RESERVE, NM, July 19, 2023 – The Dark, Divide, and Davis fires are burning with low to moderate fire intensity on the Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District. All of these fires were started by lightning strikes last week. Incident Commander Pete Valenzuela assumed command of the cluster of fires Monday evening.

The Davis Fire, located north of Collins Park and east of the Continental Divide Trail, has grown to 177 acres (an estimate of 233 acres yesterday was adjusted down due to more accurate infrared mapping). Crews conducted burnout operations today southward along the eastern and western flanks from northern control lines. Ignitions assist with securing identified containment features by removing available fuels, creating a more effective barrier to fire growth. Crews will monitor Continental Divide Trail for users who could be exposed to fire as it moves across the landscape. The affected section of Continental Divide Trail is located east of Eagle Peak from Cox Canyon trailhead south to Bursum Road. Signs are posted north and south of the Davis Fire. Two Hotshot crews, one Type 6 engine, one dozer, one Fire Use Module and various overhead are currently assigned to the Davis Fire.

The Dark Fire is located on Corner Mountain about 18 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico. Fire behavior was minimal today, flanking, backing, and creeping in grass, brush, and timber understory with increased relative humidity. It has grown to 485 acres, based on infrared mapping. There is a large amount of down woody material throughout the fire area available for fire consumption. Crews are focused on keeping the fire north and east of Forest Road 180 and south of Forest Road 141. One Type 6 engine is currently assigned to the Dark Fire.

The Divide and Hay fires will be discussed together as Divide Fire. Together they cover approximately 1,792 acres on the south side of Elk Mountain and in T Bar Canyon. Divide Fire is exhibiting minimal fire behavior, backing, flanking, and creeping. It is burning in grass, brush, and timber understory. Crews conducted hand ignitions along Forest Road 141 and continued preparing along the boundary of Elk Springs subdivision to reduce fuels and protect values at risk. One Hotshot crew, one Type 3 helicopter, 2 Type 6 engines and various overhead are currently assigned to the Divide Fire.

Values at risk across the three wildfire incidents include private property, cultural resources, range infrastructure, threatened or endangered species habitat including Mexican spotted owl and Mexican gray wolf, recreation trails, and timber sale units.

“Higher relative humidity, which bottomed out around 18% today, helped keep fire behavior minimal, allowing crews to prepare ahead of the fires, improving containment features and conducting burnout operations,” said Incident Commander Pete Valenzuela. “Despite higher-than-normal temperatures, there is enough moisture in the area to allow for daily scattered storms over the burn area, though rainfall isn’t expected to amount to much.”

Temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal, with highs in the upper 80s. Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected to pass through the area today, with about 40% chance of precipitation on any of the fires. Gusty, erratic winds are expected associated with passing storms. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov.

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Community Meeting: In-person at 3pm today at the Agness Library Park in Agness, Oregon. More will be scheduled in the future with virtual options as well.

Flat Fire - July 19, 2023 - Morning Update

Flat Fire Quick Facts

Size: 12,756                                             

Start Date:  July 15, 2023

Point of origin: 2 miles south east Agness, OR

Cause: Under Investigation

Total personnel: 516

Resources: 10 engines, 17 crews, 4 bulldozers, 2 water tenders, 6 masticators, 7 helicopters

Community Meeting: 3pm today in Agness Library Park Agness, OR. More will be scheduled in the future with virtual options.

Current Situation: The Flat Fire has spread toward Wild Horse Ridge up Lawson Creek on its west side. Dry vegetation and winds have been the primary driver of this fire growth. Northeast winds have helped prevent the fire from being able to grow to the north. Wind direction and control lines created by firefighters have enabled crews to keep the fire from moving toward the community of Agness. Heavy smoke will continue to affect nearby communities.

Today’s activities: Last night, firefighters had successful burnout operations in the northwest section and these will continue today if conditions allow. Small burn out operations enable firefighters to consume vegetation between them and the wildfire making firefighting safer and slowing fire spread protecting local communities. On the northeast section of the fire, crews are working to improve roads to increase access around the fire. On the north section, crews are strengthening firelines and using hoselines to protect the community of Agness. Structure protection groups are in place working to protect buildings.

Evacuations: Please monitor the Curry and Josephine County Sheriff’s Offices for official evacuation notices. https://www.co.curry.or.us/government/county_sheriff/index.php https://www.josephinecounty.gov/government/sheriff/index.php

Weather: Red Flag warning is in effect in Southern Oregon because of gusty winds and low humidity.

Smoke: Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://www.oregonsmoke.org/?m=1

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.

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

Information Line: 541-216-4579 8am-8pm                                               Media inquires: 541-237-6369 8am-8pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023 Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlatFireOR2023

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/xx1002-flat-fire  Email: 2023.flat.or@firenet.gov

Resources: 348 Total Personnel | 6 Hand Crews | 8 Engines | 2 Heavy Equipment | 9 Water Tenders | 1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft | 2 Helicopters

(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. The fire has been burning in dead and down woody material located in steep, rugged, alpine-like terrain. An estimated 233 acres have burned. Firefighters have completed mop-up and, as of this morning, containment has increased to 100%. Fire managers are releasing resources to right-size the team. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The temporary flight restriction over the fire has been lifted.

By the end of shift yesterday, firefighters had finished mop-up. Mop-up is the process of ensuring that the fire will not spread beyond existing containment lines, and it is very labor and time intensive. On the Boulder Fire this work has been especially challenging at the southern edge where the vegetation is very thick and dense. Firefighters have gridded the ground to systematically seek out and extinguish any remaining heat. When heat has been found, crews have used hand tools and water to ensure that the ground remains cool and free of flammable materials.  Multiple heat-detecting flights have found no hot spots.

Also on Tuesday, one of the helicopters assigned to the Boulder Fire was reassigned to the growing Flat Fire in southwestern Oregon and many of the hotshot crews on the incident have been demobilized.

On Wednesday, the temporary helibase at Pine Hollow is closing and aviation resources will be consolidated at Dallesport. Crews will patrol the fire to watch for any new hot spots, work on repairing damage caused by suppression activities to roads and continue backhauling equipment. Firefighters are moving resources out of the Rock Creek OHV area.   
Weather: Today is forecast to be the hottest and driest day of the week with temperature in the high 80’s and relative humidity in the low 20’s at mid-day. Light winds out of the east are expected.

Closures and Restrictions: Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District are closed during the Boulder Fire.  Due to the high fire danger, open fire and target shooting restrictions have been implemented.  For more information or to view the full closure order, visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.   

Evacuations: Boulder Lake Campground, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadows Campground, Badger Lake Campground, Camp Windy and Port Camp Campground are under a Level 3 – Go Now evacuation. Evacuations levels are Level 1 – Be Ready to Evacuate, Level 2 – Be Set to Evacuate, and Level 3 – Go Now.  More information is available from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff

Public Safety: Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to work on and around the area roadways, including Forest Road 48. Drivers can help keep everyone safe by avoiding these areas.

Smoke: Currently, there are no significant smoke impacts from the Boulder Fire. For air quality updates, visit www.oregonsmoke.org or www.airnow.gov 

TERMINATION OF FOREST ORDER

USDA FOREST SERVICE

WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST

TERMINATION OF EMERGENCY OCCUPANCY AND USE RESTRICTIONS AREA CLOSURE

T. 7 S., R. 94 W., T. 8 S. R. 94 W., and T. 8 S. R. 95 W

Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.50(a) and 36 (C.F.R.) § 261.53 (e) the prohibitions listed in Order number 2023-14, applicable to the Rifle Ranger District of the White River National Forest, dated June 28, 2023 respectively, and signed by Scott G. Fitzwilliams are hereby terminated.

Heather Noel

Deputy Forest Supervisor, White River National Forest

Digitally signed by Heather Noel 

Date: 2023.07.18 15:32:44 -06'00'

Campbell Fire: Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Location of Origin: Forest Service Road 8861

Start Date: July 10, 2023

Size: 1,416 acres

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Percent Contained: 66

Personnel: 135

Fuels: Medium Logging Slash

Resources Assigned: 1 Crew, 5 Engines, 1 Water Tender

Operations: Yesterday the fire received a fair amount of precipitation. Firefighters will work today to secure the fire along the northern flanks and extinguish remaining hot spots.  The Campbell fire has decreased in complexity and will transition from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to a Type 4 Team with Incident Commander Colton Choate and trainee Obang Odul at 0600 on Thursday, July 20th. This will be the final update from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team unless conditions change.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies in the morning, then turning to cloudy in the afternoon with thunderstorm activity and a 60% chance of showers. The high temperature is expected to be 85 degrees with wind gusts increasing as thunderstorms move into the area.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, learn more at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81123.

Smoke: Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 191, especially at night.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-campbell-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Colorado River Valley Field Office 2300 River Frontage Road
Silt, Colorado 81652

July 17, 2023  

Public Closure Rescinded This notice rescinds the closure order issued on June 27, 2023, Order #COG02000-23-02, for BLM-managed lands in the Colorado River Valley Field Office in Garfield County within the area of the Spring Creek Fire. The order will be rescinded at 12:01 am Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

This emergency closure was necessary to ensure public and firefighter safety during suppression and rehabilitation efforts. This rescinded order will only apply to BLM managed lands in the Colorado River Valley Field Office.

For more information: BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office, (970) 876-9000.   

Gregory Larson

Digitally Signed by Greg Larson

Date: 2023.07.17 13:04:07 -06'00'

                                                                             INCIDENT COMMANDER:  Kevin Barger ICT3

                                                                                                                                          Graydon Galloway ICT3 (t)

Midnight Fire

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

Salmon River Ranger District

Fire Information Line - 208-935-6134

July 18, 2023

Location: Forest Service Road (FSR) #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) 1 mile east of China Point, 3 miles Northwest of Pilot Knob near Mountain House Site

Start Date: 7/10/23      Cause: Lightning        Size: 179 acres               Completion/Containment: 10%

Total Personnel: 126      Engines: 3 Tactical Water Tenders Dozers: 2    Helicopters: 1  

 Retardant Tankers: As Needed  Hand Crews: 4 on scene  including 2 Interagency Hotshot Crews   

CURRENT SITUATION

A local Type 3 Incident Command Team has assumed command of this fire as of Thursday, July 13. Heavy firefighting traffic is still expected to continue through the week on Forest Service Roads (FSR) #244, #284, and #1852 as more resources arrive and continue to contribute to the suppression efforts. A fire camp is now established near McComas Meadows (Camp 58) to support the ongoing suppression efforts.  

PLANNED ACTIONS

Direct attack, full suppression, continue with hand line on eastern and western sides of the fire and continue opening and assessment of existing road and trail systems for heavy equipment use.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

 An isolated shower or thunderstorm may occur with the passing front but with very little rainfall. Minimum relative humidity will continue to be fairly dry behind the front but temperatures will be cooler compared to Sunday. Fire behavior is moderate with torching, group torching, and creeping. Fire continues to spread to the southeast but could change with weather conditions

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There are currently no closures in place, but firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy along FSR # 244 (Lighting Creek Road) and FSR# 284 (Elk City Wagon Road) between China Point and Lytle Cow Camp while suppression operations are taking place, Fire Management Officials urge the traveling public to please avoid this area both on the ground and in the air. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Midnight Fire area for the safety of the aviation resources on scene. 

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

Start Date: 6/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 461 acres           Containment: 10%               Total Personnel: 337   

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

Hand Crews: 9 + a district module                Engines: 5          Aircraft: 1 helicopter, 1 Unmanned Aerial System

Other: 4 Faller Modules, 5 Water Tenders, Ambulance, REMs

The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flew another infrared flight Tuesday morning. Some areas on the east side near the current contained section show much less heat. Fire managers are assessing current lines to determine where they might be considered contained. Containment means a control line has been completed, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread. Containment increases when the burned area from the fireline into the interior has cooled and is unlikely to throw sparks over the line in the wind or if trees come down. While there are lines around the entire fire, most have not yet reached this status. Crews continue to improve lines, add additional contingency lines, and fight the fire directly to add depth and stop the fire’s spread.

Standing dead trees (snags) continues to be one of the most significant hazards firefighters face. Sawyers are mitigating these trees, and crews stay out of them as much as possible, instead patrolling and running sprinkler systems. Heavy equipment operators are also still constructing and improving firelines. Night operations remain on the fire, patrolling and keeping sprinklers running. On the north, crews are gridding for spots, and cooling the fire’s edge (mop-up) with water and hand tools.

Firefighters completed a strategic firing operation on Tuesday afternoon in the Consalus Creek area to burn out a small fuel pocket. A helicopter conducted water drops to prepare the line ahead of this operation. Additional firing operations will occur today if conditions allow. These operations will reduce fuels and add depth between the firelines and fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The high temperature will be 89 degrees and minimum humidity 25 percent. Winds will be north to northeast at 1 to 4 mph in the morning and east to southeast at 2-5 mph in the afternoon with gusts to 8 mph along the ridges. The weather will be hot and dry through the end of the week and into the weekend. Fire has been active with group torching, flanking, and backing.

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. 

The Ruby Ranch Fire is now estimated at 45 acres with 85% containment. Today crews will staff the fire with two TIFMAS strike teams and one TAMFS dozer unit. Objectives will be to increase containment through extensive mop up of heavy heat sources inside the burned area with engine crews, and fire line improvement and hazard tree mitigation with the dozer unit. Aviation resources will be used if necessary. An Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF) will also be on site due to extreme heat and to provide heat rehab to crews. No new evacuations or closures are in place at this time.