Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Methow Valley Ranger District of the OkanoganWenatchee National Forest and the Tonasket Ranger District of the Colville National Forest. This Order is effective August 19, 2023 and will remain in effect through November 30, 2023, unless rescinded sooner. PROHIBITIONS:

1.Entering into or being upon National Forest System lands, as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.53(e)].

2.Being on a National Forest System trail, as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.55(a)].

3.Being on a National Forest System Road as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.54(e)].

CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION: The Fire Emergency Area Closure is defined as follows: The closure area boundary begins at the junction of the eastern Pasayten Wilderness Forest Service boundary with Loomis State Forest and the Canadian Border in T40N R24E S6. The closure then follows the Forest Service boundary south and east to the junction with FSR 3900000 Toats Coulee Road in T39N R24E S28. It then turns east and follows the northern edge of FSR 3900000 to the junction of FSR 390300 in T39N R23E S27. It then continues east following the northern edge of FSR 390300 until it reaches Trail No. 510.1 Cathedral Driveway in T39N R23E S18. It then follows the northern edge of Trail No. 510.1 to the junction with Trail No. 510 in T39N R22E S14. Trail No. 510.1 remains open. The closure area then goes north following Trail No. 510 to the junction with Trail No. 561 in T39N R22E S11. It then follows Trail No. 561 south and then west to the junction with Trail No. 505 in T39N R22E S8. The closure continues north and west following Trail No. 505 until it reaches the southernmost fork of the headwaters of Four Point Creek at 7,100 feet in T40N R21E S35. It then follows a direct northwest bearing to the summit of Remmel Mountain at 8,685 feet in T40N R21E S34. The closure boundary then follows the high point of this ridge north until it reach the northernmost high point at 7,768 in T40N R21E S2. It then follows a direct northeast bearing to the junction of Trail No. 510 and Trail No. 565 in T40N R21E S22. It then follows Trail No. 565 north to the junction with Trail No. 533 in T40N R21E S9. The closure then continues north following Trail No. 533 until it reaches the eastern edge of T40N R21E S9. It the follows the eastern edge of Section 9 directly north to the border with Canada. The closure then follows the border between the United States and Canada back to the point of origen at the junction of the eastern Pasatyen Wilderness Forest Sevice boundary with Loomis State Forest and the Canadian Border in T40N R24E S6. FSR 3900000 and FSR 3900300 Toats Coulee Road will remain open to public access during the closure period. The following campgrounds, roads and trails are included in this closure order:

Developed Campgrounds Closed
• Long Swamp Campground

Roads Closed
• FSR 3900100, 110, 105
• FSR 3900395
• FSR 3900415
• FSR 3900500, 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 3559, 3571, and 3581.
• 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 See Exhibit A for closure map.

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR § 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 fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order. 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 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.) Executed in Wenatchee,Washington this 19th day of August, 2023.

Fire Update – Elkhorn Fire, August 20, 2023

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn Fire is 26,048 acres and 49% complete.  A Flood Watch is in effect Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Heavy rainfall (over an inch) is expected Sunday through Tuesday. For weather updates visit the National Weather Service Missoula Forecast Office https://www.weather.gov/mso/.

Burn scars and flood prone areas will be at risk for rock, mudslide, debris flows. Learn how to prepare at https://www.ready.gov/floods.

There is no longer a detour on Divide Trail #505. Fireline construction has halted and all efforts are in support of debris removal and suppression repair in preparation for the forecasted weather event. Fire personnel will continue using, helicopters, and vehicles to backhaul structural protection equipment no longer needed from Whitewater Ranch downriver to China Bar.

Communication continues with the boaters entering the river at Corn Creek and again at Hancock Rapids before entering the fire footprint along the river corridor. Fire activity has significantly altered the landscape on both sides of the river in the area of the Elkhorn fire.  Be on the lookout for falling rocks, logs, and other debris.  Please exercise caution when floating through the fire area.  Heavy rains on burned areas may create new river hazards and rapids. Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Campsite on river-left, at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction via a river information board regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn Fire. Please read the river information board for any changes that may have occurred since you left Corn Creek launch. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of Elkhorn fire activity is allowed with some exceptions. Once past Hancock Camp (River Mile 26.1) there is no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp (River Mile 29.6). After passing Magpie Creek Camp, boaters will be allowed to camp and recreate on a First Come, First Served basis everywhere except: Upper Allison, Allison, Lower Allison, Whitewater Camp. After passing Whitewater Ranch (River Mile 39) there are no restrictions connected to the Elkhorn Fire.  For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625.

The U.S. Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater and Payette National Forests issued the Elkhorn fire area, roads and trails closure order #01-17-05-23-003, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices/?aid=82169 that spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place for a two-mile buffer around the fire perimeter. All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area between 0900-2100.

Fire info and daily air quality updates are available on InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire and the Payette National Forest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest.

CURRENT SITUATION

The Deep Fire was mapped at 3,573 acres overnight. Most of the growth yesterday was to the south and to the north, consistent with areas of heavy contiguous fuels. As of 6:00 a.m. on August 20, no structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Deep Fire. One firefighter injury was reported yesterday.

Yesterday, firefighters continued to prepare structures at the Trinity Alps Resort and in the Van Matre inholding so they are ready should fire reach them. In addition, several strike teams of engines are in place should the fire reach them. They also put a fire-resistant wrapping and sprinklers along the trail bridges at Deer Creek and Deep Creek. Protection of structures and private property remains the highest priority today. Along with preparing to defend structures, dozer lines are being built behind private property to the boundary of the Trinity Alps Wilderness to cut off fire spread.

Firefighters on the western edge of the fire continued to hold the fire along the Stuart Fork Trail. Rollout continues to be an issue as burning logs come off the hill and ignite vegetation below the trail. So far, they have been able to hold the fire east of the trail. They will continue to address rollout and work strengthening lines today.

On the northern edge of the fire, crews continued to work to strengthen lines and to scout opportunities to suppress the fire directly on its active edge.

WEATHER

Thunder cells may continue to affect fire behavior today, bringing gusty, erratic winds. These could be accompanied by brief periods of heavy rainfall. Temperatures are expected to trend wetter and cooler into next week. Diurnal winds are expected to be light, but strong unpredictable outflow winds may continue to affect the fire.

ROAD CLOSURES

There are currently no road closures associated with the Deep Fire. For information on roads in the area, visit https://dot.ca.gov/

FOREST CLOSURES

There is a forest closure associated with the Deep Fire. For current information on forest closures, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf

EVACUATION UPDATES

For the latest evacuation information from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department: https://www.facebook.com/people/Trinity-County-Sheriffs-Office/100064589806351/

For information on evacuation resources from the Trinity County Office of Emergency Services: https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES

To sign up for codeRED notifications: text “TrinityCA” to 99411.

Gasquet, Calif., August 20th, 2023 — The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the County Office of Emergency Services and California Interagency Incident Management Team 15, have raised the evacuation level along all of French Hill Road to evacuation level 3 due to a combination of extreme fire and weather behavior.

The Smith River Complex is approximately 25,419 acres. Afternoon thunderstorms in the area caused gusty and erratic winds over portions of the Smith Rivers Complex. The southern end of the Kelly fire became aligned and made an uphill run to the Camp Six Lookout off the French Hill Road. Proactive fuels management around the communication towers and firefighter efforts allowed the critical infrastructure to be successfully defended.  

Smoke will continue to influence the weather today and will likely keep conditions cooler and moister than yesterday. Winds are expected to be calm throughout the day. However, the forecast calls for dryer conditions overnight with wind gusts of up to 30 mph expected in the thermal belt above 2000 feet. These adverse overnight conditions will prolong the burn period, keeping active burning late into the night.  

The Holiday fire and the northern portion of the Kelly fire are closing the gap between each along the road 316 corridor. The east side of the Kelly fire will continue to back down Monkey Ridge towards Highway 199, north of the Idlewild Cal Trans station. Additional resources continue to arrive at the incident and get incorporated into the suppression efforts. There are currently 218 total resources and personnel on scene.

Evacuations

Evacuation orders have been placed by the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office, if you are in the area please sign up for their Community Alert System to receive emergency notifications. Evacuation levels as of 11:00 am, today August 20 are as follows:

Level 3 “Go Now”: Patrick Creek, Little Jones Creek, Copper Creek Drainage, Coon Creek/ 16n19 17n07, Washington Flat, Pioneer Road, Panther Flat Campground Area, all communities between Pioneer Road and the Oregon Border along Highway 199, French Hill Road.

Level 2 “Be Set”: High Divide, Rowdy Creek, Gasquet from Pioneer Road to Slant Bridge

Level 1 “Be Ready”: Big Flat/Rock Creek, Low Divide, Hiouchi from Slant Bridge to the east end of North Bank Road

Closures

County road 316, Shelly Creek,

County Road 315 Holiday Mine

County Road 311 Old Gasquet Toll Road

County Road 305 Weimer Road

Forest Service Roads 16N19 and 17N07

U.S. Highway 199 is fully closed in Del Norte County from Pioneer Road to Oregon Mountain Road (PM 16 to 31) due to the fires. The road is expected to be closed through the night, and there is no estimated time of reopening. A hard closure is in place on U.S. 199 at the Agriculture Station near the Oregon border. For the latest road conditions please visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov

U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the area are closed, this includes Patrick Creek, Grassy Flat, Panther Flat, and Big Flat Campgrounds.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds (421 US-101 N, Crescent City, CA 95531) for those who are impacted. Red Cross disaster workers are partnering with local officials to help ensure evacuees get the assistance they need and will be providing meals and snacks, access to comfort kits and other supplies.

Firefighters have reached the goal of 23% containment on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296). While this number may seem low, the success of securing the southern end of the fire ensures protection for the communities near the fire area. With the containment objective met, the Alaska Incident Management Team (IMT) will prepare for a transition to a Type 3 Team on Tuesday, August 22 at 8:00 am. The Alaska IMT will provide information over the next two days with a FINAL Lost Horse Creek Fire Update posted Monday morning.

Weather over the past week moderated fire behavior, minimizing chance of further growth. However, it did create a challenge for crews by creating wet, muddy work conditions. With lower temperatures and high relative humidity, crews are working at a methodical pace in order to maintain safe operations in the presence of heavy fog and avoid causing further damage to the landscape.

With fire suppression efforts complete and all structure protection removed from the Haystack community, the focus is on suppression repair. Over the next 7-10 days, resources remaining on the incident will focus on suppression repair of indirect dozer line and backhaul all equipment from the fire area. Backhaul entails pulling all support equipment such as hose and pumps off the line and returning it to the warehouse where it will be cleaned, tested and prepared for use on another fire.

EVACUATIONS: All communities near the Lost Horse Creek Fire are at Level 1 (READY). Residents should stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. For more information: Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK | Official Website (fnsb.gov); Find My Neighborhood (arcgis.com)

CLOSURES: Olnes Pond campground is closed in order to support fire operations. There is no set time to reopen the area for public use. The western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area is closed per the BLM Eastern Interior Field Office. Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: Fire activity has been minimal with no smoke production for almost a week. Air quality may be checked at any time by visiting Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov).

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR) is in effect until August 26, 2023. For details, visit 3/4417 NOTAM Details (tfr.faa.gov).

The phone numbers and email listed below will no longer be active after  Monday, August 21, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Public Information: (907) 921- 2555       

Media Inquiries: (907) 921- 2554

Email: 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov  

You Tube: www.youtube.com/AlaskaDNRDOF

www.akfireinfo.com  ♦  www.facebook.com/AK.Forestry  ♦  inciweb.wildfire.gov/

Little Mesa Fire Update – Sunday, August 20, 2023

Location: Approx. 15 miles west, southwest of Delta, CO, Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area     

Discovered: July 31, 2023, 11:00 AM                           

Cause: Lightning                    

Estimated Size: 3,896 acres                                         

Vegetation Type: Pinyon, Juniper, sagebrush, grass

Containment: 30%                                                      

Total Personnel:  35                           

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: Air operations may be conducted on the Little Mesa Fire. For your safety, please stay out of the Potholes Recreation Area. The helicopters are using this water source for fire suppression.

Current Situation: Yesterday, firefighters accomplished a lot of great work patrolling and securing the fire perimeter. They focused on the southwest end off Dry Mesa Road to Black Point Road using a cold trailing technique, which means using the back of their bare hands to feel for heat. When heat is detected, they dig out the spot using their fire tool to cool it off. Water and dirt may also be used to assist. The excavator completed road repair and cleanup work, as well as digging holes for fence posts. The fire area did not receive any precipitation. Dry and windy conditions caused some single tree torching within the interior but did not threaten the fire line.  

Today, firefighters will patrol and secure the perimeter by extinguishing any heat near the edge. Fire activity within the interior may pick up as pockets of unburned fuel flare up. Firefighters will remain alert as the area enters a warming and drying trend.

Weather: Tropical storm Hilary will cause an increase in the winds in the next couple of days. Mostly sunny today, with temperatures in the upper 80s. Conditions will dry out with increasing winds to 10 to 15 mph and gusts to 25 mph as dry air encompasses the area. Localized critical fire weather is possible, particularly in the lower valleys.

Warmer and drier temperatures and gusty afternoon winds will start to dry out vegetation, which will support easier fire spread in the dense vegetation within the interior.

Evacuations and Closures: No evacuations have been issued. Temporary road closures are in place in Delta County on Dry Mesa Rd at the intersection with Escalante Rim Rd and on USFS Dry Mesa Rd at Sawmill Mesa Rd junction. The GMUG National Forests have issued a forest closure order for the area around the Little Mesa Fire. Public access to the closure area is limited. Visit https://bit.ly/3YwXNz0 for more information.

Smoke:  Smoke is visible from surrounding areas and highways 50, 550, 92, 65, 141 and C37 Road. Go to fire.airnow.gov or colorado.gov/airquality/ to get updates on smoke conditions.

Aviation Safety:  Incident aircraft may be flying over the Little Mesa Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

For updated information follow on these outlets:

Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-little-mesa-fire

Facebook: @LittleMesaFire                 Twitter: @SWD_Fire

Yreka, Calif., August 20, 2023— The Klamath National Forest received additional lightning strikes yesterday, igniting new wildfires. Forest resources were assisted by resources from the Happy Camp Complex for initial attack of these new fires.
Some rain was received over areas of the forest. Isolated showers brought heavy rain to some areas, triggering slides that impacted areas of Highway 96, while other areas received little to no precipitation. Highway 96 is cleared at this time; please drive with caution.
Two new fires have been reported from yesterday’s lightning. Lookouts are staffed across the forest and a fire detection flight is occurring to look for additional smokes.
The forest continues to manage a number of fires on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll and Salmon/Scott River Ranger Districts:

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:
- Yesterday the Swillup Fire, between Pony Peak and Bear Peak roads, escaped its control lines in the late afternoon. Gusty outflow winds from nearby thunderstorms contributed to active fire behavior. Firefighting resources from the nearby Happy Camp Complex’s Elliott fire assisted local resources with engaging the fire. Some precipitation was received later in the day which moderated fire behavior a bit. The Swillup Fire was approximately 500 acres as of this morning.
- The Devils Fire is 2.5 acres near Seiad Low Gap and is contained.
- The 5-acre Doe Fire, located near Doe Peak, is controlled and in patrol status.
- The Berry Fire is .2 acre near Huckleberry Mountain has line around it.
- The Indy Fire up Independence Creek is near the border of the Marble Mountain Wilderness in the 2021 McCash Fire footprint. It was reported as a small fire with low potential and has difficult access. Smoke conditions have continued to hamper helicopter access.
- The Brown Fire is .1 acres and out.
- The Dutch Fire is .1 acres and is out.
- The Intersection Fire is .1 acres and is out.
- The Titus Fire is in the Marble Mountain Wilderness south of Norcross Campground. It remains at roughly 15 acres with some smoldering at the heel. It is within the 2021 McCash Fire footprint and received significant rain on Tuesday which moderated fire behavior. There are numerous snags, and the fire is in very steep country. It is being monitored by air to evaluate suppression needs.

Salmon/Scott River Ranger District:
- The Grizzly Fire was reported yesterday afternoon in the Russian Wilderness on Grizzly Peak near Bingham Lake. It is 1.5 acres and contained.
- An additional new fire, called the Clear Fire, is in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Clear Lake. It has been reported to be less than .1 acre. Heli-rappellers have been ordered for this fire.
- The Shadow Fire is 2 acres in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Sky High Lakes. Firefighters are continuing mop up the fire and it is 100% contained.
- The Boulder Fire is .1 acres near Indian Scotty Campground and is controlled and in patrol status.
- The Henry Fire near Henry Gulch is .1 acre and is out.
Archery season for the B Zone - which covers much of the western Klamath National Forest - opened yesterday, bringing an influx of hunters to the area.
“Things continue to be dynamic here on the Klamath with continued lightning-caused fires,” said Klamath National Forest Fire Management Officer Mike Appling. “The number of resources we have is strained from the amount of fires in northern California. We ask the public to do their part by preventing any human-caused wildfires so that firefighters remain available to respond to new lightning fires.”
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.
Firefighting resources continue to come to the Klamath National Forest to support existing fires and bolster initial attack resources. Aerial firefighting assets are available but only been able to fly intermittently due to smoke inversion conditions.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Monitor CodeRED and the @SiskiyouCountySheriff for current information.

Closures:

Area closures for the Happy Camp Complex are in place southwest of Happy Camp and northwest of Fort Jones.

Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Etna Summit to the Oregon Border. Hikers and all backpackers are asked to stay off the trail in that area.

Dillon Creek Campground is closed due to proximity to the Elliot Creek Fire.

Highway 96 and the Scott River Road have hard closures.

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

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

River Road East Fire Fact Sheet

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 1

INCIDENT COMMANDER: BRENT OLSON

Phone: 406-345-5972                        

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtlnf-river-road-east-fire

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

Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 9:00 am
 
Location:  6 miles east of Plains, Montana                                                

Start Date: 8/18/2023        

Cause: Unknown           

Size: 13,414 acres    

Containment: 0%          

Total Personnel: 282            

Crews: 7                 

Engines: 12    

KEY MESSAGE: A Community Meeting has been scheduled for today, August 20 from 3-4pm at the Plains High School Gym. Fire personnel and local officials will provide updates and be available for questions about the fire. We are planning to livestream this public meeting. However, if internet strength makes it difficult to livestream, we will record the meeting and post the video.

CURRENT STATUS: The fire is approximately 13,414 acres in size and 0% contained. Brent Olson’s Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the fire at 6:00 pm last night. Additional fire personnel and equipment have been arriving to support suppression efforts. 
Yesterday, the fire was quiet in the morning but became active in the afternoon as wind speeds increased. 
One load of retardant was dropped by aircraft early in the day to protect Pat’s Knob Lookout and communications site. Unfortunately, heavy smoke conditions in the afternoon prevented aircraft use for firefighting operations.  On the north side of the highway fire crews made progress constructing control line near structures and the active fire perimeter in the community of Paradise. They also started working to anchor control lines up the slopes both east and west of Paradise. Fire personnel continue to focus on public safety and point protection of structures where safe to do so. 

PLANNED ACTIONS: Structure protection within and near the fire area will remain high priority as crews also look for opportunities to engage in fire suppression in locations with the greatest opportunity for success. Control lines will be strengthened in the Paradise and McLaughlin Creek areas to protect structures. South of Highway 200 besides structure protection the focus will also be to strengthen fire control lines and add retardant if possible to protect the Pat’s Knob Lookout and Communication infrastructure site. Fire personnel will be looking for opportunities to construct direct or indirect fire control lines in various locations. Line construction will continue working north and east of Paradise. A long-term fire suppression plan is in development to help identify actions needed, risk to responders, and probability of success to accomplish fire containment. Low level smoke conditions may limit the ability for firefighting aircraft to fly due to safety concerns.

WEATHER: The weather will be partly cloudy then becoming cloudy with a chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 75-85 degrees in the valley. Relative humidity levels will be as low as 32-42%. Winds will be from the east at 10-15 mph.
 
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
For Evacuation updates please visit the Sanders County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064593409765 
The Montana Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Church on the Move, 300 Clayton St., in Plains, MT. 
 

Quartz Ridge Fire          

August 20, 2023 

Fire start date:   August 5, 2023

Cause:  Lightning

Location:  13 miles Northeast of Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Incident Commander: Jay Kurth

Management Team: NIMO Team 1

Management: Suppression

Fire size today: 1,490 acres

Containment: 0%

Completion: 53%           

Personnel: 159

Evacuation Information:

There are no current evacuations. Local residents should follow incident information for updates.

Closures:

• Quartz Meadows Rd (NFSR#685)
• Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570)
• Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571)
• https://tinyurl.com/roads-and-trails

Latest Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke. net/outlook/933fc4e4

 INCIDENT OBJECTIVES:

• Firefighter and Public safety are the highest priority.
• Protect private lands within East Fork San Juan River drainage, natural resources, cultural and historic sites, recreation assets, and critical infrastructure including powerlines and gas utility lines.

The wildfire is burning in steep terrain in the South San Juan Wilderness.  A combination of indirect and direct control lines is being utilized to accomplish multiple objectives of full suppression on accessible parts of the fire and confinement on parts that are remote and/or present high safety risks to firefighters. Overall, 53% of these objectives have been completed.

A Multi-Mission Aircraft flight was flown on Saturday evening. Results from the flight showed the majority of the heat remains in the southeast corner of the Quartz Fire. Fire activity is likely to increase today with the increase in winds and decrease in relative humidity.

YESTERDAY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Continued to evaluate terrain and potential areas for containment outside of wilderness boundaries and scouted for strategic areas for control.
• San Juan hotshots constructed handline and cold-trailed around the larger spot fire along Quartz Creek in the northeast corner.
• Chipped the slash along the East Fork Road for approximately 2 miles making it less likely to ignite and sustain fire spread.
• Continued to implement structure protection on private lands.

TODAY’S PLAN:

• Continue the chipping of the slash along the East Fork Road.
• Construct fireline where needed around the spot fires with the San Juan and Pike hotshots including at the southeast corner of the Quartz Ridge Fire.
• Continue to build structure protection plans both logistically and operationally.

WEATHER:

The drying trend will continue today with a 2% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures could reach into the low 80’s. Wind speeds will increase due to the tropical system in California with gusts up to 25 mph.

Incident Information : https://tinyurl.com/mr37bhnr

Facebook : https://tinyurl.com/y87cycm4

Email :  2023.quartzridge@firenet.gov      

Information Line : 970-426-5370

Management of the Bowles Creek Fire transitioned to the Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team today, August 20, 2023.

The Bowles Creek Fire is currently at 6,847 acres. With lower temperatures, increased relative humidity, and precipitation in the area, fire activity was limited. Motorists traveling on Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road, are urged to drive with caution as firefighters will be present along the roadway throughout the day as they continue fire operations.

Fire crews continue to construct fuel breaks along several roads and other values at risk. Fire officials continue to monitor fire spread and fire behavior as weather conditions change. Firefighters are utilizing firing operations to strengthen containment lines. Fire crews increased road patrols to better monitor spotting and spreading.