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: 251   

Equipment: Heavy Equipment Task Force, 2 Dozers, Excavator, Water Tender, Feller Buncher, Masticator, Grader             

Hand Crews: 6 + a district module                      

Engines: 5             

Aircraft: 1 helicopter, 1 Unmanned Aerial System

Other: 4 Faller Modules, 7 Water Tenders, Ambulance, REMs

Crews have made good progress strengthening firelines on the west and southwest edges. They have also completed the contingency line to the west of the fire. Near Consalus Creek, firefighters are combing the area outside the fire perimeter for hazard trees and snags. Once this is complete and the area is safe, crews will begin gridding the burned areas for any remaining pockets of heat to be extinguished. An unnamed drainage in the southeastern area of the fire is holding heat but firefighters are unable to safely get into the area due to the existing tree snags. Tonight, will be the last night shift unless significant activity occurs that requires overnight surveillance.

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.

Fire officials are working to create the fire suppression repair plan. Once completed and approved the plan will be a guide for fire crews as they begin repairs on areas that were affected by fire suppression activities.

As fire activity increases around the Western states additional fire crews have been ordered for this area and will be available for any needs that may arise on existing or new fires. Aviation resources assigned to the fire have been assisting with new starts in the surrounding areas as needed.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Light terrain driven winds will continue today and tonight along with continued warm temperatures. A cold front on Monday will deliver elevated fire weather concerns due to gusty southwest winds as well as warm and dry conditions. Today's high temperature will be 91 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 21 percent. Winds will be south/southwest 5-15 mph.

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. 

23 de julio, 2023

Informe matutino del Incendio Flat

Extensión: 20,232                                           

Fecha de Inicio: 15-julio-23

Origen: 2 millas al Sureste de Agness, OR

Causa: Error humano, Bajo investigación

Personal: 1,241

Recursos: 33 camiones bomberos l 40 escuadrillas de bomberos l 8 buldóceres l 15 cisternas l 8 masticadores l 10 helicópteros
 

Situación actual: El día de ayer, arribaron el grupo Northwest Team 3, considerado como un Grupo Tipo 1 a nivel Nacional y el cual fue seguido por el grupo Northwest Team 6, asumiendo el comando en el Incendio Flat a las 6:00 am del día de hoy. El proceso de transición para el Grupo Tipo 1, provee recursos adicionales para los esfuerzos de supresión del Incidente y un planeamiento de estrategias adicionales en el mismo. En las áreas de Oak Flat y Agness, los grupos para la protección de la infraestructura están a punto de concluir con su trabajo de gran importancia para dichas comunidades. Una vez finalizado su trabajo, los trabajadores permanecerán en la zona con el único objetivo de proteger el pueblo, facilitando cualquier tipo de apoyo extra en los esfuerzos de supresión alrededor del incendio.

Al mismo tiempo que se completan las líneas de fuego en las áreas Norte y Suroeste del incendio, se han desplazado algunos recursos hacia el Noreste y Sureste con el propósito de crear líneas de control y así prevenir que el incendio se propague mientras se continua con todos los esfuerzos de supresión.

Actividades para el día de hoy: El grupo Pacific Northwest Team 3 mantendrá la oportunidad de ataque iniciada por el Grupo Northwest Team 6. En la zona Norte del Incendio, los bomberos se encuentran trabajando arduamente en la extinción de espacios de emanación de calor (limpiando), en las áreas en donde anteriormente ya habían completado operaciones de quema. Se continuará con las operaciones de quema al Noreste y Suroeste de la zona, con el objetivo de reducir la cantidad de vegetación presente en el área afectada. Nuestros bomberos situados en la parte Sur se encuentran evaluando el área en el sendero 1174 y el sistema de carreteras existente para establecer líneas de control adicionales y así lograr detener un poco el progreso del fuego en la zona Sur.

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

Condiciones climáticas: Para el día de hoy, se pronostican temperaturas mas frescas con un alto porcentaje de humedad.

Impacto del humo: Pronosticos en la presencia del humo, puede encontrarse en la página web: 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. Para mayor informacion: 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 para que manejen con cautela mientras se encuentren en el área debido al incremento de trafico de cuadrillas de bomberos y sus equipos.

July 23, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 20,232                                            

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Human-caused, Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,241

Resources: 33 engines l 40 crews l 8 bulldozers l 15 water tenders l 8 masticators l 10 helicopters

Current Situation: Pacific Northwest Team 3, a national type one team, arrived and shadowed with Northwest Team 6 yesterday, and assumed command of the fire 6:00 a.m. today. The transition to the type one team brings additional resources for suppression efforts of the incident and additional strategic planning.

Structure protection groups are nearly complete with their work in Oak Flat and Agness. As this work is finished, they will remain to protect communities while allowing any extra resources to help with suppression efforts around the fire.

As fire line is completed in the north and southwest, resources are being shifted to the northeast and southeast to create control lines to prevent fire spread while continuing full suppression efforts.

Today’s activities: Pacific Northwest Team 3 will maintain the momentum started by Northwest Team 6. In the north part of the fire, firefighters are working to extinguish hot spots (mop up), in the areas where they have completed burnout operations. In the northeast and southwest, burnout operations to reduce vegetation will continue. In the south, firefighters are assessing in the 1174 trail and road system to establish additional control lines to slow southern fire progression.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge. Sign up below https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Weather: Today’s forecast is for cooler temperatures with higher humidity.

Smoke: The Smoke Outlooks are available at oregonsmoke.org

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

Please be careful when driving in the area due to increased fire traffic.

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

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-colt-fire

Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 12:00 noon

Location:  15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake, Montana

Start Date: 7/17/2023            Cause: Lightning       Size: 1,575 acres        Containment: 0%      

Total Personnel: 260             Engines: 13                Helicopters: 5            Hand Crews: 7   

On 7/22/23 the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office issued an Evacuation Warning for the residences on the west side of Lake Inez, specifically those residences on Beargrass Lane and West Lake Way.

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Monday, July 24. Hot, dry, and windy conditions may lead to critical fire weather conditions on existing or new fires.

CURRENT STATUS: The Colt Fire is approximately 1,575 acres in size and 0% contained. Brent Olson’s Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the fire at 6:00am today. Additional fire personnel and equipment have been arriving and are being integrated into the fire operations.

Yesterday, fire crews conducted structure protection assessments and preparations for structure protection in the areas along Highway 83 and around the lakes south and east of the fire. Helicopters and CL415 water scooper fixed wing aircraft were used to drop water on areas on the fire to slow growth or cool areas of heat. The fire continues to actively burn on all sides and remains active during the night. The fire is expected to continue to increase in size with the forecasted weather conditions.

PLANNED ACTIONS: Crews will work on clearing vegetation along the Colt and Beaver Creek Roads to improve fuel break areas. On the south and east areas of the fire, personnel and crews will be looking for direct and indirect opportunities to prepare containment lines and fuel breaks. Direct and indirect fire suppression tactics will be assessed and prepared to be implemented as fire conditions allow. Structure protection assessments and preparations will continue. As new crews arrive, they will be safely orientated to the fire area and begin working where safe to do so. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority as this fire response transitions into longer duration suppression work. Air resources will be used as needed to slow fire spread and cool down areas of heat.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The weather will continue to be hot and dry and wind speeds are predicted to be lighter from the southeast. No precipitation is forecasted. Overnight humidity recovery has been poor which allows the fire to remain active at night. A dry cold front is predicted to move through the area tomorrow, which could result in critical fire weather conditions with gusty and increased wind speeds.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Order for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 27 and 31 (Rainy Lake to Summit Lake). An Evacuation Warning has been issued for residents along Highway 83, between mile marker 25.5 and 27 and an Evacuation Warning has also been issued for the residences on the west side of Lake Inez, specifically those residences on Beargrass Lane and West Lake Way. An Evacuation Shelter in Ovando is on standby if needed.

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Lolo National Forest, and Flathead National Forest have or will be closing several areas, roads, and campgrounds around the fire area. Additional details will be released as they are finalized.

Region 3, Prescott National Forest

Forest Service News Release
Prescott National Forest Fire Information (928) 925-1111
 www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
Firefighters Respond to Lightning Caused Wildfire on Mingus Mountain

Grapevine Fire Update - July 22, 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: 20-30 acres

SUMMARY: At approximately 4:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2023, resources from Prescott National Forest 
responded to a smoke report on the south side of Mingus Mountain, on the Verde Ranger District. 
Upon arrival the Grapevine Fire was estimated to be 2 acres. Due to the time-of-day and monsoon 
activity, firefighters monitored the fire into the evening. Today firefighters returned and started 
scouting for containment features and initiated minimal suppression tactics on the fire. The fire 
is exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior as it moves slowly across the forest floor consuming 
dead and down fuel.
There are no values at risk or threatened infrastructure at this time.

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

RESOURCES ASSIGNED: Prescott and Mormon Lake Hot Shots, 2 Engines, and Miscellaneous Overhead.

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.

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 the safety of 
firefighters and the public, the forest will be implementing a fire area closure tomorrow.

8) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking
the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
 

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 23, 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: 1,300 acres           Completion: 0%

Total Personnel: 85        Engines: 0                Helicopters: 1              Hand Crews: 2 

The Bowles Creek Fire is being led by Northern Rockies Team 8, under the leadership of Brad Bergman, Incident Commander, effective 6:00 a.m. today.

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

A Type 3 Incident Management Team (Northern Rockies Team 8) took control of the fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Last evening’s reconnaissance flight and ground resources have estimated the fire area currently at 1,300 acres. An infrared flight is on order to obtain more accurate additional mapping information.

Firefighting crews and resources from both Forests continue to establish “indirect” (away from the active fire edge) firelines, utilizing natural barriers and the existing road and trails systems. On the west side, resources will be prepping the Daly Creek Road (711Rd), constructing a fuel break adjacent to the road. On the east side, crews will be hiking into the fire area along a trail and fireline used in the 2022 Hog Trough fire, working to the south from the Bowles Creek Road (5071Rd) to the 313 Trail. Other resources will be working on establishing a landing zone for use by aviation resources. Additional resources are on order, including engines and heavy equipment.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The weather forecast calls for areas of smoke and partly cloudy skies, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temperatures are expected in the mid-90s, relative humidity in the 10-20% range, and southwest winds in the 10-20 mph range. Warmer and drier conditions, conducive to active burning conditions, are predicted to last through the weekend. Monday’s forecast is similar with high temperatures, slight chances of thunderstorms, and winds increasing.

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.