Lookout/Horse Creek/Pothole/Bedrock Fires

September 9, 2023

Morning Update

Lookout: Total Personnel: 784

Size: 24,457 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 35%

Resources: 34 engines l 15 crews l 6 bulldozers l 30 water tenders l 9 masticators l 5 helicopters l 1 Skidder

Helicopters dropped 88,280 gallons of water in suppression operations. Crews will focus efforts to strengthen the handlines in the southeast perimeter where heat is still present. The spot fire east of Highway 126 is expected to be contained in the next few days as crews have done extensive work in the evenings.  Firefighters are monitoring the forecasted weather. If favorable fire weather allows, a burnout operation will take place in the coming days to secure more of the fire’s perimeter in the northeast. Completed contingency lines on Forest Roads 15 and 1509 will see debris removed as crews look to rehab those areas. Hand crews and equipment are looking for ways to connect their containment lines along Forest Road 320 to provide an additional contingency line along northwest side of the fire.

Horse Creek: Total Personnel: 171

Size: 756 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 45%

Resources: 12 engines l 4 crews l 2 bulldozers l 6 water tenders l 3 masticators l 2 Excavators

A field observer hiked the perimeter of the fire with a GPS to collect more accurate acreage, resulting in a reduced size of the fire. As crews and equipment continue adding more containment, repair and rehabilitation to the fire’s scar on forest roads will amplify.  

Pothole: Total Personnel: 74    

Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 40%

Resources: 3 engines l 2 crews l 3 water tenders

Firefighters added more containment line to the fire with mop up and hand lines. Heat remains in the southeast section which has very steep cliffs. As the area is inaccessible, crews will continue to monitor the activity and quickly respond should the fire make any unanticipated movement.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 276

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

Resources: 13 engines l 5 crews l 4 bulldozers l 18 water tenders l 7 masticators l 5 helicopters l 1 Skidder

Heavy equipment and crews continue to repair the suppression activities along Big Fall Creek Road. This work will remain for the coming days because of the fire’s extensive damage. In the southern section of the fire, chipping and dangerous tree removal continues. Crews are still monitoring uncontained areas in steep and rugged terrain. Due to the tedious nature of clean up, it will take several days to rehab the area.

Weather

Temperatures will be in the mid-70’s to mid-80’s today. Relative humidity will be similar to yesterday reaching 25-30% in the lower valleys and 25-50% on mid slopes and ridges. Fire Incident Meteorologists are predicting a 5% chance of rain and thunderstorms activity in the east. They will be monitoring carefully and will let operations know of winds and weather changes to adjust operation tactics. Gusty outflow winds and lightning are a possibility.

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.   

Lookout Information Line: 541-215-6735 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov                                              

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookoutFire2023 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orwif-lookout-fire  

Bedrock Fire Information: 541-414-6272 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.bedrock@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-bedrock-fire

Actividad en el Incendio Flat

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

Contención: 70%              Personal: 317

Recursos: 5 escuadrillas de bomberos, 3 helicópteros, 11 camiones de bomberos, 7 cisternas, 10 equipo pesado

A pesar de que el comportamiento del Incendio Flat es mínimo, se continúan quemando internamente algunas zonas que aun presentan fuentes de calor. En la esquina Suroeste, los bomberos finalizaron la retirada de las franjas sobre líneas de buldócer y el esparcimiento de pajas sobre el terreno. El día de hoy se dedicarán a la aplicación de mezclas de semilla con la finalidad de prevenir la erosión. Alrededor del perímetro del incendio, se han implementado medidas de control de erosión, incluyendo la instalación de barras de agua (canales) y desbroce. El día de hoy, comenzaran a trabajar el Grupo que responden en áreas incendiadas (BAER). Para más información visite acerca de este programa: https://bit.ly/44H7nRe. Las escuadrillas para Ataque Inicial se han integrado a otros recursos para trabajar en ambos incendios. Asimismo, se encuentran atentos para cualquier ataque inicial si se diera el surgimiento de otros incendios.

Actividad en el Incendio Anvil

Extensión: 331 acres      Fecha de Inicio: 25de Agosto, 2023        Origen: 8 millas al Este de Port Orford, OR                    

Contención: 0%              Personal: 170

Recursos: 5 escuadrillas de bomberos, 3 helicópteros, 4 camiones de bomberos, 4 cisternas, 1 maquinaria pesada

Los manejadores del incendio prosiguen evaluando la mejor manera para mantener el Incendio Anvil lo más pequeño posible. El día de ayer, se dio un crecimiento primordial en el incendio en la esquina Noreste. Dos aviones cisterna de mayor tamaño (VLATs) y tres aviones cisterna grandes (LATs) derramaron retardantes en áreas estratégicas alrededor del perímetro. Los bomberos especializados en Módulos contra incendios en tierras vírgenes se encuentran evaluando la cantidad de retardante penetrando en la copa de los árboles y además están tratando de localizar espacios abiertos en medio del área arborizada que permita a los retardantes alcanzar el terreno de una manera más efectiva. El propósito de los retardantes es el crear barreras que detengan la propagación del incendio y dar mas tiempo a los bomberos para construir líneas de incendios. Además de los tanques aéreos, el día ayer, cinco helicópteros derramaron 113,620 galones de agua. Operadores de buldócer iniciaran el día de hoy, el trabajo sobre líneas alternativas desde el criadero de peces (fish hatchery) en la zona Norte. Al mismo tiempo, las escuadrillas de bomberos exploraran en el lado Norte lugares en donde se puedan construir líneas alternativas en caso de ser necesario.

Los bomberos continúan mejorando la carretera Grassy Knob, eliminando la vegetación en caso de que sea necesario utilizar esta área como línea de control. De forma adicional, los bomberos están limpiando el área de cualquier material de combustión que represente un peligro a lo largo de la carretera Elk River. Dos grupos para la protección de la infraestructura se encuentran establecidos para trabajar con los residentes sobre Elk River Road y Sixes River Road.

Condiciones climáticas: Permanecerá una tendencia seca y cálida el día de hoy hasta el fin de semana, con temperaturas variando entre 70 y 80 grados. Los valores de la humedad relativa estarán entre los 20 a 40 por ciento en ambos incendios. Se esperan vientos ligeros desplazándose sobre el terreno.

Presencia del humo: Para encontrar un mapa con información nacional del humo visite: https://fire.airnow.gov/

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. 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 Curry Co. Everbridge Notifications (Alertas de Emergencia) en: https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM para recibir alertas de emergencia en su localidad

Ordenes de Restricción: El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou disminuyo 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”.

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) [and/or (b)], the prohibition listed in Order number 01-04-04-23-002, applicable to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, dated July 28th, 2023 and signed by Heather Degeest is hereby terminated.

Fire traffic is still in the area. The public is reminded to drive with extreme caution and be aware of traffic in the area. 

Flat Fire Activity

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

Containment: 70%           Total personnel: 317

Resources: 5 crews, 3 helicopters, 11 engines, 7 water tenders, 10 pieces of heavy equipment

Although fire behavior on the Flat Fire is minimal, some isolated pockets of heat continue to burn out in the interior. On the southwest corner, crews completed pulling in berms on dozer lines and spreading straw. They will begin applying seed mixes today to prevent erosion. Around the fire perimeter, erosion control measures are being implemented, including installing water bars and mulching. The Burned Area Response Team (BAER) began work today. Visit https://bit.ly/44H7nRe for more information on the BAER program. Initial Attack crews have integrated with other resources to work on both fires. They remain on standby for initial attack on new fires if needed.

Anvil Fire Activity

Size: 331 acres               Start Date:  August 25, 2023      Point of origin: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR                           

Containment: 0%           Total personnel: 170

Resources: 5 crews, 3 helicopters, 4 engines, 4 water tenders, 1 pieces of heavy equipment

Fire managers continue to evaluate ways to keep the Anvil Fire as small as possible. Fire growth was primarily in the northeast corner yesterday. Two Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) and three Large Air Tankers (LATs) dropped retardant in strategic areas around the perimeter. Firefighters on the specialized Wildland Fire Modules are assessing how much retardant is penetrating the tree canopy and looking for openings in heavily treed areas that allow retardant to reach the ground more effectively. The purpose of the retardant is to create barriers to slow and stop fire spread and buy firefighters time to construct fireline. In addition to the tankers, five helicopters dropped 133,620 gallons of water yesterday. Dozer operators will begin work on an alternate line from the fish hatchery north today, and firefighters will scout to the north for places to build alternate lines if they are needed. Crews will continue to reduce brush and other fuels along Grassy Knob Road if it needs to be used as a control line. Additionally, crews are removing hazardous fuels along Elk River Road. Two structure protection groups are working at residences along Elk River Road and Sixes River Road to clear vegetation around houses and other structures.

Weather: A warming and drying trend continues today into the weekend, with daily highs in the lower 70s to lower 80s. Minimum relative humidity values will be mid-20s to lower 40s across both fires. Light, terrain-driven winds are expected.

Smoke: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for the national wildfire smoke map.

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. 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. Everbridge Notifications (emergency alerts) at https://bit.ly/CurryCoEM to receive evacuation alerts.

Restrictions: The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is decreasing the fire danger from Extreme down to High and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level from Level 3 to Level 2, effective September 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. 

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) [and/or (b)], the prohibition listed in Order number 01-04-06-23-002, applicable to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, dated August 15th, 2023 and signed by Heather Degeest is hereby terminated.

Fire traffic may still be in the area, so please continue to be aware and drive with extreme caution. 

Fire Update

2023 SRF Lightning Complex & Redwood Lightning Complex

Friday, September 8, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 530-536-0767

Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm

Special Note: This update covers 9 of the 19 fires currently being managed as part of the Complexes plus one recent initial attack fire. The remaining 10 fires are listed in the accompanying Complex Overview. Those fires, totaling 1,748 acres, are contained and in patrol status. They are checked daily, and their size and containment are unlikely to change.

Current Situation: The 19 fires in this incident total 17,982 acres and overall containment is 23%. The nine uncontained fires described below total 16,234 acres. Hog Fire and Lost Fire are in Redwood National and State Parks. All other fires described in this update are in Six Rivers National Forest. A total of 1,006 personnel are assigned to the incident. Recent rains have brought a change in the fire environment. Fire modeling experts predict there is a low probability these fires will grow significantly for the remainder of the season. Current fire, weather, and fuels conditions are now optimal for using carefully managed fire as a tool to remove excess fuels from the landscape. Agency administrators and fire managers, in consultation with tribal leaders, are considering proactive options for reducing fuels to lessen future fire likelihood in the area.

Hog Fire (0.01 acres) – This initial attack fire was detected last Saturday in the southern end of Redwood National and State Parks. The fire is a lightning strike in a single cedar tree. The burning tree was felled and the fire is lined and nearing full containment.

Lost Fire (740 acres, 68% contained) – Fire managers were able to construct line around the steep rocky northwest corner of the fire, and line is now completed around nearly all of the fire perimeter. Suppression repair work, such as recontouring dozer and hand lines, is in progress. Backhaul of unneeded equipment is ongoing.

Pearch Fire (5172 acres, 8% contained) – The southern end of the fire in Divisions Z and J is contained, and crews continue to patrol and further secure this area. Crews continue to search for and extinguish hotspots on the western side of the fire. Today, a check line will be built around an 80-90 acre pocket of unburned fuels in the southwestern part of the fire, and, weather permitting, strategic firing operations may be used to reduce fuels in this area. A chipper is removing slash from an indirect line/road near the southwest corner of the fire. The structure protection group continues daily checks of hoses, sprinklers, and other structure equipment in the area, and unneeded equipment is being backhauled. A night shift of engines continues to work the fire.

Bluff #1 (2096 acres, 26% contained) and Mosquito (2580 acres, 24% contained) Fires –A combination of masticators, fallers, and hand crews is working to extend an indirect line north along the 13N13 Road. This work should be completed today. Mastication is occurring on the Gasquet Orleans Road (G-O Road) northwest of Beans Ridge. This should be completed in 2 days. The east side of Mosquito Fire is contained by direct line along the Cedar Camp Road in Division M. An indirect line has been completed westward from the southeast corner of Mosquito Fire in Division M. Mastication has been completed along an indirect line that runs from north of Bluff #1 Fire, along the west side of that fire, and southward in Division N. Crews are working on connecting the south end of this line down into Bluff Creek and across to the line running west of Mosquito Fire with handline. This should take one more day to complete. Four chippers are working to remove slash from the masticated indirect lines north, west, and south of Bluff #1 Fire. The cumulative effect of all these actions is the near completion of a “box” around the Bluff #1 and Mosquito Fires from which these fires are unlikely to escape. The box may also serve as potential containment lines for any future landscape-level fuels reduction projects that may occur. Work on these two fires, as well as others in the Complex, is being closely coordinated with tribal resource advisors to ensure that important cultural and historical resources are being protected.

Blue Creek #2 (3186 acres, 0% contained), Marlow (1545 acres, 0% contained), and Copper (837 acres, 0% contained) Fires – These fires are being patrolled by aerial resources as weather conditions allow. They are bounded by indirect control lines to the east and south, and significant movement of these fires is not expected.

Monument (2 acres, 0% contained) and Let er-Buck (75 acres, 0% contained)  Fires – Due to limited values at risk, the remote, steep terrain and associated safety concerns for our firefighters, and the low probability of success using standard suppression tactics, these fires are being addressed with a confinement strategy. Terrain, natural fire barriers such as rock outcroppings, and old fire footprints where fuels are limited will be used to confine fire growth until season ending precipitation extinguishes the fires. These fires are checked regularly by aerial patrols to ensure they remain within acceptable bounds, and little to no fire growth has been observed.

Weather: We will experience a stable weather pattern through the weekend. Highs will be in the 70s along ridgelines and 80s on lower slopes. Winds will be light from the west with afternoon gusts of 15-20 mph. The long-range forecast is for unseasonably warm and dry weather to continue through next week.

For information on Closures, Evacuations, and Alert Notifications please see the accompanying Complex Overview.

Fire Information Contacts

Phone: 530-536-0767 | Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-2023-srf-lightning-complex

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2023SRFRedwoodLightning

Redwood National and State Parks Information Hotline: Phone: 707-464-6101

https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Hoopa Information Hotline: Phone: 530-618-2995 | Email: serene.oes@gmail.com

More Fire Information Links: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio

South Fork Complex Update
Friday, September 8, 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 65% 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 75% overall containment for the South Fork Complex
A total of 648 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident.

3-9 Fire - Fire behavior primarily consists of smoldering with slight flare-up potential as temperatures increase and humidity decreases. Isolated hot spots continue throughout the interior of the fire perimeter. Weather was favorable yesterday allowing crews to make significant progress. Aircraft will continue to support fire suppression efforts today with water dropping missions. Crews will continue mopping up any hot spots with tools and water from hose lays along the lines. Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make good progress west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road and dozers were able to increase the amount of direct line along the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters continued to strengthen the containment lines along the northern portion of the fire yesterday. Crews will continue to work diligently 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.

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 weak disturbance will cross the area to the north resulting in a bit of cloud cover for the area on Friday. Temperatures will continue to increase slowly into the upper 70s. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be in the low to middle 30% 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.

Deep Fire Update

September 7, 2023 7:00am      

Fire information: 530/638-2830 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cashf-deep-fire

Deep Fire Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DeepFire2023

CURRENT SITUATION

The Deep Fire is expected to have minimal fire behavior today and is currently mapped at 4,198 acres with 66% total containment.  Containment calculations are expected to increase with new mapping and verification from personnel in the field.

The perimeter is mostly cold and secure.  Crews will now be focused on patrolling the line, suppression repair, and backhauling equipment.  The southeast section is now secure.  The northern portion will continue to be monitored by air.  Stuart Fork Trail is still closed to the public for safety while crews continue their work.  Unneeded resources will be released over the next several days with the intent of turning the fire over to local units.

As conditions become warmer and drier over the next several days, smoke from interior heat may be visible.  Fire managers are confident that these interior hotspots pose no threat to the line.

Roads and trails are being repaired with resource advisors assisting to protect values at risk.  Repair operations are nearly complete.  Minimum impact suppression techniques (MIST) are being utilized in addition to Leave No Trace principles being employed in the wilderness.   

WEATHER

Skies will be clear.  Winds are predicted to be light, and temperatures are expected to rise over the next few days toward the 70s and 80s as part of a warming and drying trend.

FOREST CLOSURES

There is a forest closure associated with the Deep Fire. For current information on forest closures, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf

EVACUATION UPDATES

For the latest evacuation information from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department: https://www.facebook.com/people/Trinity-County-Sheriffs-Office/100064589806351/

For information on evacuation resources from the Trinity County Office of Emergency Services: https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES

To sign up for codeRED notifications: text “TrinityCA” to 99411.