GARDEN FIRE CLOSURE

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is reducing the Red Rock/Garden Fires closure. 

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a separate and reduced Garden Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐028, effective as of 8:00 pm, today, Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 

 Description of #04-13-24-028 (effective as of 8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2024):

 DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS AND TRAILS:

 Beginning at Ebenezer Bar on the Salmon River Road 030 then following south to Dome Lake and Dome Mountain, then following south and east to Mud Lick and the intersection with the Gant Ridge Trail 028, then following the Gant Ridge Trail 028, the Indian Creek Trail 026, and Birch Creek Trail 023 to where it intersects the Morgan-Panther Road 055, then following the Morgan-Panther Road 055 north to where it intersects the Salmon River Road 030, the following the Salmon River Road 030 to the Ebenezer Bar.

 The Salmon River Road #030 is open.  The Panther Creek Road #055 is open from the confluence of Panther Creek and the Salmon River to the junction with the Deep Creek Road #101. 

 The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Garden Fire.

 This Order shall be in effect from October 16, 2024, at 8:00 pm until October 31, 2024, or until rescinded.

Email: 2024.shoe@firenet.gov

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cashf-shoe-fire

Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf

Fire Weather Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/wrh/CAFW?area=ECC005

Fire Information: 530-338-0317

Media Line: 909-855-4233

Hours: 08:00am to 8:00pm

Location: Shasta County, CA                                            

Start Date:  Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:57 p.m.       

Cause: Human caused                                                      

Size: 3,937 acres                                                         

Percent Contained:  7%                                                   

Vegetation: Timber, Chapparal

Number of Personnel Assigned: 901

The Shoe Fire has burned 3,937 acres as of October 16, 2024 and remains at 7% containment. Last night, crews made significant improvement with control lines and firing operations.

Ground crews carried out defensive firing operations, which entailed burning unburned vegetation between the fire’s edge and control lines. Dozer teams continue to make access towards contingency lines removing fuel that can increase fire behavior. With incoming moisture today, crews have opportunity to hold and improve control lines in preparation for this week’s wind event. Minor fire growth was reported in the north end of the fire which will be a priority for the remainder of the day.

A pacific storm moves through today bringing cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels with possible showers and thunderstorms. Gusty and drying northerly wind develops Thursday and persists into Saturday leading to critical fire weather conditions, with the strongest winds expected Thursday and Friday night reaching wind gusts up to 35mph.

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for zone LKH-1448-B. Residents who have not evacuated are encouraged to do so. Evacuation information and alerts can be found by visiting protect.genasys.com

Information staff for the Shoe Fire are working diligently to provide timely and accurate information to the public. Fire updates can be found on the Shoe Fire 2024 Facebook page: www.facebook.com/2024ShoeFire/

The Shoe fire was named after Shoeinhorse Mountain, which is in close proximity to this incident.

WEATHER: The forecast for the area indicates a warming trend over the next few days with increased winds.

EVACUATIONS:  Zone LKH-1448-B 

ROAD CLOSURES:

• Fenders Ferry Road at Pit River 7 Bridge: West-Bound Fenders Ferry Road (Also known as 34N17 - Forest Service Road 27) at the Pit River Bridge/Pit 7
• Ferry Road is closed at McCloud Bridge: East-Bound Fenders Ferry Road at the McCloud River Bridge.

Rail Ridge Fire Update
October 16, 2024
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: centraloregonfire.org
Email: 2024.railridge@firenet.gov – Phone: 541-208-7111
Social Media, Evacuation and Closure Information: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire
Acres: 175,961 – Containment: 89% – Detection: 09/02/24 – Cause: Lightning – Personnel: 576

Northwest Team 2 assumed command of the fire last night at 8pm. Team 2 is looking forward to working with the local landowners, community, and agency administrators during their two-week assignment on the Rail Ridge Fire.

Operational Update: Yesterday, most of the fire area was shaded by the smoke inversion until it lifted around 1:30pm. This prevented fire activity from increasing throughout the morning and early afternoon. Winds flowed into the area from the southwest throughout the morning and shifted to flow from the northwest around 4pm. This caused fire activity to increase slightly. However, the northwesterly winds allowed for the fire to push back toward the main fire footprint. On the northwest section of the fire, crews are continuing to build containment lines above Cougar Ridge. Fire managers are continuing to explore contingency lines farther north of FS Road 3850, which is tied in with dozer lines. There was a small spot in the northwest that the Salmon River Hotshots quickly addressed and prevented from spreading. Around contained areas of the fire, crews continued suppression repair including extensive hazard tree removal, fence repair, and other clean up. Air resources included two Type 1 helicopters and one Type 3 helicopter.

Moderate rains began after midnight. The most active areas of the fire in the Black Canyon Wilderness and Cougar Ridge received up to 0.29” of precipitation. The increased humidity and significant wetting rainfall is expected to curb most of the fire activity that we have been seeing over the last few days. Expect to see on and off mist showers and cloudy skies throughout the day. Winds will pick up from the northwest this afternoon with gusts up to 25mph expected on some higher elevation ridges.

Today, crews in the northwest will continue to use heavy machinery to build containment lines, utilizing Forest Service Road 3850. Firefighters are diligently to seeking out hotspots and responding accordingly to changing or unexpected weather conditions. Crews on the northeast area of the fire are wrapping up suppression repair and will be ready to relocate if additional fire resources are needed on more active fire perimeters. Firefighters will continue to work extensively on FS Road 2150 and 24 to remove hazard trees and increase the safety of these roadways. Fire crews will continue to patrol the contained perimeter of the fire. Air resources will continue to be available and utilized. With the rain comes slick roads, so fire personnel will be assessing the fire conditions and engaging where it is safe to do so.

Weather: Much cooler and wetter conditions are expected over the next few days. Temperatures will likely dip below freezing later tonight and snow showers will be possible above 4,500 feet. Winds will be gusty out of the northwest, but with all the moisture this weather system brings, there should be little impacts to the fire. Rainfall amounts through Thursday will likely exceed 0.1", and higher elevations may see a dusting to an inch of snow through Thursday.

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Incident Activity: Fire crews and aircraft continue to focus on hot spots on the north/northeast portion of the fire closest to Robie Creek. This hard work has resulted in the lifting of the “Ready” evacuation status for the Robie Creek community and a boost to 90% containment. Rain in the forecast for this afternoon could impact suppression repair work due to potentially muddy conditions.

Repair of Fire Suppression Activity: Crews are shifting from fire suppression to suppression repair. There are now 33 miles of dozer line identified that were put in place to prevent the Valley Fire from reaching homes near the Boise Foothills, as well as handline built by firefighters. Suppression repair includes using excavators to bring containment lines back to a more natural ground surface that is ready for vegetation regrowth. Several miles of progress have been made.

Closures Still in Effect for Public and Firefighter Safety: All roads and trails on the Boise Front segment of the Boise River WMA west of Highway 21 and north of Warm Springs Avenue remain closed to all entry until further notice. This closure also extends to all travel off roads and trails. The public is asked to please honor closure signs at trailheads even if fire activity is not visible. Members of the public have been recreating in closed areas near the Harris Ranch community. This poses a safety risk to the public and fire crews. Fire operations including the use of heavy equipment are ongoing with a focus on the repair of containment line to a more natural state with erosion control.

Closure Order Lifted: The Boise National Forest Valley Fire Area closure was lifted October 15.

Evacuation Status Change: The Robie Creek community is released from evacuation readiness. There are no further areas in Boise County that are under evacuation readiness recommendations.

No Fly Zone: Please remember, flying drones in the fire area is NOT ALLOWED. Drones pose a safety risk for firefighting aircraft and medical rescues that require an airlift.

Weather: Rain is expected in the afternoon. High temperatures will average 60 degrees in the Valley Fire area.

Valley Fire Overview: The fire was reported Friday, October 4, 2024, about 1 mile east of Boise on the north side of Idaho State Highway 21. The fire was very visible from East Boise as it burned in mostly grassy fuels in the Boise Foothills. Quick work on initial attack stopped the fire from reaching nearby homes. No injuries have been reported or primary residences lost. The current fire cost estimate is $3.3 million.
 

Elk Fire Update – October 16, 2024

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3

Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander

Size: 92,487  acres (506-acre increase)

Total Personnel: 903

Containment: 28 percent

Cause: Lightning

Resources: 13 aircraft | 18 crews | 60 engines | 7 dozers | 19 water tenders | 5 masticators | 8 skidders | 5 feller bunchers 4 processor | 3 chippers

Key Messages: Fire behavior is expected to be active today due to hot and dry conditions; however, firefighters will be preparing for colder weather and moisture starting later this evening.

Public information officers will be at the Big Horn post office today from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm to answer questions about the current fire situation, operational strategies, and evacuations.

Current Situation: Yesterday and overnight, crews were able to keep fire activity at the south end of the fire from moving below Rapid Creek and Forest Service Trail 238 despite hot and dry conditions.

Crews were able to finish work to secure the edge of the seven-mile-long control line from Big Goose Creek water intake facility south to Red Grade Road during operations yesterday and last night. Today, crews will continue to patrol the area and mop-up hotspots to slow the fire’s progression to the southeast. 

On Red Grade Road today, firefighters in the Poverty Flats area will continue implementing structure protection measures around homes. The work includes clearing flammable debris and adding sprinklers, hose and pumps on properties.  Heavy equipment operators will also continue the effort to remove trees and vegetation along the Red Grade Road, in order to create defensible space should strategic firing operations be necessary. Structure preparation south of the Red Grade Road will continue all the way west to US Highway 14.

Firing operations were conducted along the 168 Road north of Burgess Junction yesterday to secure the lines created in the area.

On the northwest corner of the fire near the Broderick Flats, southwest winds caused spot fires yesterday. Assisted by helicopters doing water drops, crews were able to put fireline around the spot fires. High temperatures and low humidity early in the day today will combine with southwest wind gusts up to 25-30 mph to increase fire activity in the area.

Patrols will continue on the northwest side and along the containment line stretching from the northeast corner of the fire down to the Soldier Creek, including the Tongue Canyon area. 

Weather & Fire Behavior: Today’s high temperatures could reach 80 degrees in the lower elevations. Relative humidity will be in the teens early in the day and start rising late in the afternoon and overnight. A cold front moves in overnight which will drop temperatures and bring in rain and snow over the fire area tomorrow. 

For air-quality and smoke information, go to airnow.gov. 

Evacuations and Closures: For information on Johnson County evacuations, go to Johnson County Emergency Management’s Facebook page: facebook.com/JohnsonCoWYEMC. For info on Sheridan County evacuations and road closures, go to the Sheridan County Emergency Management website: tinyurl.com/2s38bcc5. You can also call the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office (307-672-3455) or Sheridan County Emergency Management (307-752-2174). The Red Cross has an evacuation center at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds that can accommodate people, RVs/campers, pets, and livestock.  Call 307-752-2174 or 307-683-6965 to make arrangements. US Highway 14 is closed between Burgess Junction and Dayton. View the Wyoming Department of Transportation road-closure map here: wyoroad.info. Bighorn National Forest closure has been expanded to include Forest System Roads 319 and a portion of 226 and Forest System Trail 200 and a portion of Trail 038 under Order 02-02-06-24-08. The order and map can be viewed here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/bighorn/alerts-notices. 

Elk Fire Information: 

Phone: 307-303-7642 (8 am to 8 pm) | Email: 2024.Elk@firenet.gov | Linktree: linktr.ee/2024ElkFire

Total Acres: 86,555         Confined: 62%     Total Personnel: 613     

PACK TRAIL FIRE

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Update
Fire Information Phone: 307-395-2351 | Email: 2024.Packtrail @firenet.gov

Total Acres: 86,555        Confined: 62%     Total Personnel: 613

Operations – Yesterday on the east side of the fire, ground crews continued to secure the 540 Road, continuing their mop-up operations along that feature.  On the south side, the Pack Trail Fire saw increased fire activity during the evening periods but crews supported by aviation were able to keep the fire north of the Union Pass road.  The fire continued to be active in the areas around Cowboy Camp, Strawberry Warming Hut, and Fish Creek Guard Station to various degrees. SSW winds and receptive fuels contributed to activity across the fire area. On the west flank, in the Gros Ventre River Basin, firefighters continue patrolling the Burnt Ridge area and use aircraft to slow the fire’s advance into the valley where appropriate. The structure protection group continued their work around values at risk in the valley.

Safety – Teton Interagency Fire managers are maintaining the  Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Shoshone National Forest , and the National Elk Refuge. Please use caution while driving these areas, especially on narrow secondary roads. Always expect to encounter fire vehicles and heavy equipment in and around the fire area. Check with WY-DOT for possible closures due to fire activity, especially if you are planning to travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide. Closures are not expected, but with active fire in the area checking status before travel is recommended.

Due to excessively dry fuels, any spark can ignite fire which can grow rapidly into a major incident. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fires or other possible ignition sources. Always build campfires away from dry grass, leaves, and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of spreading wildfire. Clear at least a 10-foot perimeter around your fire, removing any flammable material, and have enough water on hand to ensure your fire is dead out and cool to the touch before you go to sleep or leave the area. 

Remember that flying a personal drone over a fire area during a temporary flight restriction is illegal and can be an extremely dangerous threat to both our aviators and firefighters on the ground. “If you fly, we can’t.” 

Weather – Today’s weather conditions still present the potential for increased fire behavior in the afternoon as winds continue from the SW with potential for gusts at elevation in the 20 MPH range as the expected cold front approaches. The forecast calls for high temps in the 60’s and relative humidity between 18% and 22%. Smoke will be a factor in many areas surrounding the fire. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov. 

Evacuations – Brooks Lake Lodge, Pinnacle Cabins, Falls Camp, and Long Creek have been reduced to a Level 2 “Set” Evacuation Warning. Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders remain in effect for Lava Mountain Lodge and McKenzie Highland Ranch. The Dunoir Road Corridor has been reduced to a Level 1 “Ready” Evacuation Warning. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.

Road Closures – The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the DuNoir on the Wind River District (SHO).

Forest Closures - Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from October 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. through November 15, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-316, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area. 

For more information, visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest  Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire

Railroad-Daly Fire Update

Type 3 Incident, Incident Commander Justin Abbey, ICT3 Trainee: Chris Kramer

Location: Bitterroot NF: Railroad Creek/ Skalkaho Creek confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton
Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF: 20 Miles northwest of Georgetown Lake Dam off Skalkaho Hwy 38
Start Date: 7/25/2024
Cause: Undetermined

Daly Fire Acres: 11,234 Railroad Fire Acres: 1,583 Completion: 56% 

Total Personnel: 265 

NOTE: Official Transfer of Command took place today @ 0700 to Justin Abbey & Chris Kramer.

CURRENT STATUS
Yesterday minimal fire behavior was observed with internal heavy fuels burning and isolated tree torching. During the night hours fire backed down closer to Hwy 38. A Fire Engine remained in that area to monitor progression towards values. Multiple helicopters aided firefighters with buckets of water to suppress areas of heat along fire perimeter.
In efforts to prevent hazard trees from falling across Skalkaho Hwy 38, sawyers continued cutting standing dead trees and used a woodchipper to shred limbs into smaller wood chips.
Today, crews will hold and monitor previous firing operations. Sawers will continue clean up above Skalkaho Hwy 38 removing the amount standing dead snags and will continue chipping ground fuels. Crews will continue constructing a shaded fuel break along coal creek road. Crews will also continue constructing a fuel break along Hwy 38 to keep fire north of Hwy 38 and east of FS Rd #75. Construction of dozer, hand line will continue along Gird Creek Ridge. Aerial resources will remain engaged to slow fires spread down canyon towards values.
Fire Crews will remain in place along Hwy 38 monitoring fire activity during the night hours.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Today will be the last of the warm and dry days this week. Elevated fire weather concerns are still anticipated for Wednesday afternoon as gusty winds increase, and low relative humidity remains. There is a decent chance of wetting rains on the terrain Wednesday night as a cold front passes through. Cool and wet conditions will continue into Thursday. Thursday night will bring snow to 4,000 feet in the Bitterroot. EVACUATIONS
On October 9, 2024 the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office issued an Evacuation Warning for residents off of Skalkaho Highway (1700-2500 block) due to the Railroad-Daly Fire. For more information on evacuations visit the Ravalli County Sheriff Facebook page.
To register your phone number for emergency notifications in Ravalli County visit, http://hyper-reach.com/mtravallisignup.html.

CLOSURES
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure effective October 4, 2024.
The Bitterroot National Forest has also issued a road closure effective October 10, 2024.
These orders are for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts on the Fire.
Closure information and maps are posted on the Bitterroot and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests’ website www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices and www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices.

Yellow Lake Fire 
Incident Update October 16, 2024

Size at time of update: 32,919
Containment: 29%
Personnel: 779
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Undetermined
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

An “incident specific” Red Flag Warning is in effect over the Yellow Lake Fire from noon-6:00 p.m. today due to critically dry fuels and weather conditions.  Wind, rain, snow, freezing temperatures and thunderstorms with dynamic downburst winds will test the fire perimeter. 

Fire managers say the biggest concern is the northwest corner of the fire. Aircraft equipped with infrared technology flew the fire last night and detected intense heat around the “nose” of the fire that extends toward Iron Mine Road. Heat was also detected near Iron Mine Lake and may have crept around rock formations above the lake. 

Owners of the Soapstone Summer Homes near Mirror Lake Highway, SR 150 were escorted into the fire closure area early yesterday.  Homeowners were able to retrieve personal items and prepare private property for expected freezing temperatures. 

Moderate fire behavior was observed overnight within the fire perimeter on the northeast corner near the Wasatch/Duchesne County line.  Night crews responded to the central unburned portion of the fire perimeter referred to as the “donut hole.”  Three engines and a crew responded to fire activity in this area containing slash piles and logging decks (piles of cut trees that have been stacked). Crews were able to save most of the logging decks, however, one was consumed by flames. 

The southern perimeter remains intact with direct and indirect lines, where winds have been favorable this week. Crews observed a few “glows” on the west side last night as interior fuels burned. 

Fire impact on watersheds and water quality is being prioritized and mitigated across the entire burn area.  Drainage control measures will be implemented to help offset erosion and sedimentation that could originate from the burn scar during periods of heavy precipitation. 

A Red Flag Warning will also be in effect across western Utah today. 

Forest Closures: All evacuation orders and closures remain in effect. 

• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure has been increased on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This Order shall remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208350.pdf
• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure has been increased on the Ashley National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This closure will remain in place through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded, for public safety.

Evacuation Areas: The North and West Forks of the Duchesne River, and Granddaddy Lakes area are under a mandatory GO evacuation meaning all residents, hunters, and recreationists must leave and stay out of the area. Hanna is under a SET order, advising residents to have bags packed and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. 

For updated evacuation zones, please visit: 

https://emergency-management-operations-wasatch.hub.arcgis.com/

https://tricountyemergencyalert.genasys.com/portal/en

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208878.pdf 

**This is the last Inciweb update unless significant fire activity occurs.** 

For all future information on the Tiger Creek Fire, please visit the Umatilla National Forest Service Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF or the Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog at https://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/   

Current Situation:  **This is the last update unless significant fire activity occurs. ** For all future information on the Tiger Creek Fire, please visit the Umatilla National Forest Service Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF or the Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog at https://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ 

The Tiger Creek fire remains at 534 acres, containment has increased to 89%, and personnel assigned to the fire now stands at 250. Crews continue to patrol and repair areas within the fire footprint. Due to the containment and weather predicted, many resources will be released this afternoon. California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 will be transferring command of the Tiger Creek Fire at 6pm on October 16, 2024, back to the Umatilla National Forest.

California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team 15 wishes to thank the Umatilla National Forest, Oregon Department of Forestry and Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days for their friendliness, professionalism, and courtesy during our time on the incident. The team would also like to extend many thanks to the residents affected by the Tiger Creek Fire for their patience, understanding and hospitality over the last two weeks.

Closures and Restrictions: Access through Forest Service Road (FSR) 65 up through FSR 64 to the junction with Indian Camp is closed. Government Mountain Road/FSR 6511 is closed from North Fork Walla Walla trailhead to the junction with FSR 65 at Tiger Saddle. Government Mountain Rd/FSR 6511 is open from the west to North Fork Walla Walla trailhead. The current fire danger rating is MODERATE and public use restrictions phase A for Umatilla National Forest are in effect. For more information regarding restrictions, please contact Umatilla National Forest Toll-free Information Hotline: 1.877.958.9663. 

Weather: The weather shifted last night into this morning with 100 percent chance of precipitation continuing into this afternoon. The relative humidity yesterday reached 71 percent and higher winds were recorded. The rain coming in will make for excellent recovery overnight into Thursday. Snow is possible about 3500 feet Wednesday into Thursday.

Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good, some residents along Mill Creek may experience smoke as the fire continues to burn. Check out https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1 for more information.