Bear Creek Fire

August 16, 2023

Bear Creek Fire start date: August 1, 2023

Mosca Fire start date: August 7, 2023

Location:  23 miles Northwest of Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Cause:  Lightning

Incident Commander: Jay Kurth

Management Team: NIMO Team 1

Management:  Suppression

Fire size today:  Bear Creek: 408 acres   Mosca: 7 acres

Containment:   Bear Creek: 0%   Mosca: 42%

Personnel:  Bear Creek: 86    Mosca: 27

Evacuation Information: 

Weminuche Valley is under pre-evacuation notice. Local residents should follow incident information and updates.

Closures:

• Fire area closure
• Cloman Park in Pagosa Springs

Latest Smoke Outlook:

outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/933fc4e4 

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES:

• Firefighter and Public safety are the highest priority.
• Protect private lands within the Weminuche Creek drainages, natural resources, cultural and historic sites, recreation assets and critical infrastructure including powerlines and gas utility lines.

A Multi-Mission Aircraft flight to obtain updated acreage for the Bear Creek and Mosca wildfires was not available today so there is no reported change in acreage. 

Bear Creek Wildfire: Firefighters have been unable to directly engage the fire due to the steep remote terrain and heavy fuel loading of dead standing and down trees. The potential for spread remains in Bear Creek towards the Little Sand and Shaw Creek trails.  There was one new start, which was basically a single tree that was struck by lightning. Very little smoke will be seen from the fire today.

Mosca Wildfire: This wildfire is burning slowly in a remote area northwest of Bear Creek near Slide Mountain in steep terrain. There has been little active heat or movement on this fire.

YESTERDAY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Pike hotshots completed 42% of the handline around the Mosca wildfire.
• Fire managers continued to use two masticators on the Mosca Road to the south of the fire to reduce fuels and to create a contingency line.
• Crews in the Weminuche Valley area assessed risk level to private land/structures and developed and implemented structure protection plans.
• Ground- truthing showed that utilizing the Weminuche Creek on the Bear Creek Fire as a contingency line is not the preferred option.

TODAY’S PLAN:

• Continue fuels mitigation along the Mosca Road corridor with masticators.
• Utilize masticators to tie into an old Forest Service road on the west side of the wildfire.  
• Continue to widen Weminuche Trail by reducing the fuel load.
• Crews will continue to recon Shaw and Falls creek for potential helispots.
• Operational supervisors will continue scouting indirect control opportunities to the south along the Mosca Road, connecting that into the Weminuche Valley.
• Pike hotshots on the Mosca Fire will work to complete the handline around the fire, monitor the fire and cut dead trees away from the fire perimeter. 

WEATHER:

Moisture chances will reduce throughout the week. Will see an uptick in temperatures, possibly into the mid-80s by the end of the week.  The humidity and wind levels may pick up in afternoons, but not reach red flag wind warning levels.

Incident Information: https://tinyurl.com/mrx4pp27

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/mr2tpj69

Email :  2023.bearcreek@firenet.gov       

Information Line : 970-426-5370

Closure Order 01-14-03-23-10 is now in effect on the Fortine Ranger District for roads in the vicinity of the East Fork Fire. The purpose of this order is to provide for public and firefighter safety due to active fire suppression activities on the East Fork Fire.

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28

Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023    Cause: Lightning       Structures Lost: 4

Big Knife-6,106 acres, 7% contained | Niarada–20,370 acres, 81% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 89% contained

Total Personnel: 629 total    Engines: 33       Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed     Hand Crews: 14

HOT AND DRY WEATHER IS FORECASTED TO CONTINUE UNTIL THE WEEKEND. TEMPERATURES WILL BE NEAR 100 DEGREES IN THE VALLEY WITH NEAR 90 AT ELEVATION. RELATIVE HUMIDITY RECOVERY AT NIGHT CONTINUES TO BE POOR AND WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 20-30 MPH. RED FLAGS WARNINGS ARE FORECAST FOR THE AREA TODAY AND THURSDAY.

Today is the final shift for the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3. Thursday, August 17 at 7a.m., the Type 3 Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Brad Bergman, will assume command of the Big Knife Fire. At the same time, a CSKT Type 3 team, Incident Commander Rob Berney, will assume command of the Niarada and Mill Pocket fires.

Big Knife Fire

Activity dramatically increased in the Big Knife Creek drainage Tuesday afternoon as temperatures got hotter and humidity levels lower. The fire pushed to the east up the drainage toward the Tribal Primitive Area and away from Jocko, Francis and Arlee. More smoke production and fire growth can be expected today as weather conditions remain extremely hot and dry with increased winds starting southernly in the morning and shifting to northwest in the afternoon.

Around the southwest edge, crews are assessing the fire’s progress as it moves down the slopes to control lines. Firefighters are preparing canal roads for better access and removing vegetation around power poles.

On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, the Craig Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew worked to go direct along the fire’s edge where safe to do so. With pumps and hoses in place, they will continue to work up canyon and tie into scree slopes.

Pumps and sprinkler system are in place to protect infrastructure east of the fire as well as Jocko Lookout which has water systems in place as well as a fire-resistant wrap around the base.

Niarada & Mill Pocket Fires

The Niarada Fire remained relatively quiet Tuesday as crews continued to build line as direct as possible along the fire’s eastern edge closest to Elmo. With the hotter and drier weather, increased smoke is likely interior pockets of vegetation burn out. Crews continue to assess, patrol and mop up (cool areas containing heat) around much of the remaining fire perimeter. Suppression repair work has begun in these areas, including pulling in dozer line berms and blading roads.

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

The majority of the Mill Pocket Fire is in mop-up status as crews work to ensure the fire’s edge are cool and pose little to no threat to containment. Some lingering heat remains in steep scree slopes on the northwestern side, where firefighters continue to cool hot spots, using helicopter water drops as needed.

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). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

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 around both fire areas. 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!

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. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana.

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn Fire currently stands at 25,980 acres and 45% complete. Hot and dry conditions continue to cause isolated torching and short runs within the confinement line of the fire. Today, high temps are expected to be in triple digits in the Salmon River Corridor and in the high 90’s in the surrounding area. Monsoonal weather conditions are returning to the region this weekend bringing higher fuel moisture, increased humidity levels and a heavier smoke inversion. 

Today, Great Basin Incident Management Team 2 (GBIMT2) will be shadowed by National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team 4. Shadowing is when the incoming team spends the day with the outgoing teams section’s to learn what they’ve accomplished, what their challenges have been, their plans moving forward and the assets currently available to them. Command of the Elkhorn Fire will transition from GBIMT2 to NIMO Team 4 at 6 a.m. August 17, 2023.

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. Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Rapids at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction from either a Forest Service representative or the posted information board regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of fire activity is allowed. Upon leaving Hancock Rapids there will be no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp. 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, and Campbell’s Ferry. Upon leaving Campbell’s Ferry, there are no camping 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. The closure area spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line. 

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been reduced to 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.

Visit and follow us on the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest

Increased Fire Activity on Doris Point Visible from Flathead Valley

Kalispell, MT, August 15, 2023 — Smoke from the Doris Fire is visible from the Flathead Valley this afternoon as fire behavior has increased due to high temperatures and gusty winds. Smoke columns from several fires will be visible throughout this afternoon and evening as hot and dry weather is forecasted to continue into Thursday evening’s Fire Weather Watch.

The Doris Point Fire was lightning-caused and was detected on July 30. It is located on the west side of Hungry Horse Reservoir, within the current area closure. At this time, the fire is in a remote location and is not burning near any homes or private property. Fire managers are continuing to assess the situation and more information will be provided as it becomes available. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 is taking command of the Doris Point Fire at 6:00 am tomorrow, August 16, in addition to the Ridge Fire. Team 4 took command of the Ridge Fire on August 9.

For more information about the Doris Ridge Fire, you can call the Ridge Fire Information line at 406-998-6074.

South of the Doris Point Fire, there is potential to see an increase in activity from the Tin Solider Complex this evening and throughout the rest of the week as warm temperatures persist. The Tin Soldier Complex fires are burning on the West Side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork of the Flathead River. The smoke columns from this complex will potentially be visible from the Flathead Valley, south of the current column that can be seen from the Doris Point Fire.

For more information about the Tin Soldier Complex, you can call the Tin Soldier Fire Information line at 406-758-5314.

Today, fire resources worked to secure the fire line and gain containment along Tatum Ridge Rd and from Dry Mesa to Black Point Rd. All containment features are holding and little to no fire growth occurred today. The historical ranching structures in the fire area, including livestock guzzlers and round pens, have been protected and have not sustained any damage. There are no other structures threatened. The south end of the fire received light moisture again this afternoon.

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 15, 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: 2,781 acres Containment: 15% Total Personnel: 413 Engines: 14 Heavy Equipment: 6 Crews: 9

Last night, crews successfully conducted firing operations to strengthen containment lines, broadening lines to 200 feet in depth in some cases. Night operations will continue throughout the week to take advantage of night-time conditions that will allow for the use of firing to burn away materials adjacent to existing containment lines.

We have entered a period of notably hotter and dryer weather that will produce active fire behavior. Wind will predominantly flow from the west and southwest, which will tend to cause fire growth to the northeast. Expect that the fire will produce substantial smoke at times. Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

Structure protection staff will continue their assessment of homes and structures, operating today between the Bunco Road area and the community of Lakeview on Lake Pend Oreille.

FIRE STATUS

The Ridge Creek Fire is currently estimated at 2,781 acres and 15% containment, which is reflected on the enclosed maps. Fire crews and heavy equipment operators continue to make progress in reinforcing and strengthening containment lines. To broaden containment lines, which reduces the likelihood that an approaching fire will ‘spot’ over the line, timber-falling operations have been used to construct fuel breaks. Crews then follow this effort with a firing operation to remove remaining fuels on the ground. Firing operations were conducted at night yesterday to take advantage of the moderate conditions that occur overnight. On the west flank of the fire, crews were able to use firing operations to strengthen the constructed dozer line that extends south from the Bonneville Power Administration transmission line southward to the heel of the fire at Hayden Creek Road. The use of a night shift will continue throughout the week, and engines will continue to patrol the perimeter of the fire to monitor fire behavior. A new base camp, staffed with 54 crew members, was established near the Hudlow Warming Hut for firefighters working the southeast perimeter of the Ridge Creek Fire. Five helicopters, and fixed-wing reconnaissance aircraft, will be available today to support ground operations. 

The Structure Protection Group will continue their assessment of homes and structures to include the Lakeview community on Lake Pend Oreille, in addition to areas east of Hayden Lake and the Bunco Road area.
 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Temperatures today are expected to reach 100 degrees at lower elevations and reach the mid-90s at mid-slope elevations. South-facing slopes will feel hotter and dryer. Relative humidity will fall beneath 20% and may approach the mid-teens throughout the area of the fire this afternoon. Winds will be out of the west to southwest at approximately 8 mph with gusts to 15 mph. These conditions are conducive to increased fire activity and fire growth. These conditions will continue throughout the week. Be aware that weather conditions today will result in visible smoke.

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. 

August 15, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 33,861  acres                                          

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 56%

Total personnel: 487

Resources: 20 engines l 7 crews l 3 bulldozers l 21 water tenders l 9 masticators l 4 helicopters

Highlights:  Fire behavior remains similar to the past several days with mostly smoldering and creeping.  Any chance of crown fire remains minimal.  The Lawson Creek and Indigo drainage areas continue to sustain the most fire activity, consisting of occasional flareups. The portions of the fireline that are not shown as contained are areas that have burned into older fire footprints minimizing further growth. Crews continue to support the O’Brien Creek Fire and will be available for initial attack elsewhere if necessary.

Today’s Activities:

Firefighters continue to patrol contained firelines, monitoring the fire for changes in behavior. All resources are ready to engage as required. The southwest fire perimeter continues to receive work from both heavy equipment and hand crews creating a defensible contingency line. This action will tie-in line between the dozer lines in the Pistol River and Meadows Creek drainages and roads 1503, 050, and 365. Assessments on the area continue as crews and aircraft maintain a daily vigil for early identification of fire growth or a change in fire behavior. Air resources continue to be available and support the Flat Fire and assist with initial attack.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Tuesday afternoon through early evening.  An Excessive Heat Warning is also in effect through Thursday for portions of the fire area. Temperatures are expected to be slightly cooler today. However, weather conditions over the fire continue to be hot and dry with elevated fire weather and locally breezy winds at times. There is a 10% probability of isolated showers and thunderstorms this evening. Temperatures are expected to cool at the end of the week and over the weekend.

Smoke:  Smoke from the Flat Fire may impact Agness in the morning hours. Smoke from the Bedrock Fire has largely moved off but could affect communities to the south over the next few days. Gold Beach, Brookings, and Crescent City should have good air quality with some haze. The Smoke Outlook is available at:  Current Smoke Outlook for SW Oregon (airfire.org)

Closures:  Closure orders for the fire area can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices

Evacuations:  Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more information:  https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e

Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.

Fire Information:(541)216-4579

Media inquiries: (541)237-6369

Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023

Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023

Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR
 

Fredonia, Ariz., August 15, 2023 — Containment increased to 54% on the Kane Fire as the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4 transferred command to a local Type 3 organization. The size remains at 2,854 acres with 60 personnel assigned.

The Kane Fire remains quiet with little heat or smoke. Crews will continue to complete suppression repair on firelines, conduct road maintenance, and maintain a vigilant watch for any areas of increasing activity from the Kane Fire and new fires as thunderstorms pass through.

The monsoonal pattern is expected to continue, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the area through the week. The arrival of monsoonal systems have played an important role in moderating fire behavior, with cloud cover limiting surface heating and precipitation and higher relative humidity reducing the potential for the ignition of fuels.

The Kane Fire Emergency Area Closure and the Temporary Flight Restriction has been lifted on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Forest visitors are reminded that fire personnel will still be present in the Jacob Lake area, on state highways and forest roads, and in the vicinity of the Kane Fire area – please be aware of your surroundings and drive with caution.

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