Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban: The state of Louisiana has declared a statewide burn ban to include any open flame outdoors. The message from the State Fire Marshal’s Office is “don’t burn anything” until further notice. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies.

Fire Name Acreage Personnel

Tiger Island  31,082   342

Hwy 113   7,709   129

Lions Camp Road  785  26

Elizabeth  940  28

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-1 Crew; 1 Type-2 Crew; 20 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 4 Water Tenders and 4 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 18 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 4 Water Tenders and 3 Ambulances.

Lions Camp Road: 2 Type-6 Engines; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance

Elizabeth: 5 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulances

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 14 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks

Additional support is being provided to all fires by the National Guard, Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal Team, 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 57% contained.  Yesterday, rain fell across portions of the fire area. Small pockets of needlecast reburned yesterday morning before the rain. Crews were still able to continue mop up, patrolling for hot spots and assessing for reburn potential. Crews also focused on knocking down berms of debris that could be holding heat along dozer lines on the southeast side of the fire. Today, crews will continue mopping up, patrolling and knocking down dozer berms.

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 60% contained. Yesterday, the fire received over one inch of rain in some areas. Crews improved dozer lines and worked on connecting dozer and hand lines, especially in the Tenmile Creek drainage. Today, crews will continue mopping up, patrolling for hotspots and connecting fire lines in the Tenmile Creek drainage.

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

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is 75% contained. Yesterday, the fire also received some rain, but crews were able to continue mopping up, patrolling and improving dozer lines. Today, crews will continue to patrol for hotspots, mop up and will be assessing the fire area for reburn potential due to needlecast.

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 60% contained. Yesterday, the fire received over one inch of rain in some areas, and crews were pulled off the fire in the afternoon due to decreased accessibility and safety concerns. Prior to the rain, crews continued to mop up and patrol along the fire perimeter. Today, crews will be connecting dozer and hand lines in the Tenmile Creek drainage and will continue mopping up and patrolling for hotspots.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures will be in the mid to high 90’s today with minimum humidity in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. The heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible, but rain chances are less than yesterday. Fire activity will be minimal today due to increased moisture and higher humidity. Conditions over the next few days are expected to become drier and in portions of the fire that did not receive rain yesterday, increased fire activity may occur. Heat scorched leaves and pine needles are falling and blanketing the ground, which could lead to reburn in the fire areas where heat in the ground persists.

Air Quality: Light smoke is only expected in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. Reburn could cause higher levels of smoke in localized areas. None of the communities in the area will be impacted by smoke from any of the fires. Expect to see only light smoke in the immediate vicinity of a fire or on interior roads. All monitor locations should see less smoke today due to low fire activity, south winds and high humidity. All communities should experience good air quality. For near 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. 

Evacuations: Updates on evacuations and shelters for the Tiger Island Fire can be found on the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/beauregardsheriff.

Fire Size: 1,902 acres
Containment: 16%
Total Personnel: 576

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Yesterday’s rainfall has slowed the growth and rate of fire spread. Warmer and drier conditions with little precipitation are expected for the remainder of the week into the weekend. This may increase fire activity in the coming days. Winds will remain light, moving from the west in an easterly direction. 

The fire is burning in heavy, dry fuels such as deep duff, rotten logs, and timber litter under a dense canopy. Current fire behavior includes widespread smoldering and creeping which will continue due to long term seasonal drying. 

Operations:
Crews are strengthening and improving fire lines along Forest Service Roads 12 and 14 by removing vegetation and installing a water system to help control fire growth. As a result, containment has increased from 11% to 16%. 

Recent rains have hampered crews’ ability to carry out firing operations. They are patiently waiting for a window of opportunity to conduct these operations along Road 12 in order to increase control. This tactic allows for strategic placement of low intensity fire on areas that are unburned, resulting in the fire slowing down or advancing when it meets the road due to lack of vegetation. 

One of the biggest challenges for crews on the southeastern edge of the fire is the steep terrain and hazard trees. Scouting for strategic control line locations is helping crews develop safe and effective suppression tactics to get ahead of fire spread.

Today, fire information officers will be stationed at Safeway and Jonsrud Lookout in Sandy, OR from 1 – 6 p.m. to provide updates and answer questions. A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Mt. Hood Lions Club in Welches, OR. We will attempt to livestream the meeting on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campcreekfire.  

Additional Information:
Current smoke outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/2c7a8f9b. 

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, which excludes public drone use. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations.

Safety:
With both fire equipment and school buses now on the road, please drive cautiously and adhere to speed limits. 

Video:
Click the link below to view today's morning video update by Operations Section Chief Matt Call. Today's video was filmed at fire camp, giving you a glimpse of the temporary camp set up for fire personnel.

• Morning video update for Tuesday, September 5 by Operations Section Chief Matt Call 

The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest has issued a Forest Closure area due to the Anvil Fire (Order06-10-28-23-62). Please see the attachment for more information. 

EMERGENCY AREA AND ROAD CLOSURE – PRD Anvil Fire Closure

Pursuant to 16 USC § 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited upon general forest areas within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest as described below and shown in Exhibit A. This Order will be effective beginning September 5, 2023, through October 31, 2023, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:
1. Being upon a closed road. [36 CFR § 261.54 (e)]
2. Going into or being upon a closed area. [36 CFR § 261.52 (e)]
3. Being on a trail. [36 CFR § 261.55(a)]

Area Closure Boundary is described as: The entirety of the Grassy Knob Wilderness, as shown on the attached Exhibit A.

Road Closure is described as:
• FSR 5105 (Grassy Knob Road) from the Forest Boundary to the end of the road.
• FSR 5201-010 (China Peak) from the Forest Boundary to the end of the road.
• FSR 5201-011 (Pepper Ridge) from the 5201-10 road to the end of the road.
These closures are also depicted on the attached Exhibit A.

EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the
performance of an official duty.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Medford, Oregon, this 4th day of September 2023.

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order (06-10-28-23-62) for the entirety of the Grassy Knob Wilderness, including Forest Service Roads (FSR) #5105 (Grassy Knob Road), #5201-010 (China Peak), and #5201-011 (Pepper Ridge).

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: 347

Resources: 5 crews, 3 helicopters, 12 engines, 6 water tenders, 11 pieces of heavy equipment

Some interior pockets of vegetation continue to burn and show some smoke. Crews are addressing anything within a chain (66 feet) of the fire’s edge. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring around the fire perimeter and keeping an eye on the eastern, uncontained side. Fire crews continue doing suppression repair and working with Resource Advisors around some culturally sensitive areas. Efforts are focused around Raspberry Mountain on the north perimeter and Game Lake on the eastern side. Suppression repair may include pulling in berms from heavy equipment lines with excavators and hand crews, installing water bars, re-seeding disturbed areas, chipping branches and small trees and other work. Initial Attack resources are staged and ready to assist the Forest if needed.

Anvil Fire Activity

Size: 299 acres               Start Date:  August 25, 2023      Point of origin: 8 miles east of Port Orford, OR                               

Containment: 0%           Total personnel: 125

Resources: 4 crews, 3 helicopters, 5 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 pieces of heavy equipment

Five helicopters dropped 48,230 gallons of water on the western edge yesterday to slow the fire spread. Fire managers were able to conduct further reconnaissance from the air and ground due to improved weather and increased visibility. Along the northwest side, they are looking at new options for direct attack (building fireline at the fire’s edge). Crews will begin improving Grassy Knob Road, which runs into the Wilderness, to use as a control feature. In other areas, fire managers are identifying indirect lines (creating fireline a distance from the fire’s edge with a higher probability of success and lower risk to firefighters) and developing an implementation plan. Firefighters continue reducing hazardous fuels around structures in the Elk River Subdivision and identifying additional needs, such as sprinkler systems with hoses and pumps. Firefighters will continue assessing Elk River and Sixes River roads to determine point protection implementation needs.

Weather: Slightly warmer temperatures and lower humidity are expected in the fire areas today. Conditions on Wednesday will be similar, while a weak cold front on Thursday will drop temperatures and raise humidity slightly.

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. Expect delays on this route. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued a closure order. 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 4 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. 

Equipo Dos de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del Área de las Montañas Rocosas
Jared Hohn, Comandante del incidente

Situación actual: La contención en el Complejo Cowlitz ha aumentado al 8%, con un tamaño de 697 acres. En la actualidad hay un total de 417 personal asignados.

                La mayor preocupación en cada incidente es la seguridad del público, las comunidades locales y los bomberos. El Complejo Cowlitz se compone de varias docenas de incendios relativamente pequeños repartidos en unas 500,000 acres del Bosque Nacional Gifford Pinchot. La extinción de incendios forestales se considera generalmente una profesión de alto riesgo, pero sólo la tarea de conducir es el mayor peligro que encuentran las cuadrillas. La gran superficie que abarcan estos incendios, combinada con un elevado volumen de tráfico público en las carreteras de toda la zona del incendio, hace que tanto los equipos de bomberos como el público deban actuar con precaución para mantener la seguridad de todos.

                En la División I, ayer se declararon "extinguidos" otros incendios. Dada esa mejora, las Divisiones C y F se han combinado y los recursos se están desplazando hacia el sur a los incendios de la Rama II. En la Rama I/División C/F, los incendios de Allen Mountain, Berry, Bertha May, Cougar Gap, Deer Creek, Silver, Skate, Davis Creek y Lake Creek están extinguidos. Los incendios de Carlton Ridge, Davis Mountain y South Fork se encuentran en estado de vigilancia y patrulla. Las cuadrillas siguen trabajando en los incendios de Yew, Pothole y Willame, con la ayuda del tiempo fresco y húmedo. El incendio de Grassy Mountain no cuenta con personal.

                En la Subdivisión II/División L, los incendios de Blue Lake, Horseshoe, Klickitat, St. Michael y Twin Sisters están extinguidos. Las cuadrillas están trabajando activamente en los incendios de Adams Fork, Jackpot Creek y Sanctuary Rock. Las cuadrillas accedieron ayer al Incendio de Mission, encontrando que la lluvia reciente ha ayudado a sofocar gran parte del calor allí debido a la ubicación rocosa del incendio, en la cresta. Las cuadrillas trabajarán en la identificación y extinción de puntos calientes residuales en el Incendio de la Misión durante los próximos días.

                En la Subdivisión II/División W, el incendio de McCoy Creek se encuentra en estado de patrulla. Las cuadrillas siguen trabajando en los incendios de Bear Creek y Quartz Junior. Los incendios de Snagtooth y Spencer Quartz no cuentan con personal.

                El acceso ha sido problemático en el incendio de Grassy Mountain en la Rama I, y en los incendios de Snagtooth y Spencer Quartz en la Rama II, debido al acceso inadecuado por carretera o sendero, al terreno escarpado y a la amenaza de caída de árboles. En coordinación con los recursos locales, el Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes Complejos está considerando una serie de escenarios y mitigaciones de riesgo para determinar el mejor enfoque para proteger las vidas de los bomberos y el público, minimizando al mismo tiempo los impactos en los valores sociales, económicos y de recursos naturales.

Restricciones contra incendios: Las restricciones contra incendios están en vigor. Las hogueras están prohibidas en todo el Bosque Nacional de Gifford Pinchot; sólo se permiten hogueras, estufas y linternas alimentadas con propano. Para más información, visite el sitio web del bosque en Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). La decisión de levantar o mantener las restricciones contra incendios depende de diversos factores, como las condiciones meteorológicas actuales y previstas, la humedad del combustible, el nivel de actividad de los incendios y la disponibilidad de recursos de extinción para responder a nuevas igniciones.

Información meteorológica y sobre el humo: Se espera que esta tarde se interrumpa la nubosidad y aparezca un periodo de sol, aunque se espera el paso de otro frente débil que traerá nubes y lloviznas. Las temperaturas serán entre 5 y 10 grados más cálidas que ayer. Muy poco humo ha sido visible a partir de estos incendios durante la semana pasada, sin embargo, una inyección de sol hoy puede dar lugar a una cierta producción de humo visible desde el incendio Grassy Mountain.

Cierres: En previsión de la actividad del fuego en curso en las proximidades del incendio Snagtooth las siguientes carreteras y senderos están cerrados al público para reducir la exposición y ayudar a garantizar la seguridad pública: Carreteras forestales 9300 y 9341 (actualmente fuera de los límites), Boundary Trail #1 (desde Elk Pass hasta la intersección con Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A. La carretera forestal 8410 está cerrada para la seguridad de los bomberos y del público en las proximidades del incendio de Pothole, y la carretera forestal 78 está cerrada temporalmente entre el cruce 7802 y el cruce 2278 debido a los escombros peligrosos que ruedan por la calzada.

Restricciones temporales de vuelo: Está en vigor una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) entre la autopista 12 y el Parque Nacional del Monte Rainier. La respuesta de la aviación contra incendios se detiene o retrasa si una aeronave no autorizada entra en el TFR. Las restricciones temporales de vuelo también se aplican a los sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas o drones. ¡Si tú vuelas, nosotros no podemos! Más información sobre el uso seguro y responsable de drones en Home - Know Before You Fly.

Firefighters across the Camp Creek Fire area are taking on the challenge of developing containment line within the densely-forested Bull Run Watershed. In this video, we catch up with a crew of type 1 “hotshot” firefighters doing their part to help create new fireline and stop future progress of the fire.

Wondering what a hotshot crew is? Interagency hotshot crews (IHCs), commonly called hotshots or hotshot crews, are highly trained, specialized teams that perform some of the most demanding and hazardous tasks in wildland firefighting. Their jobs require a high level of physical fitness and extensive training in fire behavior, safety protocols and first aid.

Click the link below to watch the Silver City Hotshots working to add to containment along Forest Road 12:

• YouTube video link: Silver City Hotshots Clear Fireline on Camp Creek Fire (2:11)

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

Start Date: 7/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 5,162 acres       Containment: 39%  

Total Personnel: 430       Engines: 8    Helicopters: 2       Hand Crews: 5   

CURRENT STATUS 

Light precipitation occurred over the fire. In areas where rain doesn’t penetrate the tree canopy, the precipitation is not enough to completely extinguish the creeping and smoldering fire in heavy fuels and the thick layers of duff (vegetative matter that covers the forest floor). Fire activity has posed very little threat to containment lines over the last several days. Live fuels are not currently contributing to fire behavior or potential due to their higher moisture levels. When fuel moisture levels are higher, fire intensity tends to be less intense and slower moving.  

PLANNED ACTION  

Mop-up and patrol of residual heat will continue along the edges of the fire. Crews have started removing unnecessary equipment from some areas. Firefighters and heavy equipment are implementing the fire suppression repair plan, improving damaged road surfaces to pre-fire conditions. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Mostly cloudy conditions prevailed across the incident, as an upper-level disturbance moved across the region. This weather feature produced scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Only light precipitation fell, with the majority of the precipitation passing to the north and south of the fire area. Clear skies and drier conditions will return mid-week through Saturday.   

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS 

Road and area closures remain in effect on both the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests around the East Fork Fire. Reassessment of closure areas occurs on a regular basis. Temporary closures are implemented during wildfire events to protect working firefighters and outdoor enthusiasts recreating in the area. Once fire officials determine the area is safe to reopen, closure orders will be adjusted or rescinded. See the Forest Facebook pages and Inciweb for the most current updates and maps. 

SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Watch for increased fire traffic. As equipment is moving off the fire line and demobilizing back to home units, you may notice trucks and other heavy equipment on Highway 93.  Large trucks and heavy equipment are still active on the roads south of Trego, and roads remain closed for public and firefighter safety. 

Lions Camp Road Fire Daily Update 09-05-23

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban: The state of Louisiana has declared a statewide burn ban to include any open flame outdoors. The message from the State Fire Marshal’s Office is “don’t burn anything” until further notice. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies. 

Personnel and Equipment:   

Tiger Island: 1 Type-1 Crew; 1 Type-2 Crew; 20 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 4 Water Tenders and 4 Ambulances.  Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 18 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 4 Water Tenders and 3 Ambulances. Lions Camp Road: 2 Type-6 Engines; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance Elizabeth: 5 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulances 

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 14 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks 

Additional support is being provided to all fires by the National Guard, Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal Team, 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 57% contained.  Yesterday, rain fell across portions of the fire area. Small pockets of needlecast reburned yesterday morning before the rain. Crews were still able to continue mop up, patrolling for hot spots and assessing for reburn potential. Crews also focused on knocking down berms of debris that could be holding heat along dozer lines on the southeast side of the fire. Today, crews will continue mopping up, patrolling and knocking down dozer berms. 

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 60% contained. Yesterday, the fire received over one inch of rain in some areas. Crews improved dozer lines and worked on connecting dozer and hand lines, especially in the Tenmile Creek drainage. Today, crews will continue mopping up, patrolling for hotspots and connecting fire lines in the Tenmile Creek drainage.  

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

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is 75% contained. Yesterday, the fire also received some rain, but crews were able to continue mopping up, patrolling and improving dozer lines. Today, crews will continue to patrol for hotspots, mop up and will be assessing the fire area for reburn potential due to needlecast.  

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 60% contained. Yesterday, the fire received over one inch of rain in some areas, and crews were pulled off the fire in the afternoon due to decreased accessibility and safety concerns. Prior to the rain, crews continued to mop up and patrol along the fire perimeter. Today, crews will be connecting dozer and hand lines in the Tenmile Creek drainage and will continue mopping up and patrolling for hotspots.  

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures will be in the mid to high 90’s today with minimum humidity in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. The heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible, but rain chances are less than yesterday. Fire activity will be minimal today due to increased moisture and higher humidity. Conditions over the next few days are expected to become drier and in portions of the fire that did not receive rain yesterday, increased fire activity may occur. Heat scorched leaves and pine needles are falling and blanketing the ground, which could lead to reburn in the fire areas where heat in the ground persists. 

Air Quality: Light smoke is only expected in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. Reburn could cause higher levels of smoke in localized areas. None of the communities in the area will be impacted by smoke from any of the fires. Expect to see only light smoke in the immediate vicinity of a fire or on interior roads. All monitor locations should see less smoke today due to low fire activity, south winds and high humidity. All communities should experience good air quality. For near 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.  

Evacuations: Updates on evacuations and shelters for the Tiger Island Fire can be found on the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/beauregardsheriff.  

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Current Situation: Containment on the Cowlitz Complex has increased to 8%, with the size of the complex holding at 697 acres. A total of 417 personnel are currently assigned.

Of greatest concern on every incident is safety of the public, local communities, and firefighters. The Cowlitz Complex is composed of several dozen relatively small fires spread acres across about 500,000 acres of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Wildland firefighting is generally considered to be a high-risk profession, but just the task of driving is the greatest hazard that crews encounter. The large area encompassed by these fires combined with a high volume of public traffic on roads throughout the fire area, fire crews and the public alike need to exercise caution to keep everyone safe.

In Branch I, additional fires were declared “out” yesterday. Given that improvement, Divisions C and F have been combined and resources are being shifted southward to Branch II fires. In Branch I/Division C/F, the Allen Mountain, Berry, Bertha May, Cougar Gap, Deer Creek, Silver, Skate, Davis Creek, and Lake Creek fires are out. Carlton Ridge, Davis Mountain, and South Fork fires are in monitor and patrol status. Crews continue to work the Yew, Pothole, and Willame fires, assisted by the continued cool, damp weather. Grassy Mountain Fire is unstaffed.

In Branch II/Division L, the Blue Lake, Horseshoe, Klickitat, St. Michael, and Twin Sisters fires are out. Crews are actively working the Adams Fork, Jackpot Creek, and Sanctuary Rock fires. Crews gained access to the Mission Fire yesterday, finding that recent rain has aided in dousing much of the heat there due to the fire’s rocky, ridgetop location. Crews will work on identifying and extinguishing residual hot spots on the Mission Fire over the next few days.

In Branch II/Division W, the McCoy Creek Fire is in patrol status. Crews continue working the Bear Creek and Quartz Junior fires. The Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires are unstaffed.

Access has been problematic on the Grassy Mountain Fire in Branch I, and Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz fires in Branch II, due to inadequate road or trail access, steep terrain, and threat of falling trees. In coordination with local resources the Complex Incident Management Team is considering a range of scenarios and risk mitigations to determine the best approach to protect the lives of firefighters and the public, while minimizing impacts to social, economic, and natural resource values.

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest – only propane-fueled fire pits, stoves and lanterns are allowed. Additional information is available on the forest’s website at Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov). The decision to lift or maintain fire restrictions depends on a variety of factors including current and expected weather conditions, fuel moisture, the level of fire activity, and the availability of firefighting resources to respond to additional ignitions.

Weather & Smoke Information: A break in the cloud cover this afternoon is expected to bring a period of sunshine today, though another weak front is expected to pass through this afternoon, bringing clouds and light drizzle. Temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. Very little smoke has been visible from these fires over the past week; however, a shot of sunshine today may result in some visible smoke production from the Grassy Mountain Fire.

Closures: In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails are closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341 (currently off limits), Boundary Trail #1 (from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A. Forest Road 8410 is closed for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Pothole Fire, and Forest Road 78 is temporarily closed between the 7802 junction and the 2278 junction due to hazardous debris rolling out onto the roadway.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:  A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect between Highway 12 and Mount Rainier National Park.  Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR.  Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones.  If you fly we can't!.  Lear more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.

Louisiana Statewide Burn Ban: The state of Louisiana has declared a statewide burn ban to include any open flame outdoors. The message from the State Fire Marshal’s Office is “don’t burn anything” until further notice. Citations and arrests ARE happening across this state in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies.

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-1 Crew; 1 Type-2 Crew; 20 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 4 Water Tenders and 4 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 18 Type-6 Engines; 7 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units; 4 Water Tenders and 3 Ambulances.

Lions Camp Road: 2 Type-6 Engines; 3 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulance

Elizabeth: 5 Type-6 Engines; 5 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units and 1 Ambulances

Air Resources Assigned to all Fires: 14 Helicopters and 2 Air Attacks

Additional support is being provided to all fires by the National Guard, Parish authorities and departments, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal Team, 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 57% contained.  Yesterday, rain fell across portions of the fire area. Small pockets of needlecast reburned yesterday morning before the rain. Crews were still able to continue mop up, patrolling for hot spots and assessing for reburn potential. Crews also focused on knocking down berms of debris that could be holding heat along dozer lines on the southeast side of the fire. Today, crews will continue mopping up, patrolling and knocking down dozer berms.

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 60% contained. Yesterday, the fire received over one inch of rain in some areas. Crews improved dozer lines and worked on connecting dozer and hand lines, especially in the Tenmile Creek drainage. Today, crews will continue mopping up, patrolling for hotspots and connecting fire lines in the Tenmile Creek drainage.

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

Operations: The Lions Camp Road Fire is 75% contained. Yesterday, the fire also received some rain, but crews were able to continue mopping up, patrolling and improving dozer lines. Today, crews will continue to patrol for hotspots, mop up and will be assessing the fire area for reburn potential due to needlecast.

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 60% contained. Yesterday, the fire received over one inch of rain in some areas, and crews were pulled off the fire in the afternoon due to decreased accessibility and safety concerns. Prior to the rain, crews continued to mop up and patrol along the fire perimeter. Today, crews will be connecting dozer and hand lines in the Tenmile Creek drainage and will continue mopping up and patrolling for hotspots.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures will be in the mid to high 90’s today with minimum humidity in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. The heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible, but rain chances are less than yesterday. Fire activity will be minimal today due to increased moisture and higher humidity. Conditions over the next few days are expected to become drier and in portions of the fire that did not receive rain yesterday, increased fire activity may occur. Heat scorched leaves and pine needles are falling and blanketing the ground, which could lead to reburn in the fire areas where heat in the ground persists.

Air Quality: Light smoke is only expected in the vicinity of large fuels that continue to smolder. Reburn could cause higher levels of smoke in localized areas. None of the communities in the area will be impacted by smoke from any of the fires. Expect to see only light smoke in the immediate vicinity of a fire or on interior roads. All monitor locations should see less smoke today due to low fire activity, south winds and high humidity. All communities should experience good air quality. For near 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. 

Evacuations: Updates on evacuations and shelters for the Tiger Island Fire can be found on the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/beauregardsheriff.