ATTENTION!

**Ridge Fire- Closure Update: FS Road 38 (East Side Road) is CLOSED at the junction east of FS Road 497 (Desert Mountain Road) and FS Road 38. FS Road 895 (West Side South Fork Road) CLOSED to all traffic at mile marker 15.

Consalus Fire

Priest Lake Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Incident Commander: Jake Hirst

Fire Information 208-996-0980    |    2023.consalus@firenet.gov

https://tinyurl.com/consalusfire

August 3, 2023

Location: 10 miles west of Coolin, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA            Start Date: 6/30/2023    Cause: Lightning

Size: 471 acres   Containment: 70%   Total Personnel: 81   Equipment: Dozer, Masticator, Excavator  

Fire Modules: 5-person mod + a district module   Engines: 1    Other: 4 Water Tenders

Unless significant activity occurs, updates are being produced every other day. The next update will be 8/5/23.

The Consalus fire is being managed by fire officials out of the Priest Lake Ranger District. The fire remains at 70% contained with firefighters working to mop up and secure the line around the other 30% of the perimeter. Crews are patrolling and monitoring the fires edge throughout the day while continuing to backhaul any unneeded equipment from the field. In addition, work has begun to complete all that is outlined in the suppression repair plan.

Within the perimeter of the fire, smoke has been seen from pockets of unburned fuels and we expect that to continue, especially on hot and dry days, until the area receives considerable precipitation. Additional heavy equipment was ordered as there is a considerable amount of work to be done to clear and improve roads that were impacted by fire activity. The Forest closure order will remain in effect until further notice as the suppression repair work is expected to continue well into the fall.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Thursday, expect sunny skies with a high near 81 and winds becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Friday, widespread haze will move in with increasing clouds and a high near 80. Calm winds will become southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests issued an emergency closure (Closure Order # 01-04-08-23-003) effective July 18, 2023. This replaced Closure Order #01-04-08-23-002. The emergency closure has been issued for public safety and prohibits all forms of travel on: Forest Service Road (FSR) #1108 from the junction with FSR #333 to the junction with FSR #659; FSR #1094 will remain open for the first 4.5 miles from the junction with FSR #312, but the remainder of FSR #1094 will be closed to the junction with FSR #1108. Additional road closures now include FSR #659 from the junction with FSR #312 to the junction with FSR #659B; FSR #333 from the junction with FSR #2730 to its terminus.

For firefighter and public safety, please avoid the following roads if possible: The remaining portion of FSR #1094 not part of the closure order; FSR #312 from the junction with FSR #333 to the junction with FSR #659; and FSR #333 from Highway 57 to the junction with FSR #1108. Please refer to the incident PIO map for a visual explanation.

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. 

de Agosto, 2023 Reporte matutino para el incendio Flat

Extension: 31,472 acres                                          Fecha de Inicio: 15-Julio-23

Origen: 2 milllas Sureste de Agness, OR

Contencion: 28%

Causa: Error humano

Personal : 1,104

Recursos: 39 camiones de bomberos l 16 escuadrillas de bomberos l 1 buldócer l 24 cisternas l 4 maquinas masticadoras l 9 helicopteros
 

Situacion Actual:  

Los bomberos continuan trabajando en igniciones aereas aistidos por helicopteros para lograr profundizarse mas desde la linea de contencion y mas alla del interior de las areas que aun no han sido quemadas por el incendio localizadas en la esquina Suroeste del incendio en el drenaje de Lawson Creek. Durante los ultimos dias, se ha observado cierta actividad del fuego corriendo hacia arriba, en donde existe hierba seca. Asimismo en esta area el fuego ha retrocedido hacia la parte inferior de las pendientes y en donde se alinea material de combustion sobre las laderas. Esta acccion, en estas areas, ha dado como resultado la quema de la vegetacion, disminuyendo la posibilidades de incendio en la misma zona.

Los bomberos tambien utilizan igniciones aereas en el area de Game Lake con el objetivo de mejorar la profundizacion en el material de combustion el cual se esta quemando desde las lineas de contencion. El grupo especializado en helitack (se refiere al equipo realizando vuelos en helicopteros) fue introducido al area de Fantz Ranch a lo largo del eje Este del incendio con el proposito de enfriar las zonas en donde fueron identificados algunos puntos de emanacion de calor a travez del uso de fotografias/imagenes infrarrojas. Este proceso es muy importante para monitorear el movimiento del incendio mas alla del lado Este. Los bomberos se estan dando a la tarea de monitorear un zona que presenta un incremento en el calentamiento interno. Esta area fue identificada por deteccion infrarroja en el empalme Norte de Indigo Creek.  Ademas, si fuera necesario, se utilizaran helicopteros para irrigar y asegurar las lineas existentes de contencion. Los bomberos trabajando durante la noche,  lograron mantener y patrullar las lineas de incendio.

Los recursos para la proteccion de la infraestructua estan utilizando vehiculos y aeronaves para localizar e identificar edificios y viviendas adcionales en el area en riesgo. Se encuentran colectando datos para asistir a los bomberos en dicho trabajo, tan ponto como fuera necesario. Se continua menjorando la linea alternativa de control en el sistema de caminos del Bosque (FSR) 3313, 1503 y 3680.

Actividades para el día de hoy:  El día de hoy, se espera concluir con la ardua labor de internarse más adentro de la línea de incendio localizada entre la porción Oeste y Este de la carretera forestal FSR 3680 sobre el drenaje de Lawson Creek (esquina suroeste del fuego). Asimismo, si las condiciones lo permiten, se continuará con la quema interna aérea en el área de Game Lake.

Un helicóptero tipo antorcha (heli-torch) estará disponible para áreas con escasa vegetación y con la finalidad de incrementar la quema del material de combustión y crear más efectividad en las quemas. Este grupo especial también se mantendrá monitoreando el área de Fantz Ranch.  Por otro lado, se están limpiando y patrullando de una manera activa, las líneas de contención sobre el Oeste y el Noreste, que se extiende desde el empalme de la carretera forestal FSR 3680 y 3318 hacia Wildhorse Lookout al Este de FSR 3577.

Se ha concluido con la preparación de la esquina Noreste del incendio para las operaciones de incendio (si es necesario) debido a los cambios en las condiciones climáticas y/o la actividad del fuego.

Se les 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.

Actualmente no se esta creando un informe vespertino del incendio. Sinembargo, se seguira reportando la informacion diaria en Inciweb, Facebook y Twitter.

Evacuaciones:  Todos los niveles de evacuación restantes han sido reducidos a un Nivel 1 “Prepárese” para todas las áreas en las proximidades del Incendio Flat.

La Oficina del Alguacil para la ciudad de Curry continuara coordinándose con el Grupo para el Manejo de Incidente de Incendio y serán los responsables de notificar a los residentes afectados por el incendio acerca de las razones para cambiar los niveles de evacuación.

La ciudad de Curry está enviando noticias de evacuación utilizando el sistema Everbridge. Usted puede registrarse en: https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Condiciones climáticas: En el día de hoy, se espera un ligero enfriamiento en las temperaturas (de 1-3 grados menos) y una alta humedad relativa (arriba del 1-3%).

Las bajas y altas del ciclo climático que hemos estado experimentado han logrado moderar el comportamiento del incendio, pero en general, la materia de combustión continúa siendo seca. Para el fin de semana, se espera el retorno de una masa de aire más cálida y seca.

Impacto del humo: Pronósticos en la presencia del humo, puede encontrarse en la página web:    https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/en/b74901f7

Cierres de áreas: El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou, emitió una nueva 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.

Orden de restricción: Actualmente, el Nivel de Peligro de Incendio es “Extremo”; El Bosque Nacional de Rogue River-Siskiyou está implementando un Nivel 2 de restricción para el publico empezando el 4 de agosto, 2023. Para más información: https://tinyurl.com/bdzbae69

Por favor siga todas las restricciones en el área para prevenir más incendios forestales. Con este tipo de restricciones en pie, se le autoriza el fumar solamente dentro de su vehículo y sobre carreteras mejoradas

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.

Wildfires and Mosaics

When people see a map of a wildfire, they sometimes assume that everything within the fire perimeter is black and dead. That usually is not the case. Fires typically burn across a landscape in varying intensities. Some areas may be severely burned, others lightly burned, and some not burned at all. This patchwork is referred to by fire professionals as a “mosaic”.

These mosaic-producing fires create a diversity of age classes of trees and other vegetation. But what causes fires to create this patchwork across the countryside? There are many factors. For example, some kinds of vegetation are more susceptible to burning than others. A fire may burn hotly through a

stand of conifer trees, but then lie down or even go out when it reaches an adjacent stand of aspens. Terrain plays a role as well. Fires typically burn hotter on steeper slopes than on gentler ones because heat rises and pre-heats the vegetation upslope. They also burn hotter on south facing slopes than they do on northerly ones because of more direct exposure to sun and greater drying of the vegetation. Wind can be another factor. Terrain that is exposed to winds will burn hotter than one where the vegetation is sheltered from the wind. All these factors combine to produce a highly variable pattern of vegetation across a landscape. The question, then, is this a good or a bad thing? If you were growing a monoculture of apple trees, or even a plantation of pine trees for future timber harvest, it might be a bad thing. But in a natural forest that provides for a multitude of uses, it is almost always a good thing. Mosaic forests provide ideal habitat for a myriad of wildlife species. They are more resistant to insects and disease. They are less susceptible to wildfires. And they are beautiful to look at.

Wildfires have been creating mosaic forests for thousands of years. For only about the past 100 years, we have been putting out every fire we could, and forests have responded by becoming overgrown, fuel laden, and more homogenous than in the past. Mother Nature is always trying to restore things back to their natural condition, and fire is one of her tools of choice. That’s why we’ve seen an increase in wildfire numbers, size, and intensity across our country in recent decades. Fortunately, there are things smart forest managers can do to help Mother Nature out and avoid some of the negative effects of fire. Sustainable timber harvest, judicious thinning, and prescribed burning under carefully selected conditions can add diversity to a landscape and help keep or restore forests to a mosaic pattern.

When your local land managers develop plans for restoring burned areas to a more natural condition and for treating other areas to help prevent more fires like this one, they will be seeking your input and involvement. Getting involved is one of the best things you can do to help restore the forests in this beautiful part of Colorado.

###

Big Knife, Niarada, & Mill Pocket Fires

Daily Update August 3,2023

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 - 2,710 acres, 0% contained | Niarada – 13,686 acres, 0% contained | Mill Pocket – 1,929 acres, 0% contained

Total Personnel: 211 total | 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, Thursday, August 3, 2023, 6:00 PM, at the Arlee Community Center, 34086 Pow Wow Road in Arlee. We will broadcast the meeting live on the CSKT Division of Fire Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CSKT.Division.of.Fire). We will host a second community meeting Friday, August 4, 2023, 6:00 PM, at the Elmo Community Center, 47088 Cemetery Road in Elmo. We will either broadcast that meeting live on Facebook or record and post to Facebook afterwards, depending upon internet connectivity.

Big Knife Fire

The Big Knife Fire burned actively Wednesday, with a spot fire south of Big Knife Creek burning eastward into the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Areas and a portion of the fire also well-established on the north side of the Big Knife drainage. The fire is burning in extremely steep terrain, so crews continue to try to flank the fire and monitor the southwest edge. Strategic firing operations may be necessary to prevent spread to the west toward the valley. Aircraft are aiding 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 & Mill Pocket Fire

The Niarada Fire remained active Wednesday, spreading both to the northeast and southeast. Crews, heavy equipment, engines, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft continue to work the fire, building firelines from safe anchor points and protecting structures in the area. Late Tuesday and Wednesday, the Flathead Interagency Hotshot Crew successfully implemented strategic firing operations on the north perimeter along Cromwell Creek Road, helping secure the fire perimeter nearest Lake Mary Ronan. So far, crews are successfully holding that line. Crews are also scouting for opportunities to stop the fire’s southeasterly progression, where erratic winds and heavy fuels are hampering containment. Firefighters made great headway on the Mill Pocket Fire Wednesday, completing initial fireline around the entire perimeter. However, crews need to improve and hold that line before containment is achieved.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot, dry weather is forecast through Friday, with the potential for thunderstorms and light precipitation by late weekend. 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 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, Niarada. This mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Rd.

Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Visibility is very poor, and the speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph.

It is prohibited go into the area, including to be upon any road or trail in the area, closed for the protection of public health or safety:

The western and northern boundary of the closure area starts at the junction of National Forest System (NFS) Road 497 and NFS Road 38 in section 3 T31N R19W and runs north along the western and northern Coram Experimental Forest boundaries to Desert Mountain in section PB40 T31N R19W. The northern boundary continues from Desert Mountain due east to the Great Bear Wilderness boundary. The eastern boundary then runs southeast along the Great Bear Wilderness boundary to Tiger Creek in section 12 T30N R18W and then along Tiger Creek south to NFS Road 38. The southern boundary is up to FSR 38 between Tiger Creek and NFS Road 497

Tin Soldier Complex Daily Update, Thursday, August 3rd.

Location: 17 miles east of Swan Lake, Montana

Start Date: 7/30/2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 2,061 acres

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 50 Engines: 3 Masticators: 1 Water Tender: 1
Heavy Equipment Task Force: 1
Note: Additional personnel from the Spotted Bear District are “on loan” and assisting with fire related operations. Priority will be given for initial attack if any other fires on the Spotted Bear District are detected.

ATTENTION
To provide for public and firefighter safety, the West Side South Fork Road #895 will be closed to public travel at the 42 mile and the East Side South Fork Road #38 will be closed to public travel at the 37.5 mile.

SUMMARY
The Tin Soldier Complex is made up of 4 fires burning in timber litter with heavy dead and down fuels associated with a fire scar from 2003. The Tin Soldier Complex is located on the Spotted Bear Ranger District of the Flathead National Forests, approximately 17 miles east of Swan Lake. Fire activity has included torching, spotting, and active consumption of heavy fuels. The fires associated with the Tin Soldier Complex started by lightning on Saturday, July 30th.

Current Acres burned as of the morning of August 3rd.
• Bruce Fire – 889 acres at 0% containment
• Kah Mtn Fire – 257 acres at 0% containment
• Sullivan Fire – 914 acres at 0% containment
• Con Kelly Fire – 0.25 acres – Contained and controlled.

An overnight infrared flight mapped the Tin Soldier Complex at approximately 2,061 acres in size and it remains 0% contained. Fire activity on Wednesday increased in the afternoon and remained into the evening.
Fire personnel have contained and controlled the Con Kelly Fire. The Bruce, Kah and Sullivan Fires are being managed with point source protection to protect values at risk. Values at risk include Stony Communications Site, hydro-electric plant, Heinrude residential community, commercial guest ranches and the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound. Fire personnel have been conducting initial assessments and preparations for structure protection in these identified areas.

PLANNED ACTIONS
A masticator and heavy equipment task force was utilized to establish a fuel break around the Wilderness Lodge and the hydro-electric facility. A hose line has been laid along the established fuel break and sprinklers have been set up around the Wilderness Lodge. Fire personnel will start structure protection efforts to include hose line and sprinkler systems for the Spotted Bear Ranch, Diamond R Ranch and the Spotted Bear Ranger Station compound.

EVACUATIONS, CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
Evacuation: An evacuation has been issued by the Flathead County Sheriff for Heinrude community.
Restrictions/Closures:
• Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect. Stage 2 fire restrictions will take effect on August 5, 2023.
• A road restriction is in effect for the East and West Side South Fork Roads.
• A closure is in effect for the front country of the Spotted Bear district.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Tin Soldier Complex to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot, dry, windy conditions expected through Thursday. It is expected to be partly cloudy with a max temperature of 75-80F. West 5-7 mph winds shifting to the northwest 8-10 mph in the afternoon.
A potential for cooler temperatures and higher humidities exists Friday through the weekend. Chance of thunderstorms and showers starting Saturday through early next week.

Classic Canyon Fire Update

Thursday August 3, 2023

1:30 pm

Size: 235

Containment: 100%

Start Date: July 27, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

Texas A&M Forest Service in coordination with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team, McGregor Task Force and the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department began work on July 27th to contain the Classic Canyon Fire. Texas A&M Forestry Service took over management of the fire on July 29th, providing engines and crews to patrol the containment area, extinguishing remaining hot areas along the line. On July 31st, there were no obvious flames within the fire perimeter and minimal heat and smoke within the containment line. Resources continued patrolling, improving containment lines where needed and holding the line where secure. At end of shift, containment remained at 85%.

Previous Days:

A Red Flag Warning has been in effect every afternoon since August 1st. Conditions have been abnormally hot and dry with highs near 104 degrees and minimum relative humidity around 20-25%. Southerly winds have been blowing between 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

On August 1st, there was no visible heat or smoke on the fire perimeter with one pocket of heat in the interior. Crews continued patrolling and improving lines as well as suppressing the interior pocket of heat. By end of shift containment was increased to 95% and all resources were released overnight.

On August 2nd, containment remained at 95%. One engine and crews continued to patrol fireline and provide heat suppression where needed.

Today:

Texas A&M Forest Service personnel arrived on site at approximately 10:15 am. After patrolling the fire perimeter, Incident Commander Cole determined the Classic Canyon Fire to be 100% contained and transitioned control back to the local fire department. All Texas A&M Forest Service have been released from the fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

There is a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon through tonight. Hot, dry, and breezy conditions expected through sunset with highs near 104 and minimum relative humidity falling to around 24 percent during peak heating. Intermittently gusty south winds will persist through the evening and overnight hours with sustained wind speeds up to 10-15 mph and occasional gusts to near 20 mph possible. Relative humidity is expected to recover to 75-80% tonight with south winds around 10-14 mph. Similar weather conditions are forecast tomorrow. No precipitation or major wind shifts are expected.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  None

Closures: None

2023.Sourdough@firenet.gov

360-370-4169

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/warlp-sourdough-fire

Fire Size: 38

Containment: 0%

Personnel: 148

Helicopters: 3

The Sourdough Fire is being managed by the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, Mitch Ketron is Gray Team Incident Commander.

Yesterday’s Activities: There was fire growth along the southern edge of the fire downhill to Diablo Dam Road. Fire personnel continued to scout and identify possible fire containment lines and natural features. Both helicopters, and single-engine air tankers dropped water to slow fire spread. Fire personnel are actively engaged in structure protection, triage, and preparation based on fire location and behavior.

This is a no-drone zone. Unauthorized drone flights (UAS) pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfire to grow larger.

Today: Fire personnel will continue to scout and identify possible fire containment lines. In addition, crews will set up hose lays, sprinkler systems, and preparing historic structures, dam infrastructure, and structures around the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Helicopter water drops will continue in an effort to slow fire spread and downhill fire due to terrain-influenced roll-out. Terrain is extremely steep, rugged, and inaccessible. Motorists are urged not to pull over along State Route 20 near the Diablo Dam. While the road remains open, keep in mind your safety and those of first responders. Do not pull over to take photos or deploy drone aircraft.

Weather: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 10 mph. Take caution when recreating outdoors when smoke is present. Learn more at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com .

Area/Road Closures & Evacuations

EVACUATIONS - Evacuations are in effect for North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. There is no access across Diablo Dam until further notice.

Access to Skagit Tours, and Ross Lake Resort is limited to reservation holders only. Trail, area, and camp closures are in effect due to fire activity. Closure information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm.