Ideally, a burned area will recover naturally, but this is not always the case. Human-caused challenges like historic fire suppression and climate change have made natural recovery less likely in many burned areas, including the York Fire footprint. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team works with land managers to create post-fire restoration treatment plans and identifies sources to fund this work.

Joshua tree woodlands burned in the York Fire are unlikely to recover naturally because they did not evolve in the presence of wildfire. Historic grazing practices have created a fuel bed of grasses and other disturbance-tolerant shrubs on the landscape, which caused the fire to burn more intensely and in a larger area.

Joshua trees are threatened by climate change due to ongoing drought and changing weather patterns in the Mojave Desert. Experiencing a wildfire makes them more susceptible to mortality, especially the Eastern Joshua Tree found in the York Fire footprint. Eastern Joshua Trees branch closer to the ground and are less likely to sprout from their root systems. If an individual Joshua tree has more than 30% of its above-ground material scorched, there is only a 30% chance it will survive.

Mature Joshua trees are a critical resource component on the landscape affected by the York Fire. Raptors like red-tailed hawks perch on the trees while hunting small mammals. Without these perches, raptors may consume fewer rodents, which could have a cascading ecological effect as rodent populations increase. Other animals live in adult Joshua trees and many animals, like the desert tortoise, take shade under them.

The good news is that heavily burned areas are near completely unburned “islands.” This proximity to viable Joshua tree populations means that rodents and other seed distributors will likely carry seeds into the burned areas, creating a potential for natural reproduction and a natural seed source for revegetation projects. However, Joshua trees take around 70 years to mature, meaning that land managers will need to jumpstart and support this natural process.

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) designated funding for the post-wildfire program of the Department of the Interior (DOI). Around the time BIL was drafted, large wildfires in the United States like the Dixie Fire had demonstrated the dramatic infrastructure damage that can occur post-fire. This funding provides work opportunities on DOI lands impacted by wildfire. This allows units to achieve post-wildfire land management goals, including extending the time frame for Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) projects, as well as the development of plant materials in anticipation of wildfire.

This federal funding will support the restoration of Joshua tree woodlands, including projects like seed collection, nursery-grown Joshua trees, and invasive plant treatments. This funding source allows land managers to respond quickly and effectively to the impact of the York Fire, which will increase the chance that the area will rebound strongly.

Klamath National Forest Fire Activity Update – August 25, 2023

Yreka, Calif. – The Klamath National Forest received lightning yesterday afternoon across the western portion of the forest. Three new fires have been reported thus far, with the possibility of additional fires being discovered in the coming days. Potential fire activity across the region will remain elevated as higher temperatures and clear skies persist through the weekend. Progress on the existing fires on the Klamath National Forest continues. All but two remaining fires not associated with the Happy Camp Complex are controlled and in patrol status.

Yesterday, firefighters from the Happy Camp Complex responded to the newly reported McCarthy Fire near McCarthy Creek on the Salmon/Scott Ranger District. The fire is approximately 0.3 acres and will be addressed as part of the Happy Camp Complex.

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:

• The Berry Fire near Huckleberry Mountain is approximately 0.2 acres. The fire is controlled and in patrol status. 
• The Capitan Fire near Capitan Mountain is approximately 2 acres. The fire is controlled and in patrol status.
• The Indy Fire is along Independence Creek near the border of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Fire officials have been unable to locate the exact location. This will be the final report on the Indy Fire.
• The Titus Fire in the Marble Mountain Wilderness south of Norcross Campground is approximately 100 acres. The fire is in difficult to reach terrain with low probability of continuing to spread due to natural barriers. Fire officials are developing plans for this fire.

Salmon/Scott River Ranger District:

• The newly reported Browns Fire near Browns Gulch is approximately 0.1 acres. The fire is contained and in patrol status.
• The newly reported Garden Fire near Chimney Rock is approximately 0.1 acres. Heli-rappelers are staffing the fire.
• The Uncle Fire is near Uncles Lake in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Fire officials have been unable to locate the exact location of the fire. This will be the final report on the Uncle Fire.

The following three fires were previously reported out. Fire officials anticipate calling these fires out in the coming days. Below is an updated status:

• The Box Fire near Box Camp Trailhead is approximately 0.5 acre. The fire is contained and in patrol status.
• The Grizzly Fire in the Russian Wilderness is approximately 1.5 acres. The fire is contained and in patrol status.
• The Titmouse Fire near Titmouse Gulch near Little North Fork Trailhead is approximately 0.5 acres. The fire is contained and in patrol status.

Goosenest Ranger District:

• No active fires to report.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings: Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Monitor CodeRED and the Siskiyou County Sheriff Facebook Page for current information.

Forest Closures: The Klamath National Forest has issued an emergency closure order for two portions of the forest. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety in response to ongoing wildfire activity across the forest, including the Happy Camp Complex. The closure prohibits the public from entering portions of the forest in or near the vicinity of ongoing wildfire activity. The closure order also prohibits the use of roads, trails, and developed recreation sites within the closure.

• Happy Camp Ranger District Closure Location: The closure order extends from Happy Camp south to the Marble Mountain Wilderness boundary at Norcross Recreation Area. The closure continues west along the edge of the Marble Mountain Wilderness to the Siskiyou Wilderness boundary. From there, the closure runs north along the Siskiyou Wilderness, down Clear Creek to Highway 96, and then north back to Happy Camp near Curly Jack Campground.
• Oak Knoll and Scott River Ranger Districts Closure Area: The closure order is generally northwest of Scott Valley and includes some of the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Lover’s Camp. From the Wilderness boundary, the closure continues along Grider Creek north to Seiad Valley. The closure extends northeast of Seiad Valley to areas north of the Klamath River.
• A map of the closure order, including specific roads, trails, and recreation sites can be found on the Klamath National Forest Website:
  • Happy Camp District Closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1132183.pdf
  • Oak Knoll and Scott River Districts Closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1132187.pdf

The 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 entering the official closure area.  Incidental use of the PCT outside of 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.

Highway 96 is now open with one-way traffic control.

Scott River Road is a hard closure.

Information on Klamath National Forest fires that are not part of the Happy Camp Complex can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/caknf-2023-klamath-national-forest-august-lightning-fires

Information on the Happy Camp Complex can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information//caknf-2023-happy-camp-complex-klamath-nf

Fire Restrictions:

Fire restrictions are in place on the Klamath National Forest. Campfires are only permitted in developed campgrounds and designated wilderness areas. Area closures are in place for the Happy Camp Complex, effective today. Full descriptions of restrictions and closures are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices

*Please obey any evacuation Orders and Warnings that have been issued*

# # #

Klamath National Forest Fire Activity Update – August 25, 2023

Yreka, Calif. – The Klamath National Forest received lightning yesterday afternoon across the western portion of the forest. Three new fires have been reported thus far, with the possibility of additional fires being discovered in the coming days. Potential fire activity across the region will remain elevated as higher temperatures and clear skies persist through the weekend. Progress on the existing fires on the Klamath National Forest continues. All but two remaining fires not associated with the Happy Camp Complex are controlled and in patrol status.

Yesterday, firefighters from the Happy Camp Complex responded to the newly reported McCarthy Fire near McCarthy Creek on the Salmon/Scott Ranger District. The fire is approximately 0.3 acres and will be addressed as part of the Happy Camp Complex.

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:

• The Berry Fire near Huckleberry Mountain is approximately 0.2 acres. The fire is controlled and in patrol status. 
• The Capitan Fire near Capitan Mountain is approximately 2 acres. The fire is controlled and in patrol status.
• The Indy Fire is along Independence Creek near the border of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Fire officials have been unable to locate the exact location. This will be the final report on the Indy Fire.
• The Titus Fire in the Marble Mountain Wilderness south of Norcross Campground is approximately 100 acres. The fire is in difficult to reach terrain with low probability of continuing to spread due to natural barriers. Fire officials are developing plans for this fire.

Salmon/Scott River Ranger District:

• The newly reported Browns Fire near Browns Gulch is approximately 0.1 acres. The fire is contained and in patrol status.
• The newly reported Garden Fire near Chimney Rock is approximately 0.1 acres. Heli-rappelers are staffing the fire.
• The Uncle Fire is near Uncles Lake in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Fire officials have been unable to locate the exact location of the fire. This will be the final report on the Uncle Fire.

The following three fires were previously reported out. Fire officials anticipate calling these fires out in the coming days. Below is an updated status:

• The Box Fire near Box Camp Trailhead is approximately 0.5 acre. The fire is contained and in patrol status.
• The Grizzly Fire in the Russian Wilderness is approximately 1.5 acres. The fire is contained and in patrol status.
• The Titmouse Fire near Titmouse Gulch near Little North Fork Trailhead is approximately 0.5 acres. The fire is contained and in patrol status.

Goosenest Ranger District:

• No active fires to report.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings: Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Monitor CodeRED and the Siskiyou County Sheriff Facebook Page for current information.

Forest Closures: The Klamath National Forest has issued an emergency closure order for two portions of the forest. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety in response to ongoing wildfire activity across the forest, including the Happy Camp Complex. The closure prohibits the public from entering portions of the forest in or near the vicinity of ongoing wildfire activity. The closure order also prohibits the use of roads, trails, and developed recreation sites within the closure.

• Happy Camp Ranger District Closure Location: The closure order extends from Happy Camp south to the Marble Mountain Wilderness boundary at Norcross Recreation Area. The closure continues west along the edge of the Marble Mountain Wilderness to the Siskiyou Wilderness boundary. From there, the closure runs north along the Siskiyou Wilderness, down Clear Creek to Highway 96, and then north back to Happy Camp near Curly Jack Campground.
• Oak Knoll and Scott River Ranger Districts Closure Area: The closure order is generally northwest of Scott Valley and includes some of the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Lover’s Camp. From the Wilderness boundary, the closure continues along Grider Creek north to Seiad Valley. The closure extends northeast of Seiad Valley to areas north of the Klamath River.
• A map of the closure order, including specific roads, trails, and recreation sites can be found on the Klamath National Forest Website:
  • Happy Camp District Closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1132183.pdf
  • Oak Knoll and Scott River Districts Closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1132187.pdf

The 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 entering the official closure area.  Incidental use of the PCT outside of 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.

Highway 96 is now open with one-way traffic control.

Scott River Road is a hard closure.

Information on Klamath National Forest fires that are not part of the Happy Camp Complex can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/caknf-2023-klamath-national-forest-august-lightning-fires

Information on the Happy Camp Complex can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information//caknf-2023-happy-camp-complex-klamath-nf

Fire Restrictions:

Fire restrictions are in place on the Klamath National Forest. Campfires are only permitted in developed campgrounds and designated wilderness areas. Area closures are in place for the Happy Camp Complex, effective today. Full descriptions of restrictions and closures are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices

*Please obey any evacuation Orders and Warnings that have been issued*

# # #

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) [and/or (b)], the prohibition listed in Order number 01-17-55-23-004 applicable to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Lochsa-Powell Ranger District dated August 03, 2023, and signed by Cheryl F. Probert is hereby terminated.

Oregon Fire Update

August 25, 2023

Size:    11,063 acres                                  Start Date:  18 August 2023, 1600hrs

Point of origin: Under Investigation

Containment: 16%

Cause: Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,011

Resources: 71 engines l 25 crews l 10 bulldozers l 21 water tenders l 4 helicopters
 

Current Situation: Firefighters continue to work 24 hours daily to fully suppress the fire, protect homes and other structures and minimize additional acres burned. Activities over the past several days include structure protection, line construction, mop up efforts, and direct suppression utilizing engines, hand crews, and bulldozers. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS/drones) were used on the east flank  to scout for pockets of heat and improve containment line location Great progress has been made in containment line strength (notably on the west flank) and structure protection, with none lost in the last 48 hours.

Today’s activities: Suppression priorities remain structure protection, fire line improvement, and mop-up activities close to structures. Activities on the  eastern flank of the fire will include dozer line improvement, hand line construction/improvement, and mop-up. Crews on the northern and western flanks will continue to increase the depth of mop-up to strengthen containment lines and patrol the area. Suppression repair will begin with actions like water barring dozer lines for good drainage. Linking established line together along the eastern flank down to the southern flank is nearing completion. Structure protection resources will continue to provide structure protection, assess damage, and gather data. Air assets will remain available to support ground suppression efforts. as needed. Given the increasing containment success and with evacuation levels decreasing, resources no longer needed for remaining suppressions efforts will begin to be released to return home, get rest and be ready for future assignments as we head into the remaining fire season. 

Evacuations: Level 3 Evacuations (Go – Leave Immediately) remain for areas south of Blanchard, north of Deer Creek and east of Elk-Chattaroy roads. See attached map. Updated evacuation maps of Spokane County are available at www.facebook.com/GEGEmergencyMgt and for evacuation maps of Pend Oreille County at www.facebook.com/pocsheriff. NOTE: Evacuation levels continue to change. Be sure to reference official county evacuation information/levels for the latest situation. Spokane County has a new tool for pin-pointing your address and its corresponding evacuation status: https://arcg.is/1z98v10.

Weather: Temperature forecast is in the low-mid 80s and humidity 26-30%. Winds will be shifty from NE to SW, with gusts to 14-20mph due to a chance of thunderstorms and showers (minimal rain) in the afternoon. A warming and drying trend extends through the weekend.  Fire behavior could increase as a result. Resources assigned to the fire are pre-identified to assist local units with any new fire starts if needed.

Smoke Outlook: Washington State Department of Ecology has up to date air quality information at: enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/map.

The next community meeting for the Oregon Fire will be on Sunday, August 27 at 5pm. It will still be at Riverside High School Cafeteria.

Please note: Based on feedback from today's meeting, there will not be a community meeting tomorrow (Saturday).

Community Meeting - August 27 at 5pm

Fri, 08/25/2023 - 17:16

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Community Meeting - August 27 at 5pm

The next community meeting for the Oregon Fire will be on Sunday, August 27 at 5pm. It will still be at Riverside High School Cafeteria.

Please note: Based on feedback from today's meeting, there will not be a community meeting tomorrow (Saturday).

A lightning storm came through the state of Oregon last night causing 1633 Strikes. In the Lookout Fire area three starts have been reported from the storm so far.

As of 1pm on 8/25:

Horse Creek Fire was reported last night from an Oregon Department of Forestry drone. It is estimated at 6 acres and located approximately ¼ mile east of Horse Creek Campground on the north side of Horse Creek. There are both local and Lookout Fire resources working to suppress this fire including a hotshot type 1 crew. This fire is being managed by Northwest Team 6. Crews have completed dozer line around half of the incident with a type 1 helicopter dropping water.

398 MR Fire was reported by a lookout midmorning and is burning approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Bunchgrass Mountain. Resources are locating this fire and will be conducting suppression operations. The 398 MR Fire is being managed by Northwest Team 6.

Pothole Fire was reported early this morning and is burning approximately 1.5 miles east of Taylor Castle in the Pothole Creek drainage. It is approximately 4 acres and is being managed by local Forest Service unit McKenzie River Fire. Resources responding include 2 engines, a felling module, with more coming.

Aviation resources will be used as conditions allow to slow fire activity assisting crews working on the ground.

We will continue to share updated information as things change and if more starts are discovered. We have many resources available to respond to this dynamic situation.

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: 4,347 acres Containment: 25% Total Personnel: 547 Heavy Equipment: 20 Engines:17 Crews: 16

FIRE STATUS

There are increased acres reported this morning due to more accurate mapping. Crews are actively engaged to secure line with adequate depth on the south and southwest perimeters. These divisions are engaged in patrolling the line and monitoring for smoke or heat. On the Sage Creek Saddle a dozer line has been completed. Mastication of fuels continues on the 406 Road which has been opened to the fire’s edge. This may provide an opportunity to attack the fire directly. To the north and northeast crews are mopping up and have a grader working on the North Chilco Road. The division to the east has all their resources, crews and heavy equipment working on indirect line to hold the fire’s progression. That indirect line will take another 7-10 shifts to complete. Initial attack resources and engines continue inventorying structures along the Bunco Road and are ensuring defensive efforts around homes are thorough. Work also continues along Bunco Road.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

This Morning we saw lower humidity rates on the fire line. This afternoon and early evening unstable atmospheric conditions bring a chance of showers, thunderstorms and outflow winds. This will moderate temperatures and humidity. Higher temperatures and drying are expected this weekend which can increase fire behavior and the possibility of more smoke in the valleys.

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

EVACUATION STATUS

Yesterday the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management lifted the evacuation status for Hayden Lake. The Bunco area status 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 IIII 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 FS R 385. *Corrected
from previous version that mistakenly read “on the east.”

- 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.

Announcement from Sanders County Sheriff's Office

Friday, August 25, 2023

FIRE INFORMATION

Please listen to the information from the River Road East Fire public meeting held on Thursday, August 24 for further details. The video is on the River Road East Fire and Sanders County Montana Sheriff's Office Facebook pages. 

There will be private security on the roads mentioned in the meeting starting Friday night, August 25. This will take place on River Road East, Henry Creek Road, and McLaughlin Creek Road.

You will be given a resident card and allowed to travel on those roads if you live on them. Please limit your travel. Display your resident card on the dash of your vehicle.

Thank for your support for the firefighters, deputies and everyone that is, or had been working on this fire. Everyone is working hard together. Continue to support one another through these difficult times.

Información al día del Incendio Smith River Complex North, viernes, 25 de agosto, 2023

Grants Pass, Ore. – Durante la noche de ayer, se presentó una tormenta trayendo consigo gran cantidad de relámpagos, así como también ráfagas de vientos, lluvias dispersas y la posibilidad de producir nuevos incendios al Suroeste de Oregon y al Noreste de California. Los manejadores, se encuentran preparados para este tipo de eventos naturales y con planes ya preparados para enfrentar nuevos incendios en cooperación con otras agencias de emergencias.

El jueves, el humo producido hizo imposible la realización de operaciones aéreas sobre el eje del área Norte del Incendio Kelly. El personal de bomberos logro trabajar en las líneas de incendio al Oeste del Hwy. 199, construyendo líneas cerca de Gilligan Butte y Blue Creek hacia la carretera de Lone Mountain. Maquinas masticadoras y las escuadrillas de bomberos trabajaron arduamente para despejar las líneas de fuego del Hwy. 199. Otro personal en el incendio, logro iniciar el desplazamiento de un sistema de riego con el objetivo de proveer protección más allá de las estructuras cercanas a la carretera 4402, avanzando desde el lado Sur hacia el Norte. Los vientos empujaron el incendio Kelly Norte hacia el interior de Josephine County, por esta razón, las autoridades se vieron obligadas a declarar un Nivel de Evacuación 3 – SALGA – para el área del Hwy. 199 al Sur de O’Brien a partir de la milla 38 hasta la frontera con California. Un Nivel de Evacuación 2, LISTO, ha sido establecido en O’Brien y para el área de Takilma. Un Nivel de Evacuación 1 – PREPARESE – fue extendido al Norte de Cave Junction. Para una información completa acerca de las evacuaciones, visite: https://bit.ly/3YS9xMP. También puede encontrar un Mapa relacionado a Respuestas Iniciales de Incendio mostrando las áreas de evacuadas puede encontrarse en: https://rvem.org.

La Cruz Roja Americana ha puesto en pie un albergue situado en el Rogue Community College de Grants Pass. Los recursos pecuarios (animales) pueden ser transportados hacia la Feria municipal (Fairgrounds) en la ciudad. Debido a un incremento en la actividad del Incendio, se recomienda para el publico en general que se dirijan a la pagina Facebook para el Manejo de Emergencias en la ciudad de Josephine en: https://www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM y también revise el website de Manejo para Emergencia de Rogue Valley en: https://rvem.org  

La Agencia para el Manejo de Tierras (Bureau of Land Management) en el Distrito de Coos Bay, ha anunciado un cierre de emergencia en el área al Sur de Waldo Road y para la carretera de Happy Camp que se dirige hacia la frontera de Oregon/California. Mapas del área e información más detallada puede verse en: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.

El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River – Siskiyou, ha implementado un cierre de área y de carretera para el Incendio de Smith River Complex. Para más información visite: https://tinyurl.com/2s4hymku.