Order Number: # 23-010-Lolo-D5

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service

Lolo National Forest

Plains/Thompson Falls & Superior Ranger Districts

Area, Road & Trail Closures

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a & b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Plains/Thompson Falls and Superior Ranger Districts of the Lolo National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (River Road East Fire Closure):

1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). It is prohibited to go into the area closed for public safety

2. 36 CFR § 261.54(e). Being on the described roads.

3. 36 CFR § 261.55(a). Being on the described trails.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 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 or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS

NORTHERN CLOSED AREA: All Forest Service land contained south of Henry Creek Road from the junction of Henry Creek Road NFSR* #661 and MT Hwy* 200 (T19N, R26W, Sect. 1) west to the boundary with the Flathead Reservation (T20N, R25W, Sect. 25). Forest Service lands contained west of the Flathead Reservation boundary stopping to the south at the Flathead River (T18N, R24W, Sect. 6). Returning northwest along the Flathead River to the junction of MT Hwy 200 and Henry Creek Road #661.

SOUTHERN CLOSED AREA: All Forest Service Land contained north of MT Hwy #135 (T18N, R25W, Sect. 4) to the junction of Donlon Trail #205 Trailhead and MT Hwy #135

W. (T18N, R26W, Sect. 9). From that point Forest Service lands east of Donlon Trail #205 to the junction with Combest Creek Road NFSR #508 (T19N. R26W, Sect. 34) are included. The closure area continues east of Combest Creek Road running north to the Lolo National Forest administrative boundary (northern boundary of T19N, R26W, Sect. 15). Moving east along sect. 15’s northern boundary, Forest Service lands south of the northern boundaries of sect. 15, 23, and 13 (T19N, R26W) and stopping at junction with River Road East (T19N, R25W, Sect.07) are included. Eastern boundary of closure area continues on the west side of River Road East back south to junction with MT Hwy #135.

CLOSED ROADS: All roads within the closure area boundary including but not limited to: NFSR #3838 (Patrick Creek Road), NFSR #18262 (Fourteen Mile Road), NFSR #7698 (High Ridge Road), NFSR #508 (Combest Creek Road), NFSR #661 (Henry Creek Road.), NFSR #7591 (Combest High Ridge Road)

CLOSED TRAILS: Trail #205 (Donlon), Trail #1714 (Fourteen Mile)

CLOSED RECREATION SITES: Ferry Landing Day Use Area, Muchwater Dispersed Campground, and Cascade Landing.

*NFSR – National Forest System Road, Hwy - Highway

PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be in effect on August 21, 2023, 0:01 hours (12:01 am) and shall remain in effect until October 31st, 2023, or until rescinded, whichever comes first.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Missoula, MT, (406) 329- 3750 for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on

08/25/2023    .

Digitally signed

by CAROLYN UPTON, Forest Supervisor

Date: 2023.08.25

11:47:10 -06'00'

Special Statement
Smoke from new wildfires will continue to impact communities within the forecast area.

Fire
In addition to the Smith River Complex, new wildfires are burning in California and Oregon. Smith River Complex is more than 67,000 acres in CA and OR. Aircraft are flying again during periods of improved visibility. Fire crews are using engines and hand tools to protect structures in the Illinois Valley and suppress fires. Evacuations continue in high hazard areas.

Smoke
Heavy smoke is continuing to pool in the Illinois Valley overnight and within the communities along the I-5 corridor in Southwest Oregon. This afternoon, west winds will move smoke from the fire burning south of Cave Junction into the entire forecast area, raising air quality values through the afternoon, evening, and overnight. Most of these values today and through the weekend will read UNHEALTHY to VERY UNHEALTHY. New fires north of Grants Pass are beginning to impact the forecast area and are elevating the air quality values.

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: Undetermined Size: 4,358 acres Containment: 32% Total Personnel: 547 Heavy Equipment: 20 Engines: 17 Crews: 16

FIRE STATUS 

Firefighters continue to make progress on all divisions of the fire. On the east side of the fire, hand crews in conjunction with heavy equipment work to improve roads and shore up fuel breaks in case of increased fire activity To the north, firefighters continue to improv e current lines and are progressing along the Bunco Road towards industrial and private lands. Crews on the western flank of the fire are finalizing contingency lines and work ing to secure fire lines moving to the south looking for safe opportunities to access hot areas. Firefighters also have established fuel breaks to prevent fire spread on th is side of the fire. In the southeast firefighters continue to secure the fire line and move toward patrol status. The structure protection group is still engaged with local cooperators to prepare for future wildfires in the Bunco and Hayden Lake communities. As always, tactics will be adjusted based on work progress.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Unseasonable temperatures and lower humidities arrive today. Temperatures are expected to be 5-10 degrees warmer and humidity is expected to be 5-10% drier. Fortunately, only light, largely terrain driven winds are expected. This weather has the potential to encourage more smoldering and creeping fire behavior. Isolated smoke will be visible in the area.

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

EVACUATION STATUS

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management evacuation status for the Bunco area remains the same (SET or Level 2). More information is available at https://www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

A 24 hour temporary flight restriction remains in place https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_3347.html.

The Coeur d’Alene Dispatch Zone has issued Stage II Fire Restrictions for the Idaho Panhandle, including Kootenai County.

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 National Forest boundary east to the junction of FSR 385.

• FSR 385 from 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.

Shane Robson, Incident Commander

Crater Creek Fire Information

Julianne Nikirk (928) 270-8335

Follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3

Crater Creek Fire

Quick Facts
 

Approximate Size

5,055 acres

Containment

5%

Total Personnel

222

Fire Danger

Very High

Structures Lost

Primary – 0

Secondary - 0

Cause

Lightning/Natural

For Immediate Release - August 26, 2023

Tonasket, WA: Updates will begin to be published less frequently unless significant events occur. Fire behavior continues to be mild. Work from previous operational periods continue. Direct line missions near the border that anchor between the Snowy Mountain Fire and Newby Lake Fire scars are expected to be complete by the end of the day. Crews are working to improve pre-existing fireline that connects Hurley Peak west to the Fourteen Mile Road. The Crazy Cow Creek Road improvements are complete, establishing access to the eastern containment lines. Crews chipping and clearing on the FS 39 Road are making good progress and expect to be done within the next few days.

Please check up to date road closure information on the websites below, be considerate of these areas for not only public safety but also the safety of the firefighters and machinery. Daily communication with British Columbia fire officials is ongoing.

Weather: Forecast is based on an elevation range of 6000 to 7500 feet. The high today is 66 degrees with a minimum humidity of 35 percent. Winds will be light, terrain driven, and will briefly switch to the north overnight before returning to the south by Sunday morning. A ridge pattern will build throughout the weekend, leading to warmer temperatures.

Closures: Closure Orders have been issued by the US Forest Service, BLM, and DNR.
USFS: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest for the following campgrounds, roads, and trails:
Developed Campgrounds Closed

Long Swamp Campground, 14 Mile Campground

Roads Closed

FSR 3900100, 110, 105, FSR 3900395, FSR 3900415, FSR 3900500 (Iron Gate), 502, 505, 510, 515

Trails Closed

Trail No. 340 Long Draw, Trail No. 341 Deer Park, Trail No. 342 Windy Peak, Trail No. 343 Clutch Peak, Trail No. 360 Basin Creek, Trail No. 362 Windy Peak, Trail No. 375 Albert Camp, Trail No. 387 Middle Fork, Trail No. 505 Coleman Ridge from junction with Trail No. 561 north to junction with Trail No. 510, Trail No. 510 Chewuch from junction with 510A Cathedral Driveway north to junction with Trail No. 565 Lesamiz, Trail No. 533 Boundary Trail (Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail) from the junction of the lower Cathedral Lake Trail No. 545 junction east to the Forest Service boundary with the Loomis State Forest, Trail No. 533.2 Smith Lake, Trail No. 534 Tungsten Creek, Trail No. 561 Fire Creek

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices or https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices

WA DNR: The WA Department of Natural Resources has closed the northern block of the Loomis NRCA. This closure includes the Disappointment Trailhead, as well as Cold Springs Campground, Cold Springs Overlook, and Chopaka Lake Campground. The Cold Springs Road is closed 6 miles past the intersection with Toats Coulee Road, and the Fourteen Mile Road is closed 1 mile past the intersection with Toats Coulee Road. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/LoomisLoupLoup

InciWeb

Facebook

BLM: The Chopaka Lake Campground is closed until further notice.

More information can be found on InciWeb:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/wanes-crater-creek-fire

Follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3 

Ridge, Doris Point, and Tin Soldier Fires Update - August 26th, 2023

Ridge Fire

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse

Size: 3665 acres

Percent Contained: 76%

Cause: Lightning

Start Date: July 30th, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

Personnel Assigned: 424

Doris Point Fire

Location: 8 miles south of Hungry Horse

Size: 1585 acres

Percent Completed: 58%

Cause: Lightning

Start Date: July 30th, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

Personnel Assigned: 30

Tin Soldier Fires

Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake

Size: 8165 acres

Percent Completed: 20%

Cause: Lightning

Start Date: July 30th, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

Personnel Assigned: 114

Highlights: A small amount of moisture fell over the fire areas late yesterday afternoon, but a warming and drying trend is predicted through the weekend. As temperatures rise and humidities decline, expect to see increased activity on all incidents. An Unmanned Aerial Systems group was ordered and will gather imagery and intel for future planning on all fires. Moving forward, Inciweb information for the Tin Soldier Complex will now be updated on the Ridge Fire Inciweb page. Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 will host a community meeting at the Glacier Bible Camp at 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 27th.

Operations:

Ridge Fire: Yesterday crews continued to monitor and patrol containment lines and look for opportunities to backhaul equipment and supplies. As containment lines continue to hold, resources today will pull large swaths of hose lays for backhaul. On the uncontrolled northeast corner of the fire where fire activity remains low, crews will patrol the line. The repair group has begun restoring handline and will assess dozer line rehabilitation, as well.

Doris Point Fire: Crews today will build upon missions from yesterday by removing more hazard trees along roadways and values at risk. As a result of the rain from last week and steep slopes in the area, there is an increased risk of falling trees and debris. To mitigate these risks, crews are continually evaluating and removing hazard trees – particularly along FS RD 895. As conditions become warmer and drier, there has been an increase in creeping fire behavior through some fine ground fuels.

Tin Soldier Fire: Crews on the Tin Soldier Fire today will continue with the same missions from yesterday. They will monitor the area of slop over along Meadow Creek for remaining hotspots and patrol the fire line along the east side where structures and other values at risk are present. Mechanical thinning will continue along Meadow Creek with good progress being made there. Prep work continues on FS RD 2628 and FS RD 2828, near the Hydro Dam, and personnel will maintain pump operations around structures and other values at risk.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

The ridge of high pressure continues to strengthen over the region this weekend. Temperatures today will be similar to yesterday and warmer on Sunday. Afternoon humidity readings will be dropping each day with the development of thermal belts at night.

Ridge, Doris Point, and Tin Soldier Fires: 82-88 degrees in the lower elevations and 72-77 degrees in the mid-slopes to ridges with minimum relative humidity at 24-29%. On all fires, winds will be southwest 3-8 mph becoming northwest 5-10 mph with gusts to around 15 mph in the afternoon.

Fire Closure:

The Hungry Horse Reservoir is closed to all public access, including both the east and west side roads. The Forest Closure Order that includes the Heinrude Community remains in effect. As firefighting efforts continue on the Ridge Fire, Doris Point Fire, and Tin Soldier Fire the closure is in place to provide for public and firefighter safety. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices/?aid=82283

Additional Information:

Residents should stay alert for changing conditions and visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires for preparing for wildfires. The Tin Soldier Complex Incident information will now be updated on the Ridge Fire Inciweb page. Moving forward, please refer to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-ridge-fire for information on the Tin Soldier Complex.

Fire Information: 406-998-6074 (8:00 am to 7:00 pm)

Email: 2023.ridge@firenet.gov

https://www.facebook.com/ridge.fire.information

https://www.youtube.com/@2023ridgefire

River Road East Fire

Fact Sheet

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

Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00 am

Location:  6 miles southeast of Plains, Montana                                               

Start Date: 8/18/2023         

Cause: Unknown         

Size: 17,120 acres       

Containment: 10%        

Total Personnel: 681                   

Crews: 14                      

Engines: 41               

 Helicopters: 6   

KEY MESSAGE: “Firing operations” is terminology used to describe the use of fire to burn wildland fuels between a control line and the fire’s flaming front. When successful, the main fire will slow or stop advancing since the fire’s fuel has been removed.

CURRENT STATUS: Crews continued to patrol and mop up along the firelines in the Highway 200 corridor. A combination of direct and parallel control lines are being constructed by crews along the north and northeast side of the fire. Access to the area of the fire west of Highway 200, south of Henry Creek is challenging and a plan is being developed to complete the limited amounts of line needed on the north flank of the fire. Over on the eastern side near the boundary with the CSKT, crews and equipment continued to make progress constructing a control line along or near the fire’s edge. A combination of direct and indirect control line work is being developed on the southeast part of the fire. On the western side, crews and heavy equipment worked on constructing a shaded fuels break south of Pat’s Knob. A shaded fuels break is a line along which ground vegetation is cut and removed from one side of the control line or forest road to reduce the amount of vegetation available to burn. With less fuel, this area can be burned with lower intensity and reduces the probability of fire spotting over the control line. A crew continued to scout control line options on the southwest corner of the fire in rugged, steep terrain. Helicopter water bucket drops were completed to cool hot spots until some light rain moved across the fire area.

PLANNED ACTIONS: In the rugged corner west of Highway 200, crews will start working along the fire’s edge to tie together some control line and mop up and cool any pockets of heat. Plans are being looked at to utilize fire line explosives in this area as soon as tomorrow. Fire control line construction will continue along the eastern side and crews will return to the southeast corner to work along the north side of the unburnt island as well as construct an indirect control line along the Lolo National Forest and Flathead Reservation Tribal land boundary. Crews and equipment will continue the work to build control lines along the west side as well as the northwest side of the fire. While rugged and steep, a hotshot crew will look to start building some control line on the southwest corner of the fire. A group of engines will patrol the lines on both sides of the Highway 200 corridor where fire containment continues to increase as the line is secured. The Structure Protection Group completed their assessments and will be writing up the details of the structure protection plan. Helicopters will be used for water bucket drops on hot spots or pockets of heat as directed by ground firefighters.

WEATHER: The weather is forecasted to be warmer and mostly sunny. Temperatures will be 80-90 degrees in the valleys and 73-83 degrees on the ridges. Minimum relative humidity levels will drop to 15-25% in the valleys and 21-31% on the ridges. Winds will be from the west at 10-15 mph.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING:  A virtual public meeting for the Happy Camp Complex will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 5:30 p.m. Fire personnel will provide an operational overview of the fire situation. The meeting will be live-streamed on Facebook (facebook.com/KlamathNF) and YouTube (youtube.com/@ciimt5). A Facebook account is not necessary to view the meeting.

The warming and drying trend increased fire activity on the Happy Camp Complex yesterday. This morning, relative humidity was already dropping at higher elevations, and fuels heated by direct sunlight will become active around noon. Drier fuels, direct sunlight, and a higher potential for spot fires will test the fire lines and challenge firefighters today.  

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Elliot (4,967 acres, 3%), Swillup (1,895 acres, 0%), Malone (438 acres, 7%), Ufish (1,372 acres, 0%)

Overnight fire crews conducted a tactical firing operation on the Elliot and Swillup fires. The successful firing operation removed vegetation between the fire’s edge and Highway 96. This action eliminated the potential of the fire making a hard run toward the highway and spotting across the roadway and river. The second tactical firing operation occurred on the Swillup Fire's northeast fire line, providing a good protection barrier around the structures.  

With wind and lower humidity today, the Elliot, Swillup, and Ufish fires will continue to be active. The Ufish Fire continues to back down to the Klamath River, and crews will strengthen the indirect fire lines in the river corridor. The Malone Fire will be monitored throughout the day.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Head (6,739 acres, 29%), Block (0.1 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 95%), Scott (1,862 acres, 50%), Lake (199/ acres, 5%)

The Scott and Gold fires burned together and will now be known as the Scott Fire. The fire put up a large column yesterday as a pocket of interior vegetation ignited. The fire will remain active today, and firefighters will strengthen established lines and watch for potential spot fires.

Crews have completed line construction on the east flank of the Head Fire from State Route 96 to Collins Baldy Lookout, and down to Scott Bar. Firefighters will now shift their efforts to the northwest and west flanks of the fire. Cal FIRE resources will shift over to assist fire crews. Work will focus on the northwest and west flanks of the fire. Infrared imagery taken last night shows intense heat in these areas.

EVACUATIONS: View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders, warnings by visiting: community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system. https://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 now 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 will be up to 15 minutes. The road will be closed to the public east of Seiad daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to facilitate fire traffic. For the exact locations of where this work is taking place, please use quickmap.dot.ca.gov.  County Road closures will be listed on the Siskiyou County Public Works website: https://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. Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices to view the orders and maps.

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 area within the Forest Orders, including the PCT from the Shelly Fork junction to Seiad Valley, is a hard closure. The PCT from Etna Summit to the Oregon border is a soft closure intended to prevent long-distance hikers from entering the official closure area.  Incidental PCT use outside the Forest Closure area is not officially prohibited. Visitors should be aware conditions can change rapidly regardless of where they are recreating on the Forest.

AIR QUALITY: For information regarding smoke impacts and what you can do to protect yourself, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/

Buckskin 2 Fire - August 26, 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: 85%  

Total Personnel: 69                   Engines: 1      Hand Crews: 2          Modules: 2

Heavy Equipment: 1 Water Tender, 1 Excavator

There has been no growth on the fire in several days, and the fire behavior is just a smoldering interior allowing crews and equipment to improve the direct line along the fire's west flank. Given the fire’s low activity and lack of growth, the fire team has officially given back authority to the district and moved to an IC4  as of today, Saturday, August 26, 2023. Updates will be scaled back in frequency and produced only when there are significant changes to the fire.

The fire is still 1.8 miles from the nearest structure, and the Forest Closure remains in place for fire firefighters and public safety around active operations.

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 II 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!

WEATHER

A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Southwest wind around 6 mph.

Extensión: 34,242 acres

Origen: 2 millas al Sureste de Agness, OR

Contención: 58%

Fecha de inicio: 15-Julio-2023  

Personal: 434

Recursos: 11 escuadrillas de bomberos l 3 helicópteros l 17 camiones de bomberos l 3 buldóceres l 16 cisternas l 4 máquinas masticadoras

Resumen: El equipo de bomberos para Ataque Inicial (IA) estacionado en el campamento de Old Mill, respondió a dos zonas nuevas de incendio causadas por la actividad de tormenta que se presentó el jueves. El incendio Barklow tiene una extensión aproximada de 5 – 10 acres y esta localizado entre las tierras vírgenes de Copper Salmon. Además, el equipo IA respondió al Incendio Cedar, cercano al eje Sur de las tierras vírgenes de Grassy Knob. Este último, tiene un tamaño estimado de 1.5 acres. El viernes, los bomberos empezaron a abrirse camino dentro de ambos incendios y continúan apoyando el bosque de la localidad a través de actividades de supresión en el área afectada. El equipo de Bomberos para Ataque Inicial (IA) esta conformado por varios camiones de bomberos, trabajadores manuales y supervisores. 

Actividades para el día de hoy: Siguen siendo una prioridad los lados Norte y Noreste del incendio, mientras se continúa trabajando a lo largo de Illinois Trail eliminando cualquier árbol debilitado por el fuego y que representa un peligro en el sendero. Los bomberos continúan con la rehabilitación de las líneas de buldóceres y las construidas a mano cerca del campamento de Oak Creek. Esta acción ayuda a la estabilización del área haciéndola mas segura en caso de lluvias. Los recursos para el incendio se encuentran trabajando en reparaciones de supresión entre el área de Raspberry Mountain tratando de reparar y estabilizar las líneas de buldócer utilizadas en parte durante los esfuerzos de supresión. Asimismo, a lo largo del lado Noreste, los bomberos reanudaron el trabajo de eliminar los escombros de alcantarillas generado por el trabajo realizado por las maquinas masticadoras. Este trabajo de reparación es una pieza fundamental en los esfuerzos de supresión ayudando a minimizar y a restorar el impacto causado por el incendio sobre los recursos naturales y al suelo después de las actividades de supresión de incendio. En Agness, los bomberos están presentes y utilizando los camiones de bomberos para patrullar el área y ofrecer respuestas a cualquier pregunta de la comunidad. De forma adicional, alrededor del perímetro del incendio, los recursos aéreos y en tierra prosiguen monitoreando las líneas de contención en conjunto con la sección de líneas abiertas y extendiéndose sobre el flanco Este para cualquier calor remanente. Los bomberos continúan trabajando sobre puntos calientes tanto como esto sea necesario.

Condiciones climáticas:  El día de hoy, se experimentarán temperaturas más frescas con un grado de humedad más alta. Se está iniciando una tendencia fría y un incremento en la humedad relativa continuando a través del fin de semana lo cual ayudara en los esfuerzos para extinguir el incendio.

Condiciones de humo: Dependiendo del comportamiento del viento, la presencia del humo proveniente de las áreas aledañas a los incendios se presentará de una manera visible e impactando la comunidad. La información acerca las perspectivas de Humo se encuentran en:
Current Smoke Outlook for SW Oregon/NW California (wildlandfiresmoke.net)

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: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

Evacuaciones:  Todos los niveles de evacuación han sido reducidos a un Nivel 1 “Prepárese” para todas las áreas en las proximidades del Incendio Flat. Para mas información:  Welcome to Curry County, OR

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:
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest - News & Events (usda.gov) 
 

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 6

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Paul Roose

East Fork Fire

Kootenai National Forest/Flathead National Forest

Fire Information  406-285-8634  Eastforkfireinfo@gmail.com

August 26, 2023

Location: 12 miles south of Trego, MT

Start Date: 7/30/2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 5,106 acres

Containment: 10%

Total Personnel: 616

Engines: 17

Hand Crews: 12

Helicopters: 2

Yesterday’s Events: Heavy equipment continued constructing contingency firelines as close to active fire as possible while hand crews and engines constructed fireline immediately adjacent to the burning areas. The fire team was successful in ordering heavy equipment resources, though hand crews are still critically needed and scarce. On a very limited scale, crews attempted to conduct burnout operations to remove fuels adjacent to the fireline. These operations did not meet objectives because fuels were too moist. Air operations assisted with reconnaissance, infrared, and even bucket drops on the fire.

Plans for Today: One of the greatest challenges for firefighters with this fire is the rugged, broken terrain punctuated with cliffs. In addition, Operations Section Chief Trainee, Ben Wagner, reported that “this fuel type is very challenging – it’s super thick, deep, and prone to spotting.” There are dozens of these spots, and our crews are using drones with infrared to locate, contain, and eliminate the hot spots outside of the larger fire perimeter. Another challenge for the firefighters is that this is a “dirty burn,” meaning the fire is burning in such a way that it is ragged, patchy, and spotty. Despite these difficulties, Operations Chief Danny Lemer encouraged firefighters today to “go after it.”

Weather Update: Light rain fell on parts of the fire on Friday, but precipitation amounts were insufficient to affect fire activity. In fact, conditions will be favorable today for strategic firing operations as fuels dry and temperatures rise.

Evacuations: Some communities remain in a Pre-Evacuation Warning. Residents may return to their homes under a Pre-Evacuation Warning, but may need to leave again on short notice. For more information, go to the Lincoln County and Flathead County Sheriff’s Department Facebook pages.

Public Meetings: No public meetings are scheduled at this time, though fire personnel will be available to answer questions at the Lincoln County Fair on Saturday.

To view the operational briefing for today go to YouTube here: https://youtu.be/V9CJ82qqY6M