Location: San Bernardino County, CA                                                         Start Date: September 5, 2024

Size: 43,978 acres                                                                                         Percent Contained: 94%

Cause: Human                                                                                               Personnel: 475

CURRENT SITUATION:

Contingency lines around the Line Fire have been tested this last week by strong winds, but thanks to the hard work of firefighters and fire management personnel to date, lines have held well and have not been compromised. Yesterday, an interior pocket of smoke from a smoldering tree was mitigated by air resources. Line improvement and line backhaul activities will consume a great deal of firefighters’ time the next few days, along with suppression repair on roads, drainages, corridors and dozer lines. Resource advisors are lending expertise and monitoring rehabilitation efforts around and within the perimeter of the fire.

Smoke will still be visible well within the interior of the fire where difficult terrain has made access difficult. Aircraft will still be actively dropping water today, and will be available to support any new starts. Fire danger is still very high—fire danger indices are higher now than when the Line Fire started on September 5, and any new starts will be resistant to initial attack. The public is asked to be extremely diligent, firewise, and fire aware. With the influx of thousands of extra visitors into the area for a foot race and festival and the start of modern gun hunting season, overnight patrol crews will be staffed strategically around the fire perimeter through the weekend.

A debris flow task force is being assembled that will be comprised of federal, state and county cooperators. This task force will focus primary on post-burn threats to communities during a run-off event in the coming months. Future messaging for the Line Fire will include more information about debris flow and provide information to residents about how to prepare for and protect homes and properties from potential devastation.

WEATHER:

Higher humidity and lower temperatures will further aid containment progression. No growth is expected, thanks to calm winds and higher relative humidity recoveries. 

CLOSURES:

San Bernardino National Forest has issued closures for areas surrounding the Line Fire. For more information and to see the map use this link -  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/?cid=FSEPRD1181411. 

Highway 330 remains closed from Highland Avenue to Highway 18 as CalTrans performs repairs to the road and guardrails. 

EVACUATIONS: 

There are currently no evacuation warnings or orders for communities in or around the Line Fire. 

On October 9, 2024, the Mowitch and Birch fires merged.  The Mowitch Fire will no longer be reported on.  Information from October 10, 2024 on will be reported as the Birch Fire.  

October 10, 2024: Fire activity was moderated from the previous day.  The fire continues to slowly back down the Middle Fork of Indian Creek and Mowitch Creek drainages towards Indian Creek.  Fire continues to back down the West Fork of Indian Creek on the western slope of the drainage.  Growth from October 9 showed isolated pockets of heat on the ridge between the West Fork of Indian Creek and Pungo Creek.  

October 11, 2024:  Minimal fire activity was observed in Mowitch Creek and the East Fork of Indian Creek.  The inversion did not lift until approximately 4:00 pm which allowed for a short burn period for the day.  The main activity occurred in the Middle Fork of Indian Creek where fire continues to back downslope towards Indian Creek.  

Incident Activity: Containment grew thanks to hard work by firefighters on the ground strengthening containment lines on the fire edge. Crews were assisted by helicopter water drops from Lucky Peak Reservoir. A new incident map shows containment around most of the fire except on the northeast portion where the fire is burning in steep timber. Fire activity is still a safe distance from the community of Robie Creek. Crews remain in the south and west portions of the fire visible from Boise monitoring the area and extinguishing any remaining hot spots. The fire is under the jurisdiction of the Idaho Department of Lands and is a full fire suppression effort. No injuries have been reported.

Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory: Fuels, such as grasses and timber, are back to critically dry conditions in the Great Basin, with record-level dry conditions in many cases. Extreme Fire Behavior is observed on existing fires as well as new and emerging fires.

Weather: Dry conditions continue with highs averaging 70 degrees in the Valley Fire area. Winds will be around 8 mph with gusts up to 16 mph.

Evacuations and Closures: No primary residences have been lost. The Robie Creek area is still in a "Ready" or Stage 1 evacuation status. Visit https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff for updates. There is a Boise National Forest Valley Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices or contact the Mountain Home Ranger District at 208-587-7961. Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has an interactive map that shows trails impacted by the Valley Fire. Visit https://arcg.is/10maj91. For the safety of the public and the efficiency of firefighting crews, all roads and trails on the Boise Front segment of the Boise River WMA west of Highway 21 and north of Warm Springs Avenue are closed to all entry until further notice. This closure also extends to all travel off roads and trails. 

Valley Fire Overview: The fire was reported Friday, October 4, 2024, about 1 mile east of Boise on the north side of Idaho State Highway 21. The fire was very visible from East Boise as it burned in mostly grassy fuels in the Boise Foothills. Quick work on initial attack stopped the fire from reaching nearby homes. The Bureau of Land Management, Boise District, along with the Boise Fire Department and other local agencies led initial firefighting efforts. Resources include hotshot crews, engines, dozers, and aerial resources. No injuries have been reported.

Safety Message: Dry and windy conditions increase the chance of new fires or fire growth. Please honor closures and be aware of fire activity. Hwy 21 is open and not threatened by the Valley Fire, but please use caution. There is signage indicating fire traffic areas. Hunting season, recreation opportunities outside of closure areas, and a three-day weekend for many is expected to increase public use of roads and trail systems. Please be aware that fire damage to the landscape poses safety risks such as damaged trees and loose soil.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
FOREST SERVICE 
WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST 
SPRINGFIELD, OREGON 

ORDER# 06-18-10-24-48 

FOREST ORDER 
MOSS MOUNTAIN FIRE EMERGENCY AREA CLOSURE 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System ("NFS") areas, roads, and trails described below within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. Refer to Exhibit A for the map and Exhibit B for trails and recreation sites that are closed. This Order supersedes Forest Order# 06-18-10-24-26 which was signed on July 29,2024 and is effective from October 9, 2024 through November 15, 2024, unless otherwise rescinded sooner. 

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Being on the road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e)
2. Being on a trail 36 CFR § 261.55(a)
3. Entering into or being upon National Forest System Lands closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)

CLOSURE AREA: 
The closure area is located within the state of Oregon, Lane, Douglas, and Klamath Counties, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closure applies to the NFS areas, roads, and trails and trailheads described below. The closure area is depicted on the attached map, which is incorporated into this order as "Exhibit A." All areas, roads, trails, campgrounds, and rec sites in this closure area are closed. All roads forming the boundary of the closure area are included in the closure except for the segment of Forest Service Road(FSR) 21 between Bingham Boat Ramp and its junction with FSR 23. Recreation sites, trails and campgrounds closed by this order are depicted in "Exhibit B." 

Area Closure Description 
The closure boundary starts on Forest Service Road (FSR) 23 east of the C.T. Beach Picnic Area then follows FSR 23 southeast to the boundary of the Diamond Peak Wilderness Area in Township 23 S, Range 5 E, Section 14. The closure boundary then follows the Wilderness boundary east to the Willamette National Forest boundary in Township 23 S, Range 5 ½ E, Section 7. The closure boundary then follows the Willamette National Forest boundary to its junction with FSR 2154 then follows FSR 2154 southeast then southwest to the Forest boundary. The closure boundary follows the Forest boundary to its junction with FSR 2153 then follows FSR 2153 north then southeast then northwest to its junction with FSR 21 and FSR 2154. The closure boundary proceeds northwest then north on FSR 21 to its junction with FSR 2118 then continues north then east on FSR 2118 to its junction with FSR 23 completing the closure boundary. 

Additionally: 

• Outside of the closure boundary, the recreation sites listed in "Exhibit B" are closed.

EXEMPTIONS: 
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1) and (4), 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 for this Order.
(2)    Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. 

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3551, -3571, and 3581. 

Executed in Springfield, Oregon on this 9th day of October 2024. 

Merv George Jr. 
Deputy Regional Forester
Pacific Northwest Region (R6) 

The Willamette National Forest has reduced the emergency closure area for the Moss Mountain Fire following effective firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is in effect Oct. 10, 2024, through Nov. 15, 2025, unless modified sooner.

The lightning-sparked Moss Mountain Fire, which is adjacent to the Diamond Peak Wilderness, is approximately 2,724 acres in size and 10% contained. It was reported July 18, 2024, following a lightning event that caused multiple wildfires across the region.

Recreation sites that are now open include Bingham Boat Ramp, Middle Fork Trailhead (Sand Prairie), Middle Fork Trailhead (FSR-2127), Middle Fork Trailhead (Coal Creek), and Staley Ridge/Dome Rock Trailhead.

Recreation sites that have been removed from the closure order but that are CLOSED for the season include Sand Prairie Campground, Secret Campground, Camper’s Flat Campground, Sacandaga Campground, and Youngs Flat/Everage Flats Campground.

Trails and trailheads that remain closed include Corrigan Lake #3654, Bear Mountain Trailhead #3602, Blue Lake Trailhead #3645, Diamond Peak Trailhead #3699, Pioneer Gulch Trailhead #3630, Pool Creek Trailhead #4228, Vivian Lake Trailhead #3662, and all other trails within the Diamond Peak Wilderness.

For a map of the Moss Mountain closure area and a complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the order, visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.

Please be aware of current restrictions before you head out into the forest and share information with others. As fire restrictions change, information will be available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire.

Bozeman, MT (Oct 18, 2024) – In Hyalite Canyon, fire managers HAVE COMPLETED prescribed burning on 116 acres within the Bozeman Municipal Watershed, BMW Unit 19, off the Langohr Road.   This prescribed burn took place October15th and reduced fuel loads and lowered the risk of high severity wildland fires in the Bozeman Municipal Watershed.

Lingering smoke and flames may still be visible. Air quality is a key factor considered by land and fire managers during every phase of the prescribed fire and burning is only permitted when weather conditions are suitable for safe operations. Fire officials collaborate with the National Weather Service to ensure that the weather is favorable before, during, and after burning, as well as with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to ensure smoke dispersal opportunities. 

Hyalite Canyon traffic has only one way in and one way out. To ensure safety during operations, delays may occur as crews utilize Hyalite Canyon Road. Please exercise caution if traveling in the area as roadways may be impacted by smoke and fire traffic.
 

For additional information on these prescribed burns or how current closures could impact your visit to the forest, please visit us online at www.bznwatershed.com, on Facebook at Custer Gallatin National Forest, on Inciweb at 2024 Custer Gallatin National Forest Prescribed Fire Program or by calling the Bozeman Ranger District office at 406-522-2520. For additional information on the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy, please see Confronting the Wildfire Crisis | US Forest Service (usda.gov).
 

For the most up-to-date evacuation information, visit Sheridan County Emergency Management's news listings webpage.

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

BITTERROOT National Forest Darby-Sula Ranger District

DALY-RAILROAD ROAD CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads on the Darby-Sula Ranger Districts, Bitterroot National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Roads):

Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

DESCRIBED ROADS AND TRAILS

• Forest Service Road 711
• Forest Service Road 714
• Forest Service Road 1352

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to ensure public health and safety during fire suppression efforts of the Daly-Railroad Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from October 10th, 2024, at 0600 until rescinded or until December 1st, 2024, at 0001, whichever occurs first.

A map identifying the Described Roads is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to Bitterroot National Forest - Alerts &Closures (usda.gov)

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.

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.

Contact the Darby-Sula Ranger District in Darby, MT, (406) 821-3913, or Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, MT, (406) 363-7100, for more information about this Order.

This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the same Described Roads.

Done at Hamilton, Montana this 10th day of October 2024.

Bachelor Complex Update October 11, 2024

There was minimal fire activity on the 14,529-acre Little Lava Fire yesterday and it remains 63% contained. Firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures and cloud cover to continue securing and establishing control lines. 

Yesterday, firefighters worked to extinguish sources of heat 100 feet in along the fire’s edge on the northeastern flank. Crews identified and mopped up a small spot fire east of the slopover across Forest Service Road (FSR) 45 near FSR 4188 that had been smoldering since the increased fire activity on Tuesday. Resources continued reducing fuels along FSR 45 on the eastern flank and FSR 4525 and FSR 4529 on the western flank to prepare the roads as control lines ahead of the fire. 

Limiting fire progression to the east remains the priority today. Mop-up operations along the northeastern flank of the fire will continue to secure control lines. Firefighters are also gridding to the north and east ahead of the fire to look for any additional smoldering spot fires that might be lingering from the increased fire activity on Tuesday.

Crews and heavy equipment will continue constructing a shaded fuel break as needed along FSR 45 to reduce fuels and prepare the road as an eastern control line. Air resources are available to help the crews that are working to keep the northeastern corner of the fire in check while a control line is established along FSR 45. Resources are also assessing safe and effective opportunities to engage the fire more directly on the northeastern edge. 

Cooler temperatures are expected over the next couple days which will aid suppression efforts. 

The Deschutes National Forest updated and increased the temporary emergency fire closure area for the Bachelor Complex yesterday. The closure area was expanded east to include the area west of FSR 4180 north to Cascade Lakes Highway. The expansion was due to continued fire activity on the Little Lava Fire as hot and dry conditions persist and incursions into the prior closure area. A map of the updated closure area and the order can be viewed here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices.

For current wildfire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X (Twitter) @CentralORFire.