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

(Fairbanks, AK) - On 08/17/23 at 0830, the Alaska Incident Management Team received a report that Saudith Rendon (51 YOA) with an out of state Oregon Wildland Fire Hand Crew working on the Lost Horse Creek Fire was reported missing. It was reported that he was cooking breakfast at 0630 at the Olnes Pond Campground that is closed due to staging fire personnel only. His crew was scheduled to meet up at the bus to drive to the fire line and he did not make it at the scheduled time. Saudith Rendon’s personal belongings were found at the campsite but no sign of him being in camp. He was last seen wearing a red jacket, green sweatshirt and green nomex pants. He is approximately 5’7" and 185 lbs with curly hair. He is believed to be on foot.

The Alaska Incident Management Green Team is working closely with Alaska State Parks, Alaska State Troopers and Wilderness Search and Rescue to conduct a search.  Currently, the Alaska Incident Management Team is the only place where officials are authorized to speak about the incident and provide confirmed information. Once more information becomes available and it is confirmed for accuracy, we will release it to the public after making appropriate notifications.

Anyone having contact or information regarding Saudith Rendon’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks at 907-451-5100.

For Incident information or Media interviews, please contact the Lost Horse Creek Fire Media line at (907)921-2554 or email us at 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov

Acting Public Affairs Officer: Janine Summy
(530) 643-0279
KlamathNFPublicAffairs@gmail.com

Klamath National Forest Lightning Fires
August 17, 2023

Type 1 Incident Management Team Assumes Command of Head Fire

Yreka, Calif., August 17, 2023 — Type 1 California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (Mueller) has assumed command of the Head Fire as of 6:00 a.m. today, and additional resources are incoming. Currently, the Head Fire is approximately 3,500 acres and is 0% contained.

Evacuations remain in place this morning and Highway 96 remains closed in the area of the fire. Fire behavior was moderated overnight by light rainfall and good humidity recovery. Ridge tops remain drier and the fire continues to back and flank down the drainage towards the Klamath River, especially in heavy dead and down fuels. The priority overnight was continued structure protection in the areas of Scott Bar, Hamburg, and Horse Creek. Those priorities will continue today.

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.

“We appreciate the many interagency resources helping us, including the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services, State OES, CAL FIRE and others. Our primary concerns remain public and firefighter safety as we work to prioritize how are firefighting resources are best utilized,” said Forest Supervisor Rachel Smith.

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

Klamath National Forest Lightning Fire Update

Firefighters continue to respond to the Head Fire and to numerous fires that have been confirmed on the forest. Additional smokes continue to be reported; fires are being staffed based on priority and as additional resources become available. Multiple aircraft and other additional resources have been ordered for these fires.

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:

- The Elliott Fire near Dillon Creek Campground (closed) is approximately 250 acres with zero containment. The fire is backing and flanking to Highway 96. Yesterday’s inversion briefly lifted, leading to an uptick in fire behavior which decreased during the evening. A type 3 IC is committed along with engines and heavy equipment. Resources are working on structure prep.
- The Canyon and Three Creeks (formerly Aubrey) fires are in the vicinity of the Elliott Fire and are estimated to total 200 acres in size. Elliot Fire resources and the IC are including these fires in their suppression management.
- The Malone Fire up Elk Creek is 20 acres. An engine, hand crew, and dozer are committed and working to complete line around the fire.
- 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 50 acres and located between Titus and Ufish creeks.
- The Devils Fire is about 5 acres and located near Seiad Low Gap. Crews worked to construct line around the fire yesterday.
- 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 40 acres and is located near the Scott Bar Lookout. A strike team of engines worked on the fire through the night. Fire behavior moderated a bit last night.
- The Gold Fire is approximately 20 acres across the drainage from the Scott Fire. Fire behavior moderated a bit last night.
- The Shadow Fire is about .5 acres in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Sky High Lakes.
- The Lake Fire is near the Shadow Fire. Between Red Rock and Little Elk has grown to about 20 acres. Smokejumpers and a helitack crew are on scene.
- The Townsend Fire is roughly 15 acres with difficult access up Townsend Gulch off of the Lake Mountain Lookout Road. 3 engines and an additional squad of firefighters are committed.
- The Block Fire (formerly called the Middle Fire) is near the Townsend Fire. No size has been reported. Resources are assigned.
- 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.

More lighting was received yesterday and the Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning on dry fuels remains in effect. Thunderstorms also have the potential to emit strong down draft winds that can cause existing fires to increase fire behavior significantly.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Monitor CodeRed and the @SiskiyouCountySherriff 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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Twitter @KlamathNF

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Ridge Fire Community Meeting

Friday, August 18, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Glacier Bible Camp 

400 5th Street West

Hungry Horse, MT 59919

Streamed on FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/ridge.fire.information

Video will be shared on YouTube after the meeting.

This is the Spanish-language update. Some operational words may not translate well.

17 de agosto, 2023

Información al día para el Incendio Flat

Extensión: 33,895 acres

Fecha de Inicio: 15-julio-2023

Origen: 2 millas suroeste de Agness, OR

Contención: 58%

Personal: 573

Recursos: 21 camiones de bomberos l 11 escuadrillas de bomberos l 3 buldóceres l 20 cisternas 8 máquinas masticadoras l 4 helicópteros

Resumen: condiciones climáticas calientes y secas han contribuido a bajar el índice de propagación del incendio en el interior de espacios con material de combustión aun sin quemarse. Se logro observar una cantidad baja en el número de árboles incendiados no representando un peligro para las líneas de fuego. Las comunidades locales se verán afectadas por el impacto del humo dependiendo de la dirección que tome el viento. En su totalidad, los recursos disponibles para el incendio permanecen activos en el incendio, patrullando líneas de contención y a su vez monitoreando fuentes aisladas de emanación de calor sobre el eje y en el interior del área. Todo el personal en el incendio tiene como misión primordial, el estar atentos en la condición del viento presente sobre las pendientes en los drenajes y también en los vientos afectando las partes mas altas con origen Noroeste los cuales podrían convertirse en ráfagas de un momento a otro. Se prosigue con el trabajo arduo de limpieza en las líneas de contención que se extienden sobre las carreteras forestales 3680, 3318 y al mismo tiempo, están a punto de completarse las líneas de buldócer que conecta el Rio Illinois. Debido a los recientes incendios que se iniciaron en la frontera al Sur de Oregon/California, se movilizaron varios grupos de bomberos hacia el Bosque Nacional de Six Rivers. El día de hoy, estarán arribando el Grupo de bomberos Team 3 para el Manejo de Incidentes del área Suroeste, los cuales llevarán a cabo la transferencia de comandos el viernes por la mañana.

Actividades para el día de hoy: Se continúan las evaluaciones visuales sobre el perímetro del incendio disponiendo de los recursos aéreos y los desplazados sobre el terreno. Los bomberos continúan avanzando con el trabajo localizado desde la carretera forestal 360 introduciéndose dentro del drenaje de Meadow Creek. Se está construyendo una línea a mano a través de Meadow Creek hacia las líneas de buldóceres sobre la carretera forestal 365. De manera simultánea, los bomberos se encuentran mejorando las líneas de contingencia construidas por buldóceres, en la carretera Forestal 3680 utilizando técnicas de preparación, astillado y rozando la maleza sobre carretera del ramal 310. También, otro escuadrón de bomberos se dará a la tarea de completar las líneas de contingencia construidas con equipo pesado que se extienden desde la carretera forestal 362 hacia el drenaje de Pistol River y se une con la línea construida a mano empezando en la línea de buldócer y dirigiéndose con rumbo Oeste. Los recursos aéreos proseguirán monitoreando el fuego y permanecerán disponibles para apoyar en ataques iniciales si es necesario. Los objetivos para la supresión del incendio permanecen intactos y nuestros bomberos continuaran trabajando hasta que el Incendio Flat se declare contenido en su totalidad.

Condiciones climáticas: El Aviso de Calor Excesivo expirara el día de hoy. Se pronostica una tendencia fría, con humedad relativa mas alta, lo que minimizara la actividad en el comportamiento del incendio. Para el viernes y el fin de semana, arribaran temperaturas más frescas. Asimismo, este fenómeno permitirá el paso de una tendencia de humedad mas alta sobre el área afectada. Existe una posibilidad de un 5 – 10% en la presencia de lluvia o tormentas en ciertas áreas aisladas.

Impacto del humo: Se podrá observar el humo desde las áreas aledañas al incendio.

Las predicciones del humo están disponibles en: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/b74901f7?

Cierres de áreas: El U.S. Highway 199 ha sido cerrado al Norte de Gasquet debido a incendios en el Bosque Nacional de Six Rivers, por favor use la ruta U.S. Route 101 hacia SR 42s para viajar hacia y desde Rogue Valley. Las carreteras del Servicio Forestal y BLM no deberán ser utilizadas como rutas alternativas debido a la actividad de surgimiento de incendios en la zona.

El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou a declarado una orden de cierre incluyendo senderos, caminos y una porción del área de Illinois River. Información acerca los cierres en el área del Incendio pueden encontrarse en: https://bit.ly/RRSNFAlerts

Evacuaciones: Todos los niveles de evacuación han sido reducidos a un Nivel 1 “Prepárese” para todas las áreas en las proximidades del Incendio Flat. https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Orden de restricción: Actualmente, el Nivel de Peligro de Incendio es “Extremo”. El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou implemento un Nivel 3 en las Restricciones para el Uso Público (PURs). Asimismo, se encuentra en pie un Nivel 3 (PURs) para la Sección Nacional Virgen de Rogue que fue implementada por el Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou, BLM en Medford y ODF. Para mayor información visite: https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e\

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 17, 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: 459  Engines: 15  Heavy Equipment: 10  Crews: 10

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). A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions will occur that will be characterized by high temperatures, low relative humidity, and wind.

The Fire Weather Forecast for the Ridge Creek Fire includes temperatures that will reach the low 90s, relative humidity in the mid-teens, and winds out of the southwest with gusts that will exceed 20 mph this afternoon. These are conditions that will produce active fire behavior and smoke.

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.

FIRE STATUS

The Ridge Creek Fire is currently estimated at 3,248 acres and 12% containment, which is reflected on the enclosed maps. Growth of the fire yesterday lowered the calculated percentage of containment, but fire perimeters have remained stable over the last three days demonstrating the substantial work that crews have completed to strengthen containment lines. With the Red Flag Warning issued for the Ridge Creek Fire area, crews anticipate that there will be active fire behavior today accompanied by visible smoke. With a prevailing wind out of the southwest, operational staff anticipate the use of aircraft again, particularly in the northeast area of the fire. To the southeast, crews will continue the effort to bring a strengthened fireline from the Hudlow Saddle area southward along FSR 406 in the southeast area of the fire. Crews will look to continue firing operations, as conditions allow, to remove shrub and surface layer fuels. Firing operations were limited during the day yesterday due to weather conditions but were resumed last night as conditions moderated overnight. A night shift of engines will continue to be used to
patrol the perimeter of the fire to monitor fire behavior. The Hudlow Warming Hut base camp will continue to be staffed to address the southeast area of the fire more efficiently.

Structure assessment staff will begin evaluation of structures today in the vicinity of Mokins Bay in the Lake Hayden Area.

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. This designation means conditions Thursday and Friday are predicted to increase the risk of wildfire activity and growth. Temperatures will reach approximately 90 degrees, with 12 mph winds out of the southwest gusting to 25 mph which will tend to push the fire to the northeast. Relative humidity will drop below 20%, with overnight recovery of only 35%. 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. Pilots that have to deviate to avoid watercraft will also be delayed in acquiring water, inhibiting their fire suppression efforts. All lake users should be on the lookout for approaching aircraft. If firefighting aircraft are in the area, boaters should clear the center of the lake and move toward the shoreline.

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.

PROHIBITIONS 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads; and trails on the Hungry Horse Ranger District, Flathead National Forest described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A.

1. It is prohibited go into the areas, including to be upon any road or trail in the area, closed for the protection of: Public health or safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), 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 from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2.    Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREAS

 Hungry Horse Reservoir Area The northern boundary of the East Side closure area starts at the northeastern most corner of the Coram Experimental Forest boundary in section 26 T28N R19W and follows this boundary east to Desert Mountain and then due east to the Great Bear Wilderness boundary. The eastern boundary then runs southeast alo11g tl,e Great Bear WiltteI1Ies-s bouridary to Prospector IVlountarn and the Great Bear Wilderness boundary in section 9 T27N R16W. The southern boundary runs from Prospector Mountain west along the Hungry Horse/Spotted Bear District boundary where it crosses NFS Road 38. From this point, the boundary crosses Hungry Horse Reservoir to NFS Road 895G and follows NFS Road 895G, NFS Road 895F, NFS Trail #64 to the Jewel Basin Hiking Area boundary. The western boundary runs from the point where NFS Trail #64 meets the Jewel Basin Hiking Area boundary north along the Jewel Basin Hiking Area Boundary to the Swan Lake District boundary. It follows the district boundary to where it meets NFS Trail #7 (Alpine 7) in PB39 T28N R19W and continues along NFS Trail #7 to Doris Mountain in section PB42 T29N RR19W. The northern boundary is from Doris Mountain in a straight line to Alpha Lake. It then follows Alpha Creek northeast to NFS Road 895 (West Side Road) and the west abutment of Hungry Horse Dam. It follows the waterline north and east to the SW corner of section 23 T30N R19W, which is about 1 mile west of Abbot Bay Boat Launch. It continues north along the west side of section 23 T30N R19W to the west Coram Experimental Forest boundary and continues long this boundary to its northeastern most corner. 

NFS Road 895 will remain open approximately 800 feet south of the west abutment of Hungry Horse Dam to facilitate traffic flow. 
The waters of Hungry Horse Reservoir and all islands are closed from Hungry Horse Dam to the Spotted Bear District boundary. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public and firefighter safety due to fire activities on the Ridge Fire, Doris Point Fire, Tin Soldier Complex and other fires in the area.

IMPLEMENTATION

1.    This Order shall be in effect from August 8, 2023 at 0700 through December 31, 2023 at 1700, unless rescinded.
2.    A map identifying the Described Area and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices
3.    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.
4.    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. § § 

5.    Contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District (406) 387-3800 or the Flathead National Forest Supervisor's Office in Kalispell, MT, at (406) 758-5208 for more information about this Order.
6.    This Order supersedes the previous Order issued August 3, 2023 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Ridge Fire Area.