(Fairbanks, AK) – Yesterday, three crews initially scheduled to continue with mop-up operations along the southern perimeter were committed to the search for our missing firefighter. The missing firefighter was located the evening of Thursday, August 17th around 5:30 pm. He was assessed on scene by incident medical personnel and was transported in stable condition to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital for further assessment. The firefighter was released from the hospital the same evening and is traveling home today. We would like to thank Alaska State Troopers, Alaska State Parks, Wilderness Search and Rescue and PAWS Search and Rescue for their efforts in the search.

Firefighters working on the eastern perimeter reached a depth of 50 feet during mop-up operations. This depth has met the objectives for the 2021 Haystack burn scar but crews will monitor for any remaining pockets of heat within the interior of the fire. With the decrease in fire activity and progress of crews securing the fire perimeter, structure protection equipment is being removed from areas where it is no longer needed.  Throughout the week, firefighters are working on suppression repair for indirect dozer line south of the fire. This repair work is done in coordination with excavators and resource advisors to return the land as close as possible to its natural state. As firefighters meet objectives, equipment will be removed from the fire line and from around structures over the next week.

WEATHER: Expect a mostly cloudy day with temperature in the upper 50s. The chance of precipitation will increase slightly from yesterday, bringing southwest winds of 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

EVACUATIONS: The Haystack subdivision remains at a Level 1 (READY). Residents are advised to remain 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: Alaska State Parks has closed the Olnes Pond campground to support fire operations. The BLM Eastern Interior Field Office issued an evacuation and closure order for the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov).

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: Any community adjacent to an active fire may experience periods of degraded air quality. For smoke forecast and air quality measures. Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov).

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR) are in effect until August 26, 2023. For details see: 3/4417 NOTAM Details (tfr.faa.gov).

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/

Gasquet, Calif., August 18th, 2023 — The Six Rivers National Forest has received approximately 150 lightning strikes across the forest since Monday evening, resulting in at least 27 confirmed fires. Thus far, there are 12 confirmed fires on the Gasquet Ranger District with an estimated acreage of 7,593 acres. Local resources have been focusing on identifying the locations of the fires and triaging suppression efforts on those posing the highest risk to life and property. 

A community meeting will be held on Saturday August 19 at 6pm at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds in the Arts & Crafts building. The meeting will be available virtually via Facebook Live hosted by the Six Rivers National Forest Facebook page.

The fires are burning in extremely rugged terrain with limited access. A year of below average rainfall has the vegetation unseasonably dry, causing a high resistance to control. Despite these difficult conditions, ground and air resources have been engaged in full suppression efforts. 

Transition of the management of the Smith River Complex from the local unit to California Incident Management Team 15 occurred at 6:00 am this morning. The objectives of the incident will remain the same with the priority of focusing fire suppression efforts on the protection of the life and property being threatened by the 14 uncontrolled wildfires within the complex.

The weather pattern is forecasted to be like yesterdays. Seasonable conditions are expected with temperatures reaching approximately 90 degrees with minimum humidity around 30%. One possible change is the increase of wind speeds in the afternoon and evening hours as the weather pattern begins to shift. Dry and abundant fuels, extremely steep terrain, and resource shortages caused by the high number of recently ignited fires in northern California continue to challenge firefighting efforts.

Additional resources, including water dropping helicopters, are expected to arrive to the fire today and will be deployed along the Highway 199 corridor in an effort minimize the impact of the fires to critical infrastructure.

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 10:00 am, today August 18 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

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

Level 1 “Be Ready”: French Hill, 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.

Buckskin 2 Fire

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District

Fire Information: 208-557-8813

Type 3 Incident Commander, Brian Hicks

August 18, 2023

Location: Located approximately 8 miles due south of Clark Fork, ID on the upper end of Twin Creek and Buckskin Saddle, south of Highway 200

Start Date: 8/4/2023         

Cause: Undetermined        

Size: 242 acres           

Containment: 45%

Total Personnel: 170      

Engines: 8                  

Hand Crews: 4        

Modules: 2

Heavy Equipment: 3 Dozers, 2 Skidgens, 1 Water Tender

Thanks to all the hardworking firefighters and despite the week of challenging weather, fire managers have been able to increase containment to 45%. Fire behavior within the interior continues to be moderate with some backing, flanking, and occasional tree torching. As the winds continue to test the fire lines through today, firefighters will remain focused on gridding and monitoring for any possible new spot fires over the line. Crews and heavy equipment are increasing the depth while extinguishing any hotspots near the existing firelines. Engine crews have completed the structure protection assessments in the Twin Creek and Rearden Road areas. The fire remains 1.8 miles from the nearest structure.

Until a season-ending event occurs, smoke may be visible from pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire. The smoke that has settled into the area is from fires in Washington and British Columbia. See https://fire.airnow.gov/ for more detailed smoke information.

The locations where these fire updates were being posted, in and near Fork Clark, will no longer be updated daily. In lieu of the update a poster with QR codes has been placed. The QR codes are direct links to the updates on INCIWEB, Facebook, and the Smoke Forecast. The published email and phone number will still be monitored.

EVACUATION STATUS

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office issued a READY notification for the Twin Creek Rd and Rearden Rd residents in Clark Fork. To receive local status updates, sign up for Bonner County Sheriff’s Office emergency messaging through NIXLE at www.nixle.com.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Forest Closure Order is in effect for roads associated with the Buckskin Fire; the intersection of Forest Service Roads 203 and 332, the intersection of FSR 1021 and 332, and 1533 and 306 in Clark Fork. UTV trail 77 is closed as well. An extension of the FSR 203 closure, extending to the edge of private land, took effect on 8/15 at 0700. The public is prohibited from the general area for firefighter safety and asked to practice caution while driving near firefighters and apparatuses.

Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect. To view the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and a statewide map with current information regarding fire restrictions, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the safety of our aerial resources and firefighters on the ground. This includes drones; please do not fly drones in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can't.

WEATHER

A Red Flag Warning is in effect through this evening for hot, dry, and unstable conditions. Today, sunny with a high of 89 degrees. Breezy southwest winds predicted at 10 to 15, increasing to 16 to 21, with gusts to 29 mph.

WILDFIRE UPDATE - Delta Area Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) & Mount Hayes Fire (#299) Friday - August 18, 2023

Continued favorable weather aids firefighters in direct suppression

Weakened winds Thursday night should persist through Saturday. Isolated showers are predicted to impact the fire area throughout the weekend. Lower temperatures and higher relative humidity provide advantageous conditions for firefighters on the ground and have lowered the fires’ resistance to control. Both fires will continue to put up visible smoke at times, while resources work to complete their objectives.

Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 48,745 acres | 164 personnel | 12 miles NW of Delta

The road group continues falling and removing fire-weakened trees along Pogo Mine Road to keep it passable and safe. Smokejumpers will be flown by helicopter to assess and protect cabins in and around the fire perimeter. Chena Hotshots, Franco Forestry, and North Pacific fire crews have made good progress cutting saw line around and securing the portion of the fire that spotted over the Alyeska Pipeline. Tanana Chiefs Conference Crew, the Tongass Fire Suppression Module and Arroyo Grande Hotshots are in place for both structure protection and mop up close to structures.

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 7,085 acres | 25 personnel | 7 miles SE of Deltana

There has been no notable growth on the fire over the last week. The fire is currently being monitored by air. Sierra Hotshots are implementing cabin protection for three public-use Alaska Fish & Game cabins located east of the Gerstle River. Resources remain in place on the dozer line designated to keep the fire from moving north to the Alaska Highway. Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), flew the fire yesterday to identify remaining areas of heat to focus the efforts of resources on priority areas.

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

Facebook: AK.Forestry / Twitter: @AK_Forestry / YouTube: AlaskaDNRDOF

Lookout Fire                                                                       

August 18, 2023

Morning Update

Size: 5,537 acres                                      

Start Date: August 5, 2023

Point of origin: 3 miles North of McKenzie Bridge, OR

Cause: Lightning

Total personnel:  921

Resources: 46 engines l 20 crews l 9 bulldozers l 16 water tenders l 4 masticators l 6 helicopters  OSFM Resources: 7 task forces
 

Current Situation: The fire continues to stay north of Forest Road 700.  The successful work from firefighters conducting strategic firing operations is protecting the community of Mckenzie Bridge, including Taylor Road and North Bank. The fire continues to be most active in the northeast where a spot fire burned and spread across the 1506 road in Budworm Creek. To date no structures have burned because of the Lookout Fire.

Today’s activities: In the northeast crews have started preparing Deer Creek Road to use as a control line. Firefighters will continue to hold the fire north of the 700 Road by extinguishing hot spots. In the west and northwest, line is being built and secured by digging handline and using heavy machinery to connect primary control lines. Crews are connecting the 2633 Road to the 725 Spur Road to prevent fire spread to the west. Strategic firing operations maybe utilized in the east if conditions allow.

Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces have completed surface preparation work and moved into full preparations on structures, expanding upon earlier work to improve defensible space. Preparation techniques are reliant on time, resources, and fire conditions. The presence of adequate resources ensured the quick and effective completion of surface preparations, allowing crews to transition to more detailed prep work today. Their hard work and efficiency are allowing us to de-mob two task forces today. The Lane County and Deschutes Task Forces will be returning to their home agencies. We would like to thank them for their dedication and commitment to protecting structures and serving the affected communities.

 Day shift crews also completed preparations on the Belknap Bridge yesterday afternoon. Protection of this historical landmark included the installation of a stand alone sprinkler system, fed by a mobile water reservoir and a portable pump. Night shift crews completed tactical patrols and positioned for structural protection. 

 Today, task forces will continue to ensure thorough structural preparation work is completed, using a combination of techniques to reduce receptive fuels and vegetation around buildings. Crews will complete tactical patrols and assist wildland resources as needed. 

Evacuation Centers: There is an evacuation center for people and small pets at the Lowell High School for evacuees from the Bedrock and Lookout Fires. A large animal shelter is set up at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene.

Evacuations: In Lane County, there is a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice for Taylor Road, North Bank Road, All areas north of Highway 126 between Blue River Reservoir Road and Drury Lane, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, and HJ Andrews Experimental Forest headquarters. There is a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for Areas south of Highway 126 from Blue River Reservoir Road east to Foley Ridge Road, and McKenzie River Drive. For current information please see Lane County’s website at: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=19729054

In Linn County, there is a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice for Highway 126 just north of Ice Cap Campground, west to include all of Smith Reservoir (including Lakes End Campground). Then extending south between Lakes End Campground and Highway 126, to the McKenzie Bridge/Frissell Boat Launch. For current information please see Linn County’s website at: https://www.linnsheriff.org/2023/08/lookout-fire-update-august-17-2023-330-p-m/

Weather: On shore flows brought higher humidity overnight and lighter winds are expected today with temperatures in the 80s.

Closures: Highway 126 is currently open please monitor Trip check for any updates https://tripcheck.com/. Willamette National Forest closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place on the Willamette National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette

Smoke Outlook:  Smoke outlooks for Lookout Fire are available at  https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/4c92bc1a?

Information Line: 541-215-6735 8am-8pm |  Email: 2023.lookout@firenet.gov                                             

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookoutFire2023

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orwif-lookout-fire

Ridge Creek Fire

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District                                        

Fire Information: 208-953-7022

Media Information: 989-292-9373

2023.ridgecreek@firenet.gov

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idipf-ridge-creek

August 18, 2023

Location: Approximately 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake, along the Hayden Creek Road (FSR 437) in the Ridge Creek drainage.
Start Date: 8/3/2023 Cause: Human/Under Investigation Size: 3,248 acres Containment: 12% Total Personnel: 484 Engines: 17 Heavy Equipment: 8 Crews: 11

A Red Flag Fire Weather Warning has been issued for the Idaho panhandle, including the Ridge Creek Fire area (www.weather.gov/wrh/fire wfo=otx&LAT=48.0512&LON=-116.4660). Critical fire weather conditions will occur over the fire that will be characterized by high temperatures, low relative humidity, and wind.

Temperatures will moderate today reaching the mid-80s, but relative humidity will drop to the mid-teens, with winds from 15-20 mph predominantly out of the southwest. Wind gusts of 35 mph may occur over the area of the fire today. This will produce active fire behavior and smoke.

Structure assessment staff will be working in the Mokins Bay area, completing assessments that will inform the development of an area structure protection plan in cooperation with local agencies. Structure protection plans stay with local agencies after an incident is over.

FIRE STATUS

An infrared flight was not conducted over the fire last night due to cloud cover and smoke which limits the effectiveness of the technology. Consequently, there has been no change to the estimated acreage or containment of the fire. The Ridge Creek Fire is currently estimated at 3,248 acres and 12% containment, which is reflected on the enclosed maps. Despite challenging conditions yesterday and last night, crews were able to hold and strengthen firelines. A spot fire in the northern area of the fire was contained. Firing operations yesterday were used to strengthen fireline on the southeast flank of the fire. Crews will continue the effort to bring a strengthened fireline from the Hudlow Saddle area southward along FSR 406. Firing operations, particularly at night when conditions moderate, will continue as conditions allow to remove shrub and surface layer fuels, reinforcing existing containment lines.

With the Red Flag Warning issued for the Ridge Creek Fire area, crews anticipate that they will meet active fire behavior today accompanied by visible smoke. Operational staff foresee the use of aircraft again today, particularly in the northeast area of the fire. A night shift of engines will continue to be used to patrol the perimeter of the fire to monitor fire behavior.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for much of the Idaho panhandle area and northeastern Washington State for 10 AM to 9 PM today, Friday, August 18th. This designation means conditions are predicted to increase the risk of wildfire activity and growth. Temperatures will reach the mid-80s at mid-slope elevations, with 18 mph winds out of the west/southwest gusting up to 35 mph, which will tend to push the fire to the northeast. Relative humidity will drop below 20%, with overnight recovery of 45%. Smoke from the Ridge Creek Fire is likely to be both visible and may be compounded by smoke from another wildfire burning in Canada. Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

EVACUATION STATUS

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management has issued an alert to inform residents of the identification of READY, SET, GO areas in the vicinity of the Bunco Road and Hayden Lake. In this status, residents are cautioned to heighten their awareness of fire information, be familiar with evacuation procedures should it become necessary, and consistently adhere to good fire prevention measures.

The Kootenai Office of Emergency Management provides the following direction for residents in these areas designated with a GET READY status: “Please continue to monitor official sources and call 208-446-2292 for any questions regarding evacuations. Follow Kootenai County Emergency Management Facebook Page for updates and sign up for automated Kootenai Alert for emergency alerts. https://www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management.

 A map of the revised GET READY areas is included with this update below.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There is a 24-hour per day Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the Ridge Creek Fire to prevent incursion of civilian aircraft into the area used by fire-fighting aircraft. This restriction also applies to the use of drones in the TFR area.

Firefighting aircraft are shared resources among numerous fires within the region, including the Ridge Creek Fire. These aircraft will continue to use area waterways, including Hayden Lake, for fire suppression efforts. This means that residents and recreational boaters are likely to see either helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft using the lake. For planes in particular, this requires a long, linear approach and exit from the lake. This restricts their ability to maneuver abruptly should watercraft be within their flight path, creating a serious safety hazard for both boaters and pilots.

The Ridge Creek Fire has a substantial fleet of aircraft available to support ground operations. Expect to see both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters working, particularly on the northeast area of the fire. Again, if you are a recreational boater and you observe aircraft using either Lake Hayden or Lake Pend Oreille, you should restrict your activities to the shore area of the lakes.

The Coeur d’ Alene Dispatch Zone has issued Stage II Fire Restrictions across the Idaho panhandle. The entirety of Kootenai County is within the Stage II Fire Restrictions area. An infographic is included with this update that details the activities that are prohibited under the restriction.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests issued an emergency closure (Closure Order #01-04-03-23-002) effective August 4, 2023. This Order is for public and firefighter safety due to heavy fire traffic on the area impacted on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District, and prohibits all methods of travel (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on Forest Service Roads 392, 428A, 437, 1511, 1530, 1552, 1587 and Forest Service Roads 206 and 406 north of their junction, Forest Service Trails 69, 78, 234, and 802 as well as within the described area.

WILLOWS, Calif., Aug. 18, 2023 — The Slide 1 Fire in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness had no growth overnight. The fire remains at 656 acres, and containment is now at 20%.

Firefighters assigned to the incident will continue to work on containment lines, focusing on the southern and eastern edges along existing trails and natural barriers. Crews are working to construct direct lines where it is safe to do. Smokejumpers have been released, but all other resources remain on scene, including several hand crews, helicopters and falling modules. No additional resource orders have been placed.

An order closure for the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness within the Grindstone Ranger District is expected later today.

On the Rock Fire in Sanhedrin Wilderness, crews have made significant progress knocking back interior heat and constructing handline around the fire, estimated at 2.5 acres. Four smokejumpers, a hotshot crew and helitack crew remain on scene. Later today, a helicopter from the Slide 1 fire will shift over to the Rock Fire to assist firefighters on the line.

The weather forecast today shows a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening, but most storm activity is expected to occur north of the fire. However gusty winds are possible with any storms. Temperatures are trending down through the weekend, and there is potential for a cooler and wetter pattern early next week as Hurricane Hilary moves into the region.

Information about the Slide 1 Fire and other lightning-related fires is being updated on Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/camnf-2023-slide-1.

Photos of the Slide 1 Fire are available on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mendocinonf/albums/72177720310567798/with/53124041174

Anderson Complex crews see minimal fire activity

Firefighters assigned to the Anderson Complex saw minimal fire activity yesterday. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and significant rainfall in some areas have reduced fire activity to creeping and smoldering. Crews, however, remain vigilant. They continue to provide protection for structures and allotments still threatened by the Teklanika River Fire (#257) and Shores Landing Fire (#325). They are also extinguishing hotspots and felling fire-damaged trees to improve fire control lines.

Crews are removing firefighting equipment from areas where it is no longer needed. Miles of hose and scores of sprinklers and pumps are being pulled from the field. Heavy rain near the Birch Creek Fire (#285) made some roads impassable yesterday due to deep water. Three UTVs that firefighters no longer needed were airlifted from the area by a Blackhawk helicopter. Firefighters also had to be flown out of the area. The helicopter will be used again today as needed.

Suppression repair work is progressing in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivision. A dozer line that was put in to the east of the North Forties has been repaired to reduce erosion and reopen access to roads and trails. Today firefighters working alongside heavy equipment operators will perform the same work on the dozer line to the north of the subdivision. A grader is also working in the area to return roads to pre-fire conditions.

A contingent of firefighters assigned to the Anderson Complex remain ready to respond to any new fires in the area.

The Anderson Complex includes the Teklanika River Fire (#257), Birch Creek Fire (#285), Shores Landing Fire (#325), Rock Creek Fire (#287), Bear Creek Fire (#287), Kobe Road Fire (#297), Nenana River Fire (#288), and Nenana River 2 Fire (#289). The fires have a combined acreage of 58,933 acres.

WEATHER: Scattered showers are expected today. Winds will still be from the southwest with gusts up to 20 mph. The high temperature is expected to be in the low 60s.

EVACUATION STATUS: The Teklanika River and all residents along the Teklanika River remain in evacuation status GO. Individuals in this area should evacuate now. Do not delay. The Tri-Valley School is available for evacuation parking and will be available as an evacuation center, if needed.

Rose Hip Creek and Clear Sky Homestead are in evacuation status READY. Individuals in this area should remain ready for possible evacuation.

All other residents, including those in the City of Anderson, North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions have been released from Evacuation Status. Residents in this area should remain alert and informed.

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

Kane Fire at 100% containment

Fredonia, Ariz., August 18, 2023 — The Kane Fire will go to 100% containment today as crews continue suppression repair and rehabilitation work around the perimeter of the burned area. Management of the fire will transition from the local Type 3 organization to a smaller Type 4 managed by the Forest. Crews will continue to patrol and respond to any new starts as thunderstorms continue to move through the area.

Fire crews were able to quickly establish a perimeter on the Kane Fire with the assistance of the onset of the monsoonal weather pattern. Daytime cloud cover, higher humidity, and precipitation all moderated fire behavior, allowing crews to protect valuable cultural resources ahead of and in the vicinity of the fire. Although more rain is in the forecast through the weekend and into next week, smoke may still be visible from the Kane Fire area as pinyon pine and juniper stumps smolder.

This will be the last update on the Kane Fire.

Information can be found on InciWeb, the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the local ranger stations.

Little Mesa Fire Update

Friday, August 18, 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: 3,677 acres                                         

Vegetation Type: Pinyon, Juniper, sagebrush, grass

Containment: 30%                                                      

Total Personnel:  63                           

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: Air operations are being 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: Gusty outflow winds from storms moving across the fire area yesterday kicked up the fire activity on the southwest end towards Dry Mesa Road. This activity stayed within the perimeter but generated more visible smoke in the area. The north end of the fire received some precipitation. It was a successful day for suppression repair, with firefighters able to finish repairing the handline along Tatum Ridge Road, seed the burn area, and fix fence line. The excavator completed work on the mastication lines and finished the majority of road repairs.

Today, the excavator will finish moving heavy natural material onto previously closed roads and dig holes for fence posts. Firefighters will patrol the fire edge and pull larger burning materials into the interior. If fire activity picks up again on the southwest end of the fire, firefighters may need to hand ignite off Dry Mesa Road to prevent the fire from crossing it. This morning, a Type 4 Incident Command assumed management responsibility for the Little Mesa Fire. This smaller organization will have ample fire resources along with availability of aircraft. The Type 3 Incident Organization would like to thank the fire resources for their hard work. Many will be released to allow for reassignment or days off to recuperate for the next assignment.

Weather: Deep subtropical moisture is in place across the entire western slope, which will set up for widespread showers and storms in the afternoon and evening. Moisture will continue to feed shower and thunderstorm activity near the fire through the end of the week. The threat of lightning and heavy rainfall will continue with the potential for a number of slow-moving storms. Gusty outflow winds will pose a lesser threat today. Winds will be from the southwest 10 to 15 mph with temperatures in the low 80s.

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