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.

Fire managers continued to make progress on the Hayden Fire over the weekend. Much of the infrastructure that supported initial attack and sustained suppression operations is being removed. Crews are dismantling the remote camp up Hayden Creek that allowed some firefighters to camp closer to the fire. They are also removing pumps and hoses from streams. In some areas where firefighters thinned trees near roads, crews have finished cutting and stacking logs. The Salmon-Challis National Forest will communicate about firewood opportunities in these areas when closure orders are no longer required.  

Heavy equipment has been instrumental in fireline suppression repair work and in de-compacting soil in areas that served as staging areas. Fire managers expect the fleet of six excavators to be finished with their work on Tuesday.  

Only one helicopter remains on the Hayden Fire. Chad Walker, Air Operations Branch Director for Great Basin Incident Management Team 4, quantified the support air power provided from the incident’s start – a total of 37,489 gallons of retardant and 566,324 gallons of water assisted firefighters as they worked to keep the blaze in check. 

Engine crews continue to patrol and monitor the west side of the fire in the Morse Creek area, where some active fire remains. Monday’s fire weather is predicted to be mild, with temperatures in the lower elevations of the fire in the low to mid 80s and light breezes.  

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. 

News Release from Lane Co. Sheriff's Office
Posted on FlashAlert: August 13th, 2023 10:21 PM

The following areas are being upgraded to a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice:

?Taylor Rd.

?North Bank Rd.

?All areas north of Hwy. 126 between Blue River Reservoir Rd. and Drury Ln.

?Mona Campground.

?Lookout Campground

?H.J. Andrews Headquarters

Level 3 (GO NOW) Evacuation Notice: LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Danger is current or imminent and you should evacuate now. If you choose to ignore this notice, emergency services may not be able to assist you further. DO NOT DELAY leaving to gather items or protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until it’s safe. 

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The following areas are on a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice:
 Areas south of Hwy. 126 from Blue River Reservoir Rd. east to Foley Ridge Rd.

 McKenzie River Dr.
 

Level 1 means you should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor local media outlets and telephone devices to receive further information.

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets and livestock.

--

 Residents on a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notice who need assistance with large animal sheltering should call Lane County Animal Services at 541-285-8227.

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A call center with current evacuation will be staffed tonight until at least 1:00am tonight, reopening by 9:00am.  541-682-2055.

An evacuation map is available at www.LaneCounty.org/LookoutFire

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org

Contact Info:
541-682-4179

Today’s Date: 08/13/2023

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

Acres – 264                               Containment – 19%

Evacuations – None

Structures Damaged – 0                                                      Destroyed – 0

Summary: Hand crews continued cold trailing containment line today checking for any remaining heat. An engine assigned to the north side is patrolling along Forest Road 300 also checking for hotspots and interior smoke. Along the southeast side crews continue removing hazard trees and any other fuel that may pose a risk to containment lines. Crews secured black line around the fire on the south side and have the fire 19% contained at 264 acres. Storms continue to build up around the fire area during the afternoon, but the fire has not had any measurable rain since Friday. Monsoon moisture within the region will continue to bring afternoon showers and thunderstorms to the Mogollon Rim area north of Payson through the week. Monday has the potential for the highest chances of wetting rain at 55%. Increased humidity levels help keep fire activity low and help with suppression efforts. Some Brady Fire resources are also being used for initial attack purposes to assist the Tonto National Forest for any potential new starts in the area. The Coconino and Tonto National Forests’ Emergency Closure Order for the Brady Fire remains in effect through September 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm, unless rescinded. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also still in place on Arizona State Trust lands and within the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.

Personnel Assigned: 227:

Hotshot Crews – 3, Type 2-IA hand crews – 2, Type 2 hand crews – 1, engines – 5, dozers – 2, 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

PENDLETON, Ore. (August 13, 2023 – 9 a.m.) — Firefighters continue suppression efforts on the 93-acre Ben Harrison Fire, which is burning approximately 20 miles west of Sumpter, Oregon on the North Fork John Day Ranger District.

The Ben Harrison Fire, which was reported on Friday, Aug. 11, is burning generally toward the north and northeast in steep and rocky terrain with heavy timber within the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The fire experienced moderated fire behavior yesterday and did not expand outside of the previously estimated perimeter. Firefighters, aided by aerial resources, focused suppression efforts on establishing containment lines along both sides of the fire.

Today firefighters will continue to build containment lines, where terrain and fuels allow for crews to safely engage, while utilizing aircraft to limit the spread of the fire outside of the current perimeter. Crews continue to scout alternate containment lines where natural features bolster potential containments lines and provide for firefighter safety. Natural features utilized by fire managers to establish containment lines include roads, ridges, and rivers. Approximately 80 personnel are being assigned to the fire today.

The Forest will inbrief the Northwest Type 2 Incident Management Team 8 today at 12 p.m. and the team is anticipated to take command of the fire tomorrow. The incident command post will be set up at Crane Flats.

Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the weekend. Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at HIGH and public use restrictions involving chainsaw use, smoking and off-road travel are in effect.

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact:

Umatilla National Forest:

Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663

www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF   Twitter: @UmatillaNF

The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/.  

Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.

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

13 de agosto, 2023 Reporte diario para el incendio Flat

Extensión: 33,861 acres Inicio:15-Julio-23

Origen: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR

Contención: 56%

Personal: 539

Recursos: 16 camiones de bomberos l 7 escuadrillas de bomberos l 3 buldóceres l 24 cisternas l 8 máquinas masticadoras l 5 helicópteros

Resumen: Persistirán las condiciones climáticas Extremas en el incendio las cuales se extenderán hasta a mediados de esta semana. Las condiciones climáticas pronosticadas acerca de un clima caliente, seco y brisado, causara un incremento en el comportamiento del fuego entre el perímetro del incendio. El día de ayer, se pudo observar el humo derivándose sobre el eje Norte del incendio proveniente del Incendio Bedrock en el Valle de Willamette y viajando hacia la zona Sureste. Mientras el comportamiento del fuego se incremente, la presencia del humo derivado del Incendio Flat y otros incendios, continuara impactando especialmente el área del Suroeste de Oregon. El día de ayer, los recursos de ataques iniciales en el Incendio Flat, incluyendo camiones, las escuadrillas de bomberos y los recursos aéreos lograron apoyar en el Incendio O’Brien, localizado a 15 millas de Gold Beach. Los bomberos continúan patrullando a lo largo del perímetro del incendio y se encuentran preparados y listos para tomar cualquier acción necesaria que se presente en el área. Los trabajadores continúan en la ardua labor de mejorar las líneas de contingencia ya existentes y en busca de oportunidades para la construcción adicional de cortafuegos alternativos.

Actividades para el día de hoy:

Existe un potencial en la incrementación del comportamiento del incendio, especialmente sobre las partes más elevadas en el área del perímetro. La presencia baja de humedad en el material combusto y mientras continue la quema en ciertos espacios en el interior del incendio, se incrementará la posibilidad de iniciar fuegos en la misma zona afectada. Se espera observar humo, llamas arrastrándose en el terreno, así como también ciertos brotes de nuevos incendios. Existe la posibilidad de que se formen algunos incendios aislados. Sim embargo, la posibilidad de que se de un fuego en las cumbres del bosque, es mínima. Los operadores de la maquinaria pesada, en la parte Suroeste del perímetro del Incendio, continúan creando un corta fuego defendible a lo largo de las carreteras forestales 360 hasta la 365. Los bomberos que trabajan a mano en el terreno han logrado progresar en las líneas en Pistol River y en los drenajes de Meadows Creek. Se continúa utilizando el equipo pesado para mejorar las líneas de fuego, astillando y eliminando la maleza sobre las carreteras forestales 76 y 150. Los recursos aéreos apoyaron en ataques iniciales en la localidad y se dieron a la búsqueda de espacios de emanación de calor dentro del perímetro del fuego. Se prosigue con la ayuda en los esfuerzos de supresión para el Incendio O’Brien Creek.

Condiciones climáticas: Las condiciones climáticas sobre el área del incendio tienden a ser mas calientes y mas secas. Humedades relativas bajas y temperaturas altas darán como resultado un Aviso de Bandera Roja para horas de la tarde y en la noche para el domingo y lunes. Para ciertas porciones en el área del incendio Flat, está en efecto un Aviso de Calor Excesivo para el Domingo y extendiéndose hasta el jueves. Condiciones similares a estas se pronostican para hoy y mañana, pero con un estado atmosférico inestable.

Impacto del humo: Se dará un incremento en la presencia del humo a medida que la actividad en el incendio se incremente y se observará desde las áreas aledañas. Las perspectivas de 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.

Campbell Fire

News - 08/13/2023

Campbell Fire Daily Update

August 13, 2023

Size: 7000 acres

Containment: 50%

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 getting all containment lines tied in, now dozer crews work to improve containment lines with engine crews patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the line.

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.

The plan today is to continue improving the containment lines and addressing any hot spots or areas of concern.

Evacuations:

Voluntary evacuations had taken place, but residents have been able to return.

ANDERSON COMPLEX DAILY FIRE UPDATE | SATURDAY, Aug. 13, 2023

Anderson Complex Fire Information

Phone: (907) 921-2553 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Email: 2023.andersoncomplex@firenet.gov

No growth reported for Anderson Complex after Saturday’s winds

The fires in the Anderson Complex saw no significant growth after being tested by yesterday’s east winds. Crews reported multiple instances of fire-damaged trees falling in the areas where they were working. These trees pose a danger to firefighters and the public, so crews are working to remove as many of them as possible.

A Blackhawk helicopter assigned to the complex made multiple water drops on two small spot fires about 1/4 mile outside the northeastern edge of the Shores Landing Fire (#325). The spot fires were north of the Nenana River between river mile 8 and river mile 9. It is believed that they started several days ago but avoided immediate detection due to wet conditions on the ground. Yesterday’s warmer, windier weather brought the spot fires to life. A squad of firefighters contained both spot fires.

Today, an 8-person wildland fire crew from Joint Basin Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) will work to protect two allotments northeast of the Shores Landing Fire. The Franco Type 2 crew that has been working in the area of the Teklanika River Fire (#257) and Shores Landing Fire is still there today. They are securing fire line where possible, extinguishing burning vegetation, cooling off ash pits and felling fire damaged trees. They are also checking pumps, hoses, and sprinklers near structures and allotments to determine whether they are still needed.

Crews in the Anderson-Nenana Group are maintaining a presence in the City of Anderson and patrolling the Parks Highway north to Nenana. Excess firefighting equipment is being removed from the improved fuel breaks around Anderson. The Anderson-Nenana Group and Clear Group are responsible for responding to any new fire starts within the Anderson Complex.

Portions of the Birch Creek Fire (#285) have received measurable rain. Firefighters saw standing water in the burned area and minimal fire activity during a recon flight over the area yesterday. The Shasta Lake Hotshots are removing trees that have fallen across roads or been damaged by fire in the Rose Hip Creek area. They are also maintaining structure protection equipment as needed and searching for and extinguish areas of residual heat.

Crews are assessing the ongoing need for the sprinkler systems they set up around structures in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions. Some of these systems will be dismantled over the coming dates and returned to the cache for cleaning or repair so they can be reused. Heavy equipment operators continue to clear brush and vegetation from around structures or along roads to reduce fuel loads and improve access.

The Rock Creek Fire (#287) has not shown any growth in nearly a week. A recon flight to assess structures around Dune Lake is planned for today. No crews have been assigned to the fire, but plans are being drafted to protect the structures and allotments in the area.

The Anderson Complex includes the Teklanika River Fire (#257), Birch Creek Fire (#285), Shores Landing Fire (#325), Rock Creek Fire (#287), Bear Creek Fire (#287), Kobe Road Fire (#297), Nenana River Fire (#288), and Nenana River 2 Fire (#289).

WEATHER: After yesterday’s strong east winds, there will be another change in the weather today with winds shifting to a southeasterly direction. Wind speeds today will be lighter with the strongest winds staying in the mountain passes to the south of the complex. Gusts could be up to 15 mph on portions of the Birch Fire (#285) and Rock Creek Fire (#287). Conditions overall will be mostly cloudy with a rain shower or two possible.

EVACUATION STATUS: The City of Anderson, the North Forties subdivision, and Kobe Ag subdivision are in evacuation status READY. Individuals in this area should remain ready for possible evacuation.

The Teklanika River, all residents along the Teklanika River, all residents in Clear Sky homestead (not the Clear Sky Lodge), and residents adjacent to Rose Hip Creek remain in evacuation status GO. Individuals in this area should evacuate now. Do not delay. The Tri-Valley School is available for evacuation parking and will be available as an evacuation center, if needed. 

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

CLOSURE: The City of Anderson has closed the shooting range until further notice for firefighter and public safety. Firefighters are working in the area for the next several days. The campground and playground are open.

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 13, 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: 2,448 acres Containment: 15% Total Personnel: 350 Engines: 14 Heavy Equipment: 4 Crews: 8

A community meeting is scheduled for today (Sunday), August 13, at 3:30 PM at the Athol Community Center located at 30355 3rd St, Athol, ID 83801. This will be live-streamed on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Facebook page (www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF/).

Acreage and containment estimates were revised this morning to reflect analysis of data gathered from the infrared flight that occurred last night.

FIRE STATUS

The Ridge Creek Fire is now estimated at 2,448 acres with 15% containment. Fire crews and heavy equipment operators continue to make progress in reinforcing and connecting containment lines. Containment reflects how much of the fire’s perimeter has reached the fireline and is reasonably expected to hold there. Winds today are predicted to be light, but directionally flow out of the northeast. This easterly flow over the fire will increase smoke impacts downwind to the west and south, but is not anticipated to have a substantial effect on fire behavior. Out of an abundance of caution, a night shift of engines will monitor fire behavior again tonight due to the northeasterly flows expected again tonight. Weather will continue to trend hotter and drier in the coming week which should be anticipated to increase fire behavior and with it the visibility of smoke in the area.

Hand crews and dozers will continue to work on the south end of the fire along Forest Service Rd 437 (Hayden Creek Rd), east through Hells Canyon to FSR 406 and up to Hudlow Saddle. On the fire’s northeast side, crews continue to improve fireline through Sage Creek Saddle using FSR 406. Operational staff are scouting the forested area between FSR 406 and South Chilco Mountain for places to extend the fire line eastward. 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).

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

This week’s weather is trending warmer and drier, which will cause fire behavior to increase. Temperatures today will range from the high 80s at lower elevations to the low 80s at higher elevations. Winds are predicted to be light, but will flow from the northeast with some variability. Relative humidity will approach 25% during the day, with overnight recovery to 45%. Fire activity is anticipated to increase, particularly on south-facing slopes, as temperatures increase throughout the week. The visibility of smoke will increase with the trend to higher temperatures and increased fire behavior.

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 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.

“Percent completion” of objectives more accurately captures and reports the specific amount of work accomplished on the ground to manage fire spread and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identified values. By using percent completion of objectives, fire managers can illustrate how they are progressing with the accomplishment of objectives that have been identified and prioritized. As a comparison, “containment” implies firelines around the entire perimeter, directly next to the fire's active edge.