McCall, Idaho- Early-arriving clouds and precipitation slowed fire progression yesterday. Heat was more prevalent from the Mallard Creek drainage on the east, along the northeast perimeter to the Salmon River and along the southeast perimeter to Magpie Creek. There was no infrared flight last night, estimated acreage is 24,000.

Firefighters are conducting a point protection, confine and contain strategy that includes assessments in the Whitewater Ranch and Vitta Point areas. Numerous structures along the northwest side of the fire perimeter are being evaluated, while yesterday crews completed preparation of values at risk including bridges, cabins, lodges and historical sites along the river corridor. Firefighters are assessing and implementing structure protection measures from Arctic Point upriver to Lantz Bar. Given the fire’s slow progression to the northeast, the firefighters will conduct an early assessment of the Sheep Hill lookout.

The arrival of a cold front means mostly cloudy days through the weekend along with the likelihood of light precipitation and scattered thunderstorms. The southern slopes may experience heat from the emerging sunshine, which could lead to drying fuels and localized increased fire behavior when the drainages align with prevailing winds.

Raft launching from Corn Creek has resumed. Rafters are asked to not stop in the fire area, stay together and don't linger as jet boats are operating within the burn area in support of firefighting efforts.  It is best to move through the fire area in the early morning hours. Visibility within the Salmon River drainage can be reduced significantly by smoke. For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625.

The road to Whitewater remains closed to public traffic. Currently, a Temporary Emergency Closure is in place on roads, trails, and the area east of Mallard Creek drainage and through the Bargamin Creek drainage, and north of Bat Point. Trail Closures are in place on the Payette National Forest side of the river as well. Please note that the Magruder Corridor Road is open.

An Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place.  All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area. This includes those intending to land at private ranches under the TFR.

The Payette National Forest has a public wildfire information hotline for fire information – 208-634-0820. Visit Inciweb for information on large wildfires at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov, and follow the Payette National Forest on Twitter at @PayetteForest, and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/payettenational forest

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The Fish lake/Columbia Plateau trail through West Anderson and West Hallett fires is closed to the public for safety concerns. We anticipate it re-opening Tuesday (August 8th).

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del área de las Montañas Rocosas 1
Dan Dallas, Comandante del Incidente

Teléfono de Información: 970-648-4470 (publico), 970-765-7123 (medios de comunicación)
Correo electrónico: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
Horario: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Situación Actual: A pesar de un pequeño aumento en el tamaño, el fuego permanece en su perímetro existente. La pequeña ganancia en acres se debió a la quema interior en las islas que no se quemaron cerca del perímetro este de la División A/Z. Hoy, la mayor parte de los recursos de extinción de incendios estarán en los bordes este y norte trabajando para aumentar la contención. Esta tarde, los equipos de bomberos se enfrentarán nuevamente a condiciones de viento que presentan peligros adicionales debido a los árboles y ramas debilitados por el fuego. Se realizarán patrullas con limpieza aislada en líneas de fuego contenidas y los bomberos pueden comenzar a transportar equipos innecesarios, como mangueras contra incendios y bombas de la línea.

División A/Z: La línea de fuego recién contenida será monitoreada con patrullaje y limpieza en toda la división.

División Y: Debido a la presencia de una gran arboleda de álamos temblones con un alto contenido de humedad, se ha observado una mínima actividad de incendios incluso en condiciones climáticas más secas. Las cuadrillas monitorearán el comportamiento del fuego, patrullarán las líneas de fuego y tomarán medidas adicionales cuando sea necesario.

División X: Aún no se planean acciones ya que los administradores de incendios continúan evaluando las estrategias de supresión.

División W: Los bomberos continuarán fortaleciendo las líneas al reducir los obstáculos con énfasis en la línea de fuego de contingencia desde la sendera Lowline hasta el límite del área silvestre. El patrullaje y la limpieza continuarán en otras secciones de la línea.

Protección de Estructuras: Los equipos de protección de estructuras están a punto de completar las evaluaciones y proporcionarán la documentación completa a los funcionarios del condado en los próximos días.

Condiciones climáticas y de combustible:

Las condiciones climáticas serán similares a las de ayer con temperaturas a mediados de los 70, humedad cercana al 20% y vientos de 5 a 10 mph con ráfagas de viento aumentadas hasta 30 mph. No se espera un comportamiento significativo del fuego, aunque la quema de árboles puede ocurrir y la actividad del fuego es más frecuente en la vegetación de coníferas mixtas y los combustibles muertos y caídos.

Evacuaciones, Cierres, y Restricciones de Incendios:

Hay una orden de evacuación previa vigente para CR 727, Mill Creek. No hay otras evacuaciones o evacuaciones previas cerca del incendio. Para obtener información específica sobre evacuación, consulte Manejo de emergencias del condado de Gunnison en http://www.gunnisoncounty.org. Puede registrarse para recibir alertas de emergencia en sus teléfonos u otros dispositivos en: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

Se ha implementado cierre de áreas, caminos y senderos en tierras del Sistema Forestal Nacional cerca del incendio. Para obtener detalles, consulte este enlace: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1126172.pdf. BLM ha implementado un cierre temporal en la vecindad del incendio. Para obtener más información, consulte este enlace: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. Las carreteras del condado en la vecindad del incendio están bloqueadas. En interés de la seguridad pública, los bomberos piden a los visitantes que estén atentos al tráfico de incendios y que eviten el área.

Actualmente no hay restricciones de incendios en el condado de Gunnison. Si se implementan restricciones, se publicarán en este sitio: https://westslopefireinfo.com/gunnison-county/.

Reportes diarios sobre la perspectiva de humo se encontrar en el siguiente enlace: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240.

Los incendios forestales son una zona de exclusión aérea para aeronaves no autorizadas, incluidos los drones. Si tu vuelas, nosotros no podemos. Para obtener más información, visite http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Estadísticas del Incendio Lowline:
Tamaño: 1814 acres
Contenido: 55%
Personal: 361
Locación: 14 mi. NNW de Gunnison, CO
Reportado: 8:00 am 26 de Julio, 2023
Causa: Relámpago

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

Location: Forest Service Road (FSR) #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) 1 mile east of China Point, 3 miles Northwest of Pilot Knob near Mountain House Site

Start Date: 7/10/23       Cause: Lightning        Size: 179 acres                Completion/Containment: 38%

Total Personnel: 147    Engines: 2        Dozers: 2          Masticators: 4      Helicopters: 1  

Water Tender: 5         Crews: 3  

*Some forest resources are not counted in total personnel.

CURRENT SITUATION

Fire personnel continue looking for hotspots.  With cooler temperatures and moisture, the fire behavior has been minimal.   Work on the contingency line is slow but making progress.   Water tenders will be on roads to help reduce dust on roads and support engines with water for the hose lays and to fill water tanks.

PLANNED ACTIONS

Crews will keep working the fire within the current footprint in the Silver Creek Drainage.  Work continues with full suppression where feasible due to steep terrain and hazardous snags.  Firefighters will work to actively contain the fire while protecting nationally significant culture resources, timber, recreation, and other environmental and social values.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Periods of showers and thunderstorms continue through the weekend.  Temperatures cool considerably today with improved relative humidity compared to recent days.  Winds will be light from the east.  Chance of wetting rains through today and tomorrow are 80-90%.  With cooler temperatures and moisture fire behavior has been minimal.

AIR QUALITY INFORMATION

There has been an increase locally of smoke moving in from various other fires in the US and Canada.  For more information on air quality, visit www.airnow.gov

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There are currently no closures in place.  The Peasley Creek Drainage Road is open; however, motorists are encouraged to avoid the road if possible due to heavy traffic and dust. Firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy along FSR #244 (Lightning Creek Road) and FSR #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) between China Point and Lytle Cow Camp. Plan to take extra time to reach your destination.  Reduce speed and turn your headlights on for safety.  

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1
Dan Dallas, 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.

Current Situation: Despite a small acreage increase, the fire remains at its existing perimeter. The small gain in acreage was due to interior burning in the unburned islands near the eastern perimeter of Division A/Z. Today, the bulk of firefighting resources will be on the eastern and northern edges working to increase containment. This afternoon, fire crews will contend with windy conditions again which present additional hazards from fire weakened trees and branches. Patrols with isolated mopping up will occur on contained firelines and firefighters may begin backhauling unneeded equipment such as fire hoses and pumps from the line.

Division A/Z: Newly contained fireline will be monitored with patrol and mop-up occurring throughout the division. 

Division Y: Due to the presence of a large aspen grove with high moisture content, minimal fire activity has been observed even with drier weather conditions. Crews will monitor fire behavior, patrol fire lines, and take additional action where needed. 

Division X: No actions are planned yet as fire managers continue evaluating suppression strategies. 

Division W: Firefighters will continue strengthening lines by reducing snags with an emphasis on the contingency fireline from the Lowline Trail to the wilderness boundary. Patrol and mop up will continue on other sections of line. 

Structure Protection: Structure protection crews are nearing completion of assessments and will provide completed documentation to county officials in the coming days. 

Weather & Fuel Conditions:

Weather conditions will be similar to yesterday with temperatures in the mid-70s, humidity close to 20%, and winds at 5-10 mph with increased wind gusts up to 30 mph. Significant fire behavior is not expected although tree torching may occur with fire activity most prevalent in mixed conifer vegetation and dead and down fuels.    

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:

A pre-evacuation order is in effect for CR 727, Mill Creek, the road is only open to residents. No other evacuations or pre-evacuations are in place near the fire.  For specific evacuation information, see Gunnison County Emergency Management at www.gunnisoncounty.org. You may sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phones or other devices at: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg .

An area, road, and trail closure has been implemented on National Forest System lands near the fire area. For specifics see this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1126172.pdf . BLM has implemented a temporary closure  in the fire vicinity. For details see this link: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district . Some County Roads in the fire vicinity are barricaded. In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire traffic and avoid the area.

There are currently no fire restrictions in Gunnison County. Should restrictions be implemented, they will be posted at this site: https://westslopefireinfo.com/gunnison-county/ .

Daily Smoke Outlook reports can be found at this link: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240 .Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.  For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Lowline Fire Statistics:
Size: 1814 acres
Containment: 55%
Total Personnel: 361
Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, CO
Reported: 8:00 am July 26, 2023
Cause: lightning

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

Con temperaturas más frías y la precipitación pasada en la zona, veremos una calidad del aire MODERADA - BUENA el sábado por la mañana en Gunnison. Temprano a primera hora...

Decreased fire activity, cooler temperatures, and past precipitation in the area we will see MODERATE - GOOD air quality Saturday morning in Gunnison. Early a.m. light periods...

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

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

August 5, 2023

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse, MT

Start Date: 7/30/23      Cause: Lightning       Size: 2,234 acres       Containment: 0%.

Total Personnel: 102    Dozers: 2    Hand Crews: 4    Water Tenders: 2

KEY MESSAGE  

To provide for public and firefighter safety, FS Road 38 (East Side Road) is closed to all public traffic east of the junction of FS Road 497 (Desert Mountain Road) and FS Road 38. West Side South Fork Road #895 is closed to all public traffic at mile marker 15. Currently, there are no evacuations for any residential structure due to the Ridge Fire.

CURRENT SITUATION

An evacuation notice was put into effect yesterday for all Forest Service campgrounds and dispersed sites along the East Side Reservoir (FS Road 38). Current acreage is at 2,234 acres, an increase of 658 acres, most of that acreage was near Emery Creek. Indirect (away from the fire) suppression efforts are prioritized on the west sides of the fire to protect critical infrastructure and private property. This is a full suppression fire and firefighter and public safety is the top priority.

Yesterday, east of Emery Bay Campground, hand crews continued work on a fuel break by removing brush and timber to decrease potential fire intensity. Firefighters put out spot fires on the southeast side of the fire to prevent impacts to FS Road 38 near Emery Creek. On the west side, heavy equipment continued to create a fuel break between Forest Service land and private property. Electrical boxes were wrapped to protect communication infrastructure along FS Road 497 (Desert Mtn Rd). Helicopters were able to provide water bucket drops when needed to aid in suppression efforts.

Today, hand crews continue implementing a fuel break along FS Road 38 near Emery Bay Campground to decrease potential fire intensity. Heavy equipment crews will scout and implement a fuel break on the west side of the fire to protect private property and the communities of Coram and Martin City should the fire push west.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Cooler, wetter weather pattern is forecasted for today. Fire behavior is most active on the southeast side (away from private property) as it spreads north towards Hungry Horse Mountain and impacts FS Road 38 near the Emery Creek drainage. On the west side of the fire, fire behavior has been moderate with slow rates of spread.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

An area closure is in effect due to the Ridge Fire. A temporary flight restriction and air quality alert is in effect. The Flathead National Forest has moved to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Please visit Inciweb for more information on the Ridge Fire. There is a public meeting today at 2 PM at the Hungry Horse Fire Department.

Powder Keg Pine Fire Update

Saturday, August 5, 2023

8:30 pm

Size: 117

Containment: 100%

Start Date: August 1, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance with a fire burning in brush and pine in Bastrop, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded shortly after with personnel, heavy equipment and aviation resources. Air operations provided the “eye in the sky” for fire assessment as well as planes and helicopters delivering water drops.

Aircraft and engine crews engaged in protecting threatened structures, one structure was lost and one was damaged. Residents on Harmon Road and Pine Hill Loop were evacuated at 2pm but allowed to return at 9:00pm.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been lifted from over the Powder Keg Pine Fire.

Yesterday:

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Powder Keg Pine Fire was released at 9:00 am yesterday morning.

Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Commander N. Decker took over control of the fire this morning. Engines and crews continued working with local resources to patrol the containment area and provide suppression where needed.

By 6:30 pm, fire containment reached 98% and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) resources were released from the fire. Texas A&M Forest Service resources were released overnight and the Bastrop Fire Department remained on alert for any changes in fire behavior.

Today:

Texas A&M Forest Service resources returning today include two engines, one UTV and associated crews. Resources continued patrolling and provide heat suppression within the containment area where needed.

The Powder Keg Pine Fire was declared 100% contained at approximately 5:00 pm. All resources released, but Texas Parks and Wildlife will continue to patrol the fire daily around 3:00pm until Monday August 7th.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Very hot conditions are expected today and tomorrow with little relief overnight as temperatures only fall into the upper 70 degrees.
While minimum daytime humidity will be in the mid 20s both days this weekend, good overnight recoveries are expected tonight. With the similar conditions tomorrow compared to today, another Excessive Heat Warning and Red Flag Warning will be possible at the fire location on Sunday.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  One structure lost and one damaged outbuilding.

Closures: None

Laguna Larga Fire Update

Saturday, August 5, 2023

8:00 am

Size: 3,950

Containment: 100%

Start Date: August 3, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

On Thursday August 3rd, Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) received a request for assistance on a fire approximately 11 miles east/northeast of Falfurrias, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded around 4:50pm, providing personnel, dozers and air operation assistance to the local fire department. The fire is burning at a high rate of spread through tall grass and brush within an estimated 3,175 acre area. There are no losses to oil field equipment and no structures known to be threatened. 

Yesterday:

Over 20 local, state and federal resources assisted Texas A&M Forest Service crews with containing the fire during the night of August 3rd. All containment lines were constructed and engine crews suppressed heat spots within the lines. There was one aerial hazard from an overheated power pole, the Safety Officer was on scene assessing the danger. The fire was 90% contained as of 9:00 am and due to better mapping, acreage was 3,950.

The air attack plane arrived at approximately 9:30am to provide visual assessment from the sky. Engine crews continued patrolling containment lines providing suppression where needed. Although there were some small flames and smoking stumps in the interior, the fire intensity was minimal and there were no containment issues during the heat of the day. By 3:00 pm containment was increased to 95%.

Containment reached 100% by 6:30 pm and Texas A&M Forest Service crews were released. By 7:00 pm, the Laguna Larga fire was transitioned back to the local staff.