McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn fire is currently at 25,978 acres with 40% completed. The firefighters will monitor the west perimeter along the 421 road. The heavy equipment task force is working north and east of the fire in thick underbrush, using chippers to reduce the fallen fuel load for later disposal. Hand crews will work in that area at least two more days to construct heavy fuel breaks that follow the 505 UTV trail, then continue into the previous Shissler Wildfire from 2020. Backhaul between Allison Ranch and China Bar is progressing well as boats transport fire equipment for pullout from the river at Whitewater Ranch.

 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 InciWeb for information on wildfires at https://inciweb.ncwg.gov and follow the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest

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-4,952 acres, 7% contained | Niarada–20,365 acres, 81% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 89% contained

Total Personnel: 616 total    Engines: 33       Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed     Hand Crews: 16

Big Knife Fire

On Monday, fire activity increased as expected as temperatures got hotter and humidity levels lower. On the north perimeter in the Gold Creek drainage, helicopters utilized water to check the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to call on aircraft for water drops, reconnaissance flights, and sling loads as needed.

Around the southwest edge, crews are assessing the fire’s progress to see if it comes down the slopes to control lines. Crews are preparing canal roads for better egress and removing vegetation around power poles.

On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, the Craig Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew began work to finish hazard tree mitigation and scouted opportunities to go direct. They installed pumps and hoses to tie into several prominent scree slopes and will continue working the fire’s edge, moving further up the canyon.

To the east of the fire, sprinkler systems and pumps are in place around several pieces of infrastructure and the Jocko Lookout. The lookout has been covered with a fire-resistant wrap.

Niarada & Mill Pocket Fires

With the hotter and drier weather, expect increased smoke this week as interior pockets of vegetation burn out.

Strategic firing operations were successful Monday as firefighters burned approximately 50 acres on the south side of the Niarada Fire to secure some of the indirect lines. These firing operations are essential to building containment in areas where crews cannot be inserted safely and are only conducted when conditions allow. While these operations can put substantial smoke in the air, they ultimately reduce the duration of the fire and long-term harmful impacts. Crews will hold and improve this line in the coming days.

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 are still working outside Elmo toward Big Arm, testing sprinkler systems and pumps while working with landowners on additional vegetation management around structures.

Much of the remaining perimeter is in mop-up and patrol status on the Mill Pocket Fire. Some heat remains in steep scree slopes on the northwestern side, where firefighters continue to cool hot spots, using helicopter water drops as needed. An excavator is helping with suppression repair, pulling in dozer lines. This equipment is also used to turn over bigger stumps to reduce the remaining heat.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot and dry weather is forecasted to continue through midweek. Temperatures will be in the high 80s to almost 100 degrees across the fire areas. Relative humidity recovery at night will be poor. Expect increased winds, resulting in critical fire weather conditions.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire remain in PRE-EVACUATION status 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.

Yesterday, smoke was visible on the Hayden Fire with the majority of remaining fire activity on the west side of the fire where fire managers are utilizing natural rock features to hold the fire in place.

Dry air, warmer temperatures nearing 90 degrees in the valley, and increasing winds are anticipated throughout the week. These conditions may result in increased smoke, visible near the fire.

Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 expresses continued thanks to firefighters and support personnel for their tireless dedication to the Hayden Fire. The team would also like to extend sincere gratitude to Lemhi County residents for supporting ongoing wildland firefighting efforts.

Crews are working closely with Salmon-Challis National Forest and Bureau of Land Management resource advisors to finalize suppression repair efforts to restore roads and return public lands to their most natural state.

This will be the final update from Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 as the team transitions control of the fire to local leadership and resources on Wednesday, August 16. Firefighters will continue to patrol and secure the fire area for any new fire activity.

Evacuations:  All evacuation zones are currently in the ready status. The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the local agencies and Incident Management Team, has identified evacuation zones. Please visit Lemhi County at www.lemhicountyidaho.org for a map and explanation of the zones.

Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Salmon-Challis National Forest has enacted an area closure around the Hayden Fire.  A map and description of the closure area can be found at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idscf-hayden-fire. 

Fire Restrictions:  Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction. For more information, please visit the Salmon-Challis National Forest’s Alerts and Notices at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices.

TAOS, N.M., Aug.  14, 2023 – There is light at the end of the tunnel for the American Mesa Fire as the crews have brought the fire to 82% containment. The size remains at 386 acres. Due to the current weather pattern, infrared (IR) flights are no longer needed and have been canceled.

“It was a quiet day on the fire,” explained Incident Commander Brian Kitchen, “We used the recent precipitation to our advantage which allowed the crews to make great progress on the fireline.”

As of August 13, the fire released all air resources. The local community can expect less fire traffic around the surrounding areas due to the continual downsizing of the fire.

 The forecast calls for cloudy skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures may be cooler with gusty and erratic winds near the thunderstorms. Unless significant activity changes, the final American Mesa Fire Updates will be posted by the Carson National Forest. 

The public can get updates for the American Mesa Fire on InciWeb, New Mexico Fire Information and Carson National Forest social media channels on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

###

Today’s Date: 08/14/2023

Start Date: 08/06/2023           Location: 7 mi. E of Pine     Cause: Unknown, under investigation

Acres – 264                               Containment – 46%

Evacuations – None

Structures Damaged – 0                                                      Destroyed – 0

Summary: Today hand crews and engines resumed monitoring containment line for any heat along the lines and possible smoke within the interior of the fire. The fire has stayed within its footprint for the last several days and increased humidity levels have allowed crews to make significant progress by keeping fire activity low. Crews successfully established black line around the left flank of the fire and it is now 46% contained at 264 acres. Storms continue to build up across the Mogollon Rim, but there has been no noteworthy moisture over the fire area. Some resources are being released for rest and rehab or being reassigned to other incidents across the state. Additionally, Brady Fire resources continue to support the Tonto National Forest for initial attack for any new starts within the forest. The Tonto and Coconino National Forests’ Emergency Closure Order remains in place within the fire area. The order runs through September 7, 2023, or until rescinded by the forests. This will be the final update for the incident. Updates continue to be shared through InciWeb and agency social media channels.

Personnel Assigned: 176:

Hotshot Crews – 2, Type 2-IA hand crews – 1, Type 2 hand crews – 1, engines – 1, dozers – 1, water tenders – 1, helicopters – 3.

Weather: This week, afternoon thunderstorms forecast with a chance for precipitation during the week. Storms building along the Mogollon north of Payson.

Additional Fire Information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

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

Fire Restrictions: wildlandfire.az.gov

Forest Closure Order Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto

Media/Public Phone: 602-540-1036

Today, firefighters cleaned up pockets of unburned vegetation on mesa tops from Black Point to Dry Mesa. As predicted the southern end of the Little Mesa Fire received low to moderate rain this afternoon, but rain did not make it to the northern end. Resource advisors are creating a plan for suppression repair, a post-fire effort to return fire line and other impacts of fire suppression to their pre-fire state. Smoke in the valley bottoms is due to weather pushing smoke down and east from the Little Mesa Fire. We recommend sensitive folks to stay indoors and utilize air filters.

Campbell Fire

News - 08/14/2023

Campbell Fire Daily Update

August 14, 2023

Size: 8000 acres

Containment: 85%

Start Date: August 11, 2023

Cause: Unknown

Around 4:00 p.m. on August 11, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance on a fire burning 2 miles North of Olney in Archer County, Texas. The fire is burning in juniper shrub and grass fuels.

Crews on the Campbell Fire have made good progress with extensive mop up operations working 60 feet in off of the containment line, removing all heat along that area. Additional patrolling took place throughout the day to find any other smoke.

A type 2 incident management team was brought in to take over the management of the fire and bring in more resources to combat it.

Resources will continue to patrol and mop up through the end of shift tomorrow and if nothing if the fire looks good it be handed back over to the local responders to monitor over the next few days.

14 de agosto, 2023

Información al día para el Incendio Flat

Extensión: 33,861 acres

Fecha de Inicio:15-Julio-23

Origen: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR

Contencion: 56%

Personal: 539

Recursos: 16 camiones de bomberos l 7 escuadrillas de bomberos l 3 buldóceres l 24 cisternas l 8 máquinas masticadoras l 4 helicópteros

Resumen:  El comportamiento del incendio permanece a un nivel mínimo, similar a los días anteriores con presencia de humo, las llamas arrastrándose sobre el terreno y con un ligero incremento del fuego en el interior del incendio. Con las persistentes condiciones extremas del clima, existe un potencial de aumento en el incendio, especialmente sobre las cumbres dentro del perímetro. Al mismo tiempo, se da una actividad mínima del fuego en los drenajes de Lawson Creek e Indigo Creek. Los bomberos prosiguen en el trabajo de limpieza y patrullando. Los recursos aéreos continúan valorando algunas áreas remotas del incendio las cuales se encuentran en zonas difíciles y peligrosas para el acceso de los bomberos. Los recursos para ataques iniciales del Incendio Flat, incluyendo escuadrillas de bomberos y las cisternas, continúan ofreciendo ayuda para el Incendio O’BrienCreek.

Actividades para el día de hoy:

Los bomberos continúan patrullando y proporcionando evaluaciones visuales en caso de que se produzca algún cambio en el incendio Flat. Los operadores de la maquinaria pesada están reforzando las líneas de contingencia en el borde Suroeste del perímetro del incendio. Las escuadrillas de bomberos que trabajan a mano se encuentran haciendo ataduras entre las líneas de buldócer en Pistol River y el drenaje de Meadow Creek localizado entre la carretera Forestal 1503, 050 y 365. Continúan utilizando la maquinaria pesada con el objetivo de mejorar las líneas indirectas del fuego, astillando y rozando la maleza a lo largo de las carreteras forestales 76 y 150. Diariamente, otras escuadrillas de bomberos en el servicio aéreo prosiguen monitoreando el área del fuego y así poder identificar de una manera temprana cualquier crecimiento en el incendio o cambios en su comportamiento. Los recursos aéreos también se encuentran disponibles para apoyar el Incendio Flat, realizar ataques iniciales en la localidad y buscando espacios de emanación de calor dentro del perímetro.

Condiciones climáticas:  Para el día de hoy, se dictó un Aviso de Bandera Roja para horas de la tarde y en la noche. En el área del Incendio, las condiciones climáticas persisten más calientes y secas. Esta en pie una Advertencia de Calor Excesivo hasta el jueves para algunas porciones en el área del incendio. Se han pronosticado condiciones similares con un potencial en las condiciones atmosféricas inestables y de vez en cuando la presencia de brisas a nivel local. Al anochecer, existe una alta probabilidad de la presencia de lluvias aisladas y tormentas extendiéndose hasta el martes.

Impacto del humo: Mientras el comportamiento del incendio se siga incrementando, el impacto del humo proveniente del Incendio Bedrock en el Valle de Willamette así como de otros incendios continuara afectando a la población especialmente en el área Suroeste de Oregon. Si la actividad en el Incendio Flat aumenta, se producirá una mayor cantidad de humo y podrá observarse desde las áreas aledañas al incendio.

Las predicciones del humo están disponibles en: Información al día para el Suroeste de Oregon (airfire.org)

Cierres de áreas: La información acerca los cierres en el área del Incendio pueden encontrarse en:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices

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 ha dictado un Nivel 2 de restricción para el público en general. Para más información:  https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e

Por favor siga todas las restricciones en el área para prevenir incendios forestales. Conozca el área de recreación antes de visitarla. Revise el pronóstico del tiempo y las restricciones en el uso de fogatas que existen en su destino de recreación.

Línea informativa:(541)216-4579

Medios de información: (541)237-6369

Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023

Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023

Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR
 

Resources: 402 Total Personnel | 5 Hand Crews | 20 Engines | 5 Water Tenders | 8 Helicopters

(Newhalem, Wash.) -- The Sourdough Fire started with a lightning strike on July 29 near Diablo in the steep and rugged terrain of Ross Lake National Recreation Area, 7 miles northeast of Newhalem. The Sourdough Fire is estimated at 2,953 acres and is 11% contained. State Route 20 remains closed between milepost 120 (Newhalem) and milepost 146 (just east of the East Creek Trailhead). 

Yesterday: Hot, dry, and unstable weather conditions resulted in increased fire activity in Stetattle Creek and No Name Creek drainages. Steep slopes along State Route 20 continued to shed rocks and debris.  Firefighters monitored and held the fire in the burn out area as fire backed down to State Route 20. Because no heat sources were found, yesterday was the last day firefighters used the handheld infrared camera around the structures in Diablo.  Helicopters were active on the west side of Sourdough Creek, dropping water to cool and slow fire growth. Fire crews and Seattle City Light field personnel completed building control lines along the powerline corridor.

Today: Steep ground, extreme heat, and falling rocks continue to be a hazard to firefighters. To minimize risk to crews, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) assigned to the fire will assist with monitoring and patrolling the area along State Route 20. Crews will spike out at Colonial Creek Campground to limit exposure to safety hazards caused by debris during travel along State Route 20. Firefighters will continue to monitor fire activity as it progresses west toward the 2015 Goodell burn scar. Crews will mop up and monitor the road south of Sourdough Creek. Helicopters will continue to drop water as needed to keep fire to the west of the creek. Night crew will monitor and patrol control lines and assess threats to infrastructure along State Route 20.

Weather: Critical fire weather continues with high temperatures, low relative humidity, and unstable conditions. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect.

Safety: Fire danger is extremely high. The public can help prevent the next wildland fire by observing outdoor burning bans and avoiding other common ignition causes. 

Smoke: Smoke from the Sourdough Fire may affect communities around the region. Information about current conditions and a smoke forecast is located at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com.

Closures and Evacuations: State Route 20 is closed from Newhalem to East Creek Trailhead. Trail, area and camp closures are in effect; for more information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire- closures.htm
 

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 14, 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: 2,553 acres Containment: 13% Total Personnel: 376 Engines: 13 Heavy Equipment: 6 Crews: 8

Weather patterns over the Ridge Creek Fire today will likely result in conditions that produce smoke that may impact communities to the southwest of the fire, including Hayden. Additional information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

The Incident Management Team has added a Structure Protection Group. They have begun the assessment of homes in areas east of Hayden Lake and west of the Bunco Ridge area in order to develop a structure protection plan.

The Temporary Flight Restriction over the area of the Ridge Creek Fire has been extended to include a 24 hour per day restriction for civilian aircraft, which includes the use of drones.

FIRE STATUS

An infrared flight conducted early this morning resulted in an estimate of fire size of 2,553 acres which is reflected on the enclosed maps. Containment is reduced slightly due to increased spread of the fire on the northeast side of the fire. Fire crews and heavy equipment operators continue to make progress in reinforcing and connecting containment lines. A night shift will continue throughout the week to take advantage of favorable weather conditions that may allow crews to conduct burnout operations to strengthen existing firelines. The night shift will continue to use engines to patrol and monitor fire behavior. Five helicopters will be available today to support suppression of the Ridge Creek Fire.

Hand crews and dozers will continue to work to the south along Forest Service Rd 437 (Hayden Creek Rd), east through Hells Canyon to FSR 406, and up to Hudlow Saddle. To the northeast, crews will continue to improve fireline through Sage Creek Saddle using FSR 406. Crews will begin to extend the line between FSR 406 and South Chilco Mountain. On the fire’s west flank, crews are reinforcing FSR 625. From the intersection of FSR 625 and FSR 1526, crews are constructing fireline along a forested ridge to FSR 406 near Cedar Saddle. Additional containment line is also being constructed using FSR 2302 (Buckles Mountain Rd) and along Ridge Creek to FSR 437 (Hayden Creek Rd).

A community meeting was held yesterday (Sunday), at the Athol Community Center. It was live-streamed and is available to view on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF/).

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Temperatures today will be in the mid to high 80s. Winds are predicted to be light and primarily from the southwest, but may vary throughout the day. Relative humidity will approach 20% during the day, with overnight recovery to 48%. Fire activity is anticipated to increase, particularly on south-facing slopes, as temperatures increase throughout the day. Be aware that weather conditions today may result in smoke that settles in lower elevations.

The outlook is for a continued trend to higher temperatures and stronger southwesterly winds. Fire activity and the visibility of smoke will increase with these trends later in the week.

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.