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/Under Investigation   

Size: 4,293 acres     

Containment: 15%

Total Personnel: 545    

Heavy Equipment: 19                                                                   

Engines: 22                                                                                                           

Crews: 15

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

FIRE STATUS

Yesterday, firefighters continued to mop-up along the southern and southwestern edges of the fire. Due to inclement weather, crews took time to rehabilitate equipment in preparation for today’s operations. The east side of the fire received less precipitation, so crews were able to continue constructing indirect line along Forest Service Road 437. Lighter rain on the northern part of the fire allowed firefighters to use heavy equipment to improve Forest Service Road 406, giving them better access to the fire. The western side of the fire received the most rain. There, crews continued to monitor the fire and maintain equipment. Structure protection continued to triage residences and other buildings in the Bunco Road area for future planning. They also rehabilitated pumps and equipment. The night shift observed little fire activity as they continued to patrol and monitor the fire’s perimeter along the west, south and east.

Today, hand crews will continue to build fireline from Forest Service Road 406 at Sage Creek Saddle toward Bunco Road near Trapper Creek. A drying trend will allow firefighters to continue improving containment lines and tying firebreaks together.

The Hudlow basecamp continues to provide staff with timely, efficient access to the eastern part of the fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Yesterday, most of the Ridge Creek Fire received between 0.1 to 0.75 inch of rain. Today, dry, cool, breezy conditions will prevail as relative humidity falls into the upper 30s. Higher relative humidity is predicted in sheltered areas due to recent precipitation. Southwesterly wind gusts up to 22 mph are possible. As the week progresses, a warming drying trend will bring warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity.

Minimal fire activity is expected today, although isolated smoke or smoldering are possible. Smoke from other fires in the region and Canada may be visible. Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

EVACUATION STATUS - NEW

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management evacuation status has been lifted for Hayden Lake and remains the same for the Bunco area (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

Clear skies will provide suitable conditions for aircraft activity if needed. 

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

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest issued an expanded Closure Order #01-04-03-23-003 yesterday 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. *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 Services 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.

Ridge Fire

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse

Size: 3651 acres

Percent Contained: 76%

Cause: Lightning

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

Personnel Assigned: 461

Doris Point Fire

Location: 8 miles south of Hungry Horse

Size: 1534 acres

Percent Contained: 10%

Cause: Lightning

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

Personnel Assigned: 1

Tin Soldier Fires

Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake

Size: 7697 acres

Percent Contained: 10%

Cause: Lightning

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

Personnel Assigned: 160

Highlights: Today, Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Ridge, Doris, and Tin Soldier Fires from California Interagency Incident Management Team 4. In the last 48 hours, significant rain fell across all fire areas in amounts ranging from an inch to an inch and a half.

Operations:

Ridge Fire: In the last few days, the roads were heavily impacted by rainfall which halted most operations on the fire yesterday. Ground resources began utilizing the moisture to mop up some areas along containment lines, but were pushed out by the weather. Where roads were accessible, crews began backhauling some equipment and supplies. Today, crews will monitor and patrol fire lines, as well as begin pulling hose lays that are not needed. In the northeast portion of the fire, resources will use the added moisture to increase containment with handlines. A repair group will be in place to identify areas in need restoration.

Doris Point Fire: The rain and wind from associated storms yesterday brought down trees on the roadway, so resources spent time removing the debris. Today, crews will monitor the fire and continue removing snags along roadways, as well as backhaul supplies and equipment that are no longer needed.

Tin Soldier Fire: Yesterday, crews constructing the fuel break on Meadow Creek Road were halted due to weather. Resources took advantage of the rain and higher humidity to mop up some areas of the fire, but were also pushed out by the heavy rain. Today, crews will maintain protection around structures and continue fuels reduction.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

The area experienced continued rainfall yesterday with some lingering showers this morning and potential thunderstorms this afternoon. A dry cold front will progress through the area today bringing in drier air and gusty west winds. This is an increased safety concern for firefighters because the recent heavy moisture and expected incoming winds increases the chances for downed and falling trees on the roadway and in the fire area.

Ridge, Doris Point, and Tin Solider Fires: 70-75 degrees in the lower elevations and 65-70 degrees in the mid-slopes to ridges with relative humidity at 35-40%. For the Ridge and Doris Point fires, winds will be southwest 8-13 mph with gusts to around 25 mph on the ridgetop. For the Tin Soldier fires, winds will be southwest winds 12-17 mph with gusts around 30 mph on the ridgetop.

Ridge & Doris Fire Pre-Evacuation Notice:

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has rescinded the pre-evacuation notice from the east side of Spotted Bear Road to West Glacier. Visit the Flathead Sheriff’s office for details https://www.facebook.com/flatheadsheriff

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, the Tin Soldier, and other fires in the area, 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 ready.gov/wildfires for preparing for wildfires. Please refer to http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex for the Tin Soldier Complex Incident information.

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

Clear Lake Fire

News - 08/23/2023

Size: 771 acres

Containment: 95%

Start Date: August 20, 2023

Cause: Undetermined

Incident Commander: Michael Boucher

Current Situation:

An 18-acre spot fire was observed yesterday. Crews constructed line around the spot and increased total acreage of the fire. Today, crews will continue constructing and improving containment lines around the fire, using engines and hand crews to patrol and mop-up areas still containing burning material within 200 feet of containment lines. Bulldozers will continue to connect containment lines.

Weather:

Forecasted weather for today includes continued hot and dry conditions with slightly increased relative humidities. If fire activity increases, continued aviation support of the fire may be required. Fire managers are aware of this possibility and are prepared should the fire break containment.

A community meeting will be held tonight at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds at 6:00 pm. This community meeting will be streamed live via Six Rivers National Forest Facebook page and simulcast on KCRE 97.6.

The Smith River Complex is now approximately 47,140 acres with zero percent containment. The Smith River Complex had more favorable weather conditions as a cooler and more humid airmass helped push marine air over the fire at all elevations yesterday. Conditions gradually warmed and dried throughout the day with highs reaching the low to mid 70s. Substantial clearing with reduced fire activity allowed for blue skies along the western portion of the complex. Firefighters took advantage of the more favorable conditions and applied aerial delivered retardant from a robust fleet of Very Large Air Tankers (VLATS). An estimated 300,000 gallons were delivered throughout the day by 5 VLATS. These drops were used to reinforce the work occurring by ground crews along the 305/Rowdy Creek Road on the western perimeter. Drops were also placed adjacent to the dozer lines created at the base of Stony Creek, near the 18N10 road that will be used to halt the southern progression of the Kelly fire as it nears the community of Gasquet.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) equipped with infrared cameras arrived at the incident yesterday, along with additional crews, engines, and equipment. The UAS model will be used to provide accurate perimeters to the ground crews.

Today is expected to be slightly warmer and dryer, with the overnight winds forecasted to be breezy from a northeasterly direction. The number of resources working overnight, including a fixed wing airplane with infrared cameras to coordinate with the ground crews, will be increased for this operation period to account for the anticipated adverse overnight conditions.

WILLOWS, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 — The Slide 1 Fire, located 1.5 miles north of Mount Linn in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, is 100% contained at 473 acres, as of Tuesday evening.

“I want to express my deep appreciation for everyone’s hard work,” said Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster.

Precipitation moved over the fire on Monday and rained on firefighters for several hours during the day shift. Hotshot crews finished securing containment line during Tuesday’s shift. Today crews will be backhauling supplies and equipment from the fireline using aircraft.

Over the next several days firefighters will be working with resource advisors on opportunities for suppression repair. Several crews and equipment are being demobilized. A helicopter remains assigned to the incident for reconnaissance. On Thursday the type-3 incident will transition to a type-4 incident.

Forest officials remind visitors that a closure is in effect for the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness area within the Grindstone Ranger District, Ides Cove Backpacker Trailhead, Ides Cove Horsepacker Trailhead, roads and trails in that area.

Information about the Slide 1 Fire and related closures are available on Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/camnf-2023-slide-1.

This is the final update for the Slide 1 Fire.

Fire crews have been taking advantage of the recent changes in the weather and are making good progress on the Happy Camp Complex. Overnight relative humidity recovered to 80-90%, and fire behavior was minimal. The wet conditions have allowed firefighters to construct fire line directly on the edge of most of the fires in the complex.

Firefighters and bulldozers are going direct across the Head Fire’s perimeter, and the fire is 5% contained. Crews are constructing fire lines to the west and south from Collins Baldy Lookout. Crews and dozers have been working across the fire’s south end from Scott Bar, tying in several fingers and islands of unburned fuel along Scott Bar Road. The west perimeter is being addressed by crews working from the north out of Hamburg and the south out of Scott Bar.  

The Block and Townsend fires are 100% contained and the Den Fire is 95% contained.

The Gold Fire is 40% contained, and the Scott Fire is 35% contained. Fire line has been constructed down to Scott River, and crews are now working across the north and west sides of the fires. Holding Scott River Road is a priority for this portion of the complex.

The west side of the complex remained active yesterday, and helicopters were used to hold the Canyon Fire in Dillon Creek. The fires on the west side of Highway 96 are slowly backing down to the highway. Structures along the highway have been prepped, and crews are focused on holding fire to the west side of the road. Rocks and debris have rolled onto Highway 96 in the area of Dillon Creek and the highway is currently closed.

Today, on the west side, fire crews will begin working the eastern edge of the Swillup Fire and clearing roads to the north and west of the fire. Helicopters will be used to hold the fire in Dillon Creek. A drone flight is planned to check for additional heat in the Canyon, Three Creeks, Elliot, and Swillup Fires. A tactical firing operation is planned for tonight to bring the fire down to Highway 96. On the east side, firefighters will continue direct attack on all fires.

WEATHER: Drier air will move into the region, leading to sunny skies with higher temperatures and lower relative humidity. Fuels will start to dry out, and fire behavior will once again become more active over the next few days. Fire activity will increase on the west side of the complex prior to the east due to the high amount of precipitation received over the east side of the complex.

CURRENT ACRES BURNED:

Canyon (1,108), Three Creeks (320), Elliot (669), Swillup (576), Ufish (583), Malone (156), Head (6,419), Den (294), Townsend (81), Block (0.1), Gold (936), Scott (300), Lake (174)

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 CLOSURES: Highway 96 is closed from Seiad Creek Road to two miles east of Horse Creek.  Scott River Road is closed at Kelsey Creek Road. Fire and debris flow will continue to impact the Highway 96 corridor. Please check the Cal Trans website before traveling in the area, 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 . If you are traveling and encounter mud or debris flow across the roadway, do not attempt to cross over the flow. Vehicles can easily be swept off the roadway.

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 Pacific Crest Trail has been impacted by the Happy Camp Complex and a portion of the trail is within an Emergency Closure Order on the Klamath National Forest. The trail is closed between Etna Summit and the Oregon border.

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

• Fire Information:
• Public Phone: (530) 330-5441
• Media Phone: (530) 330-5452*
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
• Email: 2023.happycampcomplex@firenet.gov
• Incident Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov

Crater Creek Fire Update
August 23, 2023

Tonasket, WA: The fire is burning in remote and rugged terrain with poor access, it is not currently threatening critical infrastructure or municipal watershed integrity. A confine/contain suppression strategy is being implemented. The majority of work on the ground today is a continuation of last operational period. Recreation values are being assessed and mapped for protection. Crews are working on opening shoulders of the Crazy Cow Creek Rd to improve access to the eastern containment lines and were able to make good progress yesterday. Clearing and chipping operations on the FS 39 Road continue, as well as the scouting and establishing of indirect line on the eastern side of the containment area. With the smoke lifting, aerial resources may be able to perform reconnaissance flights.

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 55 degrees with a minimum humidity of 43 percent. Winds have the potential to gust 14 mph this afternoon and evening. There is a 20 percent chance of rain or snow showers at higher elevations. Higher pressure will build Thursday and Friday, allowing for a warming trend that will peak on Monday.

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

WILDFIRE UPDATE - Delta Area

Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) & Mount Hayes Fire (#299)

Wednesday - August 23, 2023

Type 3 Incident Management Team prepares to return fires to Delta Area Forestry control. The type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) currently managing the Pogo Mine Road & Mount Hayes Fires is preparing to transition management back to Delta Area Forestry tomorrow, 8/24/2023, at 8:00 AM. As activity on the fire winds down and operational objectives are met, more firefighters are timing out or being reassigned to other fires. As operations on the fires downsize, the scope of management needed can be downsized to match.

Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 48,792 acres | 106 personnel | 12 miles NW of Delta

The Tongass Fire Suppression Module works on bone piling and mop up along the dozer line north of Pogo Mine Road. Franco Reforestation crew is working south from the winter trail toward the Chena Hotshots, who continue to construct fire line around areas of unburned fuel and secure edge at the southern tip of the fire. The road group is using heavy equipment to remove downed and hazard trees along Pogo Mine Road to keep it passable and safe, as well as beginning suppression repair work. Backhaul of equipment from structures to the west of the pipeline as well as some structures along the corridor is underway.

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 6,720 acres | 2 personnel | 7 miles SE of Deltana

This fire is in monitor status and will be checked by the air.  Pockets of heat remain in the northwest finger and northeast shoulder of the fire. Smoldering fire activity has been observed with occasional isolated torching as fire weakened trees topple over onto heat. UAS will fly a heat detection mission if available.

Weather: Cloudy and cool conditions continue this evening, then slight warming on Wednesday and Thursday. Relative humidity values remaining above 40 percent.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the fires, pilots please check NOTAMs.

Fire Information: Phone number: (907) 921-7852 / Fire Info website: AkFireInfo.com

Smith River Complex North will be hosting a public meeting Thursday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the staging area across from 30159 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction. The meeting will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

Bear Creek Fire empezó:
August 1, 2023
Mosca Fire empezó:
August 7, 2023
Lugar: 23 miles noroeste de Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Causa: Relámpago
Quartz Creek Fire empezó:
August 5, 2023
Comandante del Incidente:
Jay Kurth
Equipo del mando:
NIMO Team 1
Manejo: Supresión
Tamaño del incendio hoy:
Bear Creek: 415 acres
Quartz Ridge 1799
Contención: 0%
Personal luchando los incendios:
189
Información de la evacuación:
El Valle de Weminuche está con aviso de pre-evacuación. Residentes locales deben buscar información del incidente.
Áreas cerradas •Área cerrada por el incendio
•Cloman Park en Pagosa Springs

Los areas alredador de los incendios
Hay dos incendios forestales quemando en el área del Bosque Nacional San Juan, Distrito Pagosa; El Incendio Bear Creek situado arriba del Valle Weminuche y el Incendio Quartz Creek Ridge en el área silvestre de las montañas de San Juan. Los incendios empezaron con relámpagos en los primeros días del agosto. El Servicio Forestal tiene un equipo de bomberos forestales haciendo el combate indirecto. Los incendios están quemando en terreno pendiente sin acceso, en áreas con muchos árboles muertos y combustibles peligrosos. Para la seguridad de los bomberos forestales y el público, han cerrado áreas alrededor del incendio.
La lluvia y baja temperatura que llegó ha limitado el crecimiento de los incendios. De todos modos, se espera que el tiempo se secaría y los incendios pueden seguir creciendo. Los bomberos forestales están monitoreando los incendios y construyendo línea de control en áreas accesibles para proteger los terrenos privados y la infraestructura en caso de que los incendios crezcan. Un efecto positivo del incendio incluye la reducción de combustibles y mejor salud del bosque.
OBJETIVOS DEL MANEJO DE LOS INCENDIOS FORESTALES
•La seguridad de los bomberos forestales y del público.
•La protección de los terrenos privados, los recursos naturales,los sitios culturales e históricos, las áreas de recreación y de lainfraestructura crítica incluyendo las líneas eléctricas y líneas de serviciode gas.
HUMO Y CALIDAD DEL AIRE
Los incendios forestales producen humo que puede impactar áreas muy lejos. Si hay mucho humo en el aire puede ser peligroso por su salud. Si tiene condiciones crónicas o sea vulnerable al humo, debe quedarse adentro con las ventanas y puertas cerradas.

Por consejos y avisos sobre el humo, visita los sitios:
San Luis Valley 911 - https://www.slve911.org/
Archuleta County - http://archuletacounty.org/569/Citizens-Alert---NIXLE
AirNow.gov Be Smoke Ready - https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/ Incident Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cosjf-quartz-ridge-fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Quartz-Ridge-Fire/100095556640621/ Email : 2023.quartzridge@firenet.gov Information Line : 970-426-5370