Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

NW IMT12 Branch I

September 10, 2023

Daily Fire Update

Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

Total personnel:  325 | Total Resources:  8 engines; 8 crews; 1 helicopter; 6 heavy equipment; 2 water tenders

On September 13th, NW IMT12 will be transitioning fire management with Type 2 NW IMT 6. The new team is committed to full suppression of these fires, and will continue mop up operations, road repair, and hazard tree mitigation.   

Brice Creek Fire: Size: 583 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 35%

The Brice Fire has shown little growth over the last week, and containment continues to increase due to hard work by fire crews. Green stringers of trees on the north flank of the fire have been mitigated with firing operations and no longer pose a threat. Firing operations planned for the 100-acre unburned swath on the southeast flank of the fire, north of Forest Service Road 22 are on hold. At this time the fire perimeter on the south poses no threat of advancing and the risk to firefighter safety is high. Fire management has a strategic firing plan in place if changing conditions dictate it is necessary.

Dinner Fire: Size:  304 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 95%

The Dinner Fire is close to being fully contained. Firefighters have mopped up around the entire perimeter of the fire. Today’s shift will continue to identify and extinguish any remaining hotspots, and 100% containment is expected tomorrow evening.

Grizzly Fire: Size:  110 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Yesterday, fire activity picked up on the west side of the fire. Two heavy helicopters worked in tandem for approximately four hours dropping water to cool fire activity. This operation was successful at limiting fire growth in this small area. Road repair involving a roller, grader, and woodchipper is near completion and will continue today. Structure protection resources will remain on scene, and the Wildland Fire Module (WFM) remains engaged on the Grizzly Fire. A 7-10 member WFM provides an innovative, highly mobile, versatile, and logistically independent team.

Weather:  Temperatures will range from 67-73° on the ridges and 74-80° in the valleys with minimum relative humidity in the range of 34-45%. Valley and ridge top winds will be out of the west 3-6 mph, with gusts 15-20 mph.

Evacuations:  Lane County issued a Level 2 Evacuation (Be Set) for all private lands and mining claims in the Bohemia areas within the Cottage Grove Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest.

Safety and Closures:  There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and wildland firefighter safety.  There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area.  

Brice Creek Fire Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-brice-creek-fire

Dinner Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-dinner-fire

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

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

Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM      Email: 2023.dinner@firenet.gov

The Chilcoot Fire is currently 1,769 acres with 20% containment. The Ridge Fire is currently 219 acres with 90% containment.

Firefighters have nearly completed several major tasks on these Branch II fires. Equipment backhaul has begun, which is the packaging and removal of supplies and equipment from the fireline. This work can take many days to complete in an organized manner while suppression repair is happening at the same time. The ten pieces of heavy equipment are busy performing a wide range of tasks. This work will continue when the next type 2 incident management team assumes command on Wednesday.

Chilcoot Fire: With the west flank fully contained, firefighters are turning their attention to completing tasks that have been underway for days. This includes dozer line that begins at the 3803 Road, ties in with handline toward the Hipower Bluffs and then runs northward to the 370 Road. Masticators are working along the 3809 Road. The entire length of the north flank from the 3806 Road to the northeast corner now is in patrol status.

Ridge Fire: Moderate overnight recoveries led to significant amounts of smoldering and creeping the last two days. Fire crews will continue mopping up and patrolling the fire perimeter, working to increase mop-up depth across all flanks of the fire. Firefighters continued gridding during the day as they improved the existing line’s depth, using infrared imagery to identify remaining heat sources close to containment lines.

Weather: The high-pressure system arrived yesterday and brought temperatures slightly warmer than expected. The ridge will break down today and allow some shallow marine air into the region. Today’s temperatures will be 73-79 in the valleys and 68-74 on the ridgetops, with west gusts up to 12 mph.

Closures: There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. A Closure Order for the Canton Creek area has been issued by Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Chilcoot Ridge Fire Emergency Closure Order BLM Roseburg District. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area that is being evaluated for downsizing.

Chilcoot and Ridge Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023/  

Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM     

Email: 2023.chilcoot@firenet.gov

The Tyee Ridge Complex and other fires in the Outlook area have potential to remain active, as crews construct line, attack hotspots, and prepare smaller tactical firing.  Successful tactical firing occurred late Saturday along a southern portion of the Cougar fire, and additional smaller operations may occur today. Additional details on the fires are available at Tyee Ridge and other fires Inciweb.

 Acres: 85,882

Contención: 20%

Causa: Relámpagos

Fecha de inicio:  15 de Ago 2023

Recursos: 48 equipos de bomberos, 98 camiones de bomberos, 10 helicópteros, 4 drones, 37 tipos de maquinaria contra incendio y 30 trocas de agua

Personal: 2,012

ANUNCIO: Pacific Power anticipa restaurar la energía residencial en un enfoque gradual el domingo: (Mas información: https://tinyurl.com/4rtjvh2f).

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: El sábado, en estrecha coordinación con Caltrans y la Patrulla de Caminos de California, los bomberos de Fulton iniciaron operaciones de quema de baja intensidad en tres lugares a lo largo de la autopista US 199, donde el incendio Kelly se ha estado propagando gradualmente en zonas de árboles no quemados dentro del perímetro del incendio. Comenzando cuesta arriba desde la carretera, las cuadrillas de mano utilizaron antorchas de goteo y UAS (también conocidos como drones) para encender franjas estrechas a lo largo de la ladera, avanzando gradualmente cuesta abajo, un método que reduce la probabilidad de que el incendio aumente su intensidad y cause una mortalidad no deseada de árboles. Es probable que el proyecto continúe durante uno o dos días más. La carretera está abierta, pero el tráfico se reduce a un carril (consulte Cierres a continuación). A lo largo del perímetro sur del incendio, muchos días de actividad mínima permitieron a los bomberos explorar y reevaluar sus opciones para acceder al borde del incendio para suprimir los puntos críticos. En la mayoría de los lugares se confirmó la evaluación inicial de que la zona era demasiado insegura: la táctica de extinción indirecta es la mejor opción para contener el incendio. Los equipos en el lado este del incendio, donde es más seco, tuvieron un corto período de tiempo para quemar y asegurar 300 pies de línea de fuego y esperan tener oportunidades similares en el futuro si las condiciones climáticas siguen siendo favorables. 

CLIMA Y COMPORTAMIENTO DEL INCENDIO: Seis días de clima cálido, seco y de pleno sol provocaron un comportamiento moderado del fuego y producción de humo el sábado. Los tocones y troncos que antes ardían lentamente ahora se queman más activamente. Los bomberos también observaron quema ocasional de un solo árbol dentro del perímetro del incendio. Sin embargo, en las áreas que las cuadrillas han preparado para las operaciones de quema, la vegetación cerca del suelo permanece demasiado húmeda para facilitar adecuadamente la propagación del fuego de baja intensidad. Durante la noche, una importante capa marina empujó tierra adentro, aumentando los niveles de humedad en elevaciones más bajas, pero sin afectar la humedad de la vegetación en elevaciones más altas, donde es más probable que las cuadrillas tengan condiciones favorables para las operaciones de incendio. No se esperan lluvias durante al menos diez días y los vientos se mantendrán en general ligeros y del oeste.

CIERRES: La autopista 199 está abierta; sin embargo, se esperan largas demoras. El tráfico pilotado se reduce a un carril donde las cuadrillas están cortando árboles peligrosos y reparando la carretera dañada por el incendio entre Sandy Beach (cerca de la milla 21) y Oregon Mountain Road (cerca de la milla 31).  Espere largos retrasos.

Los caminos, senderos y sitios de recreación del Bosque Nacional Seis Ríos en las cercanías del complejo están cerrados (Orden Forestal No. 10-23-06). Vea el mapa de Orden y cierre en el sitio web del Bosque: tinyurl.com/4atens8c.

EVACUACIONES: Un mapa de evacuación interactivo está disponible aquí: tinyurl.com/yp3d99sr

CALIDAD DEL AIRE: Una perspectiva de humo diaria con información actual y esperada sobre la calidad del aire está disponible aquí: tinyurl.com/2ya8z42f.  El humo de las operaciones de incendio en el Complejo Lightning puede desplazarse hacia el norte hasta nuestra área.

INFORMACIÓN SOBRE INCENDIOS:

Email: 2023.SmithRiverComplex@firenet.gov (South and North)

Phones: 707-383-9727 (South), 541-801-3495 (North)  

Facebook: facebook.com/SixRiversNF

Actividad en el Incendio Anvil

Extensión: 386 acres                  Inicio: 25 de agosto, 2023          Origen: 8 millas al Este de Port Orford, OR                    

Contención: 0%                          Personal: 277

Recursos: 9 escuadrillas de bomberos, 3 helicópteros, 4 camiones de bomberos, 5 cisternas, 3 maquinaria pesada

El día de ayer, se observó un comportamiento mínimo en el incendio sobre el lado Noroeste, así como en un área de menor tamaño sobre el lado Oeste en la cabecera de Anvil Creek. Estas áreas fueron impactadas fuertemente al derramarse agua desde los helicópteros, totalizando una cantidad de 92,320 galones de agua derramadas. Sin embargo, esta cantidad de agua fue menor que la utilizada el viernes debido a la rotación de los helicópteros haciendo posible que los pilotos descansaran lo suficiente para seguir con las operaciones de vuelo. Los módulos contra incendios para tierras vírgenes se desplazaron sobre el terreno ayudando a identificar el área exacta a ser irrigada.  Se ha concluido con la mayor parte del trabajo para eliminar la vegetación a lo largo de Grassy Knob Road. Las escuadrillas de bomberos trabajando junto a las maquinas masticadoras, se encuentran por finalizar este trabajo hacia el Noroeste del borde fronterizo del bosque. El Grupo de Expertos Inter agenciales de Incendios (Hotshot) y los operadores de buldóceres progresaron en la línea de incendio que se extiende desde Grassy Knob Road al Sur de el criadero de peces (fish hatchery) sobre la carretera Elk River. Se planea continuar con este trabajo durante el día de hoy. Los manejadores del incendio han estado explorando la línea fronteriza de las tierras vírgenes al Noreste para encontrar caminos viejos que se puedan unir creando líneas de control en caso de que el fuego se desplace en esa dirección. Se esta trabajando de manera cercana con la Asociación para la protección del Bosque en el Condado de Coos y con la Tribu de Coquille. Los manejadores del incendio están esculcando la oportunidad de construir o improvisar líneas de control alternativas sobre McGribble Road al Sur de Elk River Road. Se continua con los trabajos de protección para la infraestructura a lo largo de Elk River y las carreteras de Sixes River. El fuego se mantiene al Norte de Red Cedar Creek, al Este de Anvil Creek y al sur del tributario Dry Creek.

Actividad en el Incendio Flat

Extensión: 34,242 acres  Inicio:15 de Julio, 2023                   Origen: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR

Contencion: 75%              Personal: 281

Recursos: 5 escuadrillas de bomberos, 3 helicópteros, 11 camiones de bomberos, 6 cisternas, 6 maquinaria pesada

Aproximadamente un 70% del trabajo de reparación de supresión ha sido completado en el Incendio Flat. Los operadores de las excavadoras continúan extrayendo bermas de la línea de buldóceres en el lado Noreste. El recurso de asesoría se encuentra esparciendo una mezcla de semilla nativa sobre las líneas de reparación y otras áreas que han sido perturbadas. Los bomberos están poniendo atención sobre las líneas de fuego y enfriando fuentes de emanación de calor tan pronto como son identificadas. Ciertos espacios internos con vegetación continúan quemándose en la zona del incendio.

Condiciones climáticas: Esta noche, se introducirá en el área un frente débil y frio bajando la temperatura y mejorando el recuperamiento de la humedad.

Condiciones de humo: Visite https://fire.airnow.gov/ para información al día de las condiciones de humo y la calidad del aire. Dependiendo en la dirección del viento, la presencia del humo podrá observarse desde Port Orford y en sobre las residencias de Elk River Road.

Ordenes de Cierres:  Se reabrió el U.S. Highway 199 para el tráfico en general usando de guía un carro piloto al Norte de Gasquet hacia la frontera de Oregon y California. Las autoridades locales no están recomendando usar esta carretera al público en general. Este preparado para un atraso de 20 – 40 minutos si decide tomar esta ruta. La información acerca de mapas que se encuentra en diferentes apps en su teléfono u otros sistemas de navegación, muchas veces no contienen información reciente y correcta. Por favor chequee www.tripcheck.com en Oregon y www.quickmap.dot.ca.go en California para información actual acerca de cierres y desvíos del tráfico. Por favor no utilice las carreteras forestales como rutas alternativas. El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou ha declarado una orden de cierre en las áreas de los Incendios Flat y Anvil. Para más información visite:  https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts

Evacuaciones:  Se encuentra en pie niveles de evacuación Nivel 1 “Prepárese” para todas las áreas en las proximidades del Incendio Flat.  Un Nivel 2 “Listos” se ha dictado para el área a lo largo de Elk River desde la Milla 4 hasta el Campamento del Servicio Forestal Buttler Bar y cercano al incendio Anvil. Regístrese en: https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM para recibir alertas de emergencia en su localidad

Ordenes de Restricción: El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou bajo el Nivel de peligro de incendio de Extremo a Alto, así como el Nivel Industrial de precaución de Incendio de un Nivel 3 a Nivel 2 y en efecto a partir del 5 de septiembre, 2023. Se encuentra vigente el Nivel 3 en las Restricciones para el Uso Público (PURs) en toda el área del Bosque y en la sección de tierras vírgenes de Rogue National Wild y Scenic River. Para más información visite  https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts. Se implemento una orden temporal de restricción de vuelos (TFR) sobre las áreas de incendios. Se le pide al público en general que por favor no vuelen equipos automatizados (drones) en la zona aledaña al incendio. “Si Usted vuela, nosotros no Podemos”.

Size: 1491 acres
Start Date: August 16, 2023
Cause: Lightning
Completion: 40%
Total personnel: 200
Location: 11 miles northeast of Young, Arizona and 27 miles
east of Payson, Arizona
Fuels: Ponderosa Pine, Hardwood litter and timber
Highlights: Moisture and expected wetting rains in the coming days may slow crews down, but work will continue as conditions allow. Resources continue to make progress utilizing hand and aerial ignitions.
Operations: Yesterday, crews were able to continue hand ignition along the Colcord road (FSRD 291) and progress west to the 411 road before pausing operations due to weather. Crews conducted tactical firing operations on the west side of the Young Road (FSRD512) where they were able to hang up ignitions on the powerline access road (FSRD 411 C) where they plan to conduct aerial ignitions today should conditions allow. Crews will continue to clean up interior pockets and work west along the 291 as ground fuels dry out after the moisture received yesterday. Resources also responded to an Initial Attack near Christopher Creek Campground which was contained at approx. 1.6 acres.
Fire Ecology: Historically, many wildfires would burn for weeks or even months. During that time, there would be changes in the weather, just like we're seeing on the Valentine Fire, that change fire behavior and fire effects. The plants continue to grow as well, so the effects are different where the fire began burning than they will be where the fire finishes burning. For example, some seeds that fell to the ground before the fire burned through may burn up in the fire. Seeds that fall after the fire has burned, will have an extra shot of nutrients when they germinate.
Weather: The fire area received some precipitation yesterday on the northwestern perimeter causing a pause in fire operations moving west. Today, there is expected to be more cloud cover and a slight chance for scattered afternoon precipitation in the area. Beginning early next week, a system moving in around Tuesday, will come with increased chances of wetting rains and thunderstorms.
Closures: An emergency closure order for the Valentine Fire has gone into effect as of 6 a.m. Sept. 5, 2023. The public is asked to avoid the fire area. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Valentine Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. Signs and gates will be in place to remind the public not to enter the fire area. Please visit the Alerts and Notices page for more information. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters, and the public are always the highest priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.
Smoke: The fire will produce considerable amount of smoke due excessive fuel accumulation. Smoke from the Valentine Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures an interactive smoke map at https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire
InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/aztnf-valentine-fire Fire Email 2023.valentine@firenet.gov
Fire Information Line (928)-421-4579 • Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00PM

Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole/Bedrock Fires

September 10, 2023

Morning Update

Lookout: Total Personnel: 804

Size: 24,468 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 45%

Resources: 33 engines l 16 crews l 7 bulldozers l 28 water tenders l 9 masticators l 5 helicopters l 2 Skidder

Containment grew by 10 percent yesterday as fire crews continue to mop-up and secure lines and reduce the fire’s footprint. Despite warming temperatures not seen since late August, there was generally low fire activity in all corners of the fire.  Helicopters were ordered mid-day to douse hotspots along Carpenter Ridge. This slowed fire activity allowing hotshot crews and heavy equipment to continue connecting  Forest Road 15 with the 1509.  On the east side, burn out operations were held off another day as fuels conditions were unsuitable for burning. Along the river corridor crews continued to mop-up while equipment was backhauled from the area. Smoke levels were elevated in that area.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 141

Size: 756 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 70%

Resources: 11 engines l 3 crews l 2 bulldozers l 5 water tenders l 2 masticators l 2 Excavators

Horse Creek crews produced another containment success story – rising to 70 percent. Repair and rehabilitation work continues on the north and south sides of the canyon. Narrow steep terrain hampers access but fire spread is minimal. Fire managers anticipate a gradual reduction of crews and equipment as containment grows.  

Pothole: Total Personnel: 74    

Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 75%

Resources: 3 engines l 2 crews l 3 water tenders

Containment surged to 75 percent today as firefighters added more containment line. Heat remains in the steep and inaccessible southeast section. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor. Fire managers anticipate a reduction of crews as containment continues to increase.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 230

Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 90%

Resources: 11 engines l 4 crews l 4 bulldozers l 17 water tenders l 7 masticators l 4 helicopters l 1 Skidder

The suppression group caught the last areas of containment on the southside. However, there was no change in overall containment. Suppression repair efforts on the fire are time-consuming due the extent of fire damage, the falling of danger trees and the rugged terrain.  A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been deployed. This group will generate a specific emergency recovery plan that protects human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources. Aerial and ground assessments will begin this coming week.

Weather

Saturday was the warmest day in the last two weeks with temperatures pushing into the mid-80s. Winds remained generally light and diurnally driven. Today will begin with cooler temperatures rising into the mid-70s to 80s, good humidity recoveries, and areas of smoke in valleys and drainages. Additionally, a weak disturbance will pass to the north leading to cooler conditions and slightly higher humidities. Over the coming week, expect cooling and more humid conditions to continue as another weak disturbance moves through the region.

Evacuation Update

Lane County Sheriff is consistently assessing the evacuation levels as firefighters increase containment. Additional information and potential revisions can be found at the following websites.

Lane County Evacuations: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054   

Linn County Evacuations:  https://www.linnsheriff.org/ 

Road Closures:

Highway 242, McKenzie Highway, is closed between milepost 61-76, 14 miles west of Sisters, Oregon to just east of the junction with Highway 126. Highway 126 is currently open. Please monitor Trip Check for any updates at: https://tripcheck.com/   

Forest Closures: The closure order for the Lookout Fire was reduced Sept. 7th due to successful firefighting efforts on the Horse Creek and Pothole Fires. Castle Rock Trailhead, Kings Castle Trailhead, McKenzie Bridge Boat Launch and other recreation sites and trailheads are open. Updated closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest. Visit the Willamette National Forest  Website to view current forest closures. Temporary Flight Restrictions remain in place over the Bedrock and Lookout fire areas.  

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a The Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) is another source for air quality information.   

Camp Creek Fire Update for Sunday, September 10

Fire Size: 2021 acres
Containment: 28%
Personnel: 534

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Yesterday was hot and dry, with temps in the upper 70’s and humidity in the fire area dropping as low as the mid 20’s. A weak cold front is forecast to move into the Pacific Northwest Sunday night into Monday, bringing cooler and slightly more humid conditions. In its wake, another gradual warming trend is expected next week, which will result in seasonally average temperatures and humidity levels.

The fire-moderating effects of last week’s rainfall are diminishing. Warm, dry weather and clear skies have allowed a modest increase in fire behavior and smoke production. Firing operations added to the smoke output and winds out of the west pushed smoke into the Mt. Hood corridor yesterday morning. Similar levels of smoke are anticipated today.

Operations: 
Firefighters completed firing operations along the south side of the FS12 road yesterday, allowing crews and engines to secure most of the northern flank. A swing shift crew was used to monitor the fire line through the night. Today, crews working in the steep terrain between the FS12 and 14 roads on the west flank will continue testing fuels for receptivity to implement a small firing operation so they can secure the remaining open perimeter. They have been patiently waiting for the opportunity to consume the remaining burnable vegetation between the control line and the fire perimeter on the portion where they can’t go direct.

Much of yesterday’s work on the FS14 road included direct attack on the fire’s edge constructing hand line, since the fuels remained too wet to perform firing ops and bring the fire edge to the road. Crews have been methodically working their way east along the southern flank, building hand line and mopping up as they go. On the fire’s northeast flank, crews worked to mop up the dozer line created between the FR12 and 1210 roads and will continue mopping up today.

Fire information officers will be stationed at Jonsrud Viewpoint in Sandy, OR, on Sunday, September 10, from 1 – 7pm to provide updates and answer questions.  

Closures and Evacuations:
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. 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): 
A 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 Management Unit. 

Video:
YouTube video link: Morning Operational Briefing with Incident Commander Evans Kuo and Operations Section Chief Matt Call (7:49)

Acres: 85,882

Containment: 20 percent

Cause: lightning

Start Date: Aug 15, 2023

Resources: 48 crews, 98 engines, 10 helicopters, 4 drones, 16 dozers, 19 masticators,

2 skid steers, 30 water tenders

Total Personnel: 2,012

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Pacific Power anticipates restoring residential power in a phased approach Sunday (more information: tinyurl.com/4rtjvh2f).

· A news release (tinyurl.com/566bne22) has been issued regarding a recent fuel mix-up at the Gasquet Base Camp involving 42 vehicles.

CURRENT SITUATION: On Saturday, in close coordination with Caltrans and California Highway Patrol, the Fulton Hotshots initiated low-intensity burning operations in three locations along US Highway 199 where the Kelly Fire has been gradually spreading in pockets of unburned trees within the fire perimeter. Starting upslope from the highway, hand crews used drip torches and UAS (aka drones) to ignite narrow strips across the hillside, gradually working their way downslope—a method that reduces the likelihood of the fire building intensity and causing undesired tree mortality. The project will likely continue for one to two more days. The highway is open, but traffic is reduced to one lane (see Closures below). Along the fire’s southern perimeter, many days of minimal fire activity allowed firefighters to scout and reassess their options for accessing the fire’s edge to suppress hotspots. In most places, the original assessment that the area is too unsafe was confirmed: the indirect suppression tactic is the best option for containing the fire. Crews on the fire’s east side, where it is drier, had a short window of time to burn and secure 300 feet of fireline and expect to have similar opportunities moving forward if weather conditions remain favorable.  

FIRE BEHAVIOR AND WEATHER: Six days of warm, dry, full-sun weather resulted in moderate fire behavior and smoke production Saturday. Stumps and logs that were previously smoldering are now more actively burning. Firefighters also observed occasional single-tree torching within the fire perimeter. However, in the areas crews have prepared for burning operations, the vegetation near the ground remains too moist to adequately facilitate low-intensity fire spread. Overnight, a significant marine layer pushed inland, increasing humidity levels at lower elevations but not affecting the moisture of the vegetation at higher elevations where crews are most likely to have favorable conditions for firing operations. No rain is expected for at least ten days and winds will remain generally light and westerly.

CLOSURES: Highway 199 is open; however, piloted traffic is reduced to one lane where crews are conducting firing operations, cutting hazard trees, and repairing the fire-damaged roadway between Sandy Beach (near milepost 21) and Oregon Mountain Road (near milepost 31). Expect lengthy delays.

Six Rivers National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites in the vicinity of the complex are closed (Forest Order No. 10-23-06). View the Order and closure map on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/4atens8c.

EVACUATIONS: An interactive evacuation map is available here: tinyurl.com/yp3d99sr.

AIR QUALITY: A daily Smoke Outlook with current and expected air-quality information is available here: tinyurl.com/yb29zy6f. Smoke from firing operations on the Lightning Complex may drift northward to our area.

FIRE INFORMATION: 

Email: 2023.SmithRiverComplex@firenet.gov (South and North)

Phones: 707-383-9727 (South), 541-801-3495 (North)

Facebook: facebook.com/SixRiversNF

South Fork Complex Update
Sunday, September 10, 2023

Fire Information: 530-330-5450, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2023.southforkcomplex@firenet.gov
Linktree: linktr.ee/southforkcomplex2023

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 70% containment
Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment
3,929 acres and 80% overall containment for the South Fork Complex
A total of 601 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident.

3-9 Fire – Firefighters continue to make good progress on all sides of the fire.  There are still some isolated hot spots throughout the interior of the fire perimeter. Aircraft will continue to support fire suppression efforts today with water dropping missions. Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make good progress west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road. Firefighters continued to strengthen the containment lines along the northern and western portions of t.he fire yesterday. Crews will continue to complete the remaining portions of open line and focus on strengthening these lines by mopping up well into the burn area to ensure there is no threat of roll out or escape.  Crews will also be looking for opportunities to begin suppression repair along the perimeter.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines. Suppression repair will continue along the fire perimeter.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather:  A passing cold front to the north will sag south far enough to where some intrusion of winds from the coast will impact the ridge tops over the fire. Terrain driven winds will continue through Sunday with speeds of 15-18 mph. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s through the next couple of days. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be in the high 20% range.

Forest Closure: Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire continue to be in effect and are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Six Rivers National Forest websites. Please avoid closed areas.