Deep Fire Update

September 2, 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
After a series of rain showers, the Deep Fire had no growth and remains at 4,186 acres with 60% containment.

Firefighters were strategically removed from the fire line yesterday for firefighter safety. This allowed the crews to avoid the threat of flash flooding, debris flow, and to help prevent damage the road systems accessing the fire after rain showers. Rain accumulated one to two inches on the fire, with more rain in higher elevations. Fire activity last night was very low and the potential for new ignitions from thunderstorm activity was also low. High humidity near 100% remains today with the chance of isolated thunderstorms and scattered showers on the fire throughout the day. While the rain showers aid with reducing fire activity on lighter fuels including leaf litter, grasses, small sticks, and branches, the larger woody debris like logs, snags, and stumps still maintain heat.

Upon re-engagement from the weather event, NV-IMT-5 will carry forward their initial suppression objectives and strategy from before the heavy rains. Crews will continue to seek areas to engage directly in fire suppression in the northern flanks of the fire which remains the most active. As firefighters look to re-engage, the fire continues to burn into rock outcroppings on the northeastern flank. Crews will continue mop up along containment lines on the west, south, and east side of the fire to keep fire within current footprint. Monitoring for and extinguishment of hot spots continues in areas with burnt snags or logs that may remain smoldering. Hazard trees, debris flow, log roll out, and slick roads are safety concerns for crews with the weather.

Repair work along contingency lines and roads are paused for today from heavy rains to reduce further impact to high clay soils. Crews are continuously evaluating opportunities to re-engage in suppression repair and ensure wilderness character is protected during and after fire suppression efforts by following Leave No Trace principles.

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.

Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

September 2, 2023

Daily Fire Update

Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

Total personnel: 637 | Total Resources: 7 engines; 26 crews; 2 helicopters; 3 heavy equipment; 5 water tenders

The fires had no new growth over the past day due to diligent suppression efforts from firefighters and  favorable weather conditions. The fires are burning in very steep and difficult terrain posing access challenges as well as hazards to firefighter safety.

Brice Creek Fire: Size: 583 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 10%

Yesterday hotshots made good progress in constructing hand line on the east perimeter of the fire and firefighters began rigorous mop-up work. Today crews will identify and secure unburnt pockets of fuel, and construct and improve direct lines on the north perimeter. Firefighters will also continue the laborious mop-up process with fire smoldering in duff layers deep in the ground and heavy dead and downed timber.

Dinner Fire: Size: 329 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 15%

Yesterday firefighters were successful in mitigating snags on the northwest perimeter, allowing crews to make good progress building primary containment lines. The southeast flank has been kept in check with a combination of dozer line and hand line. Today firefighters will resume thorough mop-up efforts to strengthen and add depth to primary firelines and make progress toward containment.

Grizzly Fire: Size: 92 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, firefighters face continued challenges in gaining access to the fire. Yesterday firefighters continued structure assessments to determine appropriate protection tactics and began brushing roads to open them for access to the fire. As firefighters gain better access, they will continue scouting for optimal fireline locations today and crews will begin constructing fireline along the ridge to the east of the fire. Firefighters will also continue structure protection work utilizing flame-protectant wrap, hose, and water handling equipment.

Weather: Temperatures will be slightly warmer than yesterday and winds will be light and variable. There is a chance of isolated showers and afternoon thunderstorms.

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. Please use extra caution while driving this holiday weekend. Expect to see an increase in traffic, fire apparatus, and heavy equipment with a potential for wet roadways and fog.

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

River Road East Fire

Fact Sheet

Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:00 am

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 1                                          

INCIDENT COMMANDER: BRENT OLSON

Information Phone: 406-345-5972            

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtlnf-river-road-east-fire

Email: 2023.RiverRoadEast@firenet.gov                             

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

Location:  6 miles southeast of Plains, Montana                                               

Start Date: 8/18/2023         Cause: Unknown                 Size: 17,308 acres        Containment: 54%           

Total Personnel: 383         Crews: 8                             Engines: 18                 Helicopters: 3   

KEY MESSAGE: Based on increased containment around the fire and decreased fire activity, the segments of the Flathead River and the Clark Fork River that had been closed for safety are now reopened for public use. Please use caution while on the river as helicopters may still need to dip for water drops based on fire activity. If you see a helicopter dipping in the river for water, please stay clear of the area.

CURRENT STATUS: Crews patrolled and monitored the containment lines along the north (Henry’s Creek), northeast corner, and east (forest and CSKT boundary) sides of the fire. Little to no heat or smoke was found along the lines. On the southeast corner one crew completed structure protection preparation work while other crews continued to work on direct control line seeking out and extinguishing pockets of heat. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was used to map out the heat and focus the crew’s work efforts. Along the west flank heavy equipment continued to clean up vegetation and trees that had been cut as a part of constructing the shaded fuels break control line. Patrolling and mopping up continued around the northwest corner of the fire. On the southwest corner one crew continued working on a fuels break control line working from the west while a second small crew started working directly along the fire edge to extinguish hot spots.

PLANNED ACTIONS: Crews will patrol and monitor the northern (Henry’s Creek), northwestern corner, and eastern (forest and CSKT boundary) sides of the fire. On the southeastern corner crews will continue working on direct control line and extinguishing hot spots on two lobes of the fire edge, eventually tying into the rock scree above the Flathead River breaks. Heavy equipment will start moving out of the western flank north of Pat’s Knob since work has been completed on the shaded fuels break control line. On the northwestern corner of the fire crews will pack up and start backhauling hose and gear that was used to secure control lines during the firing operations several days ago. The crews working along the southwestern corner and south fire edge will continue the work they were doing yesterday, constructing a fuels break control line and hot spotting along the fire’s edge. Plans to transition the fire to a smaller fire management organization have been made and are on track for early next week.

WEATHER: The weather will be partly cloudy. Temperatures will be 80-90 degrees in the valleys and 70-80 degrees on the ridges. Minimum relative humidity levels will be 20-30% in the valleys and 29-39% on the ridges. Winds will be from the southwest at 10-15 mph on the ridge tops and upslope/up valley at 4-8 mph at lower elevation.

CLOSURES: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has lifted the closure that they had in place on segments of the Flathead River and Clark Fork River within and near the River Road East Fire area. The latest status can be found at Restrictions and Closures: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.

The Lolo National Forest has an emergency closure of roads and trails (Closure #23-010-Lolo-D5) effective August 21, 2023. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the River Road East Fire. For a complete listing of the closed roads & trails visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire (FDC 3/9687) for the safety of aviation resources.

Start Date: Aug 15,2023   Location: Six Rivers National Forest   Cause: Lightning    Acres: 83,974

Containment: 9%  Personnel: 3031

More Evacuation Levels Updated

Highlights: The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services, lowered the evacuation level in Patrick Creek Lodge and the Little Jones/Washington Flat Residential Area, to LEVEL 2. Repopulation of these communities began Friday, September 1st, at noon. An Interactive Evacuation Map is available to keep residents informed on current evacuation levels. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant as the evacuation level could be raised again if fire activity and conditions change. All county roads remain closed to the public.

Operations: Firefighters took advantage of the favorable weather to burn several slash piles in the Smith River Complex footprint. The Slash piles were a result of forest treatment thinning operations conducted previously by the National Forest. With rain occurring over the next few days, crews plan to continue tactical burning operations to stop fire growth. High humidity and heavy rain will keep active fire to a minimum, with the main carrier of the fire being heavy and downed fuels. However, the rain received last night was not sufficient to completely suppress the fires within the Smith River Complex.

Weather:  A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect: NOAA Flash Flood Warning.  Heavy rain Friday showed measurements of close to an inch in some areas. 75 lightning strikes were recorded within our response area last night. Smoke is likely to increase in the next 3-5 days.

Safety: Fire traffic combined with piloted commercial conveys could lead to congested areas on Highway 199. Please refrain from any unnecessary travel, especially between the hours of 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM.

Area and Road Closures: Closures will be adjusted based on fire activity. All county roads will remain closed and at a LEVEL 3. Highway 199 remains closed north of Pioneer Road. Additionally, Rowdy Creek Road remains closed at the top of Low Divide.

Smoke Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

Evacuations: All evacuation orders are issued by the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office. If you are in the Del Norte County area, please sign up for their Community Alert System to receive emergency notifications. Evacuation levels as of September 1st, 12:00 noon are as follows: Interactive Evacuation Map

LEVEL 3 : “Go Now”: Refer to the Interactive Evacuation Map for roads in LEVEL 3.

LEVEL 2: “Be Set”: Gasquet, Rowdy Creek/Low Divide, Big Flat/Rock Creek, Patrick Creek, Patrick Creek Lodge, Little Jones/Washington Flat Residential Area

LEVEL 1 : “Be Ready”: Hiouchi

Fire Information:2023.smithrivercomplex@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-smith-river-complex

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

Weather and Fire Behavior:

The weather is getting drier and warmer with temperatures forecasted to reach the low 70s this afternoon along with 50% humidity. A light easterly wind in the early morning may cause smoke to move over the Portland metropolitan area, but wind direction is expected to move towards the northeast in the afternoon.

Due to changing weather patterns, the fire’s current fuels (timber, moss and duff) will be warming and drying. The fire will continue to smolder and creep along moss and duff, but more pockets of flames will likely be observed as a result of the warmer and drier weather.

Fire weakened trees and snags that fall suddenly without warning continue to be a major hazard to firefighters. Additionally, firefighter safety while driving is a higher concern during the holiday weekend due to the increased traffic by visitors and heavy equipment being transported. Please be cautious of crews and equipment transportation on the road.

Operations:

Firefighter efforts to burn off vegetation along the northwest edge of the fire proved to be a successful strategy. Yesterday, the fire approached the fireline crews had constructed and the line was effective in preventing the fire’s growth. That led to the incident management team now reporting 11% containment of the fire.

For a more thorough explanation of containment, read our article on InciWeb here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/ormhf-camp-creek-fire

Crews will reenforce dozerline and handline along the northeast corner to the south edge of the fire in the coming days. Additionally, they will complete additional firing operations when conditions allow. Firefighters are continuing to scout the eastern side of the fire for the opportunity to create a solid dozerline in the rough terrain.

Today, fire information officers will be stationed at Ant Farm Cafe in Sandy, OR, from 12 – 2 p.m., Corbett County Market in Corbett, OR, from 3 – 5 p.m., and Jonsrud Lookout in Sandy, OR, from 1 – 5 p.m. to provide information and answer questions in-person.

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

Closures and Evacuations:

The Sandy Ridge Recreation Site is temporarily closed for firefighters to organize and stage firefighting equipment. To receive critical emergency messaging via email, phone call, or text, Clackamas County residents can by sign up at https://www.clackamas.us/dm/publicalerts

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): There is a TFR over the fire area and public drone use is illegal. Illegal drone use in a TFR area can halt air resource support on the fire potentially putting land, homes, and other values at risk of fire.

September 2, 2023
Morning Update

Great Basin Team 2 has transitioned with Pacific Northwest Team 2 today as of 6:00 a.m.

Lookout, Horse Creek, Pothole Fires Total Personnel:  990
Resources: 66 engines l 17 crews l 14 bulldozers l 41water tenders l 11 masticators l 11 helicopters available

Horse Creek: Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 12%
Fire behavior was limited again yesterday. Crews have completed control lines around most of the fire, but are still working to connect the northwest side of the fire where the ridgeline drops down to Horse Creek. Today firefighters are strengthening and improving completed firelines by mopping up hotspots.

Lookout: Size: 25,575 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 20%
There was minimal fire activity on the Lookout Fire on Friday. Eastern and western edges of the fire that were intentionally burned in the past week retain hotspots even with the recent rains. Crews will continue mopping up hot spots near all control lines. Along the northern flank of the fire, tree fallers, fire crews, and heavy equipment are preparing fuel breaks along forest system roads to be used as primary and alternate control lines.

Pothole: Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 15%
Firefighters and equipment have completed containment lines around the perimeter of the Pothole Fire. Crews will continue to secure the fireline by mopping up hotspots.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 545
Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 85%
Resources: 22 engines l 11 crews l 6 bulldozers l 23 water tenders l 7 masticators l 11 helicopters available
Pockets of unburned fuels within the established containment lines will continue to burn and produce smoke. Fire crews are focused on repairing damage to the land and forest roads (grading, installing water bars, and re-contouring dozer lines).  Many Bedrock personnel are assisting the Willamette National Forest with nearby fires. The Bedrock Fire camp at Pleasant Hill is being dismantled.  Firefighter services from that camp are being dispersed to the Lookout Incident Command Post near Walterville, or the new spike camp at the Hoodoo Ski Area.

All Fires 
Fire damaged trees and saturated soils along control lines combine to create an extreme hazard to firefighters and equipment. Prior to entering work areas, expert tree fallers identify and mitigate (fall) these weakened trees to reduce the risk of them coming down and causing serious injuries or fatalities. Firefighters and law enforcement officers maintain a presence in evacuated areas. Trained firefighters are flying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) through the smoke to provide infrared heat imaging to locate hotspots near control lines and provide accurate mapping. Firefighters are ready to respond to any new fire starts that may occur due to lightning. Mopping up describes the process of extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines down to the mineral soil, felling fire damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to make a fireline less likely to escape or to reduce residual smoke.

Weather
Warmer temperatures and relatively high humidity are predicted for today. These conditions are expected to result in wet thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Wetting rains from storms cells could result in ½” to 1” rain in places. There is a lower chance for precipitation on Sunday.

Evacuation Centers: An evacuation center is in place at Westridge Middle School in Oakridge for evacuees and small pets from the Horse Creek and Lookout Fires. For assistance with large animal evacuations, please call 541-285-8227. 

Evacuation Update: The Lane Co Sheriff downgraded the following areas from Level 3 (go now) to Level 2 (be ready) status yesterday: North of Highway 126 from Drury Lane in the east to Scott Creek Road, including Paradise campground and North Belknap Springs Road. An up-to-date and searchable evacuation map is available through Lane county’s website.

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: Willamette National Forest reduced the closure area for the Bedrock fire due to successful firefighting efforts. Many popular sites and trails have re-opened including the Alpine Trail. There are no changes to closure areas for the Lookout, Horse Creek, and Pothole fire areas at this time. These closures help provide firefighters with safer driving conditions and decrease the potential for search and rescue operations that could interrupt firefighting activities. Closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette. 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 Bedrock: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-bedrock-fire

HORSE CREEK COMMUNITY MEETING: A community meeting and fire operations update will be taking place Sunday, September 3rd, at 5:30 p.m. at Klamath River Elementary School located at 30438 Walker Road, Horse Creek, CA 96050.

WEATHER: Cooler temperatures and a decreased chances of rain are forecasted on the Happy Camp Complex today. A flash flood watch issued by the National Weather Service has been extended through 11 p.m. tonight for the McKinney (2022) and Head fire burn areas.

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Elliot (11,723 acres, 51%), Ufish (4,849 acres, 9%) Hancock (1,653 acres, 0%)

Last night, fires on the west side of the complex received around 1/4”of rain. Today, hotshot crews on the Ufish will take advantage of wet conditions and construct fire line directly on the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters will continue working on the southwest side of the Elliot Fire towards Dillon Creek.

The Hancock Fire, located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Bear Skull Camp, northwest of Hancock Lake, was added to the Happy Camp Complex this week. Most of the fire remains in previous burn scars. Clear skies will allow fire managers to fly and assess the fire today. They plan to insert fire crews tomorrow after a day of drying.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Head (6,940 acres, 91%), Block (0.1 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 100%), Scott (1,886 acres, 89%), Lake (199, acres, 100%)

Firefighters on the east side of the Happy Camp Complex saw minimal fire activity last night. The remaining priority on the Head Fire remains to increase containment on the west side. The Lake Fire was declared 100 percent contained last night.

EVACUATIONS: View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders and warnings by visiting: community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system at: www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices/page/codered-emergency-alert

The evacuation center at Kahtishraam Wellness Center closed yesterday. The following animal shelter locations continue to be available in the event of additional evacuations:

Dog Shelter
Rescue Ranch Yreka
2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka CA 96097
Contact: 530-842-0829
 

Cat Shelter
SNIP of Siskiyou County
Armory Building
1712 Fairgrounds Rd., Yreka, CA 96097
Contact: 541-531-1086
 

Livestock Animal Shelter (Horses, pigs, sheep, goats, & birds)
Siskiyou Golden Fair
1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097
Contact: 530-340-1038

ROAD CONDITIONS: State Route 96 is open. Please keep in mind that one-way traffic control will remain in place from 2.8 miles west of Dillon Road to 8.8 miles east of Dillon Road, as this area remains in an active fire area for the Elliot Fire. Motorists can expect up to 30 minute delays. Scott River Road is open with the exception of the area between Mill Creek to Highway 96. County road closures will be listed on the Siskiyou County Public Works website: www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/publicworks/page/closures-and-delays

FOREST CLOSURE: Two closure orders have been implemented: Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No.05-05-23-06; Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No. 05-05-23-07. View closure orders and maps at: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR): A TFR has been established over the fire area. Flight restrictions include the use of drones. The operation of drones under the TFR is prohibited.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between the Shelly Fork Junction and Seiad as part of an area closure under Forest Order 05-05-23-07.

AIR QUALITY: For information regarding smoke impacts and what you can do to protect yourself, visit the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District Fire and Smoke Information Website at: www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/airpollution/page/fire-and-smoke-information or AirNow.gov

Fire Size:   10,817 acres

Initial Start: 8/18/2023 at 1600 pm

Location: Approximately 4 miles northeast of Elk, WA.

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 86%

Resources Committed: 25 Engines, 6 Crews, 1 Bulldozer, 5 Water Tenders, 2 Skidgen

Personnel: 280

Damage Assessment: 126 primary homes and 258 outbuildings destroyed.

Road Closures:  None

Elk, WA, - Current Situation: The Type 3 Northeast WA Incident Management Team (IMT) 3 is in command of the Oregon Fire. The fire continues to remain within the current footprint with no further growth. The current strategy remains full suppression. The current strategy is close to being met and is moving into repair of fire lines. Firefighters are expected to continue working on the fire for the next two weeks.

Northeast WA IMT Team 3 will take command of the Gray Fire located near Medical Lake, WA today at 7pm. Incident commander Andrew Stenbeck will lead both the Oregon Fire and the Gray Fire.

Today’s activities: Firefighters will continue to build upon their success from yesterday as they continue to mop-up and ensure there are no sources of heat near the fire’s perimeter or structures. Suppression repair work will continue throughout the fire area.

Disaster assistance: The Disaster Assistance Center located at the Spokane Falls Community College, Building 9, 3305 W. Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA  99224 has closed. With the Disaster Assistance Center closed, people affected by the wildfires can contact the represented organizations directly. Please visit Spokane County Emergency Management website for the contact information for the agencies and organizations.

Evacuations: All evacuations throughout the entire fire area have been rescinded. The Red Cross evacuation center located at Riverside High School 4120 E. Deer Park Milan Rd, Chattaroy, WA 99003 has been closed down.

Weather: A slightly warmer and drier day is expected Saturday with light winds and relatively fair humidity values. Sunday will bring increasing chances of rain showers to the fire with up to 0.10”. Temperatures will be the warmest Saturday before cooling back to seasonal normal temperatures through the following week.

For fire information contact the Public Information Officer at 509-508-3323 or email 2023.oregon@firenet.gov

Smith River Complex North update for Saturday, September 2, 2023

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Friday brought cool, humid weather to the Smith River Complex North. Tactical firing operations near Lone Mountain Road and O’Brien were paused due to wet conditions, but mop-up continued along fire lines.

South of the tunnel on Hwy 199, fire activity west of the highway moderated enough for two Interagency Hotshot Crews to construct direct lines along the live fire edge. They are working to cut off fire spread north toward Gilligan Butte.

On the northwest part of the fire, Hotshot firefighters directed helicopter bucket drops of water on the fire edge. They are working to build direct lines around the “thumb” of the fire, while other Hotshots are preparing the 019 Road to be used as a fire line tying the thumb to the 461 Road. These crews are camping out on the fire line despite the rain to monitor the fire edge and reduce travel time.

A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the Smith River Complex North as heavy rain moved into the fire vicinity late Friday afternoon. Rain continued into the night, with some areas of the fire receiving more than a half inch of rain in an hour. Today, fire personnel will be checking for storm damage, including debris flows that may have impacted roads or fire lines. In areas that received rain, firefighters will concentrate on mop-up and extinguishing any remaining heat.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has begun to release structural task forces, beginning with Lane and Klamath Counties. Due to the collective efforts and the change in weather, OSFM will continue to release crews to their home agencies.

“The releasing of task forces back to their home agencies signals that the threat to lives and homes is reducing,” Illinois Valley Fire Chief John Holmes said. “We will continue to be here to protect our community when OSFM transitions back that responsibility.”

As OSFM task forces return to their home agencies, Northwest Incident Management Team 13 structural protection remains in place. 

A Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation remains in place for the Hwy 199 area south of O’Brien from milepost 38 to the state line. A Level 2 – GET SET evacuation is in place for O’Brien and the Takilma area. A Level 1 – GET READY evacuation is in place north to Cave Junction. An American Red Cross evacuation shelter is located at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass. Livestock can be sheltered at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

Monitor Rogue Valley Emergency Management site and sign up for evacuation alerts and updates at https://rvem.org. An interactive Fire First Response Map showing evacuation areas can also be found there.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has implemented an area and road closure order for the Smith River Complex. Visit the forest website for additional information at https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts. The Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District announced an emergency closure of public lands near the Oregon/California border. For additional information see https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

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.

Tiger Island Fire acreage: 31342

Hwy 113 Fire acreage: 7031

Lions Camp Road Fire acreage: 579

Elizabeth Fire acreage: 943

Total Personnel: 324

Personnel and Equipment:  

Tiger Island: 1 Type-1 Crew; 5 Helicopters, 2 fixed-wing aircraft, 19 Type-6 Engines, 15 Type-2 Tractor Plow Units, 5 Type-3 Tractor Plow Units, 4 Dozers, 7 Water Tenders and 5 Ambulances.

Hwy 113: 1 Type-1 Crew; 9 dozers; 4 Type-6 Engines

Lions Camp Road: 1 Type-6 Engine

Elizabeth: 1 Type-6 Engine; 8 dozers

Additional support is being provided to all fires by the National Guard, Parish authorities, 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 50% contained. On Friday, crews found increased needle cast across the fire area which can contribute to the fire reburning when dry needles fall onto areas of heat.  Heat was detected on the interior northwest side of the fire near Nichols-Sibley Road moving south, and on the interior east side of the fire near Neale Oilfield Road, south of the railroad. Crews worked on strengthening and improving the containment line in those areas and continued to mop up around the fire perimeter. Today, crews will continue to mop up all perimeter lines of the fire, in particular along Neale Oilfield Road near Merryville and along the hardwood creek bottom on the northern perimeter of the fire.  Crews will be reinforcing dozer lines on the northwest side of the fire where heat was detected yesterday, keeping the fire perimeter south of Shinn Road. 

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 50% contained. Yesterday, aerial support slowed fire growth. The National Guard constructed dozer line along the north side of the fire. Today, crews will continue to install dozer line around the fire perimeter. The structure protection group will be working with local and state partners today on the fire to respond to structure protection needs.

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

Operations: Today, crews will be working to patrol existing firelines and will identify areas to improve these containment lines and begin mop up to maintain the current fire perimeter. 

Elizabeth: Located in southwest Rapides Parish.

Operations: The Elizabeth Fire is currently 50% contained. Yesterday, there was active fire growth on the northwest side of the fire. Crews will be constructing and improving containment lines today and patrolling for hot spots.

Weather and Fire Behavior:  Higher than normal air temperatures with a high heat index are expected today.  Temperatures may reach 100 degrees, with humidity levels in the low 30’s.  Winds are expected from the east/northeast with gusts of up to 18 mph. The increased humidity may bring scattered showers, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty and erratic winds by this afternoon. Dry fuel conditions and increased needle cast, combined with gusty winds, can increase reburn potential in fire areas and increase the potential for extreme fire behavior.  The erratic winds can come from variable directions and could push a seabreeze into the area this evening. 

Air Quality: All four fires are projected to produce low levels of smoke. If there is active fire behavior with fire progression, or new starts, there could be high levels of smoke for short durations in the vicinity of the fire. The thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds expected today could move smoke in any direction and disperse it. Smoke from the Tiger Island Fire will be most apparent in the Merryville area. Smoke from Elizabeth and Hwy 113 fires will be heaviest in the Pitkin area. Smoke from the Lions Camp Rd Fire may move across Vernon Lake and toward the Sabine River. Expect increased smoke at Lake Charles with E winds due to a new start ESE of town. Smoke should decrease after sea breezes start. Lafayette and Leesville should have less smoke with the ENE winds. 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.