Tin Soldier Complex Fact Sheet
Flathead National Forest Land Management
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

Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 9:00 am
Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake, Montana
Start Date: 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning

Size: 2,632 acres

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 70 Engines: 3 Type 2 IA Crew: 1 Masticators: 1
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 2,632 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 Saturday, August 12th.
• Bruce Fire – 993 acres at 0% containment
• Kah Mtn Fire – 430 acres at 0% containment
• Sullivan Fire – 1,209 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 will finish the fuel break to the south, continue establishing the fuel break to the north and start establishing a fuel break on the west side of the FS Road #895 in the area around the community. Additionally, fire personnel have finished laying in hose line and sprinklers around structures within the Heinrude community. A crew will resume work to wrap the Spotted Bear Lookout.

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, including Feather, Inspiration, Gorge, Canyon Trickle, and Stadium Creeks.
• 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
A warming and drying trend will continue through this weekend into mid next week. A weak weather system will pass through on Saturday which will result in increased cloud cover and breezy afternoon winds from the west. By Saturday evening, wind will shift from the west to a northeasterly direction. There is a slight chance of showers accompanying this wind shift Saturday night into Sunday morning. The high-pressure ridge will settle on Monday into mid next week. This will lead to much warmer temperatures Monday through Wednesday with relative humidities dropping down into the teens. By Tuesday, increasing winds and instability, along with hot and dry conditions, could cause elevated fire weather conditions.

Resources: 417 Total Personnel | 9 Hand Crews | 20 Engines | 5 Water Tenders | 7 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 1,890 acres and is 5% contained. State Route 20 remains closed between milepost 120 (Newhalem) and milepost 146 (just east of the East Creek Trailhead). Large rocks and debris fell throughout the day on portions of the closed road. The road has been closed for firefighter and public safety in an emergency situation.

Yesterday: Fire activity increased with the warming trend. Crews working northeast of the fire improved the Happy Panther Trail and prepped around the Ross Dam communications building on the Ross Dam Trail. Firefighters and Seattle City Light worked to remove hazard trees along Diablo Dam Road. Aircraft were used extensively to drop buckets of water to check the fire from spreading in Sourdough Creek drainage. Control line from Ross Dam to the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is completely plumbed.  A palm infrared camera used around the structures of Diablo located one hot spot which night shift monitored closely.  Firefighters were holding the line as fire backed downhill and along the highway to the west.

Today: A burn plan has been approved for the western flank of the fire north of the highway. If weather conditions allow, firefighters will perform a burn out operation through aerial ignition.  Burn out is a tool used to set fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line. Fire managers want to tie the western fire flank into the 2015 Goodall Fire burn scar. Old burn scars can serve as an effective control feature because of the limited fuels that remain. Firefighters will monitor for any changes in fire conditions that may affect the Diablo community and infrastructure. Crews working along the southeastern flank of the fire will continue making improvements to the powerline corridor as a fuel break. Firefighters will be clearing and chipping fuels and hauling equipment along the eastern perimeter of the fire on State Route 20.  Aviation assets will continue to support firefighters with bucket drops to keep the fire in check.

Weather: Today will see slightly warmer temperatures with highs forecast to reach the lower 80s and lighter westerly winds. Much hotter and drier conditions are starting to move over the area with fire behavior expected to increase.

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

Boggy Creek Fire Daily Update 8/12/2023 11:00am

Size: 229 acres (reduction due to better mapping)

Containment: 65%

Cause: Vehicle fire

All evacuations have been lifted in the area of the Boggy Creek Fire and cooling center location were closed down Friday evening as residents were allowed back. No structures were damaged or lost, and no injuries have been reported. 

A total of 36 personnel from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System strike teams 151 and 150 are on scene. Strike team engine crews will mop-up areas of heat and smoke detected around the fire perimeter and continue to ensure structure protection, and dozer crews will continue to improve perimeter containment lines. Fire activity observed on Saturday has been minimal with the main areas of smoke and heat being found well within the interior of the burned area.

CORDUROY FIRE

Start Date: July 12, 2023, Location: 20 Miles SW Alpine, Percent Contained: 86, Size: 1,027 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Medium Logging Slash, Resources Assigned: 2 Engines, 2 Crews, 1 Dozer, 1 Water tender.

Operations: Firefighting resources continue to patrol and monitor the perimeter to identify and mitigate any threats to containment lines. Rehabilitation needs are being evaluated to repair any damages, minimize soil erosion, and offset any adverse impacts from fire suppression activities.

BOUNDARY FIRE

Start Date: July 27, 2023, Location: 30 Miles SW of Alpine, Percent Contained: 35, Size: 929 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Brush, Resources Assigned: 2 Engines.

Operations: Firefighters have established multiple contingency lines in alignment with existing road systems to keep the fire to the north of the 2059B and east of the 2000D roads. One of the top priorities is to minimize adverse effects to commercial timber stands within the 130-acre footprint of the Boundary fire on San Carlos land.

WILLOW FIRE

Start Date: July 27, 2023, Location: 12 Miles SW of Alpine, Percent Contained: 18, Size: 401 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Grass and Understory) Medium Logging Slash, Resources Assigned: 4 Crews, 4 Engines, 1 Dozer.

Operations: Firefighters have finished cold trailing, a method of inspecting and feeling with the hand to detect any heat, along the perimeter of the fire. Resources will now look to identify fire suppression repair work that will be needed.

Closures: Chipping operations have been completed and highway 191 was reopened at 8:00pm on August 11th.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for afternoon thunderstorms with an 80% chance of rain, a high of 63 degrees, and 5-10mph winds with higher gusts near approaching storm fronts.

Values at risk: Sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watersheds, riparian areas, impacts to Highway 191, Hannagan Lodge, and nearby electric powerlines.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For details, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81123

Smoke: Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 191, especially at night.

Official fire information:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-black-river-complex
• Incident Email and Phone: 2023.blackrivercomplex@firenet.gov, 928-245-1585
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Black Feather Fire Evacuation Status Reduced -- Saturday, August 12, 2023

Acres: 2,198 acres
Start Date: August 5, 2023
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory
Containment: 0%
Resources: 502 personnel
Location: Approximately 9 miles south of Gallina, NM, on the Santa Fe National Forest, Coyote Ranger District. Near the Peñas Negras Trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

Highlights: This morning, Rio Arriba County announced that the communities of Mesa Poleo and Mesa Pinabetal have had their evacuation status reduced from ‘Set’ to ‘Ready.’ With this change, there are no longer any communities in ‘Set’ status. The community of Wetherill remains in ‘Ready’ status. For more informaiton visit: https://tinyurl.com/BlackFeatherLiveEvcMap .

Firefighters continue to implement a full-suppression strategy on this lightning-caused fire with the objectives of firefighter and public safety, and protecting property, infrastructure, and other values at risk, including timber and watershed. Through a combination of firefighting efforts and weather, there was minimal growth on the fire yesterday. Current resources on the fire include 7 hotshot crews, 22 engines, 6 helicopters, 4 dozers, 5 water tenders, and numerous fix-wing aircraft.

Operations: Today, crews on the north, south, and southeast sides of the fire continue to tie together containment lines and prepare areas as needed to protect the communities and values at risk should the fire continue to move out of the wilderness. Firefighters will be securing the fire’s edge on the southeast side of the fire, tying in existing road systems and handlines. Prep work on the existing road systems in the area will continue, providing additional access and containment options should they be needed in the future.

Evacuations: The communities of Mesa Pinebetal and Mesa Poleo have been reduced to ‘Ready’ status. The community of Wetherill remains in ‘Ready’ status. The Coyote Senior Center is open to evacuees, and livestock can be taken to the Rio Arriba Rural Event Center near Abiquiu. The Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating evacuations. For more information, visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/RioArribaSheriffsOffice. 

Safety: Expect increased activity in the area and on local roads as firefighters and equipment move to new locations. Please stay out of the fire area to allow crews safe access to the fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place around the fire area. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. If you fly, we can’t fly.

Weather: Rain potential will increase significantly today and throughout the weekend. Because of the monsoon nature of the moisture, numerous, small rain and thunderstorm cells will flow through the region for the next several days. Most cells will bring light to moderate rain for a period, before moving away. The strongest cells, however, are capable of producing brief, intense rainfall over localized spots. Though these cells will be isolated, they could pose problems if that rain falls on locations particularly vulnerable to flash flooding.

Restrictions/Closures: The Santa Fe National Forest has a partial closure order in place for the Coyote Ranger District. Visit the Santa Fe National Forest webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/santafe/alerts-notices/?aid=82412 for information and a corresponding map. Forest Road 103 is closed to non-residential traffic. Closures will be adjusted based on fire activity.

Smoke: More smoke may be visible in the area over the next several days as active smoldering is taking place Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

Fire Information: 505-460-0499
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackfeatherfireinfo
New Mexico Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/

A substantial plume of monsoon moisture will continue to overspread the area from south to north this weekend into early next week. Increased humidity, cloud cover, and daily rounds of scattered-widespread showers and thunderstorms will significantly reduce fire activity. As a result, smoke impacts, if any, are expected to remain minimal and localized to areas near the fire perimeters

Crews on the east side continue to construct a fuel break within the fire area and are starting to chip and create a shaded fuel break along FS Road 5070 south towards Sand Basin Creek. Personnel also continue to remove snags in the Crystal Creek area. The crews on the west side continue to remove excess fuel down Railroad Creek and fortify the fire line.

Crews on the east side continue to construct a fuel break within the fire area and are starting to chip and create a shaded fuel break along FS Road 5070 south towards Sand Basin Creek. Personnel also continue to remove snags in the Crystal Creek area. The crews on the west side continue to remove excess fuel down Railroad Creek and fortify the fire line.

Actualización del Incendio Lowline

Sábado 12 de Agosto, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes Tipo 3

Bryan Gaines, Comandante del Incidente

Teléfono de Información: 970-648-4470 (público)*, 970-765-7123 (medios de comunicación)*

Correo electrónico: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov

Horario: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Nota Especial: Debido a la mejora de la calidad del aire, hoy será la última publicación de la Perspectiva de Humo para el Incendio Lowline. Aquellos que aún deseen ver el Smoke Outlook, pueden encontrarlos aquí: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240

*Desactivaremos los números de comunicación de Lowline Fire el lunes 14 de Agosto. 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 Servicio Forestal (USFS), por favor comuníquese con su oficina local del distrito del USFS.

Situación Actual: El Servicio Forestal de Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, y Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Ranger District, actualizó ayer nuevas órdenes de cierre del bosque. Puede ver la orden completa aquí: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1129908.pdf.

Hoy día, los bomberos siguen trabajando en Lowline Fire en el área noreste del perímetro del incendio entre Middle Creek y Mill Creek. Los bomberos también están trabajando y observando cerca de la cresta de la montaña en la parte suroeste del incendio, entre Squirrel Creek y Mill Creek y cerca del límite de West Elk Wilderness. Los equipos están haciendo operaciones de "mop-up", que es el proceso de localizar y extinguir áreas de calor residual.

Condiciones Climáticas y de Combustibles: Hoy traerá un poco más de humedad y una mayor probabilidad de precipitaciones en el área de Gunnison, aunque existe una probabilidad mínima de lluvia húmeda en el área específica del Lowline Fire. Expectamos temperaturas en los 70s con 60% probabilidad de lluvia. Expectamos vientos del oeste y noroeste de 5 a 10 mph y ráfagas de 20 a 25 mph.

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.

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 

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

Estadísticas del Incendio Lowline:

Tamaño: 1871 acres         

Contenido: 55%

Personas: 133                  

Causa: Relȧmpago

Locación: 14 mi. NNW de Gunnison, CO

Reportado: 8:00 am July de 26, 2023

Para más Información:

Línea Telefónica:  970-648-4470 (publicó)*, 970-765-7123 (media)*

Correo electrónico: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Lowline Fire Update

Saturday, August 12, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Type 3 Incident Management

Bryan Gaines, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 970-648-4470 (public)*, 970-765-7123 (media)*

Email: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Note: Due to improving air quality, today will be the last posting of the Smoke Outlook for the Lowline Fire. Those still wishing to view the Smoke Outlook can find them here: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240

*On Monday, August 14th, the Lowline Fire Information and Media numbers will be deactivated. Moving forward, for active fire information, please call the GMUG Fire Information Hotline at (970) 874-6602. For any other USFS questions, please contact your local USFS District Office.

Current Situation: The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Ranger District, updated the forest closure orders for areas at noon yesterday. The complete closure order can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1129908.pdf.

Crews working the Lowline Fire continue patrolling the northeastern area of the fire perimeter between Middle Creek and Mill Creek. Firefighters are also monitoring the mountain ridge on the southwestern portion of the fire, between Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek and near the West Elk Wilderness boundary. Crews are performing “mop-up” operations, which is the process of manually locating and extinguishing any areas of residual heat which may threaten the lines in both areas.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Today will bring slightly more moisture and a higher chance of precipitation to the Gunnison area, though there is minimal chance of wetting rain in the specific area of the Lowline Fire. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 70s with a 60 percent chance of rain. West/Northwest winds are expected to be between 5-10 miles per hour and gusts between 20-25 mph.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions: A pre-evacuation order remains in effect for residents along CR 727 along 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.

National Forest closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1129908.pdf
BLM temporary closure: https://on.doi.gov/45lN2le

County Roads: In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire personnel and avoid the area around Lowline Fire, especially the forest closure areas and pre-evacuation area along CR 727.

Fire restrictions in Gunnison County: None.

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

Lowline Fire Statistics:

Size: 1871 acres         

Containment: 55%

Total Personnel:133    

Cause: lightning

Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, CO

Reported: 8:00 am July 26, 2023

For More Information:

Information Phone: 970-648-4470 (public)*, 970-765-7123 (media)*

Email: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo