CENTRAL UTAH INTERAGENCY FIRE -  Thompson Ridge Fire Incident Update

RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Sierra Hellstrom, 435-352-6435

CURRENT SITUATION

This morning, Great Basin Team 5 has taken command of the fire. Precipitation yesterday improved relative humidity recovery, as much as 80% in some areas. This helped to minimize fire behavior throughout the fire area. 

Firefighters today will continue to improve dozer and handlines on the eastern flank of the fire. On the northeastern edge, the fire is in the burn scar from the old Pole Creek Fire. Firefighters are using that to their advantage, since the previous fire burned away much of the dead and down fuels in that area, minimizing vegetation available to burn. Crews will continue to scout opportunities for access and control options on the northwest and southern edges of the fire. 

The weather forecast today is for scattered thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from the 80s at lower elevation to the 70s at higher elevation. There may be occasional wind gusts up to 40 mph, as the storm system moves through the area. Overall, the fire behavior today is expected to be moderate, thanks to yesterday’s precipitation.

FIRE STATUS

Start Date: August 4, 2023

Incident Type: Wildfire

Size: 7,289 acres

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 0%

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: 5

Water Tenders: 6

Crews: 6

Helicopters: 4

Dozers: 5

Total Personnel: 199

Evacuations: None

Closures: Please refer to UPDATED closure order. Note that the SR-153 and SR-137 are not closed.

DELTA JUNCTION AREA FIRE UPDATE

Friday August 11, 2023

Fire Info number: 541-977-2756 / Fire Info website: AkFireInfo.com Facebook: AK.Forestry / Twitter: @AK_Forestry / YouTube: AlaskaDNRDOF

Community briefing - Friday, August 11 at 6:00 pm at the Big Delta Brewing Co. This informal, family-friendly, in-person briefing is a chance for residents to hear a fire update for the Pogo Mine Road Fire and the Mount Hayes Fire.

On both the Pogo Mine Road (#191) and Mount Hayes (#299) fires, there’s a lot of open fire perimeter, but not a lot of firefighting resources. The main focus continues to be on structure protection and assessing what values at risk are located in and around the two wildfires.

A drone or uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) module is on the fire performing scouting missions, mapping the fire perimeter and in place for aerial ignitions when conditions allow for burning.

Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue today, with thunderstorm potential decreasing this weekend. Cloudy conditions with light winds and light precipitation was present for much of the Delta Junction area. Consequently, fire behavior was moderated with creeping and smoldering in the tundra while pockets of heavy fuel contributed to fire spread.

There are no evacuations in place for Fires #191 and #299.
Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 47,136 acres | 1% contained | 32 personnel – 15 miles north of

Delta Junction

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 7,085 acres | 0% contained | 35 personnel – 7 miles south of Deltana

Unstaffed Fires: Delta Fire (#221) - 46,612 acres, Ponds Fire (#302) - 9,163 acres

DELTA JUNCTION AREA FIRE UPDATE

Friday August 11, 2023

Fire Info number: 541-977-2756 / Fire Info website: AkFireInfo.com Facebook: AK.Forestry / Twitter: @AK_Forestry / YouTube: AlaskaDNRDOF

Community briefing - Friday, August 11 at 6:00 pm at the Big Delta Brewing Co. This informal, family-friendly, in-person briefing is a chance for residents to hear a fire update for the Pogo Mine Road Fire and the Mount Hayes Fire.

On both the Pogo Mine Road (#191) and Mount Hayes (#299) fires, there’s a lot of open fire perimeter, but not a lot of firefighting resources. The main focus continues to be on structure protection and assessing what values at risk are located in and around the two wildfires.

A drone or uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) module is on the fire performing scouting missions, mapping the fire perimeter and in place for aerial ignitions when conditions allow for burning.

Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue today, with thunderstorm potential decreasing this weekend. Cloudy conditions with light winds and light precipitation was present for much of the Delta Junction area. Consequently, fire behavior was moderated with creeping and smoldering in the tundra while pockets of heavy fuel contributed to fire spread.

There are no evacuations in place for Fires #191 and #299.
Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 47,136 acres | 1% contained | 32 personnel – 15 miles north of

Delta Junction

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 7,085 acres | 0% contained | 35 personnel – 7 miles south of Deltana

Unstaffed Fires: Delta Fire (#221) - 46,612 acres, Ponds Fire (#302) - 9,163 acres

DELTA JUNCTION AREA FIRE UPDATE

Friday August 11, 2023

Fire Info number: 541-977-2756 / Fire Info website: AkFireInfo.com Facebook: AK.Forestry / Twitter: @AK_Forestry / YouTube: AlaskaDNRDOF

Community briefing - Friday, August 11 at 6:00 pm at the Big Delta Brewing Co. This informal, family-friendly, in-person briefing is a chance for residents to hear a fire update for the Pogo Mine Road Fire and the Mount Hayes Fire.

On both the Pogo Mine Road (#191) and Mount Hayes (#299) fires, there’s a lot of open fire perimeter, but not a lot of firefighting resources. The main focus continues to be on structure protection and assessing what values at risk are located in and around the two wildfires.

A drone or uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) module is on the fire performing scouting missions, mapping the fire perimeter and in place for aerial ignitions when conditions allow for burning.

Showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue today, with thunderstorm potential decreasing this weekend. Cloudy conditions with light winds and light precipitation was present for much of the Delta Junction area. Consequently, fire behavior was moderated with creeping and smoldering in the tundra while pockets of heavy fuel contributed to fire spread.

There are no evacuations in place for Fires #191 and #299.
Pogo Mine Road Fire (#191) – 47,136 acres | 1% contained | 32 personnel – 15 miles north of

Delta Junction

Mount Hayes Fire (#299) – 7,085 acres | 0% contained | 35 personnel – 7 miles south of Deltana

Unstaffed Fires: Delta Fire (#221) - 46,612 acres, Ponds Fire (#302) - 9,163 acres

Overall, GOOD air quality conditions are expected through the outlook period.

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 11, 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: 2,402 acres Containment: 5% Total Personnel: 338 Engines: 6 Heavy Equipment: 6 Crews: 4

A helicopter flight yesterday was used to map the perimeter of the fire. Information gathered was used to construct an updated map, included with this update, and a more accurate estimate of fire acreage.

The acreage increase is primarily because of updated mapping rather than recent fire growth.

FIRE STATUS

The Ridge Creek Fire is now estimated at 2,402 acres with 5% containment. Fire crews and heavy equipment operators have made substantial progress in building, 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. The forecasted hot, dry, windy weather will be a test of the good work that has been done on the ground by firefighters and heavy equipment operators. Hand crews and dozers 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. On the fire’s west flank, crews are reinforcing FSR 625 (North Fork Rd). 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

The weather will trend to warmer and drier in the coming week, which will cause fire behavior to increase. Temperatures today will range from the mid-80s at lower elevations to the mid-70s at higher elevations. Winds will be predominantly out of the southwest, gusting to 30 mph. Relative humidity will be in the range of 25-30%. Fire activity is anticipated to increase, particularly on south facing slopes. Smoke is likely to be visible.
 

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

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.

Evacuation status to change for some areas impacted by Anderson Complex 

EVACUATION STATUS: Today the Denali Borough and state of Alaska will change the evacuation status for some areas impacted by fires in the Anderson Complex. The change will be made based on information from Great Basin Team 3. 

The borough has moved residents in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions from SET to READY. The City of Anderson remains in READY status. Individuals in this area should remain ready for possible evacuation.  

The borough and state have also moved the following areas out of READY status:  

• the City of Nenana 
• residents who access their property off the George Parks Highway corridor between milepost 288 and milepost 306 
• residents who access their property from the west side of the George Parks Highway between milepost 266 and milepost 270, including June Creek and Bear Creek 
• residents who access their property off the Parks Highway corridor from the Rex Bridge to milepost 280. 

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. 

FIRE UPDATE: Five days of rainy, humid weather have reduced fire activity across the Anderson Complex. The Teklanika River Fire (#257), Shores Landing Fire (#325), Birch Creek Fire (#285) and Rock Creek Fire (#287) – previously the most active fires in the complex – have not seen significant growth since Aug. 6. Great Basin Team 3 has begun releasing some crews and equipment for assignment to other fires around the state. The team has been careful to retain the personnel and equipment needed to complete the work that still needs to be done. 

A Franco Type 2 hand crew continues to work in areas near the Teklanika River Fire and Shores Landing Fire. They are felling fire damaged trees, clearing brush and putting out hotspots. They are also evaluating pumps, hoses, and sprinklers that were set up to defend structures and allotments from the fires. In areas where the fires are no longer a threat, this equipment will be dismantled and returned to the fire cache for cleaning and any needed repairs so it can be used again. Firefighting equipment will be left in place in areas where the fires may still pose a threat. 

Crews in the Anderson-Nenana Group are doing similar work, removing and returning some firefighting equipment to the cache. The rest will remain in place until it is determined that the Shores Landing and Teklanika River fires are no longer a threat. The Anderson-Nenana Group and Clear Group also have initial attack responsibility for any new fires that start within the Anderson Complex. 

The Shasta Lake Hotshots are clearing trees that have fallen across roads in the Rose Hip Creek area to reopen access. The crew is also ensuring that the pumps, hoses and sprinklers they put in place to protect structures are still working. They will continue with mop up and structure protection today. 

Crews from Kobe, Anderson, Northstar, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire, K River 1 and Franco Reforestation are maintaining some of the sprinkler systems that have been set up around structures in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions. Sprinkler systems that are no longer needed are being removed. Dozer lines are in place to the north and east of the North Forties. Masticators have been used in several areas during the structure protection efforts in the North Forties, Kobe Ag and the City of Anderson. These pieces of heavy equipment are one tool used in fuels reduction work. They shred, chunk or chop vegetation and small trees to lower the risk of wildfire, improve forest health, and reduce erosion. 

Firefighters were able to fly around the perimeter of the Rock Creek Fire yesterday. They identified structures, allotments and other areas of importance that could be threatened by the fire. Plans are being developed to protect these sites should that become necessary. 

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: Dense smoke will persist through this morning, with some clearing possible this evening. For more information about wildfire smoke visit https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/. Firefighting aircraft may be grounded due to reduced visibility. There is a chance of rain showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. However, the chance of more than a tenth of an inch of rain is low. Temperatures will be in the 70s, influenced by the smoke. 

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

#FlatFireOregon2023 #Update

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

11 de Agosto, 2023,  Reporte Informe del incendio Flat                      

Extension: 33,817 acres                                          

Inicio: 15-Julio-2023

Origen: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR

Contencion: 47%

Personal: 781

Recursos: 15 camiones de bomberos l 15 escuadrillas de bomberos l 4 buldócer l 25 cisternas l 9 masticadoras l 6 helicópteros

Resumen:  Las escuadrillas de bomberos siguen preparados, atentos y listos para responder a cualquier tipo de problema que pueda surgir en el incendio. Se utilizaron los recursos aéreos para apoyar y efectuar las observaciones sobre el terreno e identificar cualquier incremento en el comportamiento del fuego. En los drenajes y sobre el interior de las laderas, el fuego se encuentra quemando con baja intensidad, arrastrándose y produciendo humaredas a su paso.

Se podrá observar el humo proveniente de la parte interior del incendio y producido por el consumo y la quema continua de áreas aun no quemadas y un material pesado de combustión en las mismas. Con las condiciones previstas acerca de la tendencia de un clima caluroso, la presencia del humo se hará mas visible en el área afectada. Se esta progresando en los esfuerzos de la estabilización del suelo a lo largo y sobre la extensión de las líneas de control. Se tratará de identificar líneas de contingencia adicionales y si es necesario, serán construidas en el sitio.

Actividades para el dia de hoy: Los recursos aéreos y sobre el terreno, se darán a la tarea de monitorear el perímetro del incendio, explorando los ejes abiertos del fuego en caso de que se diera un cambio en el comportamiento del incendio o un brote potencial del fuego.

El día de hoy, se estará utilizando el sistema Aéreo automatizado (UAS) con la finalidad de detectar emanaciones de calor. Al mismo tiempo, los recursos necesarios se encuentran estratégicamente desplazados para extinguirlos en áreas que sean factibles. La presencia de los bomberos está en pie en el área de Agness. Estos tienen el propósito de cuidar a los residentes y la infraestructura para cualquier posibilidad de un incremento del incendio. Nuestros bomberos continuaran asegurando las líneas de contención y completando la ardua labor de limpieza y extinguiendo zonas emanando calor dentro del interior del perímetro del incendio.

Se esta haciendo uso de maquinaria pesada en la construcción de áreas defendible de corta fuegos.

Condiciones climáticas: Se tienen previstas condiciones más calurosas y secas para este fin de semana. Con la aproximación de la temporada más pronunciada de verano, existe la perspectiva de 7 días consecutivos de sequedad y una persistencia del mismo patrón en el clima. Los vientos continuaran moviéndose principalmente sobre el terreno en las elevaciones mas bajas y con vientos en las cumbres del área Noreste presentándose durante horas de la noche y extendiéndose hasta horas tempranas de la mañana. Seguidamente se cambiarán hacia el Oeste-Noroeste con una brisa marina en horas de la tarde. Asimismo, se espera una tendencia seca en el clima para este fin de semana.

Impacto del humo: Se podrá observar la presencia del humo desde las áreas aledañas al incendio. Pronósticos al día acerca del humo, puede encontrarse en el web site para el suroeste de Oregon:

https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/b74901f7?.

Cierres de áreas: El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou, emitió una orden de cierre incluyendo senderos, carreteras y parte del rio Illinois. Esta orden de cierre abarca Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake Campground, Wildhorse Campground y el Lookout Recreacional de Snow Camp.  La carretera forestal de Chetco River Road (FR 1376) y la de Chetco/Pistol River Road (FR 1407) actualmente se encuentran cerradas. Esta nueva orden de cierre permitirá al público el acceso a el área para nadar de Big Rock en el Rio Illinois.

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.

Fire start date:   August 5, 2023

Fire size today:   1,298 acres

Containment:   0%

Location:  13 miles Northeast of Pagosa Springs, Colorado 

Personnel:   60         

Cause:    Lightning

Management:   Suppression

Evacuation Information:

There are no current evacuations. Local residents should follow incident information for updates.

Closures:

• Quartz Meadows Rd (NFSR#685)
• Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570)
• Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571)

Latest Smoke Outlook:

https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/933fc4e4

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES:

• Firefighter and Public safety will be the highest priority during this incident.
• To protect private lands within East Fork San Juan River drainage, critical infrastructure including powerlines and gas utility lines, as well as natural resources, cultural and historic sites, and recreation assets.

Fire behavior remained moderate yesterday thanks to cloud cover and higher relative humidity. Several days of cooler temperatures and higher humidity will slow the fire’s growth; however, this fact does not change the risk factors preventing firefighters from engaging the fire directly. The fire area in the South San Juan Wilderness is extremely steep and heavily loaded with dead timber both standing and down; this elevates the risk to firefighters and aviators. These risk factors also exist in the Quartz Creek drainage, preventing crews from engaging the spot fires that are now established on the east side of the creek. Aviation assets may be utilized to support ground firefighters in this area, along with aerial supervision as needed. A National Incident Management Organization Team will assume command of the incident August 12th at 0600, providing additional capacity and oversight.

YESTERDAY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Ground crews assessed potential access to the spot fires on the east side of the fire, but determined access was too hazardous to hike crews in.
• Ground fire resources continued to directly monitor fire growth and directional spread. San Juan Type 3 incident Management Team (IMT) worked with local cooperators to develop long-term, strategic plans for fire suppression.
• Fire managers developed plans for when the fire reaches terrain more favorable for engagement.

TODAY’S PLAN:

• Crews will identify more structures and values at risk to the northeast of the fire, anticipating potential movement towards East Fork of the San Juan River.
• Crews will continue performing fire mitigation for exposed sections of the Xcel Energy gas pipeline, located to the north of the fire along Forest Road 667.
• Crews will be assessing alternate suppression options within Quartz Creek.
• IMT operational leadership will recon the fire area with aviation resources assigned to the fire, developing real-time situational awareness.
• Continue to develop Management Action Points, which are clearly specified incident conditions that, when reached, prompt a predefined fire management action or trigger the implementation of new strategies/tactics.
• Communicate with landowners, affected utilities, and county stakeholders.

WEATHER:

The weather trend includes increasing chances of rain showers. Gusty outflow winds and lightning that are the concerns for firefighters.