Lowline Fire Update

Monday, August 14, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Type 3 Incident Management

Bryan Gaines, Incident Commander

Information Phone: GMUG Fire Information Hotline at (970) 874-6602

Special Announcements: On Wednesday, August 16, at 7 a.m., management of the Lowline Fire will be returned to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests.

Information and media numbers created specifically for the Lowline Fire will be deactivated today. Moving forward, please call the GMUG Fire Information Hotline at (970) 874-6602 for active fire information in the area. For any other United States Forest Service (USFS) questions, please contact your local USFS District Office.

While smoke may be periodically visible in and around the fire area, air quality has improved and is no longer at concerning levels. Those still wishing to view the Smoke Outlook can find it here: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240

Current Situation: Firefighters maintain patrols along the fire perimeter on the north, east, and south edges of the fire. Current hotspots and smoking trees are limited and do not have the potential for significant spread. The fire has not experienced an increase in acreage in six days and remains at 55% containment.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Today will bring sunnier conditions as the pockets of moisture aloft push farther to the southeast. Chances of precipitation will be slightly lower than yesterday, and relative humidity will also decrease. Temperatures will be slightly warmer in the high 70s. Winds are expected to be light and variable, at 6-9 miles per hour with gusts around 17 mph. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/ for ongoing weather information from the National Weather Service.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions: A pre-evacuation order remains in effect for CR 727, Mill Creek. No other evacuations or pre-evacuations are in place near the fire. For additional evacuation information, see Gunnison County Emergency Management at www.gunnisoncounty.org and sign up to receive emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire traffic and avoid the area. County Roads 727 and 818 remain closed to the public and are for local traffic only. 

Closures remain on nearby USFS and BLM land:

For the National Forest closure visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1129908.pdf.

For the BLM closure visit https://on.doi.gov/45lN2le

There are currently no fire restrictions in Gunnison County.

Lowline Fire Statistics:

Size: 1871 acres         

Containment: 55%

Total Personnel: 130  

Cause: lightning

Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, CO

Reported: 8:00 am July 26, 2023

For More Information:

Information Phone: (970) 874-6602

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-lowline-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Actualización del Incendio Lowline

Lunes 14 de Agosto, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes Tipo 3

Bryan Gaines, Comandante del Incidente

Teléfono de Información: GMUG Fire Information Hotline at (970) 874-6602

Nota Especial: El miércoles 16 de agosto, a las 7 a. m., se devolverá la gestión del Incendio Lowline al Servicio Forestal (USFS) de Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre y Gunnison (GMUG).

Los números de información y medios creados específicamente para Lowline Fire se desactivarán hoy. En el futuro, para obtener información sobre los incendios activos en el área, por favor llame a la línea directa de información sobre incendios de Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, y Gunnison National Forest (GMUG): (970) 874-6602. Si tiene otras preguntas sobre el USFS, por favor comuníquese con la oficina de distrito local del USFS.

La calidad del aire ha mejorado mucho y ya no se encuentra en niveles altas. Si todavía desean ver el Smoke Outlook, visita: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/es/ed63b240

Situación Actual: Los bomberos siguen trabajando a lo largo del perímetro del incendio en los áreas al norte, este y sur del incendio. Los áreas de calor residual son limitados y no tienen el potencial de una propagación significativa en este momento. El incendio no ha tenido un aumento de acres en varios días, y se mantiene a una línea contenido de 55%.

Condiciones Climáticas y de Combustibles: Hoy, las condiciones eran más soleadas, con la humedad moviendo hacia el sureste. También tenemos menos posibilidad de precipitación y la humedad relativa disminuirá. Las temperaturas serán un poco más cálidas, en los 70s. Los vientos sean ligeros y variables, de 6 a 9 m.p.h. con ráfagas de alrededor de 17 m.p.h.. Visite https://www.weather.gov/ para obtener más información meteorológica desde el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.

Evacuaciones, Cierres, y Restricciones de Incendios: Todavía hay un orden de evacuación previa vigente para CR 727 y Mill Creek. No hay otras evacuaciones o evacuaciones previas cerca del incendio. Para obtener más información sobre evacuaciones, consulte Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Gunnison en www.gunnisoncounty.org. Puede registrarse para recibir alertas de emergencia en: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

En interés de la seguridad pública, los bomberos piden a los visitantes que estén atentos al tráfico y que eviten el área. Las carreteras del condado 727 y 818 permanecen cerradas al público y son solamente para tráfico local.

Todavía tenemos cierres del los bosques del USFS y BLM:

Cierres del Sistema Forestal Nacional: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1126172.pdf.

Cierres temporarios del BLM: https://tinyurl.com/5n8s7xee.

Restricciones de Incendios en el Condado de Gunnison: Ninguno 

Estadísticas del Incendio Lowline:

Tamaño: 1871 acres         

Contenido: 55%

Personas: 130                  

Causa: Relȧmpago

Locación: 14 mi. NNW de Gunnison, CO

Reportado: 8:00 am July de 26, 2023

Para más Información:

Línea Telefónica: (970) 874-6602

Reportes sobre la perspectiva de humo: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/es/ed63b240

 InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-lowline-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 5 INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOE SAMPSON

CURRENT STATUS
Crews have constructed handline and equipment lines around the majority of the fire. The fire edge without handline or equipment line are areas of the fire that are fully contained. Along the eastern edge of the fire, crews have removed the majority of pumps and hose lays. These supplies are being transported to the incident command post and being washed and properly stored for future use. Aerial resources assisted the Flathead National Forest with a new fire start near Lindy Peak yesterday. This new fire start is northwest of the Colt Fire.

PLANNED ACTION
Crews will continue to mop-up areas along the fire’s perimeter. Most of the mop-up activities will be in the heavy fuels along the fire’s southwestern edge that continue to hold heat. Crews will continue to remove hoses and pumps from the fire line, where they are no longer needed. On the southeast edge of the fire, the hose lays and pumps are located in remote areas that are difficult to access. For this reason, a helicopter will assist crews in removing the supplies via sling loads.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
The Incident Meteorologist released weather balloon yesterday and gained valuable insight into inversions in the area as well as wind directions and speeds over the fire. Temperatures are expected to reach into the 80s today at higher elevations in the fire area and upwards of 90 degrees in the lower elevation areas. Relative humidities will likely be between 15-20 percent. These conditions, with the addition of gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday, could result in critical fire conditions as well as red flag warnings later in the week.

FLATHEAD INTERAGENCY TYPE 3 TEAM

INCIDENT COMMANDER: MIKE WEST

Fire Information: 406-758-5376 Email: 2023.tinsoldiercomplex@firenet.gov
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-tin-soldier-complex

Monday, August 14, 2023, at 9:00 am
Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake, Montana
Start Date: 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning Size: 2,694 acres Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 70 Engines: 3 Type 2 IA Crew: 2 Water Tender: 1
Heavy Equipment Task Force: 1
Note: Additional personnel from the Spotted Bear District are “on loan” and assisting with fire related operations. Priority will be given for initial attack if any other fires on the Spotted Bear District are detected.

SUMMARY
The Tin Soldier Complex is estimated at 2,694 acres in size and remains 0% contained. There was no IR flight last night therefore an update on acreage is not available at this time.

Acres burned as of the morning of Monday, August 14th.
• Bruce Fire – 1002 acres at 0% containment
• Kah Mtn Fire – 451 acres at 0% containment
• Sullivan Fire – 1,241 acres at 0% containment
• Con Kelly Fire – 0.25 acres – Out.

The Bruce, Kah and Sullivan fires are being managed with point source protection to protect values at risk. Values at risk include Stony Communications Site, hydro-electric plant, Heinrude residential community, commercial guest ranches and the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound.

PAST AND PLANNED ACTIONS
Today’s actions will include ongoing structure protection efforts for the Spotted Bear Ranch, Diamond R Ranch, Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound, and the Heinrude residential community. Mechanical equipment finished the fuel break to the north, south and west side of FS Road #895 adjacent to the Heinrude community. Wrapping of Spotted Bear Lookout was completed yesterday afternoon.

EVACUATIONS, CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
Evacuation: An evacuation has been issued by the Flathead County Sheriff for Heinrude community.
Restrictions/Closures:
• Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect as of August 5th.
• An area closure is in effect for the Hungry Horse Reservoir, the front country of the Spotted Bear district as well the Gorge Creek drainage within the Bob Marshall Wilderness area.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Tin Soldier Complex to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. This includes the Spotted Bear and Meadow Creek Airstrips! Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to UAS or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

WEATHER
High pressure will strengthen over the region beginning today and continue through at least Thursday. Relative humidities will drop into the single digits, leading to more active fire behavior throughout the day and night. Temperatures are expected to increase, with valley high's 90-95F and ridge high's 78-83F. Critical fire weather is possible Wednesday and Thursday due to the combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions.

Special Statement

This is the final smoke outlook for north-central NM. Should smoke impacts increase in the coming days, new outlooks will be posted.

Fire

The Black Feather Fire is 0% contained and has burned an estimated 2,198 acres. 
 

Smoke

Overall, GOOD air quality conditions are expected through the period. Today's expected cooler-than-average temperatures along with a 70% chance of wetting rainfall will continue to limit fire activity and smoke production. Smoke impacts, if any, are expected to remain minimal and localized to areas near the fire perimeters the next several days. Of greater concern will be the potential for localized flash flooding over and near the Black Feather Fire this afternoon and evening where a Flood Watch has been posted from Noon MDT today through 9PM MDT. The potential for wetting rainfall decreases and daytime temperatures trend upward Tuesday and Wednesday but a favorable monsoon pattern may return late in the week.

Thompson Ridge Fire Update
Monday, August, 14, 2023
 

Community meeting at the Junction Fire House this evening, Monday, August 14 at 6 p.m.​

FIRE SITUATION

Due to the hard work the last few shifts, firefighters were able to identify areas to safely engage in suppression tactics around the fire perimeter leading to increase in containment. Despite the weather, the fire is still active in many areas. 

Near the northwest edge of the fire, firefighters completed indirect line in the South Creek drainage today. Crews continue improving line where the fire burned into the footprint of the old Pole Creek Fire. Firefighters along the southeast edge of the fire will continue building and maintaining line westward from Birch Creek Campground. Crews have been inserted along the southern perimeter of the fire and will continue implementing suppression tactics along that edge. Throughout the fire area, helicopters will support firefighters on the ground with bucket drops. 

Monsoonal moisture continued to assist firefighting operations yesterday, with about 0.1” to as much as 0.34” rain in the vicinity of the fire area. Today there will be winds moving in from the south. Cooler, damper conditions will remain, but winds may increase fire activity when wind direction and terrain align. 

Great Basin Team 5 will be hosting community meetings in Junction and Beaver this week. The Junction meeting will be at the Fire House at 6 p.m. on Monday, 8/14. The meeting in Beaver will be at the City Center at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 8/15. Both meetings will be streamed on the Fishlake National Forest Facebook page for those who are unable to attend in-person.

EVACUATIONS: None at this time.

CLOSURES: Please refer to closure order. Please note that SR-153, Kent’s Lake Road (137), Upper and Lower Kent’s Lake, Little Res. Campground, Anderson Meadow, and LeBaron remain open at this time. Use caution in and around these areas, as you will see an influx of both ground and aviation equipment working to suppress the fire.

STATUS

Start Date: August 4, 2023

Incident Type: Wildfire

Size: 7,289 acres

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 9%

Location: 10 miles southeast of Beaver, Utah

Terrain: Steep, rugged terrain in remote areas transitioning to rolling pinyon juniper hills

Structures Threatened: None

RESOURCES

Engines: 9

Water Tenders: 2

Crews: 11

Helicopters: 6

Dozers: 3

Total Personnel: 403

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn fire is currently at 25,966 acres with 40% completed. Firefighters remain along the west flank of the fire along Trout Creek and Whitewater Wilderness Ranch to ensure private inholdings and values along the Salmon River Corridor are secure. Crews are constructing fuel breaks from 9553 to 9550 road to the Magruder Road, where indirect lines will the follow the 505 UTV trail, then continuing into the previous Shissler Wildfire from 2020.

Over the next few days hot, dry, and stable conditions will prevail. An upper ridge extends from the Pacific Northwest through the desert Southwest. The Salmon River drainage is expected to see triple digit heat into Thursday with 80s to 90s elsewhere. With this drying effect, higher temperatures, and low relative humidity will cause fires to burn more readily in heavy dead and downed fuels. Firefighters could see a potential for open flames, torching trees, spot fires, and small areas of spread where slope and fuels align. The daily air quality reports will be available through the Elkhorn Fire information page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire

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. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area.

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, 79% contained | Mill Pocket– 2,135 acres, 89% contained

Total Personnel: 623 total    Engines: 42       Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed     Hand Crews: 15

Big Knife Fire

On Sunday, fire activity increased as expected as temperatures got hotter and humidity levels lower. On the north perimeter at Gold Creek, helicopters utilized water to check the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to call on aircraft 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 also preparing canal roads for better egress.

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 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

Strategic firing operations to help add to containment are likely to occur today on a small section on the south side of the Niarada Fire. Fighting fire with fire, firefighters will ignite the vegetation along prepared firelines to burn fuels between the lines and the wildfire’s edge. This is done when weather conditions and fuel moisture levels align to manage the fire on firefighter’s terms. Ultimately, a deeper black line is created and secured, increasing containment and reducing risk. These operations will cause additional smoke in the afternoon and will be conducted if conditions are right.

Crews continue to assess, patrol and mop up (cool areas containing heat) around much of the remaining fire perimeter. Areas on the fire's east and south sides show increased smoke with the hotter and drier conditions. These are primarily interior pockets of fuels continuing to burn out. With the predicted hot weather, expect more smoke in the coming days.

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

Progress continues on the Mill Pocket Fire as containment increases. Much of the remaining perimeter is in mop-up and patrol status. Some heat remains in steep scree slopes on the northwestern side, and firefighters continue to work in this area, mopping up hot spots where they can access them. Helicopters continue to drop water as needed.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A high-pressure ridge will cause hotter temperatures and drier conditions throughout the week. Tuesday likely will be the hottest day. Poor relative humidity recovery will result in more active fire behavior. Winds will remain light.

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.

Burnett 109 Fire

News - 08/14/2023

Burnett 109 Fire Final Update

August 14, 2023

Size: 2,126 acres

Containment: 100%

Start Date: August 12, 2023

Cause: Unknown

On August 12, around 4:00 p.m. Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance on a fire burning approximately 4 miles West of Iowa Park, Texas in Wichita County.

Texas A&M Forest Service crews completed all containment lines and mop up operations, any fire activity was mitigated and the Burnett 109 Fire reached 100% containment by the end of the operational shift today.

Monkey Creek Fire

News - 08/14/2023

Monkey Creek Fire Final Update

August 14, 2023

Size: 2,642 acres

Containment: 100%

Start Date: August 9, 2023

Cause: Unknown

Around 6 p.m. on August 9, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance on a fire burning 8 miles South of Quanah in Hardeman County, Texas. The fire is burning in juniper shrub and grass fuels.

Texas A&M Forest Service crews completed all containment lines and mop up operations, any fire activity was mitigated and the Monkey Creek Fire reached 100% containment by the end of the operational shift today.

Evacuations:

Copper Breaks State Park had evacuated, but has since reopened.