Order Number: 03-10-01-23-09

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
U.S. FOREST SERVICE SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST
COYOTE and CUBA RANGER DISTRICTS

BLACK FEATHER AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and roads, and trails in the Coyote Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area/Roads/Trails”):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Areas. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
2. Being on the Described Roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(a).
3. Being on the Described Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
3. Landowners who need to cross NFS lands or roads in the closure area in order to access their private property.

DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS

• The Described Areas are within Township 23 North, Range 1 East, Sections 8,17, 18, 20, 28, 27, 26, 23, 24, 30; Township 23 North, Range 1 East, Sections 30; Township 23 North, Range 2 East, Sections 32; Township 22 North, Range 2 East, Sections 4, 9, 16, 15,22, 27, 34, 35; Township 21 North, Range 2 East, Sections 2, 1, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26,27, 28, 29, 30; Township 21 North, Range 1 East, Sections 12, 1; Township 22 North Range 1 West, Sections 12, 1; Township 22 North, Range 1 West, Sections 36, 25, 26, 23, 24, 13, 12 1; Township 23 North, Range 1 West, Sections 36, 25, 24, 19, 18.
• Specifically, the Described Area includes all National Forest System lands within the boundary starting at the northwest side of the Coyote Ranger District. Starting off from Highway 96 and the junction of Forest Road 76 approximately 8.5 miles. At the junction of Forest Road 103 and Forest Road 76, the closure will go down FR 103 to the junction of Forest Road 70 approximately 19 miles. At the junction a gate can be used for closing access to FR70. The boundary will be cross county to Forest Road 69 there is a gate that can be used to close access to the forest. The boundary will continue from FR69 to FR70 (approximately 1.5 miles). The described area of the western of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness boundary starting from the junction of FR 76 gong south to the junction of FR 70.
• T 21 N, R 1 W sections, 33, and 28. A gate at Forest Road 70 and Highway 126 junction (approximately 2 miles) can be closed.
• The Closure boundary will then fall within T 21 N, R 1 w. section 12, 1. T 22 N, R 1 W, section36, 26, 23, 13, 12, 1. Following Travel Area Legend “D”.
• At the corner of the Wilderness boundary. Closure will be in T 23 N R 1 W, sections 36, 25, 19, 18. Tying back to Forest Road 76.
• All system trails within the San Pedro Parks Wilderness are closed including: #32 Penas Negras Trail; #50 Palomas Trail; #436 Damian Trail; #51 Las Vacas Trail; #46 Los Pinos Trail; #435 Anastacio Trail; #36 Upper Rio Gallina Trail; #33 San Jose Trail; #37 Red Rock Trail; #31 Rio Capulin Trail; #451 Cecilia Creek Trail; #452 Corralitos Trail; #43 Vega Redonda Trail; #385 Rio Puerco Trail; #418 Perchas Trail; #30 Rio Gallina Trail; #455 Pelones Trail; and #813 Continental Divide Trail.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and the safety of all personnel working the fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from August 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. through December 31, 2023, at 12:00 a.m., unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Areas/Roads/Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/santafe/alerts-notices.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Coyote Ranger District at (575) 638-5526 and Santa Fe National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe, (505) 438-5300, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Areas/Roads/Trails,

Signed and issued on 9th day of August 2023.

Shaun Sanchez
Forest Supervisor
Santa Fe National Forest

West Fork Fire official road closure for a portion of the Lolo Motorway.

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 10, 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: 1200 acres** Containment: 2% Total Personnel: 302 Engines: 6 Heavy Equipment: 6 Crews: 4

**The estimated size of the Ridge Creek Fire will substantially change in tomorrow’s update. Given the difficulty in scheduling infrared flights, the decision has been made to use a helicopter to fly the perimeter of the fire. Because an infrared flight poses far less risk than does the daytime use of a helicopter, they are preferred over the use of other aircraft. Infrared flight s will resume as soon as possible to minimize the risk to aircraft and flight crews.

Containment of the Ridge Creek Fire is now estimated at 2%.

The number of personnel now assigned to the Ridge Creek Fire stands officially at 302 orders for additional personnel and resources are pending.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Skies will clear throughout the day with gusty southwesterly winds this morning continuing throughout the afternoon. The trend will be for warmer and drier weather beginning Friday. This warming trend will continue into the coming week, predictably increasing fire behavior as temperatures continue to warm and humidities begin to decline. Today, temperatures should approach the high 70s; minimum relative humidities will be 30-35%. Winds will be out of the southwest at 10-15 mph. The lack of cloud cover and winds will likely begin to increase fire activity.

FIRE STATUS

Containment of the Ridge Creek Fire is now estimated at 2%. Fire crews and heavy equipment operators have made substantial progress in building and reinforcing containment lines which will be reflected in future estimates of fire containment.

Hand and dozer crews will continue to work on the south end of the fire along Forest Service Rd 437 (Hayden Creek Rd), east through Hell’s Canyon to Lakes Divide Road and north up to Hudlow Saddle. On the fire’s northeast side, crews will continue to improve fire line using FSR 406 (Hayden Lake Divide) in order to protect homes and structures near Cedar Saddle. From there, fire line will extend south along FSR 625 (North Fork Rd) to FSR 437 (Hayden Creek Rd) to contain the fire’s west flank.

Unfortunately, last night’s infrared (IR) flight was again canceled due to cloud cover, which the infrared cameras cannot penetrate. Consequently, fire size and the fire perimeter have not been changed for today’s update. However, given the importance of acquiring mapping information of the fire’s perimeter to both operational staff and the public, the decision has been made to fly the perimeter of the fire using a helicopter to capture this information. Because an infrared flight poses far less risk than does the daytime use of a helicopter, they are preferred over the use of other aircraft. Infrared flights will resume as soon as possible to minimize the risk to aircraft and flight crews. We hope to provide an updated map with tomorrow’s update.

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, an obvious safety hazard. 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.

A classic monsoon pattern more typical of the first half of August will bring increasingly moist, favorable weather conditions and much needed rainfall to active fires within the outlook area through week’s end into early next week. This includes the Black Feather and American Mesa fires. The period from Saturday through Monday looks especially wet with scattered to numerous showers and slow-moving thunderstorms. This multi-day fire-slowing pattern will significantly reduce fire activity and smoke.

Buckskin 2 Fire Daily Update 8/10/2023

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District

Fire Information: 208-557-8813

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idipf-buckskin-2-fire Type 3 Incident Commander, John Ramsey

Location: Located approximately 8 miles due south of Clark Fork, ID on Delyle Ridge, between Twin Creek and Dry Creek, south of Highway 200      

Start Date: 8/4/2023                   Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 226 acres (estimated)                         Containment: 15%   

Total Personnel: 93                    Engines: 7                

Hand Crews: 2     Modules: 3      Heavy Equipment: Dozer

The primary objectives for fire officials managing the Buckskin 2 Fire are firefighter and public safety while working to keep it as small as possible. Yesterday, the fire was active with some single and group tree torching. The fire is estimated at 226 acres but due to the increase in fires around the nation, an infrared flight to accurately map the fire has not yet occurred. Hand crews are constructing direct lines along the east and west flanks of the fire, while engine crews are continuing structure protection work in the Twin Creek and Rearden Creek drainages; with dozers constructing indirect lines on the north and south side of the fire.  The fire remains roughly 1.8 miles from the nearest residence in Twin Creek and Rearden.

EVACUATION STATUS

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office issued a READY evacuation notice for the Twin Creek Rd and Rearden Rd residents in Clark Fork.   “Ready, Set, Go” is a program for residents that can help them prepare for an evacuation in case of any emergency and keep them informed about evacuation needs/concerns.  To receive local status updates sign up for Bonner County Sheriff’s Office emergency messaging through NIXLE at www.nixle.com and to learn more about the “Ready, Set, Go” program as well as recommendations on how to be best prepared for wildfire check out this page from the Idaho Department of Lands.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

A Forest Closure Order is officially in effect for roads associated with the Buckskin Fire; the intersection of USFS roads 203 and 332, the intersection of 1021 and 332, and roads 1533 and 306 in Clark Fork. UTV trail 77 is closed as it goes right into the drainage where the fire is burning. The public is prohibited from the general area for firefighter safety and practice caution while driving near firefighters and apparatuses.

Stage II Fire Restrictions will be going into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, 8/9. To view the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan and a statewide map with current information regarding fire restrictions, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder.

Drone Restrictions. For the safety of our aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can't.

WEATHER

The fire received light to moderate precipitation yesterday. Today’s forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of showers after 4 pm today. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83 and a west wind of 8 to 10 mph.

Full official closure order for the Little Bear Fire.

“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.

Anderson Complex fire crews make most of cool, wet weather 

FIRE UPDATE: Firefighters assigned to the Anderson Complex have been able to complete a number of critical assignments thanks to three days of cooler weather and measurable rainfall. The weather has reduced fire activity, allowing Great Basin Team 3 to move crews to other areas within the complex or make them available for reassignment to other fires around the state. There has been no significant change in acreage in several days. 

A Franco Reforestation Type 2 crew is continuing to protect structures and allotments along the Teklanika River corridor. The goal is to defend them from the Teklanika River Fire (#257) and Shores Landing Fire (#325). The crew is also extinguishing or removing burning vegetation near control lines, felling trees that have been damaged in the fire, and cooling off ash pits. This hard, dirty work helps reduce smoke and prevents additional fire spread. 

Yesterday, the Nulato Hills Wildland hand crew was able to create defensible space around the Nenana South Cemetery. The crew cleared brush away from the cemetery’s perimeter and removed low hanging limbs from trees. The work was done with guidance from local resource advisors who are assigned to the Anderson Complex. It should help the cemetery remain intact if fire was to threaten it.  

The Anderson and Nenana groups have been combined today. They will use a masticator to improve the fuel break near 1st Street and 2nd Street in Anderson. They will also evaluate all structure protection measures and identify firefighting equipment like sprinklers, hoses and pumps to determine what should remain in place until the Shores Landing and Teklanika River fires are contained and controlled.  

The crews assigned to the Anderson-Nenana Group include wildland firefighters from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), the Alaska National Guard, Nenana, Kenai. In addition to their assigned work for today they are designated to respond to any new fires that start within the Anderson Complex. Firefighters from Clear Space Force Station will also assist with initial attack on any new starts. 

The Shasta Lake Hotshots are still finding and extinguishing hotspots from the Birch Creek Fire (#285) in the Rose Hip Creek and Clear Sky areas. The crew is routinely checking the pumps, hoses and sprinklers they put in place to protect structures in the area to ensure they 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 working alongside masticators and other heavy equipment to protect structures in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions. Dozer lines are in place to the north and east of the North Forties. Today crews will improve those lines and start assessing which pumps, hoses and sprinklers need to stay in place. 

Firefighters are hoping today’s weather will clear up enough to allow another recon flight around the Rock Creek Fire (#287). They have already identified structures and allotments that may be threatened by the fire, depending on its direction of spread. Additional firefighting resources and improved communications for crews are needed before personnel can be put on the ground to defend the identified values at risk. 

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: The National Weather Service has again issued a Dense Smoke Advisory. For more information about wildfire smoke visit https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/. Firefighting aircraft may be grounded due to reduced visibility. Higher humidity and a chance of rain are predicted again today. This should keep fire activity to a minimum. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon that may bring lightning.  

EVACUATION STATUS: Areas in GO status include the Teklanika River and all residents along the Teklanika River and all residents in Clear Sky homestead (not the Clear Sky Lodge) and residents adjacent to Rose Hip Creek. 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.  

Areas in SET status include all residents who use any road west of the George Parks Highway between milepost 270 and the Rex Bridge. Individuals in this area should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. 

 Areas in READY status include the cities of Anderson and 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; and residents who access their property off the Parks Highway corridor from the Rex Bridge to milepost 280. Individuals in this area should be ready for possible evacuation.  

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.