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

Cause: Lightning

Size: 100 acres

Containment: 2%

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: 96

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: The Apple Tree Fire is a lightning-caused fire that is burning with low to moderate intensity. Each fire receives a strategic, risk-based management strategy. Today, almost one hundred firefighters other support personnel will continue with their confine-and-contain strategy which includes removing vegetation along the roads and trails and widening other firelines to ensure they have a secure perimeter as the fire progresses across the land towards the firelines. “We’ve seen the negative impacts that a century of immediate fire suppression has caused to the forest and we must move past this outdated idea,” said Josh DuBoise Fuel Specialist at the Lincoln National Forest. “The Apple Tree Fire is a great example of a fire in the right place, at the right time, that can be managed for resource benefit and create a healthy, fire-resilient forest.” One hundred years of fire suppression has resulted in an overabundance of trees, both alive and dead. This is called hazardous fuel loading and it can lead to high-intensity fire in certain conditions. 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. After carefully considering the weather, values at risk and vegetation in the area, fire managers will manage the Apple Tree Fire using a confine-and-contain strategy using existing roads, trails and constructed fireline. A confine-and-contain strategy under the current conditions, allows fire to move naturally across the landscape, providing ecological benefits to plants and wildlife. There are no homes at risk and no major infrastructure in the area.

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. Smoke will be heavier in the mornings 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 is moving to the West/Southwest and will likely impact Timberon, NM and Otero Mesa.

Visitor Information: The road to Sacramento Lookout is blocked due to fire equipment in the area. Visitors are advised to stay out of the fire area to allow for firefighters to quickly and safely 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: The fire received rain yesterday evening. There is 50% chance of rain today. Winds are 4-10 mph with temperatures lower today at 70 degrees. Higher humidity levels compared to previous days are forecasted at 44% during the day and 77% overnight.

Evacuations: None

Road Closures: None

Major Injuries/Fatalities: None

More Information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppleTreeFire2023

Twitter: @LincolnUSForest

Other: www.NMFireInfo.com

You can expect another update mid-day tomorrow.

2 de julio, 2023

Noticias matutinas del Incendio Flat 

Extensión: 18,463 acres                                           

Se Inicio: 15-julio-2023

Origen: 2 millas al sureste de Agness, OR

Causa: Bajo investigacion

Personal: 1,040

Recursos: 25 camiones l 32 escuadrillas l 7 buldóceres l 11 cisternas l 8 masticadores l 10 helicópteros
 

Reunión Comunitaria: Para el día de hoy, sábado 22 de julio a las 3:00pm, en la cafetería de la escuela secundaria de Gold Beach: 29516 Ellensburg Ave Gold Beach, OR 97444. Transmisión en vivo a través de Facebook.

Situación Corriente: Anoche arribó el grupo de Bomberos Pacific Northwest 3 los cuales, el día de hoy, estarán seguidos por otro grupo de Bomberos 2 Northwest Team 6. Ellos tomaran posesión del cargo el día de mañana a las 6:00am. Durante la noche de ayer, se pudo observar que la mayor actividad del fuego se dio en el área interna del mismo y nuestros bomberos lograron con sus esfuerzos mantener el fuego dentro de las líneas de control. 

Actividades diurnas: Los bomberos están enfocándose en extinguir los espacios con emanación de calor en el área en donde fueron completadas las operaciones de quema (extinguiendo el fuego con fuego) las cuales se encuentran al Norte y Noroeste del Incendio. Dicha labor se realiza con el objetivo de mantener el fuego dentro de las líneas de control. En el área Sureste, las escuadrillas de bomberos se encuentran preparando la carretera Forestal 3318 (hacia Wildhorse) apoyados por los recursos de la compañía maderera South Coast Lumber, utilizando sus equipos pesados tales como maquinas masticadoras que logran deshacerse de la vegetación en el terreno y así crear un cortafuego para detener un poco la velocidad de propagación del incendio. En el área Noreste, los leñadores están finalizando el talado de árboles debilitados y muertos para que los bomberos puedan empezar las operaciones de quema en cuanto sea posible. Los grupos que se dedican a proteger la infraestructura en el área afectada se encuentran trabajando arduamente para posicionar rociadores de agua alrededor de las construcciones.

Evacuaciones: La ciudad de Curry está enviando noticias de evacuación utilizando el sistema Everbridge, el cual proporciona las noticias a través de vía telefónica. Si aun no lo ha hecho, por favor anótese ya en el programa, visitando el website de Curry County y marque en el link para las notificaciones Everbridge. Las áreas de Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road y Spud Road que previamente alcanzaron un Nivel de Evacuación 3 (Salga del área), fueron bajadas a un Nivel 2 (Este listo). https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Impacto del humo: Pronostico 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. Por favor, maneje con precaución al encontrarse en esta zona alrededor del incendio debido al incremento en el tráfico de los bomberos y sus equipos. Visita 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

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023         Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

Resources: 161 Total Personnel | 2 Hand Crews | 3 Engines | 1 Water Tender  | 1 Helicopter

(Dufur, OR) The Boulder Fire started on July 8 near Boulder Lake Trailhead 26 miles southwest of Dufur in the Mt. Hood National Forest Barlow Ranger District. An estimated 233 acres have burned, and the fire is 100% contained. Objectives will be met by the end of the weekend and, on Sunday at 6 p.m., the Type 2 Northwest Incident Management Team 10 (NW Team 10) will transfer command of the incident to a local incident management team from the Barlow Ranger District.

Firefighters have worked diligently to ensure that the Boulder Fire no longer poses a threat. The public should not be alarmed if light smoke is visible from time to time from the fire’s interior. During the mop-up process, crews extinguished all accessible hot spots but some heat may remain deep in the fire’s center where hazards prevented firefighters from reaching some areas. Generous fire breaks were created to contain any residual heat, if any. For the remainder of the fire season, firefighters will continue to patrol the fire area on a regular basis as an extra measure of safety and the public should call 911 to report any visible flames or smoke columns.

Note that it may be necessary to keep areas around the fire closed until all fire-related hazards can be mitigated. Fire-weakened trees and stump holes (hidden and deep depressions in the forest floor that remain after stumps are consumed in a fire) are among the dangerous conditions that often remain.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. If you have information that could assist fire investigators of the Boulder Fire, please contact: SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov

Incident Commander Alan Lawson and the members of NW Team 10 wish to thank the personnel at Mt Hood National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry for their leadership, and the local communities for their hospitality and support during this assignment. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve here.

As of 6 p.m. on July 23, please direct all calls to the Barlow Ranger District Office at (541)467-2291.

For updated information about road, campground and trail closures, see the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices

For updated information about evacuation, see the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff

July 22, 2023

Flat Fire Morning Update

Size: 18,463                                            

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Under Investigation

Total personnel: 1,040

Resources: 25 engines l 32 crews l 7 bulldozers l 11 water tenders l 8 masticators l 10 helicopters
 

Community Meeting: Today, Saturday July 22nd at 3pm, at Gold Beach High School in the cafeteria or live on Facebook. 29516 Ellensburg Ave Gold Beach, OR 97444.

Current Situation: Pacific Northwest Team 3 arrived last night and will be shadowing with Northwest Team 6 today, taking over management of the fire tomorrow at 6 am. Overnight, most fire activity was internal, and crews were able to hold the fire within their control lines.

Today’s activities: Firefighters are working on extinguishing hot spots where they have completed burnout operations in the north and northwest areas of the fire working to keep the fire within their control lines. In the southern area, crews are preparing Forest Road 3318 (Wild Horse Road) working with South Coast Lumber resources using heavy equipment like masticators to clear vegetation creating a fuel break to slow fire spread. In the north east, timber fallers are finishing falling standing dead trees so crews can start burnout operations if possible. Structure protection groups are working to set up sprinkler kits around buildings.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge, which provides notices via phone. If you have not done so, please sign up by going to the Curry County website and click on the Everbridge notification link. The areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road that were previously in a Level 3 Evacuation were downgraded to a Level 2 “Get Set”. https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Weather: Partly cloudy, cooler, winds northwest.

Smoke: The Smoke Forecast 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. Please be careful when driving in the area due to increased fire traffic. Find the closure order at 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

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023         Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

HAYDEN FIRE UPDATE JULY 22, 2023

Date of Detection: July 19, 2023

Current Size: 3633 acres

Containment: 0%

Cause: Undetermined

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: Hot temperatures will continue through the weekend with an increased chance of rain and thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening. Winds will increase into the evening with gusts at the ridge tops up to 25 mph. Fire behavior is expected to be moderated again by the ridge to the south of the fire that has been sheltering the area from winds. Expect to see isolated and group tree torching in the afternoon.

Actions: Yesterday, aviation resources were hampered by poor visibility, but ground crews were able to identify areas for dozer and handline to the north of the fire. Fire growth was predominantly to the South-West into Morse Creek. Today resources will continue to push dozer line south along the eastern side of the fire tying into natural barriers. They will also begin to implement the plan for dozer and handline along the north. Crews will be prepping the Morse Creek Campground and other values at risk to the South. Aviation will be utilized if visibility improves.

Important Information: The Salmon Challis National Forest has a 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.

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

Containment on the fire has increased to 30%. Currently, the biggest threat to the firelines is falling trees carrying heat or spreading sparks as they fall, causing fire outside the lines. The Unmanned Aerial System (drone) conducts infrared flights every morning, checking for hot spots outside the lines so firefighters can address them immediately. Sawyers continue to deal with the trees as they fall.

Heavy equipment operators and hand crews are working on contingency lines around the fire in case it gets outside the primary lines. Firefighters are also patrolling and securing the direct line where it’s safe, cooling the fire’s edge and keeping sprinkler systems running. A night shift will continue monitoring and patrolling for a few more days.

Both spot fires reported last week are holding, with edges secured.

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.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

More than one weather disturbance will pass and increase westerly winds over the weekend into early next week. Today's high temperature will be 96 degrees, with a minimum humidity of 19 percent. Winds will be southwest 5-10 mph.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests issued an emergency closure (Closure Order # 01-04-08-23-003) that went into effect July 18, 2023, at midnight, replacing Closure Order #01-04-08-23-002 issued on July 13.This 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. 

1 de julio, 2023

Informe vespertino del Incendio Flat

Extensión: 15,217 acres                                            

Fecha de inicio: 15-julio-23

Origen: 2 millas Sureste de Agness, OR

Causa: Bajo Investigación

Personal: 936

Recursos: 11 camiones l 32 escuadrillas l 4 bulldozers l 4 cisternas l 8 masticadores l 8 helicópteros
 

Reunión comunitaria: El día de mañana, sábado 22, a las 3:00 pm, en la cafetería de la escuela secundaria de Gold Beach, se estará llevando a cabo una reunión para la comunidad con respecto al Incendio Flat. Se estará transmitiendo en vivo a través de Facebook. Direccion: 29516 Ellensburg Ave Gold Beach, OR, 97444.

Situación actual: Durante la noche de ayer no se pudieron realizar vuelos infrarrojos sobre el área del incendio. El numero de acres en el incendio estará siendo actualizado en cuanto se reanuden los vuelos. Los bomberos lograron tener un día productivo al tomar ventaja de las condiciones mas estables del clima creándose y reforzándose líneas de control que protegen las comunidades alrededor de Agness y Gold Beach. El en área Noreste del Incendio, los bomberos continúan con la ardua labor de cortar troncos utilizando las orugas taladoras de árboles.

En el área Sureste, los espacios de emanación de calor todavía no presentan muy activos. Se observa un comportamiento moderado del incendio y con una baja intensidad de calor sobre las áreas en donde los bomberos han completado las operaciones de enfrentar el incendio con quemas iniciadas por ellos mismos. Luchando contra el fuego, con fuego.

Actividades vespertinas: Las cuadrillas de bomberos del turno nocturno, continúan con las operaciones de quema en la sección Oeste del incendio y al mismo tiempo se encuentran monitoreando las líneas de control.

Evacuaciones: La ciudad de Curry está enviando noticias de evacuación utilizando el sistema Everbridge, el cual proporciona las noticias a través de vía telefónica. Si aun no lo ha hecho, por favor anótese ya en el programa, visitando el website de Curry County y marque en el link para las notificaciones Everbridge. En horas tempranas del día de hoy, las áreas de Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road y Spud Road que previamente alcanzaron un Nivel de Evacuación 3 (Salga del área), fueron bajadas a un Nivel 2 (Este listo). https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Condiciones climáticas: Para el día de mañana se esperan condiciones un poco más frescas, con porcentaje de humedad un poco más altos.

Impacto del humo: Pronostico 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. Por favor, maneje con precaución al encontrarse en esta zona alrededor del incendio debido al incremento en el tráfico de los bomberos y sus equipos. Visita bit.ly/RRSNFClosures

Medidas de restricción: Se han establecido Restricciones en el área:

fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou

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

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023         Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

July 21, 2023

Flat Fire Evening Update

Size: 15,217                                             

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles southeast of Agness, OR

Cause: Under Investigation

Total personnel: 936

Resources: 11 engines l 32 crews l 4 bulldozers l 4 water tenders l 8 masticators l 8 helicopters
 

Community Meeting: Tomorrow, Saturday July 22nd 3pm, at Gold Beach High School in the cafeteria or live on Facebook. 29516 Ellensburg Ave Gold Beach, OR 97444.

Current Situation: Last night, no infrared flight was able to be flown. Until a new flight can be flown, acres will remain the same. Crews had a productive day taking advantage of more stable weather conditions creating and strengthening control lines protecting the nearby communities of Agness and Gold Beach. On the north east crews are continuing to fall snags working in conjunction with feller bunchers.

The spots in the south east are still not very active. In the areas where firefighters have completed burnout operations fire behavior is moderate with low intensity heat.

Tonight’s activities: Night crews will continue burnout operations in the west section of the fire as well as monitoring the control lines.

Evacuations: Curry County is sending evacuation notices utilizing Everbridge, which provides notices via phone. If you have not done so, please sign up by going to the Curry County website and click on the Everbridge notification link. The areas of Oak Flat, Old House Creek Road and Spud Road that were previously in a Level 3 Evacuation were downgraded to a Level 2 “Get Set” earlier today. https://www.co.curry.or.us/departments/emergency_management/index.php

Weather: Tomorrow will be slightly cooler, with slightly higher humidities.

Smoke: The Smoke Forecast 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. Please be careful when driving in the area due to increased fire traffic. Find the closure order at 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

Facebook: facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023         Twitter: twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023         Inciweb: bit.ly/FlatFireOR

July 21, 2023

Size: 1019 acres
Containment: 80%
Date Started: July 19, 2023
Cause: undetermined

Texas A&M Forest Service resources completed containment line construction earlier today and continued to reinforce existing containment lines, engine crews and cooperators assisted with patrol and mop up operations throughout the day.

Crews will monitor the fire over night and will address any activities that may pick up.