Bayfield, Colo., August 4, 2023 – Over 120 fire personnel are assigned to the Dry Lake Fire, which is burning in the First Notch area on the Columbine Ranger District. The lightning-caused fire ignited within a network of Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails and Forest Service System Roads that will be used as containment lines. Today, firefighters are “blacklining” these roads and trails to suppress the fire. Blacklining removes fuel on one side of containment lines to make them wider. This activity means residents and travelers will see more smoke coming off this fire. This evening, smoke may settle between Yellowjacket Pass and Chimney Rock on the Highway 160 corridor, and into the Piedra River drainage toward Arboles.

The Dry Lake fire is burning within a tract of land that was treated by a prescribed fire in 2019 and was planned for a second prescribed burn this fall. Fire crews have been preparing control lines using the surrounding roads and OHV trails in the roughly 1400-acre section for the past several weeks that will now be used for wildfire containment. “This wildfire scenario is precisely why we do prescribed burns,” says Incident Commander Brad Pietruszka. “Reducing hazardous fuels on the forest makes wildfires easier to contain and reduces the long-term risk of catastrophic wildfire in these areas,” Pietruszka added. Fire managers expect low-to-moderate fire behavior over the next several days.

The San Juan National Forest Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing the firefighting efforts. Benefits of reintroducing fire in this landscape include reducing hazardous fuels, encouraging the growth of native plants, increasing species diversity in the understory, restoring ecological balance, and reducing the potential for future high-severity wildfires. These efforts align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

Smoke will be visible to travelers along US Highway 160 between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs, and to some residents in Ignacio and Archuleta County. Please watch for extra fire traffic in the area and along First Notch Road (FR 620) this week and into this weekend.

Wildfire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health  

For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the forest website, or follow us on social media (Twitter and Facebook).

Anderson Complex crews fully engaged in protecting structures, allotments 

FIRE UPDATE: Fire crews remain fully engaged in protecting structures and allotments from the fires that make up the Anderson Complex. Over the past several days more personnel and equipment have arrived in Anderson for assignment to one of the firefighting groups established by Great Basin Team 3. The people in these groups each play a specific role in protecting life and property, and their critical needs are being met. 

The Teklanika Group includes the Midnight Sun and Lassen hotshots. The crews have been working to improve defensible space around structures and allotments by clearing brush or putting in hoses and pumps to reduce the threat posed by the Teklanika River Fire (#257). Yesterday they began the working to protect structures and allotments from the Pilot Spot Fire (#325). That work will continue today. 

Meanwhile Lassen has been tasked with finding and extinguishing spot fires in an area immediately north of the Teklanika River. They will remain in place today, continuing to reinforce the lines they have built in advance of a predicted wind event this weekend that will be addressed in the Weather section of this update.  

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Task Force, Nulato Hills Wildland hand crew, engine crews from Kenai and McKinley, a water tender from the Anderson Fire Department, and several heavy equipment operators are part of the Anderson Group. They should finish their work today on fuel breaks around the City of Anderson. Part of that work includes a joint effort with the Clear Group, which is made up of firefighters from Clear Space Force Station. The groups are working together to complete a new fire break south of the city and north of the station. 

Firefighters assigned to the Kobe-Nenana Group, including the K River 1 hand crew and engine crews from Kobe and Nenana, are responsible for implementing structure protection tactics in the North Forties and Kobe Ag subdivisions. They are clearing brush; installing pumps, hoses and sprinklers; and working to reopen a dozer line north of the North Forties that was put in during the 2022 Clear Fire.

In the Birch Group, the Shasta Lake Hotshots are working to protect structures and allotments in the Clear Sky homestead and Rose Hip Creek area from the Birch Creek Fire (#285). Retardant dropped on the north end of the fire several days ago continued to hold on Thursday. 

Finally, the Parks Highway Group is tasked with assessing structures along the highway corridor and determining how best to protect them. The group is working from Tri-Valley to Nenana looking at options for protecting structures and the highway itself from the Birch Creek, Teklanika River and Pilot Spot fires. 

The Anderson Complex includes the Teklanika River Fire (#257), Birch Creek Fire (#285), Pilot Spot Fire (#325), Kobe Road Fire (#297), Nenana River Fire (#288), and Nenana River Fire 2 (#289). 

WEATHER: A Dense Smoke Advisory has been issued through noon today. Those with respiratory illnesses should stay indoors to avoid the smoke. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. For more information about wildfire smoke visit https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/. 

Chinook winds beginning Saturday are expected to bring sustained south winds of 20 mph or more. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Saturday and Sunday due to high temperatures, low humidity and sustained winds from the south of 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. This will set the stage for “exceptional to extreme burning conditions” over the weekend, according to 

Team 3’s fire behavior analyst. 

EVACUATION STATUS: 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 are 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. 

The City of Anderson and all residents that use any road west of the George Parks Highway between milepost 270 and the Rex Bridge are in Evacuation Status SET. Individuals in this area should be ready in a moment’s notice. 

Visit the Denali Borough website for additional information. 

CLOSURE: The Anderson Shooting Range is closed today for firefighter and public safety. The closure is in place to allow fire crews to complete work on a fuel break. 

This morning, Great Basin Incident Management Team #4, with Incident Commander Steve Shaw, took command of the Hayden Fire.  The team will continue to support firefighting resources from the fire camp in Leadore and provide information on a regular basis using the same platforms as Great Basin Team #7. 

Yesterday, fire growth was minimal and fire crews were able to continue building line along the western perimeter of the fire in Kadletz Creek.  Along the southern border, smoke may be visible in the Pahsimeroi Valley where the fire has burned into high rocky ridges.  Existing containment lines on other portions of the fire are being patrolled, to ensure any concerns can be quickly addressed.  Plans are being made for rehabilitation of fire suppression work to begin once appropriate, including reducing the impact of erosion over burned areas. 

Today, monsoonal moisture will enter the area and bring precipitation over the fire area.  Rainfall is likely to increase through the weekend, with measurements of up to .5” projected through Saturday.  The moisture will not be enough to fully suppress the fire but will significantly benefit the effort. 

Evacuations:  The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the local agencies and Incident Management Team, pre-identified evacuation zones.  Zone 1 was split into Zone 1A and Zone 1B. Please visit the Lemhi County at www.lemhicountyidaho.org for a map and explanation of the zones. 

Smoke:  Air quality has been impacted by regional fires to the west.  A smoke outlook specific to the Hayden Fire vicinity can be found at www.bit.ly/haydensmoke.  

Closures:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Salmon-Challis National Forest has enacted an area closure around the Hayden Fire.  A map and description of the closure area can be found at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idscf-hayden-fire.   

Fire Restrictions:  Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction. For more information, please visit the Salmon-Challis National Forest’s Alerts and Notices, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices. 

Big Knife, Niarada, & Mill Pocket Fires

Daily Update August 4, 2023

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Fire Information: 406-426-9595 | 2023.BigKnife@firenet.gov

https://tinyurl.com/BigKnifeFire | https://tinyurl.com/NiaradaMillPocketFires

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28 
Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning
Big Knife- 4,412 acres, 0% contained | Niarada – 14,816 acres, 0% contained | Mill Pocket – 2,125 acres, 0% contained
Total Personnel: 223 | Engines: 24 | Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed | Hand Crews: 5

Community meeting TONIGHT!
Join us for a community meeting regarding the Big Knife, Niarada, and Mill Pocket fires tonight, Friday, August 4, 2023, 6:00 PM, at the Elmo Community Center, 47088 Cemetery Road in Elmo. The meeting will broadcast live on the CSKT Facebook page.

Big Knife Fire
The Big Knife Fire continues to be active, burning north of Big Knife Creek and into the Gold Creek drainage. On the south side the fire established in Agency Creek. The fire is burning in extremely steep terrain, fueled by heavy timber and significant dead and down fuels, so crews continue to try to flank the fire and monitor the southwest edge. Heavy equipment created a good anchor point by brushing along the Jocko S canal to tie existing firelines together on the west edge of the fire. Aircraft will assist crews as conditions allow, although limited visibility has hindered some air operations. Big Knife Fire remains visible from Missoula and throughout the Jocko Valley.

Niarada Fire
The Niarada Fire remained active Thursday on the northeast, south and southeast perimeters. Late in the evening, on the southeast side, the fire moved into lighter fuels near private land. Crews are building containment lines and working on structure protection in that area today. Tonight, a night shift will continue structure protection and holding containment lines. The Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew is taking direct suppression actions on the northern perimeter where safe to do so. They are also monitoring and patrolling the area where firing operations occurred. Crews continue scouting for opportunities to stop the fire’s southeasterly progression, where erratic winds and heavy fuels are hampering containment.

Mill Pocket Fire
The Mill Pocket fire breached existing fireline on the northwest side yesterday. Aircraft delivered fire retardant and water to assist firefighters, successfully stopping further spread.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot, dry weather is forecast through Friday. Then, meteorologists predict increased potential for thunderstorms and light precipitation over the weekend, with a slight drying trend into next week. Although incoming moisture may help to temporarily moderate potential fire behavior (lessening the chance of long runs and torching in the short-term), thunderstorms also bring concerns related to erratic, outflow winds. Based upon weather conditions and trends, there is continued potential for active fire behavior and large fire growth.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
The Lake County Sheriff has placed several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff has placed the Walking Horse Lane area is in PRE-EVACUATION status, and the town of Elmo is in READY status. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has issued a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Rd South to Hwy 28. A MANDATORY EVACUATION remains in place from the top of the Pass on Brown’s Meadow Road South to Hwy 28, Nirada. This mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Rd.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are in place over all three fires. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can’t!

Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Authorities reduced speed limits to 45 mph due to poor visibility, and firefighters and equipment are still working in the area.

Big Knife, Niarada, & Mill Pocket Fires

Daily Update August 4, 2023

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Fire Information: 406-426-9595 | 2023.BigKnife@firenet.gov

https://tinyurl.com/BigKnifeFire | https://tinyurl.com/NiaradaMillPocketFires

Location: Big Knife - 5 miles east of Arlee, MT | Niarada - 12 miles west of Elmo, MT | Mill Pocket: 3 miles West of Hwy. 28
Start Date: Big Knife - 7/24/2023 | Niarada - 7/30/2023 | Mill Pocket – 7/30/2023 Cause: Lightning
Big Knife- 4,412 acres, 0% contained | Niarada – 14,816 acres, 0% contained | Mill Pocket – 2,125 acres, 0% contained
Total Personnel: 223 | Engines: 24 | Aircraft: 1 + others available as needed | Hand Crews: 5

Community meeting TONIGHT!
Join us for a community meeting regarding the Big Knife, Niarada, and Mill Pocket fires tonight, Friday, August 4, 2023, 6:00 PM, at the Elmo Community Center, 47088 Cemetery Road in Elmo. The meeting will broadcast live on the CSKT Facebook page.

Big Knife Fire
The Big Knife Fire continues to be active, burning north of Big Knife Creek and into the Gold Creek drainage. On the south side the fire established in Agency Creek. The fire is burning in extremely steep terrain, fueled by heavy timber and significant dead and down fuels, so crews continue to try to flank the fire and monitor the southwest edge. Heavy equipment created a good anchor point by brushing along the Jocko S canal to tie existing firelines together on the west edge of the fire. Aircraft will assist crews as conditions allow, although limited visibility has hindered some air operations. Big Knife Fire remains visible from Missoula and throughout the Jocko Valley.

Niarada Fire
The Niarada Fire remained active Thursday on the northeast, south and southeast perimeters. Late in the evening, on the southeast side, the fire moved into lighter fuels near private land. Crews are building containment lines and working on structure protection in that area today. Tonight, a night shift will continue structure protection and holding containment lines. The Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew is taking direct suppression actions on the northern perimeter where safe to do so. They are also monitoring and patrolling the area where firing operations occurred. Crews continue scouting for opportunities to stop the fire’s southeasterly progression, where erratic winds and heavy fuels are hampering containment.

Mill Pocket Fire
The Mill Pocket fire breached existing fireline on the northwest side yesterday. Aircraft delivered fire retardant and water to assist firefighters, successfully stopping further spread.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot, dry weather is forecast through Friday. Then, meteorologists predict increased potential for thunderstorms and light precipitation over the weekend, with a slight drying trend into next week. Although incoming moisture may help to temporarily moderate potential fire behavior (lessening the chance of long runs and torching in the short-term), thunderstorms also bring concerns related to erratic, outflow winds. Based upon weather conditions and trends, there is continued potential for active fire behavior and large fire growth.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
The Lake County Sheriff has placed several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed.

Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff has placed the Walking Horse Lane area is in PRE-EVACUATION status, and the town of Elmo is in READY status. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has issued a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Rd South to Hwy 28. A MANDATORY EVACUATION remains in place from the top of the Pass on Brown’s Meadow Road South to Hwy 28, Nirada. This mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Rd.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are in place over all three fires. For the safety of aerial resources and firefighters on the ground, please do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) in the fire vicinity. If you fly, we can’t!

Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Authorities reduced speed limits to 45 mph due to poor visibility, and firefighters and equipment are still working in the area.

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 4, 2023

Location: 6 miles southeast of Hungry Horse, MT

Start Date: 7/30/23      Cause: Lightning       Size: 1576 acres       Containment: 0%.

Total Personnel: 90    Dozers: 2    Hand Crews: 3    Water Tenders: 2

KEY MESSAGE  

To provide for public and firefighter safety, FS Road 38 (East Side Road) is closed to all public traffic at the junction of FS Road 497 (Desert Mountain Road) and FS Road 38. Mandatory Evacuation Notice is in effect for all public traffic east of junction of FS Road 38 and FS Road 497.

CURRENT SITUATION

Active fire behavior on the southeast corner and it crossed FS Road 38 and the Emery Creek drainage. An overnight infrared flight determined the acreage at 1576 acres, an increase of 943 acres. Yesterday, there was minimal fire growth on the west side of the fire towards the private properties and communities. Additional fire personnel and equipment have been arriving and are being integrated into fire operations.

Yesterday, crews were working to create a fuel break on FS Road 38. Helicopters provided water bucket drops over the fire area from impacting critical infrastructure such as private property and FS Road 38. Heavy equipment was utilized to create a fuel break on the west side of the fire to limit fire spread onto private property, Coram and Martin City.

Today, resources will continue prioritizing firefighting efforts on the west side of the fire. Hand crews are working on creating a fuel break along FS Road 38. Heavy equipment are implementing a fuel break on the west side of the fire to protect private property and the communities of Coram and Martin City. This is a full suppression fire and firefighter and public safety is the top priority. Aerial resources will be utilized as needed to prevent fire from negatively impacting firelines and values at risk.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot and dry conditions are expected to remain today with light winds (10 mph). Thunderstorms and   precipitation is expected to arrive Friday night which may produce gusty winds up to 30 mph. This could cause fire behavior to shift to the west. The fire is actively burning on all sides in steep terrain with heavy dead and down fuels and mostly move south and east. Smoke is visible from locations along Highway 2 mainly between Columbia Falls and West Glacier.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Flathead National Forest implemented an area closure for the area impacted from the Ridge Fire. Please visit Inciweb for more information.

From Gunnison County 911:

Previous evacuation order rescinded.

After many discussions with fire personnel and taking into consideration the current stage that the fire is in, it has been determined that the previous evacuation order regarding the Lowline Fire in the Mill Creek drainage area, (CR 727) of Gunnison County Colorado will be rescinded as of noon on today's date, (08-04-23). This area WILL REMAIN in a pre-evacuation condition, likely for the duration of this fire. County road 727 will remain closed to all people except homeowners, people living there and people working in the area.

The closures at County Road 7 and at Kebler Pass, (CR 12) on County Road 730 will remain in place for local traffic only. Please remember that there are still closures to all people on the Forest and BLM lands in the area.

***
For additional evacuation information, visit the Gunnison County Regional 911 Center on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Gunnison911/ or call 

TONASKET, Wash. August 4, 2023 – The Eagle Bluff fire is now at 16,428 acres and is 45% contained. Management objectives continue to focus efforts on firefighter safety, public safety, protection of property, and preservation of cultural and natural resources values. The fire is burning on land managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Spokane District—Bureau of Land Management west of Oroville, Wash.

Yesterday, crews continued to monitor and secure the perimeter along the eastern flank of the fire and provide support in structure protection. Interior flare-ups of unburned fuels may be visible, especially at night, but pose little danger of spread. To the south, firefighters made efforts to control existing features and had support from aircraft on the interior of the fire. On the western perimeter, Rogue River Interagency Hotshots worked to establish direct line south of the Similkameen River.

Today, on the eastern and southern perimeter crews will repair dozer lines and make further evaluation of needed repairs. To the northwest, hand crews and Rogue River Interagency Hotshots will make continued efforts to establish direct line to Similkameen River. Fire personnel will be patrolling the Canadian border on established dozer line for fire monitoring.  Throughout night operations, fire personnel will continue to grade roads, control established line, and respond to calls.

WEATHER:  Hot dry weather is expected again today. A ridge of high pressure is slowly making its way north bringing some moisture and a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms to the region. Chances of precipitation will increase tomorrow and into the weekend bringing more clouds and potential for precipitation.  

SAFETY:   The combination of very dry fuels and low humidity has the potential for active fire behavior. It is important that everyone use caution to reduce the risk of wildfires. Make sure chains are not dragging on trailers, know what the current restrictions on burning are in effect, and do your part to reduce the risk of new fire starts.

SMOKE: The fire produced a lot of smoke yesterday, especially on the Canadian side of the border. Northern winds will persist, bringing smoke into the region. Reduced air quality is expected with fair to moderate visibility into the afternoon hours. Conditions may improve with some air mixing as temperatures rise, but smoke may settle into the interior valleys.

The British Columbia Wildfire Service is overseeing the fire on the Canadian side. For more information, please visit the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System at https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/home.

Evacuation levels have decreased in Okanogan County, but some road closures remain in place. For up-to-date information on wildfire closures and evacuations, follow Okanogan County Emergency Management at https://okanogancounty.org/government/emergency_management/

Firefighters Efforts Make Significant Headway in Fire Containment
Cottonwood Ridge, Snake Ridge, Spoon and New Fire Starts – August 4, 2023, Daily Update

Spoon Fire Quick Facts
Acres: 4,560 acres
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 45%
Start Date: July 24, 2023
Location: 2.5 miles east of Highway 60 between Globe and Show Low, AZ. 11 miles southwest of Cedar Creek
Fuels: Piñyon- Juniper, Manzanita, Grass, Cedar

Total personnel for all incidents: 407

On Thursday, heat sources along fire containment lines continued to decrease, meaning the heat is naturally diminishing adjacent to the fire containment lines. This allows firefighters to work steadily to increase containment on all fires.

New fire starts addressed Wednesday showed minimal heat and no smoke on Thursday. Although the temperature was warm, dry, and breezy, no additional new starts were detected.

Today, crews will continue to scout out and ensure there are no remaining heat sources along containment lines, begin repair work, reestablish jeep trails and roads and redirect water off roads and trails. While there has been a significant leap towards containment of all large fires, firefighters will continue to be ready to respond to any new starts.

Spoon Fire Update: Fire crews scouting the north edge of the fire containment lines found minimal heat sources Thursday. Crews will begin assessing repair work needed and continue patrolling the fire perimeter for hot spots. Firefighters and equipment will begin repairing dozer and hand lines, and redirect water off roads and trails. Diligent efforts by firefighters increased containment by another 10%, bringing containment on the Spoon Fire up to 45%.

Weather: Hot weather in the low 90s, dry fuels and high wind gusts of 25 miles per hour are a concern into the weekend, but firefighters will remain prepared to respond to any new fire starts.

Evacuations: None.
For awareness regarding evacuations, familiarization with the Ready, Set, Go evacuation model is encouraged. Community members may also sign up for the Navajo County Alert System at https://tinyurl.com/y4vwrasw.

Smoke: Smoke is very minimal, but may still be visible as pockets of heat continue to subside. For information on smoke and air quality, visit https://www.airnow.gov.

Closures: Highway 60 remains open. The southwest portion of Fort Apache is closed, including all Salt River sites within the closure area.

Fire Restrictions: There are several fire restrictions in place depending on location.

• Fort Apache Agency: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
  No campfire, fireworks, outdoor smoking, debris burning or discharging of firearms. Power saws cannot be used between 10 am and 8 pm. All motorized travel is restricted to developed roads.
• Show Low, Navajo County and Apache Sitgreaves National Forests: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
  No campfires (except in developed recreation sites), no smoking outdoors, no welding, no fireworks.

More Information:
InciWeb:

• Cottonwood Ridge: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/azfta-cottonwood-ridge-fire
• Spoon: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/azfta-spoon-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt/

August 4, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 31,921 acres

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 28%

Cause: Human caused

Total personnel: 1,092

Resources: 38 engines l 16 crews l 1 bulldozer l 31 water tenders l 4 masticators l 9 helicopters

Current Situation:  In the southwest corner of the fire in Lawson Creek drainage and in the Game Lake area, helicopters had excellent success with continued aerial ignition achieving additional depth from the containment line further into the unburned interior.  A helitorch was also utilized near the headwaters of Lawson Creek to improve fuels consumption in the brush and shrub vegetation.  A 10-person helitack crew (a firefighting crew flown in by helicopter) returned to the Fantz Ranch area along the eastern edge of the fire to cool areas of heat identified through infrared photography/imaging and eliminate dangerous hazard trees.  This is helping to slow movement further east.

Firefighters used helicopter water bucket drops on areas of heat in the north fork of Indigo Creek to secure the containment line.  Crews mopped up areas of heat close to the containment line in the NE corner of the fire (at the end of Forest System Road 150).  Firefighters worked to improve alternate containment lines (re-routed a stretch of fireline by constructing a handline) and prepared a firing plan in the northeast corner of the fire, should a future need arise to burn this area due to changes in weather conditions or fire activity.

Structure protection resources focused on inventory of structures and fuels reduction at the Agness Guard Station.  An overall structure protection plan to aid firefighters in protecting structures in the area if there is a future need is nearing completion.  The alternate control lines on Forest System Roads (FSR) 1376 (to the south) and 1503, 3313, and 3680 (to the west) continue to be improved. Night-shift resources held and patrolled fireline.

Today’s activities:  Aerial ignition efforts over the past several days to gain additional fireline depth between the western and eastern portions of FSR 3680 in the Lawson Creek drainage (southwestern corner of the fire) is largely complete.  Fuels are still drying and discontinuous in some locations and the fire will continue to move through islands of vegetation in the coming days.  Additional aerial burning will be used to fill in non-contiguous areas of unburned fuel and provide additional depth. Firefighters will work today to hold, secure, improve and mop up the containment line along FSR 3680.  Aerial interior burning will also continue in the Game Lake area. The western and northern containment lines, from the junction of FSR 3680 and 3318 to Wildhorse Lookout east to FSR 3577, is being actively mopped up and patrolled. 

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

Leadership provided by the Pacific Northwest (Type 1) Incident Management Team 3 is nearing the end of its 14-day rotation and will be replaced by Northern Rockies (Type 1) Incident Management Team 2 effective at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5. Today is a day of “shadowing” and transferring intelligence to the new incident management team. Fire personnel and resources will remain in place during the transfer of command.

Evacuations:  All remaining evacuation levels are now at Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation status for all areas in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will continue to coordinate with the Fire Incident Management Team and will notify all residents affected by the fire of any reasons to change evacuation levels. Curry County is using Everbridge to send evacuation notices.  You can sign up for notifications here: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php.

Weather: With a drier air mass moving over the area, temperatures will continue to increase and relative humidity will decrease through the weekend. The period of daily low humidity is increasing with this predicted weather resulting in drier fuels and possible increased fire behavior.

Smoke:  The Smoke Outlook is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/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 as part of the area closure.  The Chetco River Road (FSR 1376) and Chetco/Pistol River Road (FSR 1407) are now closed.  The updated closure allows for public access to the Big Rock swimming hole on the Illinois River.

Restrictions: Fire danger is currently extreme; the RRSNF is implementing Level 2 Public Use Restrictions beginning today, August 4. More information can be found 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.