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.

Special Note: Fire officials appreciate the support and generosity shown to our firefighters by the community. Our firefighters are well cared for while on assignment. They are fed a high calorie diet to sustain them during arduous work, and they receive the gear and equipment they need to perform their jobs at a high level. If you wish to donate in a way that helps both local families affected by the fire and the firefighters, please consider donating to Gunnison Food Pantry or to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation ( https://wffoundation.org/ ), a nonprofit group that provides support to injured and fallen firefighters and their families.

Current Situation: The Lowline Fire now stands at 798 acres and is 1% contained. Fire crews, heavy equipment, and aerial firefighting resources continue to focus tactical efforts on limiting fire spread to the east towards County Road 730, while securing direct fireline around the southern flank and planning strategic operations for the more remote western side of the fire where fuels are heaviest.

On large, complex fires, supervisors divide the fire perimeter into geographic subdivisions called “divisions” to provide for better management and safer operations. Our daily updates will describe the fire’s activities and our suppression actions within these divisions, which are shown on the accompanying fire maps. Note that division letters don’t always run sequentially in order to allow for expansion if the fire grows.

In Division A, structure protection crews performed fuels mitigation work to limit potential damage in the event the fire approaches structures. The objective is to prevent the fire from progressing eastward toward County Road 730. In pursuit of the objective, indirect fireline was constructed around the timber stringers where fuels change from conifers to grass and shrubs. Firing operations will safely burn out these stringers, possibly beginning as early as today, in order to prevent eastward fire, spread and protect valuable resources, including homes, rangeland, sage grouse habitat and numerous other values at risk. Burning out under controlled conditions eliminates fuels between the fire and values at risk, preventing further fire spread.

Crews in Division Z worked on direct fireline around a spot and the main fire perimeter yesterday and made good progress. That work will continue today, and firing of a timber stringer on the southern end of the fire may occur. Before ignition occurs, weather conditions will be monitored and the work will be closely coordinated with a variety of other agencies to ensure mutual objectives for resource protection are met.

Division Y is a new Division that was split off from Division W. The area has been scouted, and plans developed to build indirect fireline up a ridge running west from the southwest corner of the fire.

Division W will be scouted today to determine the best strategy for suppressing the fire in this remote and heavily timbered area.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:

Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are likely today, with gusty outflow winds and lightning being the primary concerns. Chances for wetting rains will likely stay under 20% today, increasing to 40 to 60% Sunday into next week.

Fuels in the fire area are mixed conifer with a heavy dead and down component, as well as grass and shrubs. The fire was active yesterday, spreading in heavy conifer fuels, but holding in grass. Similar activity is expected today. Any rain received could temporarily dampen fire behavior, but likely only briefly.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:

Mandatory evacuations are in place in the Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek drainages. 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 . 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/ .

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: 798 acres
Containment: 1%
Total Personnel: 166
Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, C
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

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: 25%

Total Personnel: 187    Engines: 2        Dozers: 2          Forest Masticators: 1 

Helicopters: 1               Water Tender: 4                         Crews: 3  

CURRENT SITUATION

Dry conditions continue over the fire area. The Midnight Fire is being managed using a two-prong approach with some of the resources continuing to expand the existing holding lines while other resources are working on a contingency plan.

PLANNED ACTIONS

Two crews and an engine will continue to construct direct fire line to hold and secure the fire within its existing footprint.  The remaining fire personnel will continue to improve contingency lines which includes enhancing existing roads and trails. A variety of factors are considered when determining appropriate tactics and strategies, such as providing for firefighter and public safety, weather, fire behavior models, availability of resources and more.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today’s weather is expected to be like yesterdays.  Winds will increase in the late morning and afternoon hours. Due to the higher temperatures and low relative humidities, live fuel moistures are lower than average for this time of year the potential for fire activity will continue to increase into the future. 

Air quality information: AirNow Interactive Map (epa.gov)

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There are currently no closures in place, but firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy along FSR # 244 (Lighting Creek Road) and FSR# 284 (Elk City Wagon Road) between China Point and Lytle Cow Camp. Forests users are encouraged to slow down and use extra caution while with heavy fire traffic and dust on roads.  Fire Management Officials urge the traveling public to please avoid this area both on the ground and in the air. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Midnight Fire area for the safety of the aviation resources on scene. We still have a long fire season ahead, please recreate responsibly. 

Order Number: # 04-13-23-07

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Leadore Ranger District
Hayden Fire Closure Order.     

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails in the Leadore, Salmon-Cobalt, and Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger Districts, Salmon-Challis National Forest, shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area, Roads and Trails”):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area, 36 C.F.R. § 261.52 (e).

2. Being on the Described Road, 36 C.F.R. § 261.54 (e).

3. Being on the Described Trails, 36 C.F.R. § 261.55 (a).

EXEMPTIONS

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

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No.FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State,or local officer,or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA

NFS lands, roads and trails on the Leadore, Salmon-Cobalt, and Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger Districts of the Salmon-Challis National Forest within the area bounded by the following: starting at the junction of the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary and National Forest System Road (NFSR) #008 Hayden Creek Road, then following the

Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary to the northwest to its junction with National Forest System Trail (NFST) #6178 Basin Creek Trail, then following NFST #6178 to where it joins the hydrologic divide between Basin Creek and Bear Valley Creek, then following this hydrologic divide west to the hydrologic divide between the Lemhi and Salmon River Valleys, then following the Lemhi/Salmon River hydrologic divide south over Lem Peak to an unnamed tributary of the North Fork Morgan Creek, then following that drainage downstream to the North Fork of Morgan Creek, then following the North Fork of Morgan Creek to its junction with NFST #4243 Little Morgan-Cow Creek Trail, then following NFST #4243 south to NFSR #093 Morgan Creek Road, then following NFSR #093 south to the Forest boundary, then following the Forest boundary southeast to its intersection with NFSR #096 Patterson-Eight Mile Road, then following NFSR #096 Patterson-Eight Mile Road north and northeast to its junction with NFST #4074 East Fork Patterson Creek Trail, then following NFST #4074 East Fork Patterson Creek Trail northeast to its junction with NFST #6185 Patterson Trail, then following NFST #6185 Patterson Trail northeast to its junction with NFSR #096-A Big Eight Mile Campground Road, then following NFSR #096-A Big Eight Mile Campground Road to its junction with NFSR #096 Big Eight Mile Road, then following NFSR #096 Big Eight Mile Road to its junction with the Forest boundary, then following the Forest boundary northwest to the point of origin at the junction of the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary and NFSR #008 Hayden Creek Road.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIBED ROADS AND TRAILS

This closure shall include the following National Forest System Roads and Trails outside of the designated area described above:

Roads:

That portion of NFSR #213 Allison Creek Road that is north and east of its junction with NFSR #089 Upper Allison Creek Road

NFSR #012 Blue Jay Mine Road NFSR #011 Ray Mine Road NFSR #244 Patterson Spur #3 Trails:

NFST #6230 North Fork McKim Creek Trail NFST #6143 Devils Lake Trail

The following Road and Trail which make up portions of the boundary of the closure area remain open to travel:

Acres: 17,446.    

Containment: 0%.      

Personnel: 700.    

Summary: The Hayden Fire started on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, at approximately 11:30 am. The fire is located in the Lemhi Range, 18 miles west of Leadore, Idaho. The Hayden Fire is a full suppression fire. Firefighters are working long hours every day working to contain the fire as quickly as they can, impacting the fewest acres possible.  

Weather: The fire area will continue to be dry and hot, with moderating conditions today. Overnight relative humidity will increase, daytime winds will be lighter, with more cloud cover developing over the fire. 

Actions: Yesterday, weather conditions brought cooler temperatures, cloud cover allowed firefighters an opportunity to make good progress on containment lines, constructing more handline, and successfully increasing safety zones and contingency lines with burnout operations.  Today, fire operations will be implementing a “swing shift” which will enable firefighters to work into the late hours of the night to make additional progress when fire conditions are more favorable. Burnout operations to build depth to containment line are planned for the northern portion of the fire near Bear Valley Road.

“The firefighters assigned to the Hayden Fire are working extremely hard to extinguish this fire, protecting the surrounding communities, stakeholders, and public lands is their priority. I appreciate their hard work, dedication and the support shown by the community.”

 -Mike Johnston, Incident Commander of Great Basin Team 7.  

Important Information: The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Department in coordination with the Salmon-Challis National Forest and Great Basin Team 7 have pre-identified evacuation zones. They will be implemented using the “Ready, Set, Go” terminology, for more information please visit the Lemhi County website at lemhicountyidaho.org. 

As of yesterday, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (SCNF), Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction. For more information, please visit the Salmon-Challis National Forest’s Alerts and Notices webpage. 

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has an area closure order in place to help protect firefighter and public safety.  Maps and additional information are available on the Alerts and Notices SCNF website. Risk to responders and public safety remains the highest priority for the incident management team

Location:  Southwest of Sunflower Start Date: 07/22/2023 Cause: Under investigation
Size: 4,770 acres Containment: 0% Total Personnel: 340

Fire Conditions Improve on the Diamond Fire

OPERATIONAL UPDATE

Yesterday yielded a significant decrease in fire activity with some smoke visible along State Route 87. Aerial resources monitored and took action on the western side of the fire where needed with the southwest portion of the fire being the most active. In the northern, eastern and southern portions of the fire, ground resources cooled hotspots with aerial support. Crews monitored previous burnout areas and continued prepping roads to the north and southeast in the event of any future burnout plans. Ground crews began securing line and mopping up around Sunflower.

Today’s operational plan will be similar to yesterday. Aerial resources will continue to support ground resources in preventing significant fire growth. Dozers will improve road access in the northern portion of the fire while ground resources will hold existing fire lines and scout locations for secondary contingency lines. Some smoke will be visible from State Route 87 as interior clean up of green fuels occurs.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the triple digits today with relative humidity hovering around 20%. Winds will be westerly less than 20 miles per hour. Several models indicate an increase in thunderstorm activity directly in and around the fire area. These afternoon thunderstorms may bring strong, erratic outflow winds and potential for precipitation.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS

The National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area to provide public health and safety due to firefighting operations. Forest Road 627, west of State Route 87, remains closed to the general public per the Forest Area Closure. Refer to Inciweb for the closure order in entirety. Although not currently planned, there is the possibility for a State Route 87 closure. If you have travel plans in the area, pay close attention to https://az511.gov and our Facebook page for the most up-to-date road closure information. https://www.facebook.com/diamond.fire.tonto 

The communities of Sunflower, Cross F Ranch, and Diamond Ranch are currently under the GO evacuation notice. Please visit https://tinyurl.com/nhv6uyyt  for further information. An interactive evacuation map link is available on both Inciweb and Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/54tbdhm2 

RESTRICTIONS

There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area, which includes the use of drones (UAS). Flying a drone over a fire area is dangerous to pilots and will cause air operations to shut down. Flying a drone within the restricted area is also illegal. 

The Tonto National Forest is currently under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=81280 for more information.
 

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.

Nota Especial: ¡Apreciamos mucho el apoyo y la generosidad de la comunidad! Aunque apreciamos las ofertas de donaciones, nuestros equipos de bomberos forestales están bien equipados y cuidados. Algunas sugerencias en lugar de donaciones: 1) Considere donar a Gunnison Food Pantry (www.gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org/donate/), 2) Donar a Wildland Firefighter Foundation (www.wffoundation.org), o 3) Mantener seguros a nuestros bomberos creando un espacio defendible alrededor de su hogar (¡aprenda cómo en www.firewise.org)!

Situación Actual: Este es un incendio de supresión total. La máxima prioridad es para los bomberos y la seguridad pública, ya que los recursos de extinción de incendios trabajan para minimizar los impactos en viviendas y estructuras privadas, infraestructura de líneas eléctricas, recursos críticos de infraestructura de agua y otros valores en riesgo. El fuego permaneció activo esta tarde consumiendo combustibles en el lado noroeste del fuego. Sin embargo, la actividad del fuego disminuyó en los lados sur y este. El fuego está actualmente contenido un 1%.

División A: El fuego que arde en esta área está muy boscoso, lo que impide que los bomberos vayan directamente al borde del fuego. Trabajaron en la construcción de una línea de fuego indirecta en preparación para una posible operación de disparo, posiblemente mañana mismo, para proteger estructuras, ranchos y otros valores en riesgo.

División W: El incendio permaneció activo esta tarde con humo que afectó la calidad del aire en las áreas al este del incendio.

División Y: Esta es una nueva División debido a la división del área grande entre las Divisiones W y Z. El personal de bomberos está explorando esta área con la intención de construir una línea de fuego indirecta a lo largo de la cresta al oeste del perímetro del incendio.

División Z: Los bomberos lograron un buen progreso hoy en la construcción de una línea de fuego alrededor de los puntos fuera del perímetro sureste y limpiando alrededor de las estructuras. Un equipo nocturno permanecerá para monitorear el área durante la noche.

Condiciones del Clima y Combustibles: Es probable que mañana vuelvan tormentas y lluvias por la tarde y noche. Los vientos disminuirán con rachas de hasta 20 mph. Existe la posibilidad de algo de precipitación, pero no lo suficiente como para cambiar la humedad actual del combustible.

Los combustibles principales en el área del incendio son coníferas mixtas con un componente pesado de muerte y plumón, así como pasto y arbustos.

Evacuaciones, Cierres, y Restricciones de Incendios: Se han realizado evacuaciones obligatorias en los drenajes de Squirrel Creek y Mill Creek. Para obtener información específica sobre evacuación, consulte Manejo de emergencias del condado de Gunnison en www.gunnisoncounty.org. Puede registrarse para recibir alertas de emergencia en sus teléfonos u otros dispositivos en: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

El Bosque Nacional Gunnison emitió una orden de Cierre Forestal para el área alrededor de Lowline. Se le pide al público que se adhiera al cierre por salud pública y seguridad de nuestro personal de bomberos. Puede descargar una copia de la orden y el mapa del sitio web de Forest en https://bit.ly/43PTujc.

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/.

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: 798 acres
Contenido: 1%
Personal: 166
Locación: 14 mi. NNW de Gunnison, CO
Reportado: 8:00 am 26 de Julio, 2023
Causa: Relámpago

Para mas Informaccion:
Línea Telefónica : 970-648-4470 (public), 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

28 de Julio, 2023

Informe matutino para el Incendio Flat

Inicio:  Julio 15, 2023

Extension: 24,329                                           

Origen: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR

Contencion: 14%

Causa: Error humano, Bajo investigacion

Personal: 1,643

Recursos: 51 camiones de bomberos l 38 escuadrillas de bomberos l 8 buldóceres l 33 cisternas l 8 máquinas masticadoras l11 helicópteros
 

Situación Actual: Por la tarde, cuando el viento y las condiciones de humedad fueron favorables, los bomberos llevaron a cabo operaciones de incendio para establecer y reforzar líneas de control a lo largo de la carretera Forestal (FR) 3318 (Wilhorse Ridge Road) y FR 3680.Los helicópteros asistieron con trabajo de supresión, aplicando retardadores en el Noreste y Sureste del Incendio. Los bomberos utilizaron el Sistema Aéreo sin personal (UAS) para las igniciones de espacios con vegetación entre las líneas de control y para identificar fuentes de calor de menor tamaño a través de las características avanzadas de control y así poder extinguirlos rápidamente.

Los Bomberos aéreos finalizaron el trabajo de limpieza sobre aproximadamente 110 acres incendiándose al Sureste de Silver Peak. Después de finalizado el trabajo, los bomberos se prosiguió con la extracción de los bomberos de la zona.

Actividades Nocturnas: Los bomberos planean empezar con tácticas de operaciones de incendio al Este de Illinois River a lo largo de FR 2308 (Burnt Ridge) y FR 150 para detener más la progresión del centro del incendio. Esta noche, los trabajadores continuaran limpiando áreas quemadas recientemente y patrullar zonas que aun presentan la persistencia del calor a lo largo de los perímetros Noreste, Oeste y Sureste del fuego.

Evacuaciones:  Permanece en efecto el Nivel de Evacuación 1 “Listos” para las áreas en el lado Norte de Rogue River en Agness hacia Illahe Lodge y a lo largo del corredor de Rogue River desde el campamento de Quosatana Creek hasta el área de Agness. Incluyendo las zonas de Spud Road, Old House Creek Road y Oak Flat.

El área Este, cercana a Agness permanece a un Nivel de Evacuación 2 debido al peligro extremado que el incendio representa.

Ciertas áreas que se encuentran en las afueras de la zona quemada hacia el Suroeste permanecerán a un Nivel de Evacuación 2 mientras los bomberos continúen asegurando más

las líneas de control. 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: Las condiciones climáticas permanecerán cálidas y secas para los próximos días. Los vientos provendrán del Noreste hacia el Noroeste, con ráfagas de hasta 20 mph.

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, ha emitido una orden de cierre en el área del incendio la cual incluye 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. Para mayor information: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

Orden de restricción: Se han establecido Restricciones en el área. Para más información:

fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Si se encuentra remolcando, por favor asegúrese que las cadenas no estén demasiado sueltas. El arrastre de cadenas en el pavimento, podría producir chispas dando como resultado un incendio forestal.

Incident Commander: Kevin Stock

Fire Information Phone: 208-713-2740

Media Fire Information Phone: 208-891-7491

Email: 2023.NewellRoad@firenet.gov

Facebook: facebook.com/NewellRoadFire

Inciweb: inciweb.wildlfire.gov/newellroad

Evening Update, July 28, 2023

Total people assigned: 283
Engines: 14
Dozers: 4
Handcrews: 4
Water Tenders: 6
Skidgen: 4
Overhead: 101
Type 1 Helicopter: 2
Type 2 Helicopter: 2
Air Tankers: As Needed

Estimated size: 60,896 acres

Containment: 94%

Start Date: July 21, 2023

Area of Origin: Klickitat County near Newell Road

Cause: Under Investigation

Structures Damaged: Currently being assessed

Fire Update: Fire activity remained very quiet today, with firefighters primarily focused on suppression repair work on dozer lines, mopping up of hotspots, and strengthening the fire’s containment lines. Walking the fire’s perimeter with handheld GPS units and a flight over the unburned center of the fire refined the perimeter and provided for more accurate acreage count. Fire containment is now at 94%, but smoke coming from the interior of the fire (sometimes miles inside containment lines) is likely to be visible.

Tonight’s planned activity: The spike camp at Bickleton School will be closing at the end of shift today. All resources will report to Goldendale this evening. Fire managers continue to demob resources as suppression efforts progress, releasing them back to their home units or for reassignment to other fires as needed. However, sufficient resources will remain on scene to patrol and monitor the fire.

Transfer of command of the fire operation planned for Sunday: The Type 2 Incident Management Team currently on the fire will be transferring management back to local fire and agency resources on Sunday morning. Northwest Incident Management Team 8 wishes to thank all of the fire resources for their efforts.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels have been adjusted by the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office as of 12 p.m. today, including reduced levels in many areas. For the latest evacuation information, please see: https://www.klickitatcounty.org/249/Emergency-Management.

Road closure updates: As of 12:00 PM today, Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) updated the road closure conditions related to the Newell Road Fire. Please refer to the Klickitat DEM Facebook and Website for the most current closure information: https://www.klickitatcounty.org/249/Emergency-Management.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFR remains in place over the Newell Road Fire and will be released at end of shift tomorrow

Sheltering: The American Red Cross in Goldendale is on standby. A second shelter, at Grandview Middle School, has been closed in response to evacuation level changes

Fire firefighters remain vigilant and focused on the basics.

BONANZA, Ore. – During mop up operations complacency can set in for firefighters. As the incident objectives continue to remain the same with mop up operations, fire managers reminded the crews to stay vigilant and keep focused on the basics. There is still a lot of work to be completed on this fire, and remembering attention to detail will help expedite the end state goal. 

Today, crews focused on griding and mopping up areas that the night crews identified as hot spots using infrared cameras. They were able to complete 200’ of mop-up on the northern portions of the fire. 

Deputy Incident Commander Craig Pettinger says, “If our existing control lines hold under the current critical fire conditions, it will prove that we have done our job. That is accredited to the exceptional work firefighters are doing.” 

The fire area experienced low relative humidity and gusty winds, as expected. Tomorrow there is a Red Flag Warning in effect for low relative humidity and wind gusts up to 30mph. These are critical fire weather conditions that could contribute to rapid fire growth, similar conditions to when the fire started. Beginning Sunday, the area receives some easing conditions with the potential for moisture. 

Evacuations downgraded as of Thursday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m.:

 • Level 2 (BE READY)- all areas inside the fire perimeter. 

For the most current evacuation information, call the Klamath County hotline at 541-205-9730, and sign up for Klamath County alerts at http://alerts.klamathcounty.org. American Red Cross and Klamath County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have established an evacuation shelter at Bonanza School, 31601 Mission Street, Bonanza, OR 97623.    

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.

Special Notes: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Although, we appreciate offers of donations, our wildland fire crews are well equipped and cared for. A few suggestions in lieu of donations: 1) Please consider donating to the Gunnison Food Pantry (www.gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org/donate/), 2) Donating to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (www.wffoundation.org), or 3) Keeping our firefighters safe by creating defensible space around your home (learn how at www.firewise.org)!

Current Situation: This is a full suppression fire. The highest priority is for firefighter and public safety as firefighting resources work to minimize impacts to private homes and structures, powerline infrastructure, critical water infrastructure resources and other values at risk. The fire remained active this afternoon consuming fuels on the northwestern side of the fire. However, fire activity decreased across the south and east sides. The fire is currently 1% contained.

Division A: The fire burning in this area is heavily forested preventing firefighters from going direct along the fire edge. They worked building indirect fireline in preparation for a potential firing operation possibly as early as tomorrow to protect structures, ranchlands, and other values at risk.

Division W: The fire remained active this afternoon with smoke affecting air quality in areas east of the fire

Division Y: This is a new Division due to splitting up the large area between Divisions W and Z. Fire personnel are scouting this area with the intent to build indirect fireline along the ridge west of the fire perimeter.

Division Z: Firefighters made good progress today constructing fireline around spots outside the southeast perimeter and mopping up around structures. A night crew will remain to monitor the area overnight.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:

Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are likely again tomorrow. Winds will decrease with gusts up to 20 mph. There is a chance for some precipitation but not enough to change current fuel moistures.

The primary fuels in the fire area are mixed conifer with a heavy dead and down component, as well as grass and shrubs.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:

Mandatory evacuations are in place in the Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek drainages. For specific evacuation information, see Gunnison County Emergency Management at www.gunnisoncounty.org. You can sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phones or other devices at: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

The Gunnison National Forest issued a Forest Closure order for the area around the Lowline. The public is asked to adhere to the closure for public health and safety of our fire personnel. You can download a copy of the order and map from the Forest website at https://bit.ly/43PTujc.

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/.

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: 798 acres
Containment: 1%
Total Personnel: 166
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