Anvil Fire Activity

Size: 386 acres               Start Date:  August 25, 2023      Point of origin: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR                           

Containment: 0%           Total personnel: 277

Resources: 9 crews, 3 helicopters, 4 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 pieces of heavy equipment

Fire behavior was minimal yesterday, with primary activity on the northwest side and a small area on the west side at the head of Anvil Creek. These areas were hit heavily with helicopter water drops, totaling 92,320 gallons. Less water was dropped than on Friday because helicopters were rotated to meet pilot rest requirements. The Wildland Fire Modules are on the ground helping direct these bucket drops for accuracy. Much of the work to clear vegetation along Grassy Knob Road is complete. Firefighters, working alongside masticators, are finishing this work to the northwest forest boundary. Interagency Hotshot Crews and the dozer operator made progress on the fireline from Grassy Knob Road south to the fish hatchery on Elk River Road and will continue this work today. Fire managers have been scouting along the northern wilderness boundary for old roadbeds to tie together to create control lines if the fire moves in that direction. They are working closely with the Coos Forest Protective Association and the Coquille Tribe in these efforts. Along McGribble Road south of Elk River Road, fire managers are scouting for opportunities to build or improve alternate control lines in that direction. Structure protection work continues along the Elk River and Sixes River roads. The fire remains north of Red Cedar Creek, east of Anvil Creek, and south of a Dry Creek tributary.

Flat Fire Activity

Size: 34,242 acres             Start Date:  July 15, 2023                Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 75%           Total personnel: 281

Resources: 5 crews, 3 helicopters, 11 engines, 6 water tenders, 6 pieces of heavy equipment

Approximately 70 percent of the suppression repair work is complete on the Flat Fire. Excavator operators continue pulling in dozer line berms on the northeast side. Resource advisors are spreading native seed mix on repaired lines and other areas of disturbance. Firefighters are watching the firelines and cooling hot spots as they are identified. Interior pockets of vegetation continue to burn out.

Weather: A weak cold front moving into the area tonight will lower temperatures and improve humidity recoveries.

Smoke: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for current smoke and air quality updates. Depending on wind direction, smoke may be visible from Port Orford and residences along Elk River Road.

Closures: U.S. Highway 199 has been reopened to all traffic using a pilot car system north of Gasquet to the Oregon border in California. Local law enforcement cautions against any non-essential traffic along this route. Expect 20-40 minute delays. Navigation apps and mapping programs may not have updated and accurate information. Check www.tripcheck.com in Oregon and www.quickmap.dot.ca.go in California for current closures and detours. Do not use forest roads for alternate routes. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued closure orders in the areas of the Flat and Anvil fires. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts

Evacuations: Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status is in place for areas near the Flat Fire. Level 2 “Get Set“ evacuation status is in place along the Elk River from about milepost four to the USFS Butler Bar Campground near the Anvil Fire. Sign up for Curry Co. emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM.

Restrictions: The RRSNF decreased fire danger from Extreme to High and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level from Level 3 to Level 2, effective Sept. 5, 2023. Public Use Restrictions (PUR) remain at Stage 3 across the forest and on the Wild Section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. Visit https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts for more information. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire areas. Please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can't. 

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  As a reminder, the active State Fire Marshal’s Office’s burn ban order prohibiting ALL private burning, with no limitations, remains in effect. As does the corresponding burn ban from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning. However, Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. See http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf for more information. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-2 Crew; 22 Type-6 Engines; 1 Dozer; 1 Type-2 Tractor Plow Unit; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders; 3 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 15 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders.

Lions Camp Road: 1 Type-6 Engine; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance.

Elizabeth: 7 Type-6 Engines; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 1 Water Tender and 1 Ambulance.

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 5 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks.

Additional support is being provided to all fires by Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff’s offices, and the Offices of Emergency Preparedness.

Tiger Island Fire: The Tiger Island Fire was first reported on Tuesday, August 22nd. The fire is located East of Merryville, south of Hwy 190, SW of DeRidder and North of Singer. The fire is burning in pine plantations of multiple ages. Heavy residual fuels because of Hurricane Laura in 2020 exist and contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Operations: The Tiger Island Fire is currently 71% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to mitigate needlecast along containment lines with dozers and blowers. Needlecast continues to increase throughout the fire footprint. Crews continued to focus mop up efforts in creekbeds in the northeast corner of the fire. Crews also continue to make progress breaking up dozer berms and releasing heat trapped inside. Lastly, crews are patrolling for heat from previous lightning strikes near the fire perimeter.

Hwy 113 Fire: Located 14 miles northwest of Oakdale. This fire is burning in loblolly pines and hardwoods.

Operations:  The Hwy 113 fire is currently 63% contained.  Lower humidities and drier air will dry out dozer lines and allow for increased access after previous rains. The Tenmile Creek drainage, which intersects containment lines in the north and south sections of the fire, continues to be high priority for mop up. Removing needlecast from containment lines remains a top priority to ensure reburn stays within the fire perimeter. Firefighters are improving firelines and utilizing hand crews and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to access portions of the fireline.

Lions Camp Road: Five miles northwest of Leesville. This fire is burning in southern rough, timber and brush.

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is currently 83% contained. Yesterday, crews monitored the fire area for reburn and used infrared imagery to search for heat sources. They also looked for any remaining heat from lightning strikes and mitigated needlecast. Today, crews will continue to mop further to the interior of the containment line.

Elizabeth: Located in southwest Rapides Parish. The fire is south of Ten Mile Road and northeast of state Louisiana Hwy 462.

Operations:  The Elizabeth Fire is 72% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to improve dozer lines to allow access for engines to mop up. Crews cleared out needlecast from containment lines and monitored reburn. Today, crews will utilize dozers to push over hazard trees near the fire perimeter to promote safety and continue to mitigate needlecast.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Drier air pushes through the area today, dropping the relative humidity to 25-30 percent during midday. The temperature will be slightly cooler than previous days, with a maximum of the mid-90’s in the afternoon. Low relative humidity will lead to increased fire behavior in the afternoon, increasing chances for reburn across all four fires. Winds will be light, with slight gusts in the afternoon, further contributing to increased fire activity. Fuels are still critically dry, with drought indexes at record highs. Drought conditions are increasing needlecast reburn across all fires and continue to be the highest priority for fire crews.

Air Quality: Smoke today from Canadian wildfires will remain for the next few days. From local fires, expect light smoke in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. New ignitions or reburn in areas where heavy needlecast is present could lead to additional smoke. Communities should experience moderate air quality today with periods of good. For real time air quality information see EPA's Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/. Today is the last day that a smoke report will be produced for these fires.

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. This is necessary to protect aerial operations. If you fly, we can’t. If there are drone intrusions into the Temporary Flight Restrictions, we must ground all aircraft. 

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  As a reminder, the active State Fire Marshal’s Office’s burn ban order prohibiting ALL private burning, with no limitations, remains in effect. As does the corresponding burn ban from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning. However, Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. See http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf for more information. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-2 Crew; 22 Type-6 Engines; 1 Dozer; 1 Type-2 Tractor Plow Unit; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders; 3 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 15 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders.

Lions Camp Road: 1 Type-6 Engine; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance.

Elizabeth: 7 Type-6 Engines; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 1 Water Tender and 1 Ambulance.

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 5 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks.

Additional support is being provided to all fires by Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff’s offices, and the Offices of Emergency Preparedness.

Tiger Island Fire: The Tiger Island Fire was first reported on Tuesday, August 22nd. The fire is located East of Merryville, south of Hwy 190, SW of DeRidder and North of Singer. The fire is burning in pine plantations of multiple ages. Heavy residual fuels because of Hurricane Laura in 2020 exist and contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Operations: The Tiger Island Fire is currently 71% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to mitigate needlecast along containment lines with dozers and blowers. Needlecast continues to increase throughout the fire footprint. Crews continued to focus mop up efforts in creekbeds in the northeast corner of the fire. Crews also continue to make progress breaking up dozer berms and releasing heat trapped inside. Lastly, crews are patrolling for heat from previous lightning strikes near the fire perimeter.

Hwy 113 Fire: Located 14 miles northwest of Oakdale. This fire is burning in loblolly pines and hardwoods.

Operations:  The Hwy 113 fire is currently 63% contained.  Lower humidities and drier air will dry out dozer lines and allow for increased access after previous rains. The Tenmile Creek drainage, which intersects containment lines in the north and south sections of the fire, continues to be high priority for mop up. Removing needlecast from containment lines remains a top priority to ensure reburn stays within the fire perimeter. Firefighters are improving firelines and utilizing hand crews and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to access portions of the fireline.

Lions Camp Road: Five miles northwest of Leesville. This fire is burning in southern rough, timber and brush.

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is currently 83% contained. Yesterday, crews monitored the fire area for reburn and used infrared imagery to search for heat sources. They also looked for any remaining heat from lightning strikes and mitigated needlecast. Today, crews will continue to mop further to the interior of the containment line.

Elizabeth: Located in southwest Rapides Parish. The fire is south of Ten Mile Road and northeast of state Louisiana Hwy 462.

Operations:  The Elizabeth Fire is 72% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to improve dozer lines to allow access for engines to mop up. Crews cleared out needlecast from containment lines and monitored reburn. Today, crews will utilize dozers to push over hazard trees near the fire perimeter to promote safety and continue to mitigate needlecast.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Drier air pushes through the area today, dropping the relative humidity to 25-30 percent during midday. The temperature will be slightly cooler than previous days, with a maximum of the mid-90’s in the afternoon. Low relative humidity will lead to increased fire behavior in the afternoon, increasing chances for reburn across all four fires. Winds will be light, with slight gusts in the afternoon, further contributing to increased fire activity. Fuels are still critically dry, with drought indexes at record highs. Drought conditions are increasing needlecast reburn across all fires and continue to be the highest priority for fire crews.

Air Quality: Smoke today from Canadian wildfires will remain for the next few days. From local fires, expect light smoke in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. New ignitions or reburn in areas where heavy needlecast is present could lead to additional smoke. Communities should experience moderate air quality today with periods of good. For real time air quality information see EPA's Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/. Today is the last day that a smoke report will be produced for these fires.

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. This is necessary to protect aerial operations. If you fly, we can’t. If there are drone intrusions into the Temporary Flight Restrictions, we must ground all aircraft. 

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  As a reminder, the active State Fire Marshal’s Office’s burn ban order prohibiting ALL private burning, with no limitations, remains in effect. As does the corresponding burn ban from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning. However, Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. See http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf for more information. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-2 Crew; 22 Type-6 Engines; 1 Dozer; 1 Type-2 Tractor Plow Unit; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders; 3 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 15 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders.

Lions Camp Road: 1 Type-6 Engine; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance.

Elizabeth: 7 Type-6 Engines; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 1 Water Tender and 1 Ambulance.

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 5 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks.

Additional support is being provided to all fires by Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff’s offices, and the Offices of Emergency Preparedness.

Tiger Island Fire: The Tiger Island Fire was first reported on Tuesday, August 22nd. The fire is located East of Merryville, south of Hwy 190, SW of DeRidder and North of Singer. The fire is burning in pine plantations of multiple ages. Heavy residual fuels because of Hurricane Laura in 2020 exist and contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Operations: The Tiger Island Fire is currently 71% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to mitigate needlecast along containment lines with dozers and blowers. Needlecast continues to increase throughout the fire footprint. Crews continued to focus mop up efforts in creekbeds in the northeast corner of the fire. Crews also continue to make progress breaking up dozer berms and releasing heat trapped inside. Lastly, crews are patrolling for heat from previous lightning strikes near the fire perimeter.

Hwy 113 Fire: Located 14 miles northwest of Oakdale. This fire is burning in loblolly pines and hardwoods.

Operations:  The Hwy 113 fire is currently 63% contained.  Lower humidities and drier air will dry out dozer lines and allow for increased access after previous rains. The Tenmile Creek drainage, which intersects containment lines in the north and south sections of the fire, continues to be high priority for mop up. Removing needlecast from containment lines remains a top priority to ensure reburn stays within the fire perimeter. Firefighters are improving firelines and utilizing hand crews and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to access portions of the fireline.

Lions Camp Road: Five miles northwest of Leesville. This fire is burning in southern rough, timber and brush.

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is currently 83% contained. Yesterday, crews monitored the fire area for reburn and used infrared imagery to search for heat sources. They also looked for any remaining heat from lightning strikes and mitigated needlecast. Today, crews will continue to mop further to the interior of the containment line.

Elizabeth: Located in southwest Rapides Parish. The fire is south of Ten Mile Road and northeast of state Louisiana Hwy 462.

Operations:  The Elizabeth Fire is 72% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to improve dozer lines to allow access for engines to mop up. Crews cleared out needlecast from containment lines and monitored reburn. Today, crews will utilize dozers to push over hazard trees near the fire perimeter to promote safety and continue to mitigate needlecast.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Drier air pushes through the area today, dropping the relative humidity to 25-30 percent during midday. The temperature will be slightly cooler than previous days, with a maximum of the mid-90’s in the afternoon. Low relative humidity will lead to increased fire behavior in the afternoon, increasing chances for reburn across all four fires. Winds will be light, with slight gusts in the afternoon, further contributing to increased fire activity. Fuels are still critically dry, with drought indexes at record highs. Drought conditions are increasing needlecast reburn across all fires and continue to be the highest priority for fire crews.

Air Quality: Smoke today from Canadian wildfires will remain for the next few days. From local fires, expect light smoke in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. New ignitions or reburn in areas where heavy needlecast is present could lead to additional smoke. Communities should experience moderate air quality today with periods of good. For real time air quality information see EPA's Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/. Today is the last day that a smoke report will be produced for these fires.

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. This is necessary to protect aerial operations. If you fly, we can’t. If there are drone intrusions into the Temporary Flight Restrictions, we must ground all aircraft. 

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  As a reminder, the active State Fire Marshal’s Office’s burn ban order prohibiting ALL private burning, with no limitations, remains in effect. As does the corresponding burn ban from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning. However, Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. See http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf for more information. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-2 Crew; 22 Type-6 Engines; 1 Dozer; 1 Type-2 Tractor Plow Unit; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders; 3 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 15 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders.

Lions Camp Road: 1 Type-6 Engine; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance.

Elizabeth: 7 Type-6 Engines; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 1 Water Tender and 1 Ambulance.

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 5 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks.

Additional support is being provided to all fires by Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff’s offices, and the Offices of Emergency Preparedness.

Tiger Island Fire: The Tiger Island Fire was first reported on Tuesday, August 22nd. The fire is located East of Merryville, south of Hwy 190, SW of DeRidder and North of Singer. The fire is burning in pine plantations of multiple ages. Heavy residual fuels because of Hurricane Laura in 2020 exist and contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Operations: The Tiger Island Fire is currently 71% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to mitigate needlecast along containment lines with dozers and blowers. Needlecast continues to increase throughout the fire footprint. Crews continued to focus mop up efforts in creekbeds in the northeast corner of the fire. Crews also continue to make progress breaking up dozer berms and releasing heat trapped inside. Lastly, crews are patrolling for heat from previous lightning strikes near the fire perimeter.

Hwy 113 Fire: Located 14 miles northwest of Oakdale. This fire is burning in loblolly pines and hardwoods.

Operations:  The Hwy 113 fire is currently 63% contained.  Lower humidities and drier air will dry out dozer lines and allow for increased access after previous rains. The Tenmile Creek drainage, which intersects containment lines in the north and south sections of the fire, continues to be high priority for mop up. Removing needlecast from containment lines remains a top priority to ensure reburn stays within the fire perimeter. Firefighters are improving firelines and utilizing hand crews and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to access portions of the fireline.

Lions Camp Road: Five miles northwest of Leesville. This fire is burning in southern rough, timber and brush.

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is currently 83% contained. Yesterday, crews monitored the fire area for reburn and used infrared imagery to search for heat sources. They also looked for any remaining heat from lightning strikes and mitigated needlecast. Today, crews will continue to mop further to the interior of the containment line.

Elizabeth: Located in southwest Rapides Parish. The fire is south of Ten Mile Road and northeast of state Louisiana Hwy 462.

Operations:  The Elizabeth Fire is 72% contained. Yesterday, crews continued to improve dozer lines to allow access for engines to mop up. Crews cleared out needlecast from containment lines and monitored reburn. Today, crews will utilize dozers to push over hazard trees near the fire perimeter to promote safety and continue to mitigate needlecast.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Drier air pushes through the area today, dropping the relative humidity to 25-30 percent during midday. The temperature will be slightly cooler than previous days, with a maximum of the mid-90’s in the afternoon. Low relative humidity will lead to increased fire behavior in the afternoon, increasing chances for reburn across all four fires. Winds will be light, with slight gusts in the afternoon, further contributing to increased fire activity. Fuels are still critically dry, with drought indexes at record highs. Drought conditions are increasing needlecast reburn across all fires and continue to be the highest priority for fire crews.

Air Quality: Smoke today from Canadian wildfires will remain for the next few days. From local fires, expect light smoke in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. New ignitions or reburn in areas where heavy needlecast is present could lead to additional smoke. Communities should experience moderate air quality today with periods of good. For real time air quality information see EPA's Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/. Today is the last day that a smoke report will be produced for these fires.

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Tiger Island Fire and Hwy 113 and Elizabeth Fire areas. This is necessary to protect aerial operations. If you fly, we can’t. If there are drone intrusions into the Temporary Flight Restrictions, we must ground all aircraft. 

This morning we welcome the Southern Area Blue Incident Management Team, who will begin managing these fires at 0700 tomorrow, September 10th.  

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban:  As a reminder, the active State Fire Marshal’s Office’s burn ban order prohibiting ALL private burning, with no limitations, remains in effect. As does the corresponding burn ban from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry prohibiting all agricultural burning, including but not limited to prescribed burning. However, Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking with safety measures in place. See http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/doc/press/pr_2023-36.pdf for more information. The use of open flames in fire pits, campfires, barrels, bonfires, burn piles, and like open burning is still prohibited. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies.  

Personnel and Equipment:   

Tiger Island: 1 Type-2 Crew; 20 Type-6 Engines; 1 Dozer; 1 Type-2 Tractor Plow Unit; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Water Tenders; 3 Ambulances.  

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 17 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 8 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 2 Water Tenders. 

Lions Camp Road: 1 Type-6 Engine; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance. 

Elizabeth: 7 Type-6 Engines; 6 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 1 Water Tender and 1 Ambulance. 

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 5 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks. 

Additional support is being provided to all fires by Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Sheriff’s offices, and the Offices of Emergency Preparedness.  

Tiger Island Fire: The Tiger Island Fire was first reported on Tuesday, August 22nd. The fire is located East of Merryville, south of Hwy 190, SW of DeRidder and North of Singer. The fire is burning in pine plantations of multiple ages. Heavy residual fuels because of Hurricane Laura in 2020 exist and contribute to extreme fire behavior.  

Operations: The Tiger Island Fire is currently 71% contained. Yesterday, high wind gusts promoted active fire behavior and interior reburn. Infrared (IR) imagery showed hotspots in the north end of the fire, so crews will target that area for mop up today. Mitigating needlecast on firelines continues to be a priority as interior reburn increases. Crews will continue to break up and expose heat within dozer berms and search for new hotspots from yesterday’s lighting strikes.  

Hwy 113 Fire: Located 14 miles northwest of Oakdale. This fire is burning in loblolly pines and hardwoods. 

Operations:  The Hwy 113 fire is currently 63% contained. Yesterday, there was increased needlecast from the afternoon wind gusts, causing crews to focus on clearing firelines of pine needles. Rain showers have continued to make access to firelines difficult. Today, crews will focus on improving line and mopping up hotspots, especially using utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to access the Tenmile Creek area on the north and south end of the fire area and will assess the creekbed for necessary repairs. 

Lions Camp Road: Five miles northwest of Leesville. This fire is burning in southern rough, timber and brush. 

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is currently 83% contained. Yesterday, the afternoon winds led to increased fire activity and reburn within the fire interior. Today, crews will continue to mitigate needlecast and patrol firelines for hotspots to mop up. Crews will continue to work toward the goal of mopping up all heat within 100 feet of the fireline.  

Elizabeth: Located in southwest Rapides Parish. The fire is south of Ten Mile Road and northeast of state Louisiana Hwy 462. 

Operations:  The Elizabeth Fire is 72% contained. Yesterday, crews continued mop up around the fireline. Needlecast is beginning to occur across the fire area. The Tenmile Creek bottom in the northwest corner of the fire area is holding the most heat, so crews will focus on mopping up that section with UTVs. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: A cold front pushed through the area overnight, reducing heat from extreme levels to highs in the mid-90s. Relative humidity will remain higher throughout the day, dropping to the mid 40’s at the lowest. There is a 15-20% chance of storms this afternoon, and drier air will come in over the weekend, reducing relative humidities to 25-30% on Sunday. Vegetation moisture is still at critical levels, and needlecast across all four fires is adding to reburn potential. Dozer berms are still holding heat and will be a priority for mop up across all four fires.  

Air Quality: Increasing smoke today due to smoke from Canada wildfires moving as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. From local fires expect light smoke in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. New ignitions or reburn in areas where heavy needlecast is present could lead to additional smoke. Communities should experience moderate air quality today with periods of unhealthy for sensitive groups. For real time air quality information see EPA's Fire and Smoke Map: 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. This is necessary to protect aerial operations. If you fly, we can’t. If there are drone intrusions into the Temporary Flight Restrictions, we must ground all aircraft.  

This will be the last morning update from Northern Rockies Team #5.

Joe Sampson’s Complex Incident Management Team will be transferring command of the East Fork Fire back to the local unit. Incident Commander Ray Flanagan and firefighting/support personnel will “shadow” current resources today, ensuring for a smooth and seamless transition. The Incident Command Post (ICP) will relocate to the Murphy Lake Forest Service office and fire camp will move to Ant Flat.

CURRENT STATUS/ PLANNED ACTIONS

Fire crews continue to look for hotspots throughout the fire area, “mopping-up” the smoldering fuels and removing the residual heat. Crews constructed about 200 feet of line around an interior unburned island of fuel, near the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters and heavy equipment are implementing repair plans and improving damaged roads and surfaces to pre-fire conditions. As conditions on the fire wind down, excess resources no longer needed are demobilizing and returning to their home units.   

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

High pressure dominates over the area, producing increased stability, warmer temperatures, and drier conditions. Winds will continue to be terrain driven, with a slight southwest component.  The weather across the incident will be quiet today and into early next week. Little to no precipitation is expected. Fire activity is limited to creeping and smoldering. This fire behavior currently poses no threat to containment lines. Any heat will remain in the currently burning fuels, and no fire movement is expected.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS

The Flathead National Forest rescinded its previously issued area closure order (#01-01-08-23-20) on September 2, 2023. The Kootenai National Forest-Fortine Ranger District and the Flathead National Forest-Tally Lake Ranger District have issued a new revised road closure order (#01-01-03-23-12), effective September 2, 2023.

The closure order is in place to provide heavy equipment and suppression repair personnel unhindered access to areas of the East Fork fire. Work in the area includes road repair, cleaning slash and other debris out of ditches and culverts, and strategically moving logs and other downed trees to prevent erosion in burned areas. The roads in the area are narrow, and pullouts and turnarounds are too few for heavy traffic. Temporary closures are implemented during wildfire events to protect working firefighters and equipment operators. Once agency officials determine the area is safe, closure orders will be adjusted or rescinded. 

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire will be released at the end of shift on Sunday.

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, Montana

Start Date: 7/30/2023      

Cause: Lightning      

Size: 5,144 acres      

Containment: 61% 

Total Personnel: 211      Engines: 4     Helicopters: 1      Hand Crews: 3 

Special Statement : This is the last smoke forecast produced for these fires.

Fire 
The four fires in the area are Tiger Island (31,083 ac); Elizabeth (930 ac); Hwy. 113 (7,124 ac) and Lions Camp Rd.(787 ac). Minimal fire activity expected due to the reduced amount of heat sources. (visit Inciweb Tiger Island Fire for more details) (visit Inciweb Hwy 113 Fire for more details)
(visit Inciweb Elizabeth Fire for more details) (visit Inciweb Lions Camp Road Fire for more details)

Smoke 
Smoke from Canada wildfires that moved into the area yesterday is expected to linger for a day or two. This extra smoke in the area will decrease air quality. Local fires will produce widely scattered, light, smoke. Heat scorched leaves and pine needles have fallen and covered much of the burned areas. Reburn has been occurring within the fire perimeters when fallen leaves are ignited by smoldering fuels. This causes increased levels of smoke for short periods in the immediate vicinity of the reburn. None of the communities in the area should be impacted by smoke from local fires, even if reburn occurs. Communities should experience MODERATE air quality today with periods of GOOD. The Canada wildfire smoke is the main reason for this decrease in air quality from the GOOD we have had since rains last week.

Health and Safety 
Smoke contains microscopic solids and liquid droplets that can cause serious health problems. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health. This Smoke Outlook reflects 24-hour PM2.5 impacts on air quality.

Special Statement 
This is the last smoke forecast produced for these fires.

Fire 
The four fires in the area are Tiger Island (31,083 ac); Elizabeth (930 ac); Hwy. 113 (7,124 ac) and Lions Camp Rd.(787 ac). Minimal fire activity expected due to the reduced amount of heat sources. (visit Inciweb Tiger Island Fire for more details) (visit Inciweb Hwy 113 Fire for more details)
(visit Inciweb Elizabeth Fire for more details) (visit Inciweb Lions Camp Road Fire for more details)

Smoke 
Smoke from Canada wildfires that moved into the area yesterday is expected to linger for a day or two. This extra smoke in the area will decrease air quality. Local fires will produce widely scattered, light, smoke. Heat scorched leaves and pine needles have fallen and covered much of the burned areas. Reburn has been occurring within the fire perimeters when fallen leaves are ignited by smoldering fuels. This causes increased levels of smoke for short periods in the immediate vicinity of the reburn. None of the communities in the area should be impacted by smoke from local fires, even if reburn occurs. Communities should experience MODERATE air quality today with periods of GOOD. The Canada wildfire smoke is the main reason for this decrease in air quality from the GOOD we have had since rains last week.

Health and Safety 
Smoke contains microscopic solids and liquid droplets that can cause serious health problems. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health. This Smoke Outlook reflects 24-hour PM2.5 impacts on air quality.