Location: Mono Lake Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest, off Highway 120 East approximately 20 miles east of Highway 395 on Forest Service Road 1S19, 6 miles southeast of Mono Lake.

Resources: 5 Engines, 3 Hand Crews, 1 Wildland Fuel Module, 3 Water Tenders, 1 Helicopter, 110 total personnel including overhead.

Acres burned to date: 0.25

Target Acreage to complete: 394 or less

Cause: Lightning

Summary:

For the past three days, firefighting resources have been prepping the 360-acre site by strengthening control lines along the 1S19 road system, while integrating arriving supporting resources before firing operations can begin. Starting Tuesday night, they plan to direct the naturally-ignited lightning fire with ignitions by hand to continue guiding wildfire for the best effects.

This effort will help improve forest health in the area by the reintroducing fire on the landscape that depends on it. More specifically, fire in Jeffrey pine habitat is essential for resilience to bark beetle infestations, while the soils need fire for nutrient turnover.

“Jeffrey pine forest regular fire return interval every 15-20 years, and this particular area is overdue,” said Mono Lake District Ranger, Stephanie Heller. “With this particular area not high on the prescribed fire priority list, it is important that the opportunity to guide this naturally-ignited fire continues — while also ensuring firefighter safety and availability of resources.”

Current Plan:

The current plan is to start firing operations at night due to daytime temperatures in the 80s. However if there is not enough consumption to achieve the desired effects best for the habitat, they may choose to switch firing operations to a morning or mid-day time frame. Firefighters may also be able to achieve the entire goal in one night, or it may take place over the span of up to four days. This all depends on how the fire behavior informs them on what course of action will provide the desired effects.

To the north, contingency resources are being put in place should the fire not behave as predicted in order to ensure fire does not enter the habitat of the Bi-state sage grouse. The 1S19 road system is the main method being used to contain this fire.

Smoke should be minimal, and is being minimized as much as possible in coordination with the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District. Smoke is predicted to drift north from the site toward Mono Lake. In the evenings, smoke may settle down into the valley areas.

More information will be posted on the Inciweb page and the Inyo National Forest’s Facebook page.

Background:

After it was determined on the evening of July 21 to proceed with managing the Cowtrack Fire for resource benefit, fire personnel ordered resources and began to prep the site. Due to its remote location far from resources at risk such as structures, rivers, or popular recreation sites, coupled with desirable conditions of higher than normal fuel moistures and availability of resources, it was determined to be a great candidate for managing fire for resource benefit (also called “multiple objectives”).

“In instances like the Cowtrack Fire, we are always evaluating whether or not a wildfire is at the right place, at the right time with the right resources in order to manage it for resource benefit,” said Agency Adminstrator for the Cowtrack Fire, Jason Kuiken.

Since the start of the lightning fire, firefighters have held it at a quarter-acre fire while it smolders, so as necessary resources arrive, they may continue what nature started by conducting firing operations.

Every fire is managed, and every fire has a containment strategy. The strategy is determined and adapted using a full spectrum of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, predicted short- and long-term weather conditions, values at risk, resource availability, land management plans and designations, smoke impacts and successful potential.

Availability of resources can change during the fire season. During Preparedness levels 4 and 5, available resources, particularly aircraft, can be stretched thin, which will contribute to the development of tactics based on limited resources. Currently, the Southern California Geographic Area Coordination Center which includes the Inyo National Forest is sitting at Preparedness Level 2.

 
Point of origin where lightning struck a tree prior to discovery on July 19.

Sierra National Forest’s Hotshot crew prepping the road for eventual ignitions.

Bureau of Land Management - Colorado’s Craig Hotshots prepping containment lines ahead of ignition operations.

Bedrock Fire update for Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Lowell, Ore. – Northwest Incident Management Team 13 assumed management responsibilities for the Bedrock Fire at 6:00 a.m. Additional firefighting resources are arriving to assist with fire suppression and support activities.

The Bedrock Fire continues to burn actively in the Fall Creek drainage. Hot, dry weather combined with gusty winds have contributed to periods of rapid fire growth. Aerial mapping using infrared-sensing equipment showed the fire to be 4,488 acres as of early Tuesday morning. Fire spread has been mainly to the east and north.

There are no evacuation notices in effect at this time. If an evacuation notice becomes necessary, information will be released by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone in the immediate vicinity is asked to remain vigilant, as the Bedrock Fire continues to be an evolving incident.

For the safety of firefighting personnel, please avoid areas near the fire and stay out of all closed areas. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been issued for the Bedrock Fire area. Unmanned aerial systems (AES or drones) are not permitted within the TFR.

WEATHER:  On Tuesday, temperatures will be in the 80s, with forecasted minimum relative humidity around 30 percent. Wednesday’s temperatures are expected to be similar, with slightly lower relative humidity.

SAFETY: Members of the public are encouraged to know the Ready, Set, Go levels and make appropriate preparations. READY your belongings; SET your things at the door or prepack them in your car; GO and leave immediately.

SMOKE:  Smoke from the Bedrock Fire is spreading into central Oregon, causing some areas to experience “unhealthy” and possibly “hazardous” conditions. Individuals with respiratory issues may find themselves affected by the smoke. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather.

Beauty Creek Fire

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District                                         

Fire Information 208-557-8813

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-beauty-creek-fire

July 25, 2023

Location:  Approximately 3 miles up Beauty Creek Rd, off the northeast tip of Coeur d’Alene Lake

Start Date: 7/21/2023       Cause: Under Investigation      Size: 13 acres       Containment: 100%  

Total Personnel: 40    Engines: 3       Hand Crews: 1  

This will be the final update on the Beauty Creek Fire. The Fire was reported by the public on the evening of 7/21/23. It is approximately 13 acres and burned in heavy timber. Yesterday, the fireline was tested vigorously by Red Flag Warning level wind speeds and held without issue. Due to the cooler temperatures and tested fireline, fire officials are confident in calling the fire 100 percent contained at this time, meaning there is little to no risk of fire activity increasing or escaping the fireline. Firefighters are starting mop-up, working from the perimeter towards the interior. Mop-up includes all activities that extinguish and/or remove burning fuels near the control lines, greatly reducing further risk of spread and minimizing residual smoke. Further aviation resources are not likely needed.

An emergency closure order was issues yesterday afternoon, prohibiting foot, mechanized, motorized and stock travel on FSR 453. The closure will be revisited and possibly rescinded later in the week as residual hazards are mitigated.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by Federal Law Enforcement.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today's high temperature will be 76 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 23 percent. Winds will start out of the southwest 10 to 16 mph decreasing to 6 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests issued an emergency closure (Closure Order # 01-04-03-23-001) effective July 24, 2023. This Order is for public and firefighter safety due to heavy fire traffic in the area impacted on the Coeur d’Alene River RD, and prohibits all methods of travel (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on FSR 453 from the junction of FSR 453 and FSR 438 to the west to the junction of FSR 453 and FSR 439.
The closure will be revisited and possibly rescinded later in the week as residual hazards are mitigated.

Further aviation support is not likely needed; however, boaters of all kinds should practice caution while recreating in the Beauty Bay area. Failure to clear out when fire aircraft are working can cause delays that waste valuable time and put boots on the ground at additional risk.

BONZANZA, Ore. – Crews continued to make progress on the fire through the night, holding it within the original footprint by monitoring and extinguishing spot fires, expanding mop up areas, mitigating snags, and completing tactical patrols. Yesterday, preliminary structural assessments were completed. Today, crews will focus on expanding mop up areas around structures and continuing damage assessments. Wildland resources will work to hold and improve lines, monitor, and extinguish spot fires, and mitigate snags. Crews will also be coordinating with utility resources as they work to repair damaged infrastructure.

The Golden Fire is managed under unified command between Oregon State Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry.

There will be a community meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Bonanza School, 31601 Mission Street Bonanza, OR 97623. Additional updates can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/goldenfire2023/.

Weather: Today’s weather will generate potential for active fire behavior, with moderate winds and high temperatures continuing. Wind and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather over the fire area. Weather conditions will persist for the next several days.

Evacuations: A portion of the level 3 (GO) area was reduced to level 2 (READY). The downgraded area follows west of Bechdolt Flat Road, south of Racoon Lane and Jaguar Lane.

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. For the latest evacuation information call the Klamath County hotline (541) 205-9730. To sign up for Kla-math County alerts, visit http://alerts.klamathcounty.org.

NORTHERN ROCKIES TYPE 3 TEAM                                                   

INCIDENT COMMANDER: DAN BROWN

Consalus Fire

Priest Lake Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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

https://tinyurl.com/consalusfire

July 25, 2023

Location: 10 miles west of Coolin, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA

Start Date: 6/30/2023      

Cause: Lightning      

Size: 475 acres     

Containment: 40%          

Total Personnel: 205

Equipment: Heavy Equipment Task Force, 2 Dozers, Excavator, Water Tender, 2 Feller Bunchers, 3 Masticators, Grader             

Hand Crews: 5 + a district module                    

Engines: 2              

Aircraft: 1 helicopter

Other: 3 Faller Modules, 6 Water Tenders, Ambulance, 2 REMs

Yesterday’s Red Flag Warning due to high winds and low humidity’s caused some increased fire activity in pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire. Most of the heat was observed on the western side of the fire but it did not move outside of any existing firelines. Due to the winds in the afternoon some firefighters had to disengage from the fireline and move into areas that were safely away from hazard trees and snags.

The slight increase in acreage is due to more accurate mapping. Further containment was achieved on the northern edge of the fire and is now at 40%. Fire crews are utilizing sprinkler systems to cool the edges while working to mop up remaining hotspots in the Consalus Creek area. No name creek drainage remains plumbed, ready for firefighters to hold the line in that area if the need arises.

Work on Forest Service Road (FSR) #659 improvements has been completed and the road is now better for fire traffic to travel, as well as a possible contingency line if the fire were to move in that direction. Fire managers do not anticipate this happening.

Hardworking firefighters have completed a large portion of the challenging fireline work, and the need for firefighting resources is increasing around the nation; therefore, we will be releasing some resources from the Consalus Fire over the next few days. Many of these resources will have assisted us for two weeks and now require days off to reset and be available for emerging incidents. The helicopter assigned to the fire continues to assist fires in the surrounding areas while still being available for our use when needed.

The fire suppression repair plan is nearing completion and being reviewed by fire officials. The plan will outline all needed repairs on areas affected by fire suppression activities.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Dry and breezy conditions will persist into today although temperatures will be cooler behind Monday’s cold front. Today's high temperature will be 74 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 27 percent. Winds are predicted to be out of southwest 8 to 14 mph with gusts to 20.

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.

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. 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.

 GRAPEVINE AND RACETRACK FIRE EVACUATION UPDATE-

ATTENTION: Residents of Dewey, Cherry, and Mingus Springs 4-H Camp. All previous SET Messages are no longer in effect. The Grapevine Fire and the Racetrack Fires are no longer a threat to your area. Thank you for your patience. If you have further questions contact Yavapai County Sheriff's Office at 928.771.3260. or if you need emergency assistance, please call 911.

If you haven't done so, please register for Yavapai County Emergency Notifications here: https://member.everbridge.net/337829242601768/new

25 de Julio, 2023

Informe matutino del Incendio Flat

Extension: 22,697 acres                                          

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Origen: 2 millas sureste de Agness, OR

Contenido: 3%

Causa: Error Humano, Bajo investigación

Personal: 1,528

Recursos: 46 camiones de bomberos l 36 escuadrillas de bomberos l 9 buldóceres l 24 cisternas l 8 máquinas masticadoras l 8 helicópteros
 

Situación actual: El día de ayer, se pudo observar una actividad moderada en el incendio debido a la temperatura más fresca y los niveles de humedad un poco más altos. La mayor parte del incremento en el tamaño del incendio en los últimos días es debido a las quemas exitosas y además por las operaciones de mantenimiento en la porción Suroeste del fuego.

Las operaciones de quema tienen como objetivo eliminar la vegetación localizada entre el incendio y el sistema de caminos que los bomberos están utilizando como una función de control. El equipo para la protección de la infraestructura permanece en las comunidades de Oak Flat y Agness. Estos recursos también están preparados para apoyar en otras partes del incendio si es necesario.

Actividades para el día de hoy: Las escuadrillas de bomberos continuaran efectuando igniciones desde el área de Game Lake moviéndose hacia el Sur a lo largo de la carretera Forestal (FR) 3680 y dirigiéndose hacia Snow Camp en la porción Suroeste del incendio. El Sistema Aéreo sin personal (UAS) y helicópteros, estarán asistiendo a los bomberos con operaciones de quema tanto como sea necesario, con el objetivo de profundizarse mas a lo largo de las líneas de control. En el Noreste, los bomberos continuaran reduciendo el material de combustión sobre las carreteras incluyendo Burnt Ridge Road (Carretera Forestal 2308) y el camino Forestal 150 con el objetivo de mantenerse preparados para futuros esfuerzos de contención.

Los bomberos seguirán llevando a cabo la ardua labor de extinguir fuentes más fuentes internas de emanación de calor provenientes de la línea de incendio que se extiende a lo largo del perímetro Noreste, Este y Oeste del Rio Illinois. También se continuarán utilizando los recursos disponibles para reducir el material de combustión sobre el sistema de carreteras estableciendo líneas primarias de contingencia y al mismo tiempo preparándose para llevar a cabo los planes de operaciones de quema al lado Noreste y Suroeste, para tratar de mantener el tamaño del incendio lo más reducido posible.

Evacuaciones: Se mantiene en efecto un Nivel 2 de Evacuación “Listos” desde Agness hasta Quosatana Creek y para las áreas de Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road y Spud Road.

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: El día de hoy, se experimentará un patrón ligeramente caluroso y seco en el clima.      

Impacto del humo: Pronósticos en la presencia del humo, puede encontrarse en la página web:  https://www.airnow.gov/ y oregonsmoke.org  

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 información: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

Orden de restricción: Se han establecido Restricciones en el área. Para más información: fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Se hace un llamado al público en general de manejar con sumo cuidado cuando se encuentre cerca del área del incendio y del campamento de los bomberos. Esto es debido al incremento significativo del tráfico del personal luchando por extinguir el incendio. Este llamado se hace más crítico cuando se encuentre manejando en la carretera Bear Camp Road (Carretera del Servicio Forestal #23). Existe un tráfico pesado del público y del tráfico relacionado con el incendio.

Colt Fire Fact Sheet

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Fire Protection

Lolo National Forest and Flathead National Forest Land Management

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 1 INCIDENT COMMANDER BRENT OLSON

Fire Information 406-247-0922

2023.colt@firenet.gov 

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Location:  15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake, Montana

Start Date: 7/17/2023            Cause: Lightning       Size: 4,390 acres        Containment: 0%     

Total Personnel: 425             Engines: 10                Helicopters: 5                   Hand Crews: 11   

KEY MESSAGE

A Community Meeting has been scheduled for today, July 25 from 7-8pm at the Seeley Lake Elementary School Gym. Fire personnel will provide updates and be available for questions. The meeting will be live streamed through the Colt Fire Facebook page: https://facebook.com/ColtFire

CURRENT STATUS

Gusty winds, low relative humidity levels and the passage of a dry cold front contributed to active fire growth on Monday. An overnight infrared flight mapped the fire size at approximately 4,390 acres. The fire size increased by 1,463 acres. Yesterday, on the east side of the fire crews completed cutting thick underbrush and vegetation along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road) to serve as an indirect control line.  This work was tested late in the afternoon as west winds pushed the fire into a two-mile long section of Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road).  The fire did cross the road in one location burning approximately six acres. Several spot fires were also located.  Firefighting resources worked these areas late into the evening hours to control the fire and spots which had crossed the road.  Following the passage of a dry cold front the wind direction shifted from the northwest pushing the fire to the southeast. The Structure Protection group continued preparation work in the areas along Highway 83 and around the lakes south and east of the fire by cutting vegetation to create defensible space and setting up pumps, hoses, and sprinklers around structures. Helicopters and airplanes were used to drop water on the fire before afternoon thunderstorms moved through the area and winds speeds made it unsafe for low-level flight operations.

PLANNED ACTIONS

On the east side of the fire near Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler) crews will continue to look for spot fires and make preparations to burnout from the road if necessary. Personnel will also continue to assess fuel reduction needs and control line locations directly adjacent to fire’s active southern perimeter and indirectly along Forest Road 552. Personnel on the north side of the fire will work on opening forest roads and work on fire line construction in locations that have a high probability of success to contain the fire.

The Structure Protection Group has been organized into two groups, north and south and will continue structure assessments in the north and structure protection preparations in the south. Helicopters and fixed wing water scooping aircraft will be used to drop water on the fire as weather conditions allow. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority as fire suppression work continues.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Temperatures on Tuesday will be 10 degrees cooler than yesterday in the 70-80 degree range after the passage of the cold front. Humidity levels will drop to around 30%.  Northwest winds gusting to 15-20 mph forecast on the ridges. Fire behavior will continue to be active and will move along the active fire edges through the heavy dead and down surface vegetation. Torching and spotting are possible in the subalpine fir and lodgepole pine.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Evacuation Warning and Order summary:

-Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

-Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Order.

-Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

-Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

For evolving Evacuations and Warnings please visit the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice .

Please be aware that due to the possibility of rapidly changing conditions, an Evacuation Order may be issued with no prior notice or warning. Home and property owners in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and prepared. Have an evacuation plan for family, pets, and livestock; sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com; and be familiar with the Missoula County evacuation process and what an order and warning means https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/public-safety/office-of-emergency-management/evacuation-information.

The Lolo and Flathead National Forests have closed several forest roads, areas, and campgrounds near the fire area for public safety. The list of current closures includes:

-Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83)

-Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83)

-Rainy Lake Campground

-Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

-Alva Lake Campground

-Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

-Lakeside Campground

-Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552; FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access

-Forest Road 5507 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall)

-Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720)

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Colt Fire (FDC 3/0291) 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!