Grapevine Fire Update - July 24, 2023

Location: Mingus Mountain, Verde Ranger District (T14N, R2E, SEC 4), Approximately 10 miles east of Prescott Valley; 2 miles south of Mingus Spring Ranch

Start Date:  July 21, 2023

Size:  400 Acres

Cause: Lightning

Resources: 2 Type-1 Crews, 2 Engines, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, additional support personnel.

Fire behavior: Low/Moderate fire behavior.

Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Grass, brush, and timber understory. 

Update: Yesterdays afternoon thunderstorms moved over the Grapevine Fire where outflows winds pushed to fire to the west increasing the fire size to 400 acres.  Each fire receives a strategic, risk-based management strategy.  Due to terrain and limited access; firefighters continue to scout the area for containment features and identify hazards as they begin to safely suppress the fire.

Ryan Barela’s Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management has assumed command of the Grapevine Fire as of 0600 hours today, July 24, 2023.

Smoke:  Smoke may be visible from multiple locations including Prescott Valley, Dewey, Prescott and along Highway 169. 

Fire Restrictions: The entire Prescott National Forest is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions which prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within designated areas for portions of the forest. Under these restrictions, discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except for persons engaged in legal hunting activities, is prohibited on the Prescott National Forest. Fireworks and the use of exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on national forests.

For current evacuation information contact the Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or follow them at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff. 

Recreationists on Mingus Mountain should avoid camping and hiking near the fire and utilize caution while driving the roads as firefighters will be traveling to and from the fire.   

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111

24 de julio, 2023

Informe matutino del Incendio Flat 

Extensión: 22,066                                            

Fecha de Inicio: 15-julio-23

Origen: 2 millas sureste de Agness, OR

Contención: 3%

Causa: Error humano, bajo Investigación

Personal: 1,497

Recursos: 40 camiones l 36 escuadrillas l 8 buldóceres l 26 cisternas l 8 masticadores l 8 helicópteros
 

Situación actual: El día de hoy se espera un comportamiento moderado en el incendio debido a las condiciones de clima fresco y el porcentaje de humedad ligeramente más alto. El área más activa en el incendio se localiza en el Suroeste en donde se está quemando nuevamente las cicatrices del incendio Biscuit atravesando la vegetación y troncos en el terreno. En el lado Sureste del incendio, el comportamiento del fuego es más moderado y se está quemando dentro de la zona en donde ocurrió el Incendio Klondike.

Actividades para el día de hoy: Los bomberos están utilizando maquinaria pesada dentro de una carretera minera antigua cercana al Sendero del Servicio Forestal #1174. Este esfuerzo tiene la finalidad de crear una línea de control hacia el lado Sur del Incendio. Este camino anteriormente fue utilizado como una línea de supresión durante el Incendio Klondike. La línea de control comienza en Game Lake extendiéndose hacia el Este, atravesando el área virgen de Kalmiopsis en su frontera Noreste.

Las escuadrillas de bomberos exitosamente han implementado operaciones estratégicas contra incendios (quemas) estableciendo líneas de control a lo largo del perímetro Noreste del incendio. Trabajando proactivamente y tomando en cuenta las condiciones secas y ventosas que se presentaran en las próximas semanas, los bomberos continuaran evaluando oportunidades para movilizar los recursos para líneas adicionales de control de contingencia. En el área Noreste del incendio, nuestros bomberos planean continuar las operaciones de incendio seguidas por el trabajo arduo de limpieza y patrullaje sobre el área afectada. Se han movilizado los recursos alrededor del eje del fuego al completarse las operaciones de incendio y al ser establecidas las líneas de control lo más directo posible a lo largo del perímetro del incendio.

Los bomberos planean utilizar el Sistema Aéreo sin Personal (UAS) para las operaciones de Incendio sobre las áreas que presentan un acceso riesgoso para nuestros trabajadores. Con la utilización de este sistema, se logrará profundizarse más en las líneas de control.

Evacuaciones: La ciudad de Curry está enviando noticias de evacuación utilizando el sistema Everbridge.

Si aun no lo ha hecho, por favor inscríbase en el programa, visitando el website:

https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

También se mantiene en efecto un Nivel 2 de Evacuación “Listos” desde Agness hasta Quosatana Creek, Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road y Spud Road.

Condiciones climáticas: Para el día de hoy, se pronostican temperaturas más frescas y porcentaje de humedad más alto.

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

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. Para mayor información: bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

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

Fire Information:(541)216-4579       Media inquiries: (541)237-6369      Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

9 AM, July 24, 2023
Estimated size: 51,694 acres
Containment: 0%
Start Date: July 21, 2023
Area of Origin: Klickitat County near Newell Road
Cause: Under Investigation
Structures Damaged: currently being assessed
Update: The Newell Road Fire started, July 21, 2023 near Newell Road. The cause of the fire is undetermined. Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock assumed management of the fire from Southeast Washington (SEW) Incident Management Team 3 as of 6 AM today. Team 8 appreciates all the hard work completed by local fire departments, landowners, and all the countless personnel involved to date who have assisted in the response to this fire.
Yesterday, the western portion of the fire was observed to have the most active fire behavior. Burnout operations were conducted in the area by fire crews, along established dozer and hand lines to create solid containment lines. Aircraft supported ground resources as needed throughout the day. On the eastern portions of the fire, personnel continued mopping up and patrolling. Last night operations included continuing the burnout operations along the northwestern perimeter of the fire.
Today, fire crews will continue suppression efforts along the entire perimeter of the fire. Fire personnel will be on alert for predicted high winds and low humidity that will likely increase fire behavior. Fire suppression efforts will be focusing on the most active western perimeter while mop up and patrolling operations will continue along the eastern perimeter. Aircraft resources including 2 heavy and 2 medium helicopters with bucket work capabilities, as well as air attack, remain available to support suppression operations.
Weather: A red flag warning will be in effect from 11 AM to 11 PM for high and gusty winds up to 40 mph.
Evacuation and Road Closures:
For the latest evacuations please see:
http://www.facebook.com/klickitatDEM911
Road closures include: Roosevelt Grade Road, Middle Road, Old Highway8 north to and including Dot Road.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFR is in place over the Newell Road Fire. Please review the Notice to airmen in its entirety.
Sheltering: The American Red Cross has opened a Shelter at the Goldendale Middle School 520 E. Collins Street, Goldendale, WA.
Newell Creek Fire
Incident Commander: Kevin Stock
Fire Information Phone: 208-713-2740
Media Fire Information Phone: 208-891-7491
Email: 2023.NewellRoad@firenet.gov
Facebook: Newell Road Fire
Inciweb: inciweb.wildlfire.gov/newellroad

Bowles Creek Fire

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Bitterroot National Forest

Fire Information: 406-426-9130

Email: 2023.bowlescreek@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bowles-Creek-Fire-Information 

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-bowles-creek

July 24, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.

Location:  3 miles west of Skalkaho Pass in the Bowles Creek drainage

Start Date: 7/20/2023     Cause: Lightning      Size: 1,258 acres           Completion: 0%

Total Personnel: 139      Engines: 4                Helicopters: 3              Hand Crews: 3 

Fire Danger has been elevated to VERY HIGH on both forests (Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and Bitterroot NF).

An incoming cold front could drive southwesterly winds 20-35 mph, with possible gusts of 45 mph.

These critical wind speeds can increase fire behavior.

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

Firefighting crews and resources from both Forests continue to establish opportunities on both sides of the fire for “indirect” (away from the active fire edge) firelines. Previous fire lines and dozer lines used in the 2022 Hog Trough fire have provided success in planning objectives. On the west side, resources will be prepping the Daly Creek Road (711 Road) and 711A Road), constructing a fuel break adjacent to the road with hand crews. On the east side, crews will be working to the south from the Bowles Creek Road (5071 Road) to the 313 Trail. A small spot fire occurred yesterday north of Bowles Creek, and bucket drops from helicopters helped delay fire growth of these starts.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot and dry conditions will continue today. The weather forecast calls for a dry, cold front to move into the area that will bring an increase in southwesterly winds. Winds could range in the 20-35 mph range, increasing the chance of spot fires. Along the cold front is a chance for mixed, downward gusts reaching upwards of 45 mph. High temperatures are expected in the mid 80’s with relative humidity in the 10-15% range. Overnight winds will decrease to around 15 mph. Tuesday calls for cooler temperatures with chance of thunderstorms later into the week.

Timbered drainages with heavy dead and down trees will expect active fire with potential for torching. Grass and brush are still green, however they will still support fire spread.

The fire is producing smoke that is visible from numerous locations along the Skalkaho Highway and in the Bitterroot Valley and Philipsburg.

CLOSURES

Road and trail closures in the fire area are being considered to provide for public and firefighter safety. Specific closure information and maps will be posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place.

The Skalkaho Pass Road remains open. Those recreating or traveling in the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area for the safety of the aviation resources.

There is an official trail closure for National Forest Service Trail (NFST)T #213: McConnell Mountain Trail from its junction with Warm Springs Creek Trail
#49 to the junction with the Bear Mountain Trail #21.

July 24, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 22,066                                           

Start Date: July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Containment: 3%

Cause: Human caused, under investigation

Total personnel: 1,497

Resources: 40 engines l 36 crews l 8 bulldozers l 26 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
 

Current Situation: Moderate fire behavior is expected today due to cool weather and slightly higher humidities. The fire continues to be most active in the southwest where it’s burning in the Biscuit Fire scar through thick vegetation and snags and is more moderate in the southeast where the fire is burning within the previous Klondike Fire scar.

Today’s activities: Firefighters are using heavy machinery within an old mining road near Forest Service Trail #1174 in an effort to create a control line to the south of the fire. This was also utilized as a suppression line during the Klondike Fire. The control line starts at Game Lake and heads east, traversing the Kalmiopsis Wilderness at its northern boundary.

Crews have successfully implemented strategic firing operations (burnout) and established control lines along the northern perimeter. Firefighters will continue to assess opportunities and mobilize resources for additional contingency control lines in a proactive manner ahead of dry and windy conditions in the coming weeks. In the northeast, crews plan to continue firing operations followed by mop up and patrol. Resources are being moved around the fire’s edge as work is completed to support firing operations and establish control lines as directly as possible along the fire perimeter. Firefighters plan to use Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS) for firing operations in areas that are unsafe to access and will also add depth to control lines.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge. Sign up below https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php A Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notice remains in effect from Agness to Quosatana Creek, Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road, and Spud Road.

Weather: Cool temperatures and higher humidities are expected today.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are available at oregonsmoke.org and airnow.gov

Closures: The Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest has issued a closure order for the fire area including trails, roads, and a portion of the Illinois River. bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

Fire Information:(541)216-4579       Media inquiries: (541)237-6369      Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

NORTHERN ROCKIES TYPE 3 TEAM, INCIDENT COMMANDER: JOHN HEYN

Consalus Fire

Priest Lake Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Fire Information 208-996-0980 | 2023.consalus@firenet.gov https://tinyurl.com/consalusfire

July 24, 2023

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

Start Date: 6/30/2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 467 acres

Containment: 30%

Total Personnel: 246

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

Hand Crews: 6 + a district module

Engines: 2

Aircraft: 1 helicopter

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

There is a Red Flag Warning in effect for the area around the fire today from 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. Afternoon winds are expected to be out of the southwest and sustained at 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. This predicted weather is expected to test the fires edges and potentially increase fire activity in the interior. The safety of our firefighters remains the top priority therefore fire officials will be assessing the situation throughout the day to determine if the conditions are safe enough to continue their work which is primarily near hazard trees and snags.

Yesterday, crews finished removing the hazard trees and snags near Consalus Creek making it safe for firefighters to start cold trailing and mopping up any remaining hotspots in the area. The no name creek drainage has been snagged and fire crews have “plumbed” the area; meaning laid hose along the perimeter and put pumps in place to charge the hoses if the need arises to flight fire from that location.

Forest Service Road (FSR) #659 improvements are being made to allow better travel access for crews and equipment. Fire managers are also considering using FSR #659 as a contingency line.

The helicopter assigned to the fire continues to assist fires in the surrounding areas while still being available for our use when needed. The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), otherwise known as a drone, was reassigned to assist an emerging incident in Montana.

Work continues on the fire suppression repair plan that will be a guide for fire crews as they begin repairs on areas affected by fire suppression activities.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A cold front will bring gusty winds and low relative humidity’s this afternoon and evening. Today's high temperature will be 86 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 22 percent. Winds will start out of the south 4 to 9 mph increasing to southwest 8 to 15 with gusts to 25.

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.