evacuation Warning has been issued to those in the Butler Creek area (SIS-1704) which means persons in the area need to be prepared to evacuate if conditions warrant. Additional resources assessed the area to the southeast and looked for ridges that could serve as containment lines should the fire spread further in that direction. Today, higher wind gusts are expected throughout the day so crews will be focused on patrolling established containment lines. No strategic firing operations are planned for the day. 

Bluff #1 (3912 acres, 26% contained) and Mosquito (5215 acres, 9% contained) Fires – On the south end of Bluff #1, crews continued to patrol and contain the fire north of Onion Road yesterday, resulting in minimal fire growth. Masticator and chipping operations continued south along Bluff Creek Road and this work will continue over the next several days.  On the northeast end of Bluff #1, crews continued to mop up and secure the strategic operations from the past several days. On the south end of the Mosquito Fire, crews continued to maintain the south and east containment lines. To the north, firing modules continued to strategically fire north of the Mosquito Fire, parallel to Cedar Camp Road, approaching the intersection of the 13N13 Road using hand ignitions as well as UAS equipment. This work was done at a slow methodical pace allowing fire managers to adapt as needed. Like the Pearch Fire, higher winds are expected across the Complex today so crews will be focused on patrolling and securing containment lines as needed.  A contingency of engines remains on both fires throughout the nighttime hours. 

Blue Creek #2 (7503 acres, 0% contained) and Marlow (1949 acres, 0% contained) Fires – These fires are bounded by indirect control lines to the east and south and prior fire footprints where fuels are lighter. Fire growth was moderate yesterday. Today, with the forecasts predicting higher winds, activity in the interior pockets may become more active as the fire continues to consume dead material from a 2008 fire. No values are currently threatened. A Wildland Fire Module continues to monitor and assess conditions on the ground and air resources will monitor from above. Fire managers from the 2023 SRF Lightning Complex are coordinating daily with fire managers on the Happy Camp Complex due to the proximity of the Elliot Fire.

Monument (2 acres, 0% contained) and Let er-Buck (92 acres, 0% contained) Fires – Due to limited values at risk, the remote, steep terrain and associated safety concerns for our firefighters, these fires are being addressed with a confinement strategy. Terrain, natural fire barriers such as rock outcroppings, and old fire footprints where fuels are limited will be used to confine fire growth until season ending precipitation extinguishes the fires. These fires are checked regularly by aerial patrols to ensure they remain within acceptable bounds.

Weather: North winds will bring significantly cooler temperatures with dry gusty winds.  Wind gusts in higher terrain and exposed ridges may gust up to 20-25 mph. Highs will be in the lower 80s in the valleys and 80s on ridges. Smoke will persist in the valleys throughout the day. 

Evacuation Information

Sikiyou 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 or Hancock Fires which are part of the

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

Incendio Anvil 

Área: 14,569 acres | Inicio: 25 de agosto, 2023 | Localización: 8 millas Este de Port Orford, OR | Contención: 0% | Personal: 847 | Recursos:  21 escuadrillas de bomberos, 4 helicópteros, 34 camiones de bomberos

Se mantiene la presencia de escuadrillas de bomberos incluyendo observaciones 24 horas al día, en un numero significante de áreas a través del Incendio Anvil. Los recursos dedicados a proteger las viviendas se encuentran activamente desplazando mangueras, bombas de agua y sistemas de riego más allá al Oeste y a lo largo de Elk River Road y Sixes River Road lo cual será utilizado para proteger las residencias en el caso de que el incendio se incremente alrededor de ellas. Equipos mecanizados continúan expandiendo líneas de contingencia de incendios en lugares estratégicos sobre los flancos Norte, Oeste y Sur del incendio. El día de ayer, recursos de aviación enfrentaron un día lleno de retos con la presencia de vientos intensos limitando el vuelo de helicópteros por un corto periodo de tiempo. Sin embargo, cinco helicópteros lograron apoyar los bomberos sobre el terreno, derramando 70,000 galones de agua cerca del criadero de peces y sobre el corredor de Elk River Road, así como también entre China Peak y Moon Mountain. Sistema de vuelo automatizado (UAS) será asignado al Incendio el día de mañana para proveer un incremento en la capacidad de vuelos infrarrojos (IR) incluyendo la identificación de cualquier fuego en las afueras de la parte central del perímetro del incendio emanando humo y proveer datos acertados en los mapas. Esta herramienta ayuda a los bomberos trabajando sobre el terreno, limitando el tiempo que ellos se exponen al peligro, en áreas que no son seguras y mejora la información disponible para los manejadores del incendio y para el público.

Evacuaciones:  La Oficina del Alguacil para el Condado de curry, ha identificado cuatro zonas de evacuación alrededor del incendio Anvil. Puede encontrar información en un mapa interactivo: https://bit.ly/45UIh2E. Zonas 1 y 4 se encuentran en un Nivel de Evacuación 3 “SALGA”. Zonas 2 y 3 en un Nivel de Evacuacion  2 “PREPARESE”  “Get Set“. 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 Julio, 2023 | Localizado: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR | Contención:  75% | Personal: 69 | Recursos: 1 escuadrilla de bomberos, 3 helicópteros, 1 camión de bombero

El día de hoy fue completado el trabajo de reparación en el Incendio Flat. Un grupo de bomberos con sus camiones permanecerán vigilantes llevando a cabo un patrullaje activo sobre el área del incendio y respondiendo rápidamente a cualquier señal de humo o llamas evitando la propagación del fuego. La extensión del Incendio Flat no ha cambiado desde el 19 de agosto.

Information General

Condiciones climáticas:  en la noche, se introducirá en la zona un evento climático proveniente del Golfo de Alaska extendiéndose hasta horas tempranas de la mañana del jueves brindando vientos de 20 a 25 mph del Noreste. Asimismo, se presentarán niveles de humedad más altos alcanzando un exceso de hasta 40%. Observaciones mas extensas acerca de las condiciones del clima, pronostican una ola climática del pacifico la cual pasara dejando lluvias y vientos favorables con un patrón Oeste.

 Presencia del humo:  Para información actualizada acerca del humo y la calidad del aire, visite https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke

Ordenes de Cierres para ciertas áreas y carreteras:  Para la seguridad de los bomberos y para el público en general, el Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou ha emitido Ordenes de Cierres en las áreas de los Incendios Anvil y Flat. La Agencia para el Manejo de Tierras en el distrito de Coos Bay, también dicto una orden de cierre incluyendo Edson y los campamentos de Sixes. Para encontrar mapas informativos e información general del incendio visite: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire and https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/xx1002-flat-fire

La presencia del humo y la capa de nubes marina están mezclándose y estableciéndose en las elevaciones bajas durante la noche. Potencialmente, esto causara una visibilidad pobre a lo largo de las autopistas. Por favor conduzca despacio y con las luces encendidas al conducir su vehículo en cualquier área de incendio. Maquinaria pesada y vehículos transportando a los bomberos, también están utilizando el área de las autopistas y los caminos aledaños. Caltrans ha publicado un horario del cierre de carreteras y restricciones en las líneas de tráfico, para el Hwy. US 199. Las autoridades locales recomiendan no utilizar esta ruta si no es realmente necesario. Para encontrar información específica en el acceso de carreteras, por favor lea el sitio de Caltrans QuickMap en: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ y también el sitio de Oregon Department of Transportation site en: https://www.tripcheck.com/.  No utilize las carreteras forestales como una ruta alternativa. 

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  The State Fire Marshal’s Office’s order prohibiting ALL private burning and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry ban on all agricultural burning, remain in effect. These are reevaluated weekly. Open burning with exposed flames is prohibited with no exceptions. The use of prescribed fires is also banned. More information is available at http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf

Highlights:  Comments from the Incident Commander this morning:  “New Day-Same Situation.”   Fire personnel are striving to attain 100% containment on all of the fires, yet cannot be complacent.  The Elizabeth Fire has been 100% contained but is not under control, as helicopter resources were used to cool reburn inside the lines.  Needle cast and reburn is occurring on all of the fires, but staying within their original footprints. With aerial resources being heavily used, ground crews were reminded to be vigilant as a 2000 gallon bucket drop weighs eight tons. Crews continue to clean firelines, mopup and suppress reburn on all of the fires. The Southern Area Gold Team will transition with the Southern Area Blue Team and assume command on Saturday morning.

Tiger Island Fire: 31,290 acres, no change | 84% containment| 117 personnel assigned (down 87)

              Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-tiger-island-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Hwy 113 Fire: 7,124 acres, no change | 95% containment | 37 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-hwy-113-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Lions Camp Road Fire: 785 acres, no change | 91% containment | 7 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-lions-camp-road-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Elizabeth Fire: 940 acres, no change | 100% containment | 5 personnel assigned (down 1)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-elizabeth-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Equipment resources assigned to the fires include Type 6 Engines; Dozers; Tractor Plow Units; and Water Tenders. Aerial resources include helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Additional support is being provided by Parish authorities and departments; Sheriff’s Offices; and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Weather & Fire Behavior:   Today’s weather has predicted slightly higher relative humidity dropping to 30%, with temperatures in the  low 90s, but winds will be gusting up to 20 mph.  New fire starts have the potential to move over a ½ mile per hour in fine grass fuels.  Heat is being detected by overnight infrared flights primarily in hardwood drainages, where duff layers are still thick. With adjacent needle cast, there is potential for reburn to kindle and pick up speed as observed three nights ago with the large spot on the Tiger Island Fire.  Over 1/3 of the State of Louisiana is experiencing EXCEPTIONAL EXTREME drought and that is not expected to change over the coming weeks. An additional 12” to 15” inches of rain over a period of weeks is needed to correct the current drought.

Air Quality: Smoke may occur in areas of reburn. Air quality information is available at the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map at: https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. If you fly, we can’t. Aircraft or drone intrusions into the restricted airspace endangers aircrews conducting fire operations and aerial resources are grounded for safety. This unnecessarily places aircrews and ground fire crews at risk in a dynamic and dangerous fire environment.

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  The State Fire Marshal’s Office’s order prohibiting ALL private burning and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry ban on all agricultural burning, remain in effect. These are reevaluated weekly. Open burning with exposed flames is prohibited with no exceptions. The use of prescribed fires is also banned. More information is available at http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf

Highlights:  Comments from the Incident Commander this morning:  “New Day-Same Situation.”   Fire personnel are striving to attain 100% containment on all of the fires, yet cannot be complacent.  The Elizabeth Fire has been 100% contained but is not under control, as helicopter resources were used to cool reburn inside the lines.  Needle cast and reburn is occurring on all of the fires, but staying within their original footprints. With aerial resources being heavily used, ground crews were reminded to be vigilant as a 2000 gallon bucket drop weighs eight tons. Crews continue to clean firelines, mopup and suppress reburn on all of the fires. The Southern Area Gold Team will transition with the Southern Area Blue Team and assume command on Saturday morning.

Tiger Island Fire: 31,290 acres, no change | 84% containment| 117 personnel assigned (down 87)

              Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-tiger-island-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Hwy 113 Fire: 7,124 acres, no change | 95% containment | 37 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-hwy-113-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Lions Camp Road Fire: 785 acres, no change | 91% containment | 7 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-lions-camp-road-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Elizabeth Fire: 940 acres, no change | 100% containment | 5 personnel assigned (down 1)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-elizabeth-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Equipment resources assigned to the fires include Type 6 Engines; Dozers; Tractor Plow Units; and Water Tenders. Aerial resources include helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Additional support is being provided by Parish authorities and departments; Sheriff’s Offices; and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Weather & Fire Behavior:   Today’s weather has predicted slightly higher relative humidity dropping to 30%, with temperatures in the  low 90s, but winds will be gusting up to 20 mph.  New fire starts have the potential to move over a ½ mile per hour in fine grass fuels.  Heat is being detected by overnight infrared flights primarily in hardwood drainages, where duff layers are still thick. With adjacent needle cast, there is potential for reburn to kindle and pick up speed as observed three nights ago with the large spot on the Tiger Island Fire.  Over 1/3 of the State of Louisiana is experiencing EXCEPTIONAL EXTREME drought and that is not expected to change over the coming weeks. An additional 12” to 15” inches of rain over a period of weeks is needed to correct the current drought.

Air Quality: Smoke may occur in areas of reburn. Air quality information is available at the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map at: https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. If you fly, we can’t. Aircraft or drone intrusions into the restricted airspace endangers aircrews conducting fire operations and aerial resources are grounded for safety. This unnecessarily places aircrews and ground fire crews at risk in a dynamic and dangerous fire environment.

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  The State Fire Marshal’s Office’s order prohibiting ALL private burning and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry ban on all agricultural burning, remain in effect. These are reevaluated weekly. Open burning with exposed flames is prohibited with no exceptions. The use of prescribed fires is also banned. More information is available at http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf

Highlights:  Comments from the Incident Commander this morning:  “New Day-Same Situation.”   Fire personnel are striving to attain 100% containment on all of the fires, yet cannot be complacent.  The Elizabeth Fire has been 100% contained but is not under control, as helicopter resources were used to cool reburn inside the lines.  Needle cast and reburn is occurring on all of the fires, but staying within their original footprints. With aerial resources being heavily used, ground crews were reminded to be vigilant as a 2000 gallon bucket drop weighs eight tons. Crews continue to clean firelines, mopup and suppress reburn on all of the fires. The Southern Area Gold Team will transition with the Southern Area Blue Team and assume command on Saturday morning.

Tiger Island Fire: 31,290 acres, no change | 84% containment| 117 personnel assigned (down 87)

              Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-tiger-island-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Hwy 113 Fire: 7,124 acres, no change | 95% containment | 37 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-hwy-113-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Lions Camp Road Fire: 785 acres, no change | 91% containment | 7 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-lions-camp-road-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Elizabeth Fire: 940 acres, no change | 100% containment | 5 personnel assigned (down 1)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-elizabeth-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Equipment resources assigned to the fires include Type 6 Engines; Dozers; Tractor Plow Units; and Water Tenders. Aerial resources include helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Additional support is being provided by Parish authorities and departments; Sheriff’s Offices; and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Weather & Fire Behavior:   Today’s weather has predicted slightly higher relative humidity dropping to 30%, with temperatures in the  low 90s, but winds will be gusting up to 20 mph.  New fire starts have the potential to move over a ½ mile per hour in fine grass fuels.  Heat is being detected by overnight infrared flights primarily in hardwood drainages, where duff layers are still thick. With adjacent needle cast, there is potential for reburn to kindle and pick up speed as observed three nights ago with the large spot on the Tiger Island Fire.  Over 1/3 of the State of Louisiana is experiencing EXCEPTIONAL EXTREME drought and that is not expected to change over the coming weeks. An additional 12” to 15” inches of rain over a period of weeks is needed to correct the current drought.

Air Quality: Smoke may occur in areas of reburn. Air quality information is available at the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map at: https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. If you fly, we can’t. Aircraft or drone intrusions into the restricted airspace endangers aircrews conducting fire operations and aerial resources are grounded for safety. This unnecessarily places aircrews and ground fire crews at risk in a dynamic and dangerous fire environment.

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  The State Fire Marshal’s Office’s order prohibiting ALL private burning and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry ban on all agricultural burning, remain in effect. These are reevaluated weekly. Open burning with exposed flames is prohibited with no exceptions. The use of prescribed fires is also banned. More information is available at http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf

Highlights:  Comments from the Incident Commander this morning:  “New Day-Same Situation.”   Fire personnel are striving to attain 100% containment on all of the fires, yet cannot be complacent.  The Elizabeth Fire has been 100% contained but is not under control, as helicopter resources were used to cool reburn inside the lines.  Needle cast and reburn is occurring on all of the fires, but staying within their original footprints. With aerial resources being heavily used, ground crews were reminded to be vigilant as a 2000 gallon bucket drop weighs eight tons. Crews continue to clean firelines, mopup and suppress reburn on all of the fires. The Southern Area Gold Team will transition with the Southern Area Blue Team and assume command on Saturday morning.

Tiger Island Fire: 31,290 acres, no change | 84% containment| 117 personnel assigned (down 87)

              Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-tiger-island-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Hwy 113 Fire: 7,124 acres, no change | 95% containment | 37 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-hwy-113-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Lions Camp Road Fire: 785 acres, no change | 91% containment | 7 personnel assigned (down 10)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-lions-camp-road-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Elizabeth Fire: 940 acres, no change | 100% containment | 5 personnel assigned (down 1)

              InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lalas-elizabeth-fire

              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerIslandFire

Equipment resources assigned to the fires include Type 6 Engines; Dozers; Tractor Plow Units; and Water Tenders. Aerial resources include helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Additional support is being provided by Parish authorities and departments; Sheriff’s Offices; and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Weather & Fire Behavior:   Today’s weather has predicted slightly higher relative humidity dropping to 30%, with temperatures in the  low 90s, but winds will be gusting up to 20 mph.  New fire starts have the potential to move over a ½ mile per hour in fine grass fuels.  Heat is being detected by overnight infrared flights primarily in hardwood drainages, where duff layers are still thick. With adjacent needle cast, there is potential for reburn to kindle and pick up speed as observed three nights ago with the large spot on the Tiger Island Fire.  Over 1/3 of the State of Louisiana is experiencing EXCEPTIONAL EXTREME drought and that is not expected to change over the coming weeks. An additional 12” to 15” inches of rain over a period of weeks is needed to correct the current drought.

Air Quality: Smoke may occur in areas of reburn. Air quality information is available at the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map at: https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. If you fly, we can’t. Aircraft or drone intrusions into the restricted airspace endangers aircrews conducting fire operations and aerial resources are grounded for safety. This unnecessarily places aircrews and ground fire crews at risk in a dynamic and dangerous fire environment.

Southwest Idaho Wildfire Crisis Strategy Prescribed Burn

Wednesday, September 20th Active unit/projects

Each prescribed burn project in the Southwest Idaho Wildfire Crisis Strategy Prescribed Burn area is divided into smaller units for fire operations, allowing firefighters to manage and control the burning area. 

Weiser Ranger District:

Robinson (22 miles Northwest of Weiser) – On Wednesday, Firefighters intend to burn approximately 56 acres in the Monroe unit 50 acres. Fuels consist of slash piles from previous thinning operations.

New Meadows Ranger District:

Brush (10 miles Northwest of New Meadows) - Scouting and identification of potential burn locations continue; no burning is planned for Wednesday.

Cold (Lost Valley Reservoir area) – Using helicopters, aerial emission took place again on Tuesday in the Ursa unit, and 225 acres were treated. Wednesday crews will again be in the Ursa unit area with the plan to burn an additional 300 acres.  Helicopter emissions will be implemented.

Goose Creek –All burning operations are complete, and crews continue to patrol and monitor the area.

An overview of all the planned prescribed burn areas in the Payette National Forests is available here: bit.ly/PNFprescribedburn2023

For the most current information about prescribed burning projects please visit the Payette Facebook page or visit the Payette National Forest planned fuels treatments map at https://tinyurl.com/Payette-Prescribed-Fire-Map

For more information on the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy and the Southwest Idaho Landscape project, visit this link:  Southwest Idaho Landscape Project

September 20, 2023

Camp Creek Fire Update 

Size: 2,055 acres

Containment: 62%

Total personnel: 265

Final Daily Fire Update from Pacific Northwest Team 3

 Future updates will be issued if there are operational changes or increases in fire activity. 

Current Situation: Pacific Northwest Team 3 will transfer command of the Camp Creek Fire to a local Mt. Hood Type 3 incident management team Thursday, September 21, at 7:00 a.m. Firefighters have completed nearly all of the work to secure containment lines needed to protect communities and the Bull Run Watershed. The fire generally remains within its existing footprint but will likely continue to smolder well inside of firelines until the area receives heavy and sustained precipitation. No significant changes in fire activity or fire spread are anticipated, including along the eastern edge of the fire which remains a substantial distance from the established fireline.

Today’s Activities: Today firefighters will be wrapping up remaining haul of vegetation debris created from fireline preparation. Suppression repair activities will also continue, including water bar installation along the mechanically constructed portion of fireline between Forest Roads 12 and 1210, and ditch clearing along Forest Road 12. Firefighters will continue to patrol and secure the fireline, extinguishing any hot spots and ensuring the fire remains within established containment lines.

Weather: Clearing is expected later in the day and into the evening. Temperatures will remain cool through the remainder of the week, and relative humidity will stay elevated with more chances for rain coming this weekend. 

Smoke: Current smoke outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/2c7a8f9b

Closures: Barlow Wayside Park and the Sandy Ridge Recreation Site are temporarily closed due to fire activity. Clackamas County residents can sign up at https://www.clackamas.us/dm/publicalerts to receive emergency alerts via email, phone, or text. 

Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is issued over the fire area. It is illegal for the public to fly drones over or near wildfires because of the potential for accidents and disruption of suppression operations. Regardless of the fire, aircraft is not permitted to fly over the Bull Run watershed. 

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited upon roads, trails, and general forest areas within the Umpqua National Forest as described below and shown in Exhibit A. This Order is effective beginning September 19, 2023, and ending December 1, 2023, unless rescinded sooner. This order supersedes Closure Order No. 06-15-00-23-475, signed August 28, 2023, by Alice B. Carlton, Forest Supervisor.

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Being on the closed road. [36 CFR § 261.54 (e)]
2. Going into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. [36 CFR § 261.52 (e)]
3. Being on a trail. [36 CFR § 261.55(a)]

The Chilcoot Closure Area is described as an area starting at T251/2S, R1E, Sec. 32 at the intersection of Forest Service Road (FSR) 38 and FSR 23, following FSR 23 northwest to the forest service boundary, following the forest service boundary north to FSR 3821, following FSR 3821 east to FSR 3815, following FSR 3815 east to FSR 3811, following FSR 3811 south to FSR 38, following FSR 38 southwest to the point of origin. Roads bounding this closure area will remain open, while all roads and trails within the closure area will be inaccessible to the public.

The Brice and Grizzly Closure Area is described as an area starting at T23S, R1E, Sec. 14 at the intersection of Sharps Creek Road (FSR 2460) and FSR 2460-766, following FSR 2460-766 northwest to Cat Creek, following Cat Creek north to County Road 2473, following County Road 2473 north to FSR 22, following FSR 22 east to Wyatt Creek, following Wyatt Creek northeast to FSR 2216, following FSR 2216 east to Parker Creek, following Parker Creek north to the forest boundary, following the forest boundary south to FSR 2213-745, following FSR 2213-745 west to FSR 2213, following FSR 2213 southwest to FSR 2212-767, following FSR 2212-767 west to FSR 2212, following FSR 2212 west back to the point of origin at the intersection of Sharps Creek Road (FSR 2460) and FSR 2460-766. Roads and trails within this area are closed. Access to Lower and Upper Trestle Creek Falls will remain open, as well as FSR 2212-766 from the intersection with FSR 2212 to the intersection with Cat Creek.

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 or Order), specifically exempting them from this order.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. Executed on September 20, 2023.

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 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3351, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Issued on September 20, 2023 by Alice Carlton. 

See PDF for signed version.

Anvil Fire

Size: 14,569 acres | Start Date:  August 25, 2023 |  Location:  8 miles east of Port Orford, OR | Containment:  0% | Total personnel: 847 | Resources: 21 crews, 4 helicopters, 34 engines

Fire crews are maintaining a robust presence including 24-hour coverage in significant areas throughout the Anvil Fire area.  Resources dedicated to working around the homes have proactively set up hoses, pumps, and sprinklers further west along Elk River Road and Sixes River Road that would be utilized to protect residences should the fire grow closer to them.  Mechanized equipment continues to expand contingency fire lines in strategic locations on the north, west, and south flanks of the fire.

Aviation resources had a challenging day with high winds limiting helicopter flights for a short period of time.  However, five helicopters were able to support ground crews, delivering over 70,000 gallons of water near the Hatchery and Elk River Road corridor, and between China Peak and Moon Mountain.  Additional unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will be assigned to fire tomorrow to provide increased infrared (IR) capabilities including identifying any small fires outside of the fire’s main perimeter in smoky conditions and real-time perimeter mapping data.  This tool aids ground crews by limiting their exposure in areas that aren’t safe and improves the information available for fire managers and the public.   

Evacuations:  Curry County Sheriff’s Office has identified four evacuation zones around the Anvil Fire.  An interactive evacuation map is available at https://bit.ly/45UIh2E. Zones 1 and 4 are in Level 3 “Go" evacuation status.  Zones 2 and 3 are in Level 2 “Get Set“ status.  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:  75% | Total personnel: 69 | Resources:  1 crew, 3 helicopters, 1 engine 

Repair work was completed today on the Flat Fire.  A complement of engines and fire overhead will remain vigilant in actively patrolling the fire area and responding as needed to any areas that have smoke or flame to ensure the fire does not spread. The Flat Fire’s size has remained unchanged since August 19.

General Information

Weather:  A weather event coming from the Gulf of Alaska tonight through tomorrow morning will bring 20 to 25 mile per hour winds from the northeast.  This event will bring higher humidity levels in excess of 40%.  Looking to the extended forecast, a pacific trough will likely bring precipitation and a favorable wind pattern from the west.

Smoke:  Visit https://bit.ly/SWORsmoke for current smoke and air quality updates. 

Area and Road Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued closure orders for the Anvil and Flat Fire areas. The Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District has also issued an area closure which includes Edson and Sixes Campgrounds. Visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/orrsf-anvil-fire and https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/xx1002-flat-fire for closure maps and information.

Smoke and the marine cloud layer are mingling and settling in the lower elevations overnight causing limited visibility along highways.  Please drive slowly and with headlights on through any fire area.  Heavy equipment and firefighter transportation vehicles are also using the area highways and roads. Caltrans issued a schedule of road closures and lane restrictions on US-199 northeast from Crescent City. Local law enforcement cautions against any non-essential traffic along this route. For specific information on road access, please see the Caltrans QuickMap site at: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and Oregon Department of Transportation site at: https://www.tripcheck.com/.  Do not use forest roads for alternate routes.