Area, Road, and Trail Closure for The Black Feather Fire Remains in Place 

Acres: 2,198 acres 

Start Date: August 5, 2023 

Cause: Lightning  

Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory 

Containment: 28% 

Resources: 220 personnel 

Location: Approximately 9 miles south of Gallina, NM, on the Santa Fe National Forest, Coyote Ranger District. Near the Peñas Negras Trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.   

Highlights: This week’s work to improve FSRD 103 and FSRD 93 has been moving along well. Most of the road grading and chipping of brush has been completed. The area, road, and trail closure issued by The Santa Fe National Forest in part of the Coyote Ranger District remain in place. Fire crews are still working along many of these closed roads, rehabilitating and reducing future fire risk. The road closure allows the crews and equipment to move around easily and continue to work safely in the area impacted by the fire.  

Operations: Firefighters were able to take advantage of the infrared drone again on Thursday. The drone has been a significant asset in helping identify hot spots that aren’t easily seen while on foot.  Using a gridding pattern coupled with the drone, firefighters have been working along the fire’s eastern edge to increase containment. Chipping operations are nearly complete and will wrap up in the next few days as other types of rehabilitation begin.  

Safety: Several large pieces of equipment are in use in and around the fire area. Please continue to stay away from where crews are working and those areas impacted by the fire.  The Temporary Flight Restriction is still in place. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. If you fly, we can’t fly. 

Weather: Slightly higher temperatures with late afternoon scattered showers will continue. Winds out of the south, southwest, with potential afternoon gusts, are expected. Humidity levels should remain steady, helping to keep fire activity low. 

Restrictions/Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has issued an area, road, and trail closure in part of the Coyote Ranger District. See https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/santafe/alerts-notices/?aid=82412 for information and a corresponding map. Forest Road 103 is closed to non-residential traffic. Closures will be adjusted based on fire activity.   

Smoke: Variations in temperatures and humidity will impact smoke conditions in the coming days and weeks. Smoke may be more and less visible in the area as active smoldering takes place. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/  

Evacuations:  The communities of Mesa Pinabetal, Mesa Poleo, and Wetherill remain in ‘Ready’ status. The Coyote Senior Center is open to evacuees, and livestock can be taken to the Rio Arriba Rural Event Center near Abiquiu. The Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office will coordinate evacuations if they go into effect. For more information, use the QR code below and visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079688263048 

Fire Information: 505-460-0499 – 2023.blackfeather@firenet.gov  

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

New Mexico Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/

Niarada, & Mill Pocket Fires

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes 

Fire Information: 406-647-0446 | 2023.Niarada@firenet.gov 

August 18, 2023 

Location: Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28 

Start Date: Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023         Cause: Lightning       Structures Damaged: 4 

Acres/Containment: Niarada–20,365 acres, 85% contained | Mill Pocket– 1,869 acres, 90% contained 

Total Personnel: 323 total    Engines: 20       Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed     Hand Crews: 8  

Firefighters continued to build containment on the east side of the Niarada Fire from Spine Road south and are working to connect firelines, string hose lays and mop up what few hot spots remain as they brace for critical fire weather today. Crews will be assessing lines to ensure they hold and douse any residual heat that might threaten the line.  

What little open line remains is limited to the southern portion of the fire perimeter. Crews have reported isolated heat since Monday’s strategic firing operations added several hundred feet of depth to the line in that area. The remainder of the fire as well as the Mill Pocket Fire is being watched closely to ensure nothing escapes containment with firefighters mopping up where needed and working on suppression repair.  

Structure protection crews remain outside Elmo near Big Arm, testing sprinkler systems and pumps while working with landowners on additional vegetation management around structures.  

A CSKT Type 3 Incident Management Team took command of these fires Wednesday and has retained the majority of assigned crews and equipment to ensure there are sufficient personnel for the tasks that remain. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR  

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the area with critical fire weather impacting both the Niarada and Mill Pocket fires ahead of an anticipated cold front. Winds up to 40 mph and humidity in the teens are forecast through this evening with possible rain this weekend and into next week. 

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING in place for the area that includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status.  

A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may be in your home. However, as there still is a risk from both fires, those in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status.  

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area and pilots should obtain up-to-date information about TFRs from the FAA or flight service. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas under any circumstance. Drones are hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we can’t! 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS 

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation as well as Lake, Flathead and Sanders counties. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana. 

The fire spread yesterday on the east side of the fire further into the primitive area resulting in a growth of 683 acres.

On the north edge of the fire, along Canal Road, crews are mitigating hazards and removing snags inside the fire perimeter at least a tree length from the line. On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, crews will patrol and monitor fire activity. With pumps and hoses in place, they will continue to work on hotspots within the perimeter. On the east side of the fire near Jocko Lookout, crews will continue monitoring the pumps and sprinkler systems and monitoring the fire growth in the primitive area. 

The Big Knife Fire is currently 1.25 miles north of the Rattlesnake Wilderness Boundary (Lolo National Forest) with no significant growth towards the Lolo National Forest in the last week. Smoke from the fire may impact the Snowbowl area, however the Lolo National Forest does not have any forest closures in place on the Missoula Ranger District.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES: Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire remain in PRE-EVACUATION WARNING by order of the Lake County Sheriff. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). The Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may be in your home. Individuals in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas, as that is hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we can’t!

Weather: Red flags warnings are forecast through today until midnight. Hot and dry weather is expected to continue until the weekend. Temperatures will be near 100 degrees in the valley with near 90 at higher elevations. Late afternoon winds are expected to be from the west and southwest gusting up to 40 mph. 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place in Granite County. The following are prohibited until rescinded: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Visit  https://www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more fire restriction information across Montana.       

Yreka, Calif., August 17, 2023 — Type 1 California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (Mueller) assumed command of the Happy Camp Complex, which includes the Head Fire, as of 6:00 a.m. today, and additional ground and air resources have been ordered to support the complex. Currently, the Head Fire is approximately 4,000 acres and is 0% contained. These fires are being managed in an aggressive full suppression strategy.

Evacuations Orders and Warnings remained in place today and Highway 96 remains closed in the area of the fire. An inversion has pushed smoke down into communities. Air resource advisors have been ordered. Later this afternoon, fire behavior increased on several fires. Crews will be working throughout the night. Structure protection for Scott Bar, Hamburg and Horse Creek remain a top priority.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for abundant lightning on dry fuels. The chance of lightning is expected to continue through the week, although predictions are for storms to trend wetter into the weekend.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Team 5 and the firefighters who have come from all over the West as well as those from here in Siskiyou County who support us. We are confident that working together we will catch these fires,” said Forest Supervisor Rachel Smith.

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

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:

- The Canyon and Three Creeks (formerly Aubrey) fires are in the vicinity of the Elliott Fire and are estimated to total 300+ acres in size and will likely grow together. Elliott Fire resources and the IC are including these fires in their suppression management as one tactical operation. Resources continue to work on structure prep and hold the south side of the fire near Hwy 96. Please reduce speeds and watch for firefighters and equipment along the road.

- The Malone Fire up Elk Creek is 30 acres. Engines, hand crews, and dozers are committed and making good progress constructing line around the fire, although fire behavior increased late this afternoon.
- The Titus Fire is in the Marble Mountain Wilderness south of Norcross Campground. It was last reported at 15 acres. It received significant rain which moderated fire behavior. It is within the 2021 McCash Fire footprint with numerous snags in steep country. It will be monitored by air to evaluate suppression needs.
- The Berry Fire is .2 acres near Huckleberry Mountain.
- The Indy Fire is up Independence Creek near the border of the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
- The Ufish Fire is roughly 200 acres and located between Titus and Ufish creeks. It is currently unstaffed.
- The Devils Fire is about 2.5 acres and located near Seiad Low Gap. Fireline is complete around the fire and crews have made good progress mopping up.
- The Doe Fire, a new fire located near Doe Peak, is staffed with engines and crews and is 50% contained.
- The Swillup Fire between Pony Peak and Bear Peak roads is .1 acres and contained.
- The Brown Fire is .1 acres and contained.
- The Dutch Fire is .1 acres and is contained.
- The Intersection Fire is .1 acres and is contained.

Salmon/Scott River Ranger District:

- The Scott Fire is roughly 42 acres and is located near the Scott Bar Lookout. Engines, hotshot crews, and heavy equipment are committed to the fire and remain engaged in line construction.
- The Gold Fire is approximately 62 acres and across the drainage from the Scott Fire. It is burning in very steep, inaccessible terrain.
- The Shadow Fire is about 2 acres in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Sky High Lakes. Firefighters constructed fireline around the fire during the day and it is now 75% contained.
- The Lake Fire is near the Shadow Fire and has grown to about 80 acres; resources are on order.
- The Townsend Fire is roughly 67 acres with difficult access up Townsend Gulch off of the Lake Mountain Lookout Road. Crews are making good progress and continuing line construction and have line around half of the fire.
- The Block Fire (formerly called the Middle Fire) is ½ acre near the Townsend Fire. Fireline has been completed around the fire.
- The Boulder Fire is .1 acres near Indian Scotty Campground and is contained.
- The Hossick Fire is .1 acres up Hossick Gulch near Scott Bar and is contained.

An emerging fire, the Den Fire, north of the community of Horse Creek, was reported earlier this evening. It is estimated to be over 100 acres and was burning downhill. Firefighters from nearby incidents were on scene quickly and are aggressively suppressing the fire.

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

Closures:

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.

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Flooding is a major concern after a wildfire, even in the dry Mojave Desert.

The preserve is naturally prone to flash flooding because of its soil and vegetation profiles. Plant root systems help retain moisture and stabilize the soil. Plants in the Mojave are spaced out, so the landscape has a limited capacity to accept water, and the soil itself is compacted, so water doesn’t quickly penetrate the surface. Desert soil is unable to keep up with the amount of water it receives during heavy rain events, particularly in the monsoon season. With nowhere else to go, water flows from high points on the landscape to low points, often in high volume, which creates flash flooding that can destroy infrastructure.

As the #YorkFire burned through Mojave National Preserve, it removed the already sparse vegetation, decreasing the soil’s ability to absorb water and increasing the capacity for water flow to cause more damage. The preserve’s infrastructure was built to sustain rain events before the York Fire changed the landscape. This has made structures like roads, buildings, and culverts more vulnerable in post-fire rain events. Culverts in the preserve may be unable to manage the amount of water during a heavy rain event; causing roads to flood with debris, buckle, and become undercut. This creates unsafe or impossible travel conditions.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been helping the preserve prepare for rainstorms that may pose threats to life, safety, and property. Team hydrologists used post-fire field data and historic rain data to create predictions about what might happen during different types of rain. They created virtual models that predict the impact of moderate, heavy, and extraordinary rain events to advise the preserve's management team on how to prepare and mitigate the effects of rain after the York Fire.

Roads allow the public to visit this special place. With the support preserve staff has received from the BAER team, they're better equipped to address infrastructure vulnerabilities that might otherwise limit visitor access. They're grateful to work with these experts!

Preserve management would like to remind visitors to “Drive Like a Tortoise” in light of the predicted rainfall this weekend. Rain events can deposit debris on preserve roads, undermine pavement, and create steep shoulder drop-offs. Wildlife is also more active after rain, particularly desert tortoises. Reach your destination safely.

The missing firefighter, Saudith Rendon, was located the evening of Thursday, August 17th around 5:30 pm. He was assessed on scene by incident medical personnel and is currently being transported in stable condition to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

More details will follow as they are verified.

WILLOWS, Calif., Aug. 17, 2023 — The Slide 1 Fire in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness is 656 acres and containment is 5%. Fire behavior was low and creeping on the ground during today’s shift.

Smokejumpers and the Mendocino Hotshots (Crew 12) have been able to go direct along the trail system on the eastern edge of the fire, strengthening that line along a natural barrier. On the southern edge, crews worked hard along the Ides Cove trail system to strengthen that line. Aircraft supported crews on the fire line with bucket drops.

Though the fire has grown in acreage, fire managers are pleased with today’s success building containment lines and will continue the confine and contain strategy using the trail system and natural barriers to keep the fire in the wilderness area.

Resources committed to the incident include a type-2 helicopter, type-3 helicopter, one type-1 hand crew, three type-2 crews, two falling modules, two water tenders, a grader, excavator, helibase manager and safety officer. Additional resources are on order.

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

Also today, four smokejumpers and the Elk Mountain Hotshots (Crew 4) were joined by a helitack crew on the Rock Fire in the Sanhedrin Wilderness on the Upper Lake Ranger District. Two helicopters supported the crews with successful bucket drops. The Rock Fire is 1.5 acres. Though much progress was made, containment remains at 0%. Resources on scene will continue working on the line tomorrow.

The weather pattern is still showing active scattered showers and thunderstorms tonight and through the weekend. Fire personnel remain alert and ready to respond to new lightning starts and mutual aid calls.

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

Today, the fire exhibited increased activity today as concentrations of fuel burned out. Fire stayed within containment lines but produced visible smoke in the area. The north end of the fire received rain today.

Redwood National Park and State Parks Closures There are multiple closures in the parks due to several fires, including closures in the Lost Man area. For a full list of closures and impacts, please visit www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm