Start Date / Time: July 18, 2023, 9:00 pm

Cause: Lightning

Size: 123 acres

Containment: 5%

Location:  East of Sacramento Lookout Tower, 6 mi. north of the community of Timberon, 3.5 miles southeast of Sunspot, NM.

Fire Strategy: Confine and contain

Resources: 1 type-1 crew, 1 type-2 crew, 1 fuels crew, 1 dozer, 4 engines, 1 module, additional support personnel. Total Personnel: 91

Fire behavior: Low/Moderate fire behavior.

Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Mixed conifer, locust and oak brush, dead and down trees.

Values at risk: No structures or communities are at immediate risk.

Update: Yesterday, rain in the area reduced fire spread. Weather continues to play an important role in management of the Apple Tree Fire. There is a chance of rain this afternoon. Today crews will focus on areas of ponderosa pine on the southwest side of the fire. Fire managers are using a confine-and-contain strategy, which allows fire to move naturally across the landscape, providing ecological benefits to plants and wildlife. Management actions range from strategically burning around the perimeter or ahead of the main fire to prevent rapid spread outside the designated planning area and maintain low to moderate fire behavior.

There are no homes at risk and no major infrastructure in the area. The Apple Tree Fire is a lightning-caused fire that started on July 18, 2023.

The management tactics of the Apple Tree Fire aligns with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come. Decades of research has shown that forests need regular fire to remove these hazardous fuels. Some plant species, like quaking aspen, actually thrive after a fire. allowing it to play it’s natural role in the ecosystem and improve the health of the forest. The intended result of managing naturally-caused wildfires is to encourage the growth of native plants, increase species diversity, and restore ecological balance, ultimately reducing the potential for future high-severity wildfires.

Smoke: Smoke will be visible in coming days as the fire continues to progress across the landscape. Please use caution when driving along Sunspot Highway towards Timberon, NM, and along Sacramento River Road. Smoke will be heavier during the morning and overnight as it settles into lower elevation and will lift as temperatures increase. A column of smoke from the fire will be most likely in the afternoon and evenings. Smoke will likely impact Timberon, NM and Otero Mesa.

Visitor Information: The road to Sacramento Lookout is blocked. Visitors are advised to stay out of the fire area for their safety and to allow for quick and safe access the fire. Please avoid Apple Tree Trail, Apple Tree Canyon and Forest Service Road 64 near Sacramento Lookout. Expect to see heavy firefighter traffic along Forest Service Road 64.

Weather Forecast: The fire received rain yesterday evening. There is 50% chance of rain today. Winds are 6-8 mph from the southeast with a high temperature of 74 degrees. Humidity levels are forecasted at 41-80% during the day.

Evacuations: None

Road Closures: None

Major Injuries/ Fatalities: None

More Information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppleTreeFire2023                                  Twitter: @LincolnUSForest
Other: www.NMFireInfo.com

The Apple Tree Fire will release updates every other day unless there is a significant change. You can expect the next update on July 25.

July 22, 2023

Size: 1019 acres
Containment: 100%
Date Started: July 19, 2023
Cause: undetermined

Texas A&M Forest Service resources completed containment line construction and improvement, mop up operations were completed and no visible activity was observed throughout the day. Containment was bumped to 100% at the end of the operational shift.

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Greg Schenk

Fire Information:  406-865-0941

Email:  Terina.hill@usda.gov

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

Facebook:  facebook.com/usfsbdnf

facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF

July 21, 2023

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

Start Date: 7/20/2023      

Cause: Lightning          

Estimated Size: 150 acres         

Completion: 0%   

Total Personnel: 53   

Engines: 0      

Helicopters: 1      

Hand Crews: 1  (2 more on order) 

A Type 3 Incident Management Team is on order.

The Forest received a smoke report in the Bowles Creek drainage area, following a lightning storm on the evening of July 20, 2023. Ground resources and a helicopter flight confirmed the location. Additional smoke reports, received by the Bitterroot Dispatch Center, were checked and confirmed by ground resources.

The fire is located approximately three miles southwest of Skalkaho Pass in the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in steep terrain, just north of the 2022 Hog Trough Fire. Fuels consist of thick timber and a heavy dead and downed fuel component. Two 20-year-old fire footprints from previous fires are located adjacent to this area. No structures are currently threatened.

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

Ground resources and an early morning helicopter flight estimated the Bowles Fire to be approximately 50 acres and the Daily Creek fire on the Bitterroot side of the divide to be approximately 1-2 acres. Initial attack resources lined and “plumbed” (with water and hoselays) the Daily Fire. Fire operations officials pulled those individuals off the active fireline for safety reasons. Due to this active fire behavior and resulting growth, these fires have merged and will be referred to as the Bowles Creek Fire.

Two Type 2 Initial Attack crews, scheduled to arrive at the fire tonight or early tomorrow morning. Transfer of Command of the fire to a Type 3 Incident Management Team is scheduled for Sunday morning.

Those recreating or traveling in the fire area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fire traffic.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR

The fire is located at 7,800 feet in elevation. The weather forecast calls for high temperatures in the upper 80s and west-southwest winds in the 5 to 10 mph range. Warmer and drier conditions, conducive to active burning conditions, are predicted to last through the weekend.

Early fire behavior included creeping through ground fuels and isolated and group torching of trees, with high potential for spotting. Fire behavior increased to running, torching, and spotting, given the afternoon weather condition (hot and dry with moderate upslope winds). The fire is producing smoke that is visible from numerous locations along the Skalkaho Highway and in the Bitterroot Valley and Philipsburg.

CLOSURES

Closures surrounding a fire area are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Area closure often involve specific trail and road sections. The Forests are assessing the need and potential boundaries of a closure. Specific closure information and maps will be posted on the Forest websites and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are implemented.

The Skalkaho Pass Road remains open.

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

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Greg Schenk

Fire Information:  406-865-0941

Email:  Terina.hill@usda.gov

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

Facebook:  facebook.com/usfsbdnf

facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF

July 22, 2023 (8:00 p.m.)

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

Start Date: 7/20/2023      

Cause: Lightning           

Estimated Size: 1,300 acres         

Completion: 0% 

Total Personnel: 85   

Engines: 0      

Helicopters: 2      

Hand Crews: 2   

The Forest received a smoke report in the Bowles Creek drainage area, following a lightning storm on the evening of July 20, 2023. Ground resources and a helicopter flight confirmed the location. Additional smoke reports, received by the Bitterroot Dispatch Center, were checked and confirmed by ground resources.

Ground resources and an early morning helicopter flight on July 21st estimated the Bowles Fire to be approximately 50 acres and the Daly Creek fire on the Bitterroot side of the divide to be approximately 1-2 acres. Initial attack resources lined and “plumbed” (with water and hoselays) the Daly Fire. Fire operations officials pulled those individuals off the active fireline for safety reasons. Due to this active fire behavior and resulting growth, these fires have merged and will be referred to as the Bowles Creek Fire. Active fire behavior due to receptive fuels and hot and dry weather conditions resulted in extensive fire growth throughout the day.

The fire is located approximately three miles southwest of Skalkaho Pass in the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in steep terrain, just north of the 2022 Hog Trough Fire. Fuels consist of thick timber and a heavy dead and downed fuel component. Two 20-year-old fire footprints from previous fires are located adjacent to this area. No structures are currently threatened.

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

Firefighting crews and resources from both Forests worked 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 worked along the Daly Creek Road (711Rd), constructing a fuel break adjacent to the road. On the east side, crews began hiking into the fire area along a trail and fireline used in the 2022 Hog Trough fire, working to the west from the Bowles Creek Road (5071Rd) to the 313 Trail. Other resources began work on establishing a landing zone for use by aviation resources.

The two Forests in-briefed the incoming Type 3 Incident Management Team (Northern Rockies Team #8, under the leadership of Brad Bergman, Incident Commander) this afternoon, and Transfer of Command of the fire is scheduled for Sunday morning.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR

The fire is located at 7,800 feet in elevation. The weather forecast calls for CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER, with high temperatures in the mid-80s, relative humidity in the 10-20% range, and southwest winds in the 5-15 mph range. Warmer and drier conditions, conducive to active burning conditions, are predicted to last through the weekend and into early next week.

Observed fire behavior included torching and short-range spotting, given the afternoon weather condition (hot and dry with moderate upslope winds). Several hot spots along the southern edge of the fire were active, moving downslope. Poor overnight relative humidity recovery is expected. Similar fire behavior is expected tomorrow. The fire is producing smoke that is visible from numerous locations along the Skalkaho Highway and in the Bitterroot Valley and Philipsburg.

CLOSURES

Closures surrounding a fire area are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Area closure often involve specific trail and road sections. The Forests are assessing the need and potential boundaries of a closure. Specific closure information and maps will be posted on the Forest websites and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are implemented.

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.

Hayden Fire Update July 23, 2023

Date of Detection: July 19, 2023

Fire Location: 18 miles W of Leadore, Idaho

Current Size: 3.633 acres

Containment: 0%

Cause: Undetermined

Personnel: 329

Incident Commander: Mike Johnston, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #7

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 terrain is difficult, and the fire is burning in spruce/subalpine fir with a heavy dead/down timber component.  Fire cause is undetermined.   

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior:  High temperatures, low humidity and increasing monsoonal moisture are expected on Sunday. Thunderstorms and gusty erratic winds up to 40 mph are possible in the afternoon. Moderate fire behavior is anticipated. Short runs and group torching are expected in the mixed conifers and in dead and down fuels, especially in unprotected areas of the fire. 

Actions: Yesterday, resources continued handlines and dozer lines around the fire.  Despite increased visibility, winds limited air operations. Some reconnaissance flights did occur and gave operations a better idea of fire activity and behavior. Firefighters are approaching this fire indirectly by using favorable terrain, natural features, and road systems to contain it within planned firelines. Today, more effort and resources will be directed at strengthening these firelines.  

Important Information: Please note there is no change today on acreage burned as there was no infrared flight overnight due to limiting weather. 

The airspace above a wildfire can be a very busy place.  A valuable tool to provide a safe operating space for aircraft are Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), which are put in place so there is a buffer zone of safety for our ground and air crews.  Incursions into the TFR hamper operations and put firefighters and incident pilots at risk. It is the responsibility of private pilots (both fixed wing and drone) to be aware of all TFRs to avoid an airspace incursion, which could lead to fines or other more serious consequences. 

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

INCIDENT COMMANDER: Greg Schenk

Fire Information:  406-865-0941

Email:  Terina.hill@usda.gov

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

Facebook:  facebook.com/usfsbdnf

facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF

July 22, 2023 (9:00 a.m.)

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

Start Date: 7/20/2023      

Cause: Lightning          

* Size: 831 acres         

Completion: 0%    

Total Personnel: 53   

Engines: 0      

Helicopters: 1      

Hand Crews: 2   

A Type 3 Incident Management Team is mobilizing.

The Forest received a smoke report in the Bowles Creek drainage area, following a lightning storm on the evening of July 20, 2023. Ground resources and a helicopter flight confirmed the location. Additional smoke reports, received by the Bitterroot Dispatch Center, were checked and confirmed by ground resources.

Ground resources and an early morning helicopter flight on July 21st estimated the Bowles Fire to be approximately 50 acres and the Daly Creek fire on the Bitterroot side of the divide to be approximately 1-2 acres. Initial attack resources lined and “plumbed” (with water and hoselays) the Daly Fire. Fire operations officials pulled those individuals off the active fireline for safety reasons. Due to this active fire behavior and resulting growth, these fires have merged and will be referred to as the Bowles Creek Fire. Active fire behavior due to receptive fuels and hot and dry weather conditions resulted in extensive fire growth throughout the day.

The fire is located approximately three miles southwest of Skalkaho Pass in the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in steep terrain, just north of the 2022 Hog Trough Fire. Fuels consist of thick timber and a heavy dead and downed fuel component. Two 20-year-old fire footprints from previous fires are located adjacent to this area. No structures are currently threatened.

CURRENT SITUATION & PLANNED ACTIONS

* Last evening’s helicopter flight and additional information from the ground resources have mapped the fire area at 831 acres, highlighting yesterday afternoon’s active fire behavior and the merger of the two fires.

Firefighting crews and resources from both Forests will be working 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.

The two Forests will in-brief the incoming Type 3 Incident Management Team (Northern Rockies Team 8) this afternoon, and Transfer of Command of the fire is scheduled for Sunday morning.

WEATHER & FIRE BEHAVIOR

The fire is located at 7,800 feet in elevation. The weather forecast calls for CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER, with high temperatures in the mid-80s, relative humidity in the 10-20% range, and southwest winds in the 5-15 mph range. Warmer and drier conditions, conducive to active burning conditions, are predicted to last through the weekend.

Early fire behavior included creeping through ground fuels and isolated and group torching of trees, with high potential for spotting. Fire behavior increased to running, torching, and spotting, given the afternoon weather condition (hot and dry with moderate upslope winds). Similar fire behavior is expected today. The fire is producing smoke that is visible from numerous locations along the Skalkaho Highway and in the Bitterroot Valley and Philipsburg.

CLOSURES

Closures surrounding a fire area are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Area closure often involve specific trail and road sections. The Forests are assessing the need and potential boundaries of a closure. Specific closure information and maps will be posted on the Forest websites and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are implemented.

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.

Inyo National Forest, Pacific Southwest Region

Forest Service News Release

Public Affairs Officer: Lisa Cox
lisa.cox@usda.gov (760) 873-2427 
www.fs.usda.gov/inyo

Lightning-caused Cowtrack Fire being managed to achieve multiple objectives

MONO BASIN, Calif., July 22, 2023 — Inyo is currently managing a lightning-caused wildfire, named the “Cowtrack Fire” that was discovered on Wednesday evening, July 19. Currently at a 1/4-acre, it is burning with a slow rate of spread in light to moderate fuels consisting of Jeffrey pine and sage brush in sandy pumice soils.

The fire is being managed for multiple objectives including removing fuels to reduce wildfire severity risk and improve Jeffrey pine and surrounding ecosystem health. This allows the fire personnel to both contain the wildfire while also restoring characteristic fire return intervals, increase forest resiliency and aid in protecting communities by reducing the threat of unnaturally accumulated fuels.

“I am pleased the analysis of the area adjacent to the Cowtrack Fire has found it suitable for managing a naturally-ignited wildfire to meet forest objectives,” said Stephanie Heller, Mono Lake District Ranger.

“This strategy is not only in alignment with our Forest Land Management Plan but will also aid in increase the place and scale of restoration on the landscape, moving toward a natural range of variation for fire regimes.”

There is no threat to any structures or property, and is located close to previous fire history footprints including the 2019 Springs Fire to the South, the 2001 Crater Fire to the Northwest, and the 2012 Indian Fire to the North.

Although smoke impacts are forecasted to be minimal, and predicted to flow northeast due to winds out of the southwest, fire managers have ordered an Air Resources Advisor for the incident. There are no recreation facilities or threats to structures in this area, only off-highway vehicle roads which are being used to not only gain access to this fire but also to aid in providing an anchor points for control lines for firefighters.

Fire managers will be standing up a Type 3 fire organization of approximately 70 people to manage this fire and safely and effectively contain it to a 360-acre or less “box”, with a less aggressive fire suppression strategy. The total number of acres burned could change depending on the availability of resources, weather forecast changes and fire behavior.

There is bi-state sage grouse habitat on both National Forest land and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land adjacent to the proposed “box”. The Forest Service has consulted with both the BLM and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect sage grouse habitat. A full suppression strategy will be implemented should the fire threaten to exceed the delineated boundaries.

For every fire, strategies are 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, potential for successful consumption, and others. Managing fires to include spread to natural barriers (roads, trails, granite outcroppings, bodies of water, etc.) can also reduce unnecessary risk to firefighters.
 

An Inciweb page has been launched for the incident for more information: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cainf-cowtrack-lightning-fire

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