Buckskin 2 Fire - September 1, 2023

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District

Fire Information: 208-557-8813

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idipf-buckskin-2-fire

Type 4 Incident Commander, Ryan Winebark

Location: Located approximately 8 miles due south of Clark Fork, ID on the upper end of Twin Creek and Buckskin Saddle, south of Highway 200

Start Date: 8/4/2023          Cause: Undetermined         Size: 242 acres        Containment: 100%  

Total Personnel: 39            Engines: 3      Hand Crews: 1          Modules: 2

Heavy Equipment: 1 Water Tender, 1 Excavator

Work has begun to complete all that is outlined in the suppression repair plan. There is a considerable amount of work to be done to clear and improve roads that were impacted by fire activity. Crews are patrolling and monitoring the edge of the fire throughout the day while continuing to backhaul any unneeded equipment from the field. The Forest Closure Order will remain in effect until further notice for public and firefighter safety as the suppression repair work is expected to continue well into the fall.

Updates will be scaled back in frequency and produced only when there are significant changes to the fire.

Until a season-ending event occurs, smoke may be visible from pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire. The smoke that has settled into the area is from existing and new large fires in Washington and British Columbia. See https://fire.airnow.gov/ for more detailed smoke information.

The published email and phone number will still be monitored. If you are having any issues connecting to these sites, or simply have questions about the status of the fire, please call the fire information line at 208-557-8813. The line is staffed from 7 AM to 7 PM, and all calls will be returned.

EVACUATION STATUS

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office has rescinded the READY notification for the Twin Creek Rd and Rearden Rd residents in Clark Fork as of August 19, 2023, at 4 PM. Citizens should continue to stay alert and prepared, as fire conditions are always subject to quick and unexpected changes. Sign up for Bonner County Sheriff’s Office emergency messaging through NIXLE at www.nixle.com to receive local status updates.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Forest Closure Order is in effect for roads associated with the Buckskin Fire; the intersection of Forest Service Roads 203 and 332, the intersection of FSR 1021 and 332, and 1533 and 306 in Clark Fork. UTV trail 77 is closed as well. An extension of the FSR 203 closure, extending to the edge of private land, took effect on 8/15 at 0700. The public is prohibited from the general area for firefighter safety and asked to practice caution while driving near firefighters and apparatuses.

Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect. To view the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and a statewide map with current information regarding fire restrictions, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder.

The Temporary Flight Restriction that was in place for the safety of our aerial resources and firefighters on the ground has been officially rescinded as of August 20, 2023. Drone operators are reminded to never fly around active fire operations, as it could create critical interference with firefighting efforts. If you fly, we can't!

Fecha de inicio: 15 de agosto de 2023

Ubicación: Bosque Nacional Six Rivers

Causa: Relampagos

Hectáreas: 83,974

Contención: 8%

Personal: 3,838

Los residentes de Gasquet regresan a casa

Reflejos: El Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Del Norte, en colaboración con la Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia del Condado de Del Norte y el Equipo 2 de Manejo de Incidentes del Suroeste, redujo las evacuaciones al nivel 2 (Colocada) en Gasquet y de Pioneer Road hacia el sur hasta Slant Bridge Road. La repoblación de la comunidad de Gasquet comenzó el 31 de agosto al mediodía. Un Mapa de evacuacion Interactiva está disponible para mantener a los residentes informados sobre los niveles de evacuación actuales. Se discutirán más actualizaciones y estrategias durante la reunión comunitaria del Smith River Complex - Zona Sur esta noche a las 6 p.m. en Del Norte Fairgrounds, Arts and Crafts Building, 421 US 101, Crescent City. Una transmisión en vivo de la reunión estará disponible en el Página de Facebook del Bosque Nacional Six Rivers.

Operaciones: El viernes fue un día ajetreado y productivo en gran parte de los perímetros del incendio. Operaciones trabajó estrechamente en todas las divisiones identificando posibles líneas de contingencia y continuó preparando las líneas existentes. La alta humedad relativa ayudó con las operaciones de disparo táctico en muchas áreas mientras los bomberos trabajaban para apuntalar las líneas de contención (llevando el fuego a la línea donde era beneficioso y quemando hacia atrás cuando era necesario para detener el crecimiento del fuego). Con el regreso de los residentes a Gasquet, el grupo de protección de estructuras continúa vigilando los valores en riesgo. Pedimos a los vecinos que estén atentos ya que los niveles de evacuación podrían volver a aumentar. https://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/sheriff

Clima: La influencia marina será evidente hoy: niebla por la mañana, mezclándose con humo, lo que aumentará la baja visibilidad. Se esperan fuertes lluvias potenciales el viernes y sábado sobre gran parte de la huella del incendio. Advertencia de inundaciones repentinas vigente. Advertencia de inundación repentina de la NOAA

Seguridad: Se espera niebla intensa durante todo el día; continúe teniendo precaución en las carreteras debido al aumento del tráfico de bomberos. Espere mucho tráfico en toda la región. Tenga extrema precaución, especialmente a lo largo de la Hwy 199 West hasta Gasquet, Ca.

Restricciones/Cierres: Los cierres se ajustarán según la actividad del incendio.

Humo: La información sobre la calidad del aire está disponible en https://www.airnow.gov/

Evacuaciones: Todas las órdenes de evacuación son emitidas por la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Del Norte. Si se encuentra en el área del condado de Del Norte, regístrese en su Sistema de alerta comunitaria para recibir notificaciones de emergencia. Niveles de evacuación al 31 de agosto a las 12:00 p. m., como sigue: Mapa de evacuacion Interactiva

Nivel 3 “Vaya ahora”: Patrick Creek, Patrick Creek Lodge, área residencial de Little Jones/Washington Flat.

Nivel 2 “Prepárese”: Gasquet, Rowdy Creek/Low Divide, Big Flat/Rock Creek

Nivel 1 “Esté preparado”: ​​Hiouchi

Información sobre incendios: 2023.smithrivercomplex@firenet.gov

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

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

El Grupo 3, para el Manejo de Incidentes Northern Rockies (NRIMT-T3) asumió el Comando de los Incendios Flat y Anvil a las 7:00 de la mañana, el viernes 1ro de septiembre, 2023.

Actividad del Incendio Flat

Extension: 34,242 acres  Inicio:  15-Jul-2023                          Origen: 2 millas Sureste de f Agness, OR

Contencion: 58%              Personal: 427

Recursos: 6 escuadrillas de bomberos, 3 helicópteros, 8 camiones de bomberos, 3 buldóceres, 9 cisternas, 12 piezas de equipo pesado.

Los manejadores en el incendio continúan llevando a cabo vuelos de reconocimiento para monitorear el eje del mismo. Se han establecido escuadrillas de bomberos en puntos de observación asignados a lo largo del eje Noreste que aún no ha sido contenido. Teniendo como finalidad vigilar el humo y la actividad del fuego. Los bomberos continúan patrullando y monitoreando el perímetro del incendio, así como completando el trabajo de reparación en los senderos y trabajando con los dueños de tierras privadas acerca de cualquier tipo de reparación necesaria después de haber realizado las actividades de supresión. Se prosigue con el astillado de materia de combustión en toda la extensión de la carretera Forestal 109 lo cual será completado este fin de semana. No se ha dado un crecimiento en el incendio, pero se podrá observar la presencia del humo debido a la quema en el interior del incendio. Los recursos para Ataque Inicial están organizados y listos para seguir asistiendo el bosque en lo que sea necesario.

Anvil Fire Activity

Extension: 135 acres        Inicio: 25-Ago-2023         Origen: 8 millas Este de Port Orford, OR                              Contencion: 0%

Personal: 97

Recursos: 2 escuadrillas de bomberos, 5 helicópteros, 3 camiones de bomberos, 3 cisternas, 1 pieza de equipo pesado

El Incendio Anvil se encuentra quemando en las tierras vírgenes de Grassy Knob. A pesar de los ataques iniciales que se dieron de una forma agresiva, las pendientes pronunciadas y el terreno accidentado en el área, están representando un peligro para la seguridad de los bomberos, limitando los esfuerzos para atacar el incendio directamente. El día de ayer, Expertos de Incendio de la Agencia Interina de Winema y Black Mountain, se introdujeron en el incendio para evaluar una estrategia potencial a realizar y acerca de la seguridad de los bomberos. Los manejadores del Incendio, se encuentran evaluando líneas directas e indirectas, así como las estrategias para puntos de protección alrededor del perímetro del incendio. Para los próximos días, los bomberos estarán evaluando la infraestructura en el drenaje de Elk River y de esta forma determinar las medidas a tomar para ser implementadas en los puntos de protección. Este trabajo podría incluir el remover la vegetación y material inflamable que se encuentra alrededor de las viviendas y otro tipo de infraestructura. Además, desplazando sistemas de riego utilizando mangueras y bombas sobre el terreno. Los recursos aéreos continuaran apoyando a los bomberos tan pronto como las condiciones del clima y del humo lo permitan.

Condiciones climáticas: Temperaturas mas bajas, nivel de humedad mas alta y lluvias en el área, continuaran moderando el comportamiento del incendio a través de este fin de semana. Sin embargo, después del domingo, se podría dar un aumento en la actividad del fuego debido a las condiciones secas en la zona.

Condiciones de humo: La prolongación del humo dentro del área está desplazándose hacia el Norte extendiéndose desde el Incendio Smith River Complex y asentándose en las comunidades cercanas como Brookings.  Información acerca de las perspectivas de Humo se encuentran disponibles en: https://tinyurl.com/smokeoutlook

Ordenes de Cierres:  El U.S. Highway 199 ha sido cerrado al Norte de Gasquet debido a incendios en el Bosque Nacional de Six Rivers, por favor use la ruta U.S. Route 101 hacia SR 42s para viajar hacia y desde Rogue Valley. Las carreteras del Servicio Forestal y BLM no deberán ser utilizadas como rutas alternativas debido a la actividad de surgimiento de incendios en la zona. El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou ha declarado una orden de cierre incluyendo senderos, caminos y una porción del área de Illinois River. Información acerca los cierres en el área del Incendio pueden encontrarse en: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts.

Evacuaciones:  Regístrese en el sistema de Alerta para el condado. Revise el website para el Manejo de emergencias en el condado y siga los servicios de emergencia de forma actualizada para la localidad que se encuentran en las redes sociales (el condado, oficina del Alguacil, agencias de Incendios). 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 Buttler Bar del Servicio Forestal y cercano al incendio Anvil.

Orden de restricción: Actualmente, el Nivel de Peligro de Incendio es “Extremo”. El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou implemento un Nivel 3 en las Restricciones para el Uso Público (PURs). Asimismo, se encuentra en pie un Nivel 3 (PURs) para la Sección Nacional Virgen de Rogue que fue implementada por el Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou, BLM en Medford y ODF. Para mayor información visite: https://tinyurl.com/campfirerestrictions

WEATHER: Cooler temperatures, precipitation, and thunderstorms with lightning are forecasted today on the Happy Camp Complex.  A flash flood watch issued by the National Weather Service is in effect through 11 p.m. tonight for the McKinney (2022) and Head fire burn areas.

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Elliot (11,459 acres, 25%), Ufish (4,651 acres, 3%) Hancock (1,653 acres, 0%)

Last night, the Elliot and Ufish fires held within established fire lines. Today, hotshot crews and dozers will be working on the southwest side of the Elliot Fire near Dillion Creek constructing direct fire line. Firefighters on the Ufish will focus on holding and improving established control lines.

Yesterday, the Hancock Fire, located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness, southeast of the Elliot Fire, was added to the Happy Camp Complex. Fire managers are assessing the fire and planning suppression efforts.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Head (6,940 acres, 75%), Block (0.1 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 100%), Scott (1,886 acres, 70%), Lake (199, acres, 55%)

The east side of the Happy Camp Complex had minimal fire activity last night. Today, firefighters will work to complete containment on the north and west sides of the Head Fire. Crews on the Scott and Lake fires continue to hold fires within their current perimeter.

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

An evacuation center has been established at the Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 95097. Call (530) 340-3539 if you have questions regarding the shelter.

ROAD CONDITIONS: State Route 96 is open. One-way traffic control remains in place in several areas while crews work to repair damaged infrastructure, remove debris, and stabilize slopes. Delays at the locations with one-way traffic control could be up to an hour or more. Scott River Road is now 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. It is suggested that northbound through-hikers exit the trail at Etna Summit and resume northward travel from Seiad.

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

Weather and Fire Behavior:

The fire received a substantial amount of rain yesterday with some areas reporting up to .75 inches. This late afternoon’s forecast calls for sunshine and temperatures in the high 70s. Relative humidity should decrease from 60% to 50% through tomorrow. Winds will change from light westerly winds to a north/northeasterly direction with some areas experiencing gusts up to 15 miles per hour.

Similar to yesterday, fire behavior will continue to smolder and creep along moss and forest duff. Pockets of flames may be observed in elevated areas where there is sun exposure and windspeed moving up a slope. Fire weakened trees and snags that fall suddenly without warning continue to be a major hazard to firefighters in addition to working in wet conditions.

Operations:

The fire’s acreage was updated today to reflect a more accurate number after a flyover was completed yesterday.

Crews strategically removed and burned pockets of vegetation along Forest Road 12 northwest of the fire and will be reinforcing this today and in the coming days. Crew constructed dozerline and handlines along the northeast corner to the south edge of the fire to mitigate fire spread into the upper end of Camp Creek. In conjunction with the favorable weather, this will allow firefighters a better chance of gaining containment of the fire.

Forest Road 14, south of the fire, has been completely plumbed, which refers to laying hoses, water pumps, and sprinklers to provide firefighters with a water source to use on the fire. Additionally, firefighters are scoping out areas farther out along the southeast and south edge of the fire for construction of the most effective contingency line in case the fire moves in those directions.

Today, fire information officers will be stationed at Thriftway in Welches, OR, and Mt. Hood Foods in Rhododendron, OR, from 1 – 6 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 has temporarily been closed to help firefighters prepare for the fire. Clackamas County residents can receive critical emergency messaging via email, phone call, or text by signing 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.

Start Date: Aug 15, 2023    Location: Six Rivers National Forest    Cause: Lightning
Acres: 83,974    Containment: 8%    Personnel: 3,838

Residents of Gasquet Return Home
Highlights: The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services and Southwest Incident Management Team 2, reduced evacuations to level 2 (Set) in Gasquet, and for Pioneer Road south to Slant Bridge Road. Repopulation of the Gasquet community began on August 31st, at noon. An Interactive Evacuation Map is available to keep residents informed on current evacuation levels. More updates and strategies will be discussed during the Smith River Complex - South Zone Community Meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the Del Norte Fairgrounds, Arts and Crafts Building, 421 US 101, Crescent City. A live stream of the meeting will be available on the Six Rivers National Forest Facebook Page .

Operations: Friday was a busy and productive day around much of the fire perimeters. Operations worked closely in all divisions identifying potential contingency lines and continued prepping existing lines. The high relative humidity assisted with tactical firing operations in many areas as firefighters worked on shoring up containment lines (bringing fire to the line where beneficial and back burning when necessary to stop fire growth). With residents returning to Gasquet the structure protection group continues monitoring values at risk. We ask residents to be vigilant as evacuation levels could be raised again. https://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/sheriff

Weather:  Marine influence will be evident today – fog in the morning, mixing with smoke, adding to low visibility. Potential heavy rain is expected Friday and Saturday over much of the fire footprint. Flash Flood Warning in effect: NOAA Flash Flood Warning

Safety: Heavy fog is expected throughout the day, please continue to use caution on roads due to increased fire traffic. Expect heavy traffic throughout the region. Please use extreme caution, especially along Hwy 199 West through Gasquet, Ca.

Restrictions/Closures: Closures will be adjusted based on fire activity.

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 August 31, 12:00 noon, as follows: Interactive Evacuation Map
Level 3 “Go Now”: Patrick Creek, Patrick Creek Lodge, Little Jones/Washington Flat Residential Area 
Level 2 “Be Set”: Gasquet, Rowdy Creek/Low Divide, Big Flat/Rock Creek
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
 

September 1, 2023
Morning Update

Alert: A combination of smoke and fog is severely limiting visibility in some areas. Drivers are encouraged to take extra caution.

Lookout, Horse Creek, Pothole Fires Total Personnel:  983
Resources: 66 engines l 15 crews l 13 bulldozers l 40 water tenders l 11 masticators l 11 helicopters

Horse Creek: Size: 763 acres l Start Date: August 24, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 12%
Fire behavior was limited yesterday. Where safe to do so, fire crews and equipment are making attempts to build direct firelines and are preparing roads to be used as future control lines, if needed.

Lookout: Size: 24,575 acres l Start Date: August 5, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 20%
There was very limited fire behavior on the Lookout Fire due to rainy conditions, but large fuels (dead trees and logs) remain dry enough to carry fire. While precipitation moderates fire behavior, rain can create slippery road conditions and increase driving hazards for firefighters and equipment. Crews are also reporting that many fire-weakened trees have been falling near the fire lines.

Firefighters are anticipating a predicted shift in wind this afternoon and evening. Crews are preparing for easterly winds by increasing patrolling in areas prone to fire activity. New fire activity is expected be minimal due to the recent wetting rains. As road and hazard tree conditions allow, crews will continue extinguishing hot spots near control lines. Along the northern, western, and eastern flanks 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. On the southeast flank, near Belknap Springs, firefighters successfully completed the complicated firing operations to bring fire down to containment lines near Highway 126.

Pothole: Size: 109 acres l Start Date: August 25, 2023 l Cause: Lightning l Containment: 15%
No measurable growth during the past couple of days has provided firefighters opportunities to build direct fireline around most of this fire. Today they will work to connect control lines around the north end of the perimeter.

Bedrock: Total Personnel: 615
Size: 31,590 acres l Start Date: July 22, 2023 l Cause: under investigation l Containment: 85%

Resources: 24 engines l 11 crews l 6 bulldozers l 27 water tenders l 8 masticators l 11 helicopters
Pockets of unburned fuels within the established containment lines will continue to smolder. Fire crews are now mostly 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 other nearby fires, or are working on the other incidents described above.

All Fires 

Firefighters and law enforcement officers maintain a presence in evacuated areas. Trained firefighters are flying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) drones through the smoke to provide infrared heat imaging to locate hotspots near control lines and provide accurate mapping of the fire. Drones also support firing operations in areas that are hard to access, which reduces risk to firefighters. 

Weather

The Incident Meteorologist advised firefighters that the weather will remain unsettled today, with shower activity diminishing this afternoon. There is a short-term change in wind direction predicted for this afternoon. Winds will begin coming in from the east, with possible gusts of 20 mph on the ridgetops and midslopes. This is predicted to bring some warmer and dryer conditions to parts of the Lookout fire. Windy conditions create increased probability of trees falling. Possible wet thunderstorms are predicted for Saturday.

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. A large animal shelter is established at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.  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 (8am-8pm)
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 (8am-8pm)
Email: 2023.bedrock@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/
InciWeb Bedrock: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-bedrock-fire

Location:  Approximately 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake, along the Hayden Creek Road (Forest Service Road 437) from the Ridge Creek drainage to South Chilco Mountain.

Start Date: 8/3/2023      Cause: Human-caused              Size: 4,474 acres      Containment: 51%

Total Personnel: 317   Heavy Equipment: 21               Engines: 11          Crews: 7

Note: All fire restrictions have been lifted for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest as of today. While campfires are no longer restricted, hunters and recreationists are urged to continue to use caution. Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it is cold to the touch before walking away. Please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder for a detailed map and current information regarding fire restrictions across the state.

With weekend traffic increasing, motorists are advised to watch for firefighting equipment as firefighters released from the incident travel home.

FIRE STATUS

The Ridge Creek Fire was reported on 8/3/23 at 2:30 PM in the Ridge Creek drainage, approximately three miles east of the northern tip of Hayden Lake. Investigators have determined that the fire was human-caused.

Yesterday, firefighters continued to mop up, chip along roads and make repairs to roads and other features damaged by fire suppression. On the eastern side of the fire, they worked with resource advisors, specialists who identify impacts of fire operations on natural and cultural resources, to identify areas needing suppression repair. They also began disassembling the Hudlow Warming Hut spike camp. In the Nunn Road, Bunco Road and Trapper Creek area they removed unneeded pumps, hose and portable water storage devices (“pumpkins”). Chipping operations increased in the Bunco Road area with the addition of another chipper.

Today’s emphasis is on chipping and cleaning up suppression work along roads with the end goal of allowing public access into the fire area as soon as it is safe to do so. Because opening roads on the northern side of the fire is a priority, another chipper will work in that area today.

Specifically, masticators and graders continue work on the 385 Road. To the southwest, firefighters and heavy equipment continue to work on the 206 Road, as well as felling hazard trees and chipping on the 625 Road. Breaking down the Hudlow spike camp will continue and crews will backhaul equipment. Initial attack firefighters continue to be available to respond to any new starts in the surrounding area.

As fire behavior decreases and completion of tasks increases, firefighting personnel assigned to the Ridge Creek Fire are being released to help with other fires as needed.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A slight warming trend is expected the next few days, but not back to the above-normal temperatures we experienced prior to this week’s rain. Temperatures are expected to be a high of 73-78 degrees and a low near 55, and winds are forecast to be northeast at 7-11 mph, decreasing to 5-8 mph after 2:00 PM. Relative humidity is expected to be 39-44 percent.

Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

Live and dead vegetation remains damp from recent rainfall and active flames are unlikely. With a drying trend, some areas of smoke may appear where built-up organic material or large logs smolder, especially in areas with remaining heat at the northeast portion of the fire.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Kootenai County has lifted all evacuation notices. Please monitor official county sources for the most up-to-date information. https://www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management

A daylight hours temporary flight restriction remains in place. Information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_3347.html

Closure Order #01-04-03-23-003 for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest remains in place for Forest Service land north of Forest Service Road (FSR) 206, west of FSR 209 and FSR 385, and south of FSR 332; and for Forest Service land surrounding and north of the Yellowbanks Creek area and west of FSR 1535.

The closure includes all Forest Service Roads within the area:

• FSR 332, 385, 392, 428A, 437, 1507, 1511, 1530, 1552 and 1587.
• FSR 206 north of the junction with FSR 406.
• FSR 406 north of the junction with FSR 206.
• Bunco Road/FSR 332 from the National Forest boundary east to the junction of FSR 385.
• FSR 385 from the junction with Bunco Road/FSR 332 south to the junction of FSR 209 and FSR 794.

It also includes Forest Service Trails 69, 78, 234, 577 and 802.

This order is necessary for public and firefighter safety due to heavy fire traffic and equipment in the area. For more information, please see the Idaho Panhandle National Forest website at Idaho Panhandle National Forests - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

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

Current Situation: The wet conditions over the past few days have helped minimize fire behavior, with backing, creeping, and smoldering observed; however, the rain has not extinguished these fires. The dense forest canopy prevents most moisture from reaching the dry surface fuels, and a thick layer of organic material conceals fire burning at depth. It is expected that the Cowlitz Complex Fire will be a long-term event that will likely persist for the next couple of months until a change in seasonal conditions occurs.

As the days pass, the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two is gathering more information about the status of each fire, which will be shared as it becomes available. A total of 427 personnel are currently assigned to the Cowlitz Complex, which is 5% contained and encompasses a total of 589 acres. Crews are using hand tools and heavy equipment where necessary to establish access and construct containment line around the fires. Once containment line is established and heat sources are mopped up, fires will be placed in monitor and patrol status and crews will be shifted to other fires. Networks of hoses are being installed for use later if fire behavior becomes more volatile.

In Branch 1/Division C, the Carlton Ridge Fire, about 7.5 miles northwest of White Pass, is contained. Crews expect another three days mopping up before it will transition to monitor and patrol status. The Pothole Fire, located near the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, is 50% contained. Crews are assessing access into the Deer Creek Fire, about 2.7 miles north of Forest Road 52, near Glacier View Trailhead. A dozer is improving firefighter access to the Berry Fire, located on Allen Mountain, about 8 miles north of Randle. The Skate and Silver fires, both located about 6.5 miles west-northwest of Packwood, are contained.

In Branch 1/Division F, the South Fork Fire, located 5.5 miles west-southwest of Packwood, is contained and in monitor and patrol status. On the Grassy Mountain Fire, 4.5 miles northeast of Randle, crews are working on gaining access over steep, difficult terrain. Grassy Mountain Fire remains unstaffed until a plan is developed for getting firefighters safely into and out of the fire area. The Yew Fire, located near the intersection of Forest Roads 47 and 4773 is 50% contained.

In Branch 2/Division L, crews have established containment line around the Jackpot Creek Fire and are mopping up heat sources within the fire perimeter. They are eyeing the Mission Fire, about 10 miles south of Packwood near Johnson Creek as their next target.

In Branch 2/Division W, crews repaired landslide damage on roads that provide access to the Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz Fires. Now that vehicle access is improved, crews will be better able to initiate fire suppression in that area.

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).

Weather & Smoke Information: The forecast calls for increased sun and warmer conditions this afternoon. Temperatures in the valley will be in the 70s, cooler at higher elevations. Winds will be light and variable.

Closures: In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails will be 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 #3 A, Quartz #5 B, Quartz #5 C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80 A. Forest Road 8410 is closed for firefighter and public safety in the vicinity of the Pothole Fire.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area between U.S. 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! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at

Home - Know Before You Fly.

If you live in an area prone to wildfires, one phrase you often hear is percentage of containment. A 95% contained fire sounds a lot more comforting than a 5% contained fire. But what does it mean?

Containment refers to how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line which fire managers are confident the fire will not cross. In other words, rather than describing how much of the fire has been extinguished, containment refers to the fire’s growth potential. Maps produced by fire managers show the perimeter of the fire outlined in red. Any portion of the fire declared contained is marked in black. The ratio of the red line to the black line determines the percentage of containment. Fire managers will not label a portion of the fireline “contained” until they are confident the fire will not grow farther in that direction.

Fire information officers have been fielding questions about containment on the Camp Creek Fire, especially since many areas of the fire have not grown in several days. The recent cool, moist weather has dampened fire activity, keeping the flames in the duff and downed woody debris. Firefighters have been using this window of favorable weather to remove trees along roads, take out “ladder fuels” (the lower limbs of trees, lichens, mosses, and shrubs that carry flames from the ground up into the canopy), and apply low-intensity fire in strategic areas to burn up duff and debris on the ground. However, if conditions again return to warmer and drier, fire activity could more closely resemble the active fire behavior seen on the first day of the fire. This would require wider and more robust fuel breaks to stop the fire’s progression. Until those larger control lines are in place, fire managers will hold off declaring containment.

After the fireline is constructed and improved, firefighters check the fire’s edge to ensure there is no heat within a defined distance of the fire line. This work is meticulous and time-consuming and can take days before any containment is indicated. The Incident Management Team will only change the status of a portion of the perimeter to “contained” when there is no heat on the perimeter and no chance that it grow in that area.

Rest assured, the low containment number doesn’t mean crews aren’t making progress on the Camp Creek Fire. Expect to see more black line on the fire perimeter map soon.

Two photos can be viewed below by clicking on the caption:

• Two firefighters monitor the fire's slow progression toward an established road. A low intensity fire is easier to contain than a fire that gets up into the tree canopy where embers can easily travel extend beyond the perimeter into unburned areas and start a spot fire
   
• Today's fire map shows the perimeter outlined in red, indicating there is continued work to strengthen lines before declaring any areas contained

Click the link below to watch a video from September 2nd, when the Incident Management Team announced the Camp Creek Fire had gone from 0% to 11% contained. The video includes an interview with the Division Supervisor, footage from the area where the containment was added, and an overview of the firefighting strategy going forward.

• September 2nd containment announcement (2:10)