8 de Agosto, 2023

Reporte actual para el Incendio Flat

Extension: 33,291 acres                                          

Inicio:  July 15, 2023

Origen: 2 millas sureste de Agness, OR

Contencion: 39%

Personal : 792

Recursos: 20 camiones de bomberos l 21 escuadrillas de bomberos l 3 buldócer l 27 cisternas l 4 maquinas masticadores l 7 helicopteros

Resumen: Con el objetivo de limitar un crecimiento potencial del incendio en el area de Indigo Creek, el dia de ayer, los bomberos llevaron a cabo la irrigacion de la zona con cantidades de agua y retardadores de fuego, logrando enfriar algunos espacios de emanacion de calor que se encontraban aproximadamente a 400 pies en el interior de la linea de fuego. Se continua quemando materia de combustion de menor tamano mientras que el material mayor todavia no se ha encendido, lo que limita la abilidad de propagacion del fuego.

El dia de hoy, se experimentaran temperaturas un poco mas calidas y un incremento en el porcentaje de la humedad lo que obstaculizara un poco mas la propagacion del fuego. Los bomberos permanecen atentos para cualquier cambio que se pudiera dar en la actividad del incendio.

Actividades para el dia de hoy:  El dia de hoy, dependiendo del comportamiento en el incendio, se estaran utilizando cantidades de agua y retardadores de incendio, sobre las zonas de Indigo Creek y Game Lake. Los especialistas en los recursos disponibles en el incendio, estan realizando consultas con el personal del incendio para garantizar que el material retardante de fuegos sea derramado directamente sobre las cumbres sin afectar los rios los cuales son el habitat natural del salmon en esta zona. Han arrivado grupos de bomberos con sus correspondientes  equipos los cuales se especializan en trabajos para la estabilizacion en incendios. Estos bomberos empezaran a trabajar en las areas que han sido impactadas por el fuego e iniciaran los esfuerzos de supresion en la misma. Estas cuadrillas de bomberos empezaran las instalaciones de barreras de agua (zanjas) asi como otras actividades para la mitigacion de agua moviendose sobre el terreno con la finalidad de preparar las areas afectadas para futuras lluvias mientras se logra mantener intactas las lineas de fuego ya existentes. Otras cuadrillas de bomberos prosiguen el trabajo de asegurar y mejorar las lineas de contencion alternativas que ya estaban en pie. Alrededor del area de Agness, permanece el trabajo de proteccion en la infraestructura y al mismo tiempo, los bomberos del turno nocturno se mantienen preparados para cualquier accion si es necesario.

Debido a la incrementación del tráfico por la presencia de los bomberos, se hace un llamado a los motoristas cruzando la carretera Bear Camp Road, que manejen con cautela, a baja velocidad y con las luces delanteras del vehículo encendidas.

Condiciones climáticas: La temperatura se incrementará de un 2 a 5 grados y la humedad bajara de 3 a 5 porciento. Los vientos continuaran desplazándose sobre el terreno, provenientes del Noreste en la mañana y del Noroeste en horas de la tarde. En horas de la mañana se esperan ráfagas de vientos en las partes mas elevadas y sobre los valles en la tarde.

Impacto del humo: Se podrá observar la presencia del humo desde las áreas aledañas al incendio. Pronósticos acerca del humo, puede encontrarse en la página web: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/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 las restricciones en el uso de fogatas que existen en su destino de recreación.

Linea Informativa:(541)216-4579                                 Noticieros: (541)237-6369                Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023           Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

Bear Creek, Rock Creek fires added to Anderson Complex

COMMUNITY MEETING: Great Basin Team 3 will hold a community meeting at

8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Anderson Fire Station, 911 D Street. The date was changed due to scheduling conflicts. Representatives from the team and cooperating agencies will provide an update on the fire and answer questions from community members. The meeting will be streamed live on the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection Facebook page for those who cannot attend in person.

FIRE UPDATE: The Bear Creek (#286) and Rock Creek (#287) fires were incorporated into the Anderson Complex yesterday afternoon. Both fires were initially reported on July 27. They were sparked by lightning and have been unstaffed. Both fires are about 20 miles northwest of Healy on either side of the Teklanika River, moving mostly north and west.

The Rock Creek Fire, which is in a limited fire protection area, is estimated at 26,302 acres in size. It is threatening structures and an allotment along the Toklat River. The Bear Creek Fire, which is a modified fire protection area, is estimated at 821 acres. Firefighters are planning a recon flight for both fires today, if conditions permit, to begin planning operations.

The fires in the Anderson Complex received measurable rainfall yesterday. The rain, higher humidity and lower temperatures led to minimal fire growth across the complex. So far there are no reports of structures or allotments being damaged or destroyed during the fires’ weekend runs. A fire footprint on a map may be a solid shape, but that doesn’t mean everything inside the perimeter is burned. Wildfires often burn in a mosaic fashion, leaving some areas untouched.

The Midnight Sun Hotshots worked their last shift in the Teklanika Group yesterday. They have been released from the fire to rest and reset for their next assignment. A Type 2 crew from Franco Reforestation has been assigned to the group. They are tasked with structure protection and mop-up – looking for and extinguishing hotspots – in the areas of the Teklanika River Fire (#257) and Shores Landing Fire (#325).

Fuel breaks around the City of Anderson are complete. Sprinkler systems set up in the fuel breaks by firefighters are working. Wildland firefighters from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) and Kenai are still in Anderson to carry out defensive actions if fire moves toward the city.

Engine crews from Nenana and the Alaska National Guard continue to work with the Nulato Hills Wildland hand crew and a dozer in and around Nenana. They plan to use hand tools to dig line around a cemetery south of Nenana to protect it from potential fire impacts. They are also tasked with protecting structures in the city and on the east and west side of the Parks Highway south of Nenana.

The Shasta Lake Hotshots are working to find and extinguish areas of residual heat from the Birch Creek Fire (#285) in the Rose Hip Creek and Clear Sky areas. The crew is also reinforcing the structure protection measures they put in place, 

Firefighters from Kobe, Anderson, Northstar, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire and the K River 1 hand crew continue their work to protect structures in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions from potential threats from the Teklanika River Fire or the Birch Creek Fire. Heavy equipment from the Anderson Group has been reassigned to support this work.

WEATHER: Higher humidity and a chance of rain are forecast again today. This should reduce fire activity. The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Smoke Advisory. For more information about wildfire smoke visit https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/. The use of firefighting aircraft may be limited due to reduced visibility caused by smoke.

EVACUATION STATUS: 

Areas in GO status include:

• The Teklanika River and all residents along the Teklanika River
• 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:

• The City of Anderson
• 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 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

Individuals in this area should be ready for possible evacuation. 

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information.

Tactical burning is planned to secure lines on the northern edge of the Bedrock Fire today. Smoke from this operation is expected to be visible. 

Community Meeting:  There will be a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, August 9 at 6 PM on the Bedrock Fire Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BedrockFire2023/. Questions about the Salmon and Bedrock Fires can be submitted via Facebook prior to the meeting on the event page. 

Operations: Northwest Team 12 was assigned management responsibility for the Salmon Fire near Oakridge on Monday, so firefighting resources will be shared between these two fires. Helicopters and fixed wing air tankers flew numerous missions yesterday on the Bedrock and Salmon Fires to check the advance of these fires and support firefighters on the ground. The use of heavy helicopters working water buckets and “scooper planes” on the Salmon Fire allowed ground crews working day and night shifts to make good progress yesterday, holding the fire within a footprint of approximately 100 acres.  

As fire moves toward established control lines on the north edge of the Bedrock Fire, firefighters are planning tactical firing operations to improve and strengthen containment lines. Firing is scheduled to begin today if weather conditions permit. These planned burnout operations will generate a visible smoke column near Pernot Mountain.  

Evacuations: The Lane County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notice Monday morning for areas north and east of Oakridge because of the Salmon Fire. Please heed all evacuation notices and orders. A searchable evacuation map with fire perimeters for both fires is available at https://lcgisorg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=32e4cd9a5c3348cd81254e6fa394e097. 

Smoke: Smoke across most areas will range from good to moderate. Smoke will peak in the unhealthy range in the midday hours in the Oakridge area and southeast along Highway 58. 

Weather: High pressure will remain over the fire area today, keeping conditions dry and clear. Winds will be terrain driven between 2 and 8 miles per hour with afternoon winds gusting to 13 mph. Temperatures will be slightly higher today, 79-85 degrees in the valleys and 70-75 degrees on ridges. 

Safety and Closures: The Willamette National Forest implemented the Bedrock Fire Emergency Area Closure on July 24, 2023 to ensure the safety of the public and personnel working on the fire. There is also an emergency closure for the Salmon Fire. The closure maps for the Bedrock and Salmon Fires are available on InciWeb. There are Temporary Flight  Restrictions over the Bedrock and Salmon Fire areas.  

Resources: 349 Total Personnel | 6 Hand Crews | 22 Engines | 5 Water Tenders | 4 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. An infrared flight overnight has provided new mapping data. An estimated 1,711 acres have burned on the Sourdough Fire. Due to hazards presented by the fire, State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) has been closed until further notice between Mile Marker 120 and Mile Marker 156, Newhalem to Rainy Pass. The safety of firefighters and the public are the top priority on the Sourdough Fire.

Yesterday: Weather conditions were favorable on Monday with cooler temperatures and higher humidity which moderated fire behavior. Efforts were on-going to strengthen State Route 20 and the powerline easement as potential containment features, and conducted fuels removal and chipping operations. Crews continued improving powerline easements for use as access or fire breaks. Portable tanks were placed along the highway providing a water source for possible suppression efforts. Firefighters also completed chipping of vegetation removed during control line construction and structure preparation in and around Diablo. This area and the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center are fully plumbed with hose lines. At Ross Lake Resort, some floating cabins were moved away from the shore where possible and crews prepared other structures in the area.  The Sourdough Lookout has been defensively protected with retardant and fire-resistant structure wrap. Helicopters were used to check fire spread along Stetattle Creek to the west and Sourdough Creek to the east. Crews working the night shift monitored structures and facilities near the fire’s edge, making sure these important values to the community were protected.

Today: Firefighters are continuing to prepare structures and improve containment features.  Moving east of the fire’s edge, crews are focusing efforts on the Big Beaver Suspension Bridge and the Green Point, Cougar, and Big Beaver campgrounds on the west side of Ross Lake. A remote aerial system (drone) and operator arrived this morning to assist fire managers with locating hot spots on the Fire. Aviation resources are available to assist firefighters as needed.

Weather: Continued cooler weather is forecast for today and there is a chance of rain tonight as a weak cold front moves into the region. Precipitation is not expected to total more than a quarter of an inch before warmer and drier conditions return.

Smoke: Smoke from the Sourdough Fire may affect communities around the region. Find information about current conditions and a smoke forecast is located at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com.

Closures and Evacuations: Evacuations are in effect for the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center and the community of Diablo.  State Route 20 is closed from Newhalem to Rainy Pass. Trail, area and camp closures are in effect; for more information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm

CORDUROY FIRE

Start Date: July 12, 2023, Location: 20 Miles SW Alpine, Percent Contained: 10, Size: 1,027 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Medium Logging Slash, Resources Assigned: 7 Engines, 3 Crews, 1 Dozer, 3 Water tenders.

Operations: Fire crews will look to complete structure protection at Hannagan Lodge today and will continue to improve and secure control lines near the 24 road today.

BOUNDARY FIRE

Start Date: July 27, 2023, Location: 30 Miles SW of Alpine, Percent Contained: 0, Size: 879 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Brush (2 feet), Resources Assigned: 2 Crews, 3 Engines, 2 Water tenders.

Operations: Firefighters will work to tie fire into road systems today on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation along the western flanks.

WILLOW FIRE

Start Date: July 27, 2023, Location: 12 Miles SW of Alpine, Percent Contained: 0, Size: 401 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Grass and Understory) Medium Logging Slash, Resources Assigned: 4 Crews, 6 Engines, 3 Dozers, 1 Water tender.

Operations: Fire is progressing southward into the Horton fire footprint. Crews will continue to prep highway 191 and work to mitigate any threats. Navopache electric lines are expected to be reenergized and power restored today.

Closures: To provide for public and firefighter safety, highway 191 is temporarily closed in both directions from mileposts 233 to 238. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for thunderstorms in the afternoon with a 30-60% chance of precipitation, highs in the low 70s, and winds 10-15 mph.

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/ /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

Lost Horse Creek Fire Update
August 8, 2023

Incident Commander: Peter Butteri

Start Date: July 28, 2023 
Location: 22 miles N of Fairbanks, AK
Cause: Lightning/Natural 
Fire Size: 8,924 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 222

Please join us for a community meeting tonight, August 8 at 6:30 pm at the Haystack Mountain Laundry and Showers parking lot (5001 Haystack Drive). The meeting will be in person and posted on Facebook.

(Fairbanks, AK) – Firefighters on the Lost Horse Creek Fire (#296) continue structure preparation and protection on Middle Fork Road and Lower Haystack. Crews are securing the control line along the southern edge and scouting the best locations for contingency line going west toward the Elliot Highway and east for what we are calling the Chatanika contingency line.

Fire behavior has moderated due to cooler temperatures, higher humidity, lighter winds, and heavy smoke cover. The fire area will continue to experience dense smoke, but could lift somewhat with expected scattered showers and light northwest winds.

The Sargent Creek Fire (#255) and Our Creek Fire (#271) are in the final stages of mop up; the fires at Murphy Creek (#320), Treasure Creek (#265), Olnes Pond (#250), and Hayes Creek (#266) are in monitor status.

EVACUATIONS: The evacuation status for the Upper Haystack has been changed from Level 3 (GO) to Level 2 (SET) effective last night at 8 pm. Residents who evacuated the area may return to their homes. All other roads in the Haystack subdivision remain at Level 2 (SET). Although conditions are improving in the area, there is still a potential threat, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

CLOSURES: Alaska State Parks has closed the Olnes Pond campground to support fire operations. The Bureau of Land Management, Eastern Interior Field Office issued an evacuation and closure order for the western portion of the White Mountains National Recreation Area effective midnight on August 6 until September 1, unless modified. The evacuation and closure includes trails, public use cabins, trail shelters, and the Wickersham Dome Trailhead near Elliott Highway mile 28, which may be used by firefighters. See: Alaska Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov)

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY: Smoke production, transported northward by Chinook winds, has been significant from the 151 active fires in Alaska. Any community adjacent to an active fire may experience periods of degraded air quality. Take measures to limit time outdoors and reduce your exposure to hazardous air quality. For smoke forecast and air quality measures, see Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov).

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR) are in effect until September 1, 2023. For details, see: 3/6714 NOTAM Details (faa.gov)

Public Information: (907) 921- 2555
Media Inquiries: (907) 921- 2554

Email: 2023.LostHorseCreek@firenet.gov
You Tube: Lost Horse Creek Fire #296 - YouTube

Grave Pit Fire Daily Update

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Northwest Land Office

WESTERN MONTANA ALL HAZARDS IMT    │    INCIDENT COMMANDER: KEN PARKS                                   

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-gravel-pit-fire

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: 25 miles southeast of Libby, near Silver Butte

Start Date: 8/1/23       Cause: Human            Size: 304 acres             Containment: 15%

Total Personnel: 107 Engines:  12                Helicopters: 3             Hand Crews: 4

SPECIAL MESSAGE

There will be a community meeting on Tuesday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fisher River Fire Hall located at 70 W Camp Road, Happy’s Inn.

CURRENT STATUS

A late afternoon thunderstorm brought beneficial precipitation to the fire area yesterday. The thunderstorm also brought a significant amount of lightning, creating a high potential for new fire ignitions. To the north of the fire, crews responded to one new lightning-caused fire start. Helicopters aided in the suppression effort, providing water bucket drops to minimize fire growth. To the northwest, crews continued to build a shaded fuel break. Dozers continued tying in fireline around the north and west sides of the fire. Crews brushed and improved the dozer line, widening the fire break.

PLANNED ACTIONS

Today, crews will hike into the new start to the north of the Gravel Pit Fire and continue with initial attack activities. To the north, dozers will continue to construct fireline. Crews will also improve fireline in this area to build a shaded fuel break. Recent precipitation may hide hot spots within the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to look for heat sources on the fire’s interior and mop up hot spots. With lightning from yesterday’s thunderstorm, holdover fire starts within the TFR are likely today, and in coming days. Crews will respond to new fire starts within the temporary flight restriction (TFR) area and extinguish any ignitions that occur.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Increasing temperatures and lower relative humidity values are expected over the coming week. On Wednesday, a cold front will enter the area bringing the potential for an uptick in winds, showers, and thunderstorms.

Fire behavior was minimal yesterday with creeping, short-range spotting, and single tree torching.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

An evacuation warning will remain in place for residents near the fire area along the Highway 2 corridor. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has notified these residents. All Lincoln County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by downloading the Code Red application and entering contact information.

August 8, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 33,291 acres                                          Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 39%

Total personnel: 792

Resources: 20 engines l 21 crews l 3 bulldozers l 27 water tenders l 4 masticators l 7 helicopters

Highlights: Helicopters conducted water and retardant drops yesterday to cool a small hotspot 400 feet inside the line and to limit the potential for fire growth in the Indigo Creek area of the fire.  Smaller fuels are burning, but bigger fuels are still slow to ignite, which limits the ability of the fire to spread.  Today will be a little warmer before temperatures drop a few degrees and slightly higher humidity will move in, further hindering the the ability of the fire to spread.  Firefighters remain ready for any potential changes in fire activity. 

Today’s Activities:  Water and retardant drops may be utilized again today, dependent on fire behavior, in the Indigo Creek and Game Lake areas.  Resource specialists are consulting with fire personnel to ensure retardant is used in ridgetop locations that will not impact rivers and the salmon in them.  Stabilization crews and equipment have arrived to begin work in areas impacted by the fire and suppression efforts.  These crews will begin installations of waterbars and other water mitigation activities to prepare the impacted areas for future rain events while maintaining the integrity of the existing lines.  Fire crews continue to secure and improve existing and alternate containment lines. Structural protection and night-shift resources remain in place around Agness.  Firefighters remain ready to respond to any changes in fire behavior.

With increased fire traffic, all motorists are asked to use caution - slow down and use headlights, especially on Bear Camp Road.

Weather: Temperatures will be warmer by 2 to 5 degrees and humidity will drop by 3% to 5%.  Winds will continue to be terrain driven with northeast winds in the morning and northwest winds in the afternoon.  Peak wind gusts are expected in the morning hours on the ridges and in the valleys in the afternoon.

Smoke:  Smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/b74901f7?

Closures:  The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads and a portion of the Illinois River. Oak Flat Campground, Game Lake and Wild Horse Campgrounds and Snow Camp Lookout Recreation Rentals are all closed.  The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are closed.  The closure allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River.

Evacuations:  Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status in place for areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. Link to more information:  https://tinyurl.com/currycountyem

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/ueuznr6e

Please follow all fire restrictions to prevent wildfires. Know before you go. Check on whether there are any campfire restrictions at your recreation destination.

Fire Information:(541)216-4579       Media inquiries: (541)237-6369      Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov 

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023         Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 9    INCIDENT COMMANDER: SHANE MARTIN

Ridge Fire

Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse Ranger District

Fire Information 406-998-6074  2023.ridge@firenet.gov

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtfnf-ridge-fire

August 8, 2023

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse, MT

Start Date: 7/30/23      Cause: Lightning       Size: 2,940 acres       Containment: 0%.

Total Personnel: 198    Engines: 5    Dozers: 3    Hand Crews: 5    Water Tenders: 6

KEY MESSAGE  

Hungry Horse Reservoir is CLOSED effective August 8th, 2023. To provide for public and firefighter safety, FS Road #38 (East Side Road #38) is closed to all public traffic east of the junction of FS Road #497 (Desert Mountain Road) and East Side Road #38. West Side South Fork Road #895 will be closed starting from the Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center. The road will remain open approximately 800 feet south of the west abutment of Hungry Horse Dam to facilitate traffic flow. Pre-evacuation notice in effect for private property along SF Abbot Creek on the west side of the fire.

CURRENT SITUATION

Current acreage is at 2,940 acres, an increase of 167 acres. Indirect (away from the fire) suppression efforts are being prioritized on the west side of the fire to protect critical infrastructure and private property. This is a full suppression fire, but options to engage the fire directly are limited due to heavy fuel (vegetation) and steep terrain. Firefighter and public safety is the top priority.

Yesterday, heavy equipment continued constructing the fuel break on the west side of the fire along the Hard Money Road between private property and Forest Service land. Hand crews completed the fuel break along the East Side Road #38, from the junction of East Side Road #38 and Desert Mountain Road to the Emery Creek drainage. Structure protection assessments and coordination were conducted for private property in Coram, Martin City, and Hungry Horse.

Today, heavy equipment, including masticators, dozers, and skidders, will continue implementing the fuel break near the Hard Money Road working north towards Highway 2. This fuel break is used to decrease fire intensity to private property if it were to reach this area and provide suppression options. Two Interagency hotshot crews arrived today. These crews, along with a dozer, will be opening up existing roads near the East Side Road to check the fire’s spread. Structure protection assessments and coordination will continue for private property in Martin City, Coram and Hungry Horse.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Showers and thunderstorms possible in afternoons through Wednesday with increased humidities. No wetting rain is expected. Fire activity has been low the past few days on all sides of the fire and is expected to remain low today. The fire is burning in heavy fuels and steep terrain.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

 A Complex Incident Management Team is assuming command of the fire tomorrow. Residents should stay alert for changing conditions and visit ready.gov/wildfires for preparing for wildfires. For up-to-date information on the Ridge Fire, please visit Inciweb, Flathead National Forest Facebook, and Flathead County Sherriff’s Office Facebook for evacuation information.