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 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. 

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, Montana          Information Line: 406-285-8634 

Start Date: 7/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 5,144 acres       Containment: 61%     

Total Personnel: 296      Engines: 4     Helicopters: 1      Hand Crews: 4   

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. Firefighters and heavy equipment are implementing repair plans and improving damaged roads and surfaces to pre-fire conditions. Excess resources no longer needed are demobilizing and returning home.    

Joe Sampson’s Complex Incident Management Team will be transferring command of the East Fork Fire back to the local unit on Monday, September 11th.  Incident Commander Ray Flannagan and firefighting/support personnel will “shadow” current resources on Sunday, 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 the Ant Flat Road area. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

A week upper-level disturbance moved across the incident yesterday with no measurable moisture recorded on the fire. Mostly cloudy skies gave way to clearing skies as the disturbance moved away.  The temperatures across the incident climbed into the lower to mid-60s. Humidity in the afternoon fell into the 40th percentile. Winds were largely terrain driven with a slight southwest component.  The weather across the incident will be quiet this weekend and into early next week.  A ridge will be building across the region, giving the area warm and dry weather with little to no precipitation. 

Fire activity is limited to creeping and smoldering. This fire behavior currently poses no threat to containment lines, though a few additional smoldering fuels were observed due to increased solar radiation.  With the warmer weather, pockets of heat are easier to locate and extinguish.  

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 rest of the fire is creeping and smoldering.  This fire behavior currently poses no threat to containment lines. 

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. 

Special Statement
Smoke contains microscopic solids and liquid droplets that are so small that they 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.

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). Fuels have dried after the recent rains and moderate fire activity is expected in the afternoon. (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
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. 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. Even with the reburn occurring, expect to see only light smoke in the immediate vicinity of a fire or on interior roads. None of the communities in the area should be impacted by smoke from local fires. Communities should experience MODERATE air quality today with periods of USG. The Canada wildfire smoke is the main reason for this decrease in air quality from the GOOD we had yesterday to MODERATE.

Special Statement
Smoke contains microscopic solids and liquid droplets that are so small that they 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.

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). Fuels have dried after the recent rains and moderate fire activity is expected in the afternoon. (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
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. 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. Even with the reburn occurring, expect to see only light smoke in the immediate vicinity of a fire or on interior roads. None of the communities in the area should be impacted by smoke from local fires. Communities should experience MODERATE air quality today with periods of USG. The Canada wildfire smoke is the main reason for this decrease in air quality from the GOOD we had yesterday to MODERATE.

The Santa Barbara Campground reopened on Sep. 11

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest Fire Update- September 8

Port Angeles, Wash. – Fire activity across the park remained minimal today, even with rising temperatures and lowering relative humidity levels. Saturday’s forecast is calling for the warmest and driest weather over the last few days; crews will continue to closely monitor fire conditions. The Hurricane Fire is 85% contained and fire crews continue to double check and secure the fire’s perimeter. Crews monitored the Eagle Point Fire but did not see any major changes in activity.

On a helicopter reconnaissance flight, fire personnel did not see any smoke from the Diamond Mountain and Delabarre fires. Martins Lake Fire has grown slightly to 1.5 acres. The Low Divide Fire showed low rates of spread with low flames and smoldering. Fire crews continue to make contact with backcountry visitors in the Low Divide and Martins Lake areas. No closures are anticipated at this time.

Fire Name

Initial Report

Estimated Size as of 9/5

Location

Hurricane

8/28/23

4 acres

2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area

Eagle Point

8/28/23

70 acres

~5 miles out Obstruction Point Road

Diamond Mountain

9/1/23

25 acres

3.3 miles NE of

Anderson Pass

Low Divide

9/1/23

6 acres

N. Fork Quinault drainage

Delabarre

9/1/23

1 acre

3 miles SE of Mount Christie

Martins Lake

9/2/23

1.5 acres

2 miles NE of Mount Christie

Fire is an integral part of the forested ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Many factors such as weather, topography, and vegetation influence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on natural resources.

Olympic National Forest Fires

The Tunnel Creek Fire, located east of the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest, is now 100% contained. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area. This will be the last update on the fire unless significant changes occur. For additional information, please contact the Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (360) 956-2402.

Background Information

All six active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula.

On August 18, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest implemented a fire ban including charcoal fires. The move to Stage 2 fire restrictions is due to continued hot and dry conditions that are forecasted to continue at least through the end of October as dry conditions in the region persist. One less spark means one less wildfire.

Closures  

Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will be closed until further notice. Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by this closure. Any permit holders who plan to backpack via the Obstruction Point Trailhead should contact the WIC at 360-565-3100 or https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Warm and dry conditions will set up over the fire site today and Saturday as upper-level ridging sets up over the area. The highest temperatures and lowest relative humidity values are expected on Saturday. A weakening frontal system will pass over the site Sunday afternoon, bringing cooler temperatures and the chance for showers. Continued seasonal conditions expected through at least the middle of next week.

Information for the Eagle Point Fire can be found at: Eagle Point Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Information for the Hurricane Fire can be found at: Hurricane Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym 
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic
State and county area burn bans: www.waburnbans.net   

--NPS--

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest Fire Update- September 8

Port Angeles, Wash. – Fire activity across the park remained minimal today, even with rising temperatures and lowering relative humidity levels. Saturday’s forecast is calling for the warmest and driest weather over the last few days; crews will continue to closely monitor fire conditions. The Hurricane Fire is 85% contained and fire crews continue to double check and secure the fire’s perimeter. Crews monitored the Eagle Point Fire but did not see any major changes in activity.

On a helicopter reconnaissance flight, fire personnel did not see any smoke from the Diamond Mountain and Delabarre fires. Martins Lake Fire has grown slightly to 1.5 acres. The Low Divide Fire showed low rates of spread with low flames and smoldering. Fire crews continue to make contact with backcountry visitors in the Low Divide and Martins Lake areas. No closures are anticipated at this time.

Fire Name

Initial Report

Estimated Size as of 9/5

Location

Hurricane

8/28/23

4 acres

2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area

Eagle Point

8/28/23

70 acres

~5 miles out Obstruction Point Road

Diamond Mountain

9/1/23

25 acres

3.3 miles NE of

Anderson Pass

Low Divide

9/1/23

6 acres

N. Fork Quinault drainage

Delabarre

9/1/23

1 acre

3 miles SE of Mount Christie

Martins Lake

9/2/23

1.5 acres

2 miles NE of Mount Christie

Fire is an integral part of the forested ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Many factors such as weather, topography, and vegetation influence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on natural resources.

Olympic National Forest Fires

The Tunnel Creek Fire, located east of the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest, is now 100% contained. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area. This will be the last update on the fire unless significant changes occur. For additional information, please contact the Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (360) 956-2402.

Background Information

All six active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula.

On August 18, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest implemented a fire ban including charcoal fires. The move to Stage 2 fire restrictions is due to continued hot and dry conditions that are forecasted to continue at least through the end of October as dry conditions in the region persist. One less spark means one less wildfire.

Closures  

Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will be closed until further notice. Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by this closure. Any permit holders who plan to backpack via the Obstruction Point Trailhead should contact the WIC at 360-565-3100 or https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm. 

Weather and Fire Behavior

Warm and dry conditions will set up over the fire site today and Saturday as upper-level ridging sets up over the area. The highest temperatures and lowest relative humidity values are expected on Saturday. A weakening frontal system will pass over the site Sunday afternoon, bringing cooler temperatures and the chance for showers. Continued seasonal conditions expected through at least the middle of next week.

Information for the Eagle Point Fire can be found at: Eagle Point Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Information for the Hurricane Fire can be found at: Hurricane Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym 
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic
State and county area burn bans: www.waburnbans.net   

--NPS--

9:00 p.m., Sep. 8, 2023—Carson National Forest fire crews and local fire departments this afternoon continued to take suppression actions on the El Valle Fire, near the community of El Valle, N.M. The fire is estimated to be 200-400 acres. More accurate acreage may be available in the morning after a planned infrared flight this evening or early morning.

Accompanied by helicopters and air tankers, firefighters took direct actions to keep the fire from growing and to protect communities. Such actions will continue Saturday. One outbuilding has been damaged.

The following evacuation statuses, based on the Ready, Set, Go! System, are in place, according to the Taos County Sheriff’s Department:

• Go: El Valle and Las Trampas 
• Set: Ojitos, Upper Ojitos, Llano San Juan, Chamisal, Ojo Sarco 
• Ready: Rodarte, Santa Barbara, Hodges, Truchas 

Evacuation centers are located at Truchas Services Center (60 County Road 75, Truchas, N.M. 87578) and Peñasco Community Center (14136 NM-75 Peñasco, NM 87553).

Closures include Highway 76 between Truchas and south of Chamisal and Santa Barbara Campground.

The fire was first reported at 12:49 p.m. Its cause remains under investigation. 10 engines, one hotshot crew, three dozers and air resources are assigned. 

The public can check for fire updates on InciWeb, Carson National Forest social media (Facebook, X) and New Mexico Fire Information.

In order to protect the heavily forested Bull Run Watershed from the Camp Creek Fire, firefighters have cut down trees. Sometimes it's because the trees pose a falling hazard that could injure firefighters. Other times trees are cut to create fireline wide enough to stop the spread of the fire.

The Mount Hood National Forest and the Portland Water Bureau are working on a plan for repurposing the wood from those trees, and help area communities in the process. 

YouTube video link: Moving Wood Camp Creek Fire (3:25)