Resources:  415 Total Personnel | 8 Hand Crews | 9 Engines | 8 Heavy Equipment | 10 Water Tenders
| 1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft | 6 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’s Barlow Ranger District. The fire is burning in dead and down debris located in steep, rugged and alpine-like terrain. Approximately 238 acres have burned. The past week’s hard work has resulted in less active fire and firefighters can focus more on mop-up operations. As of last evening, the percentage of containment had increased to 15%.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire. Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Boulder Fire. 

While firefighters focused mainly on mop-up all around the fire on Friday, crews also stopped a 20’ x 20’ fire that slopped over an established containment line when a burning tree fell across the north perimeter. Crews at the fire’s southwest corner crews completed containment lines and hose lays along the western flank. They used hand tools and water from the network of hose lines placed over the past few days to extend containment lines over 10 feet within the fire’s edge. Firefighters also cut off heat sources by attacking pockets of fire directly.  Fire crews finished two-thirds of containment lines on the eastern flank. In the remaining one-third on the southeastern corner, crews searched for hot spots and found none in a systematic process called “gridding.”

Today, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with thermal-imaging equipment is expected to arrive. Fire managers will use the UAS information to more effectively locate hotspots in the area’s thick underbrush. Firefighters will continue mop-up, working to create 10 to 50 feet of cold and fuels-free line around the fire perimeter.              

Weather: Today is expected to be warmer and drier than yesterday with light terrain-driven winds. Conditions are forecast to continue warming and drying through the weekend.

Closures and Restrictions: Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District are closed. 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 Post Camp Campground are under a Level 3 –Go Now evacuation. Evacuation 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. Motorists can help keep firefighters and visitors safe by driving carefully and avoiding these areas. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV Area as a staging area. For everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of fire suppression operations.

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

The Moore Peak Fire is now 95% contained at 707 acres. Resources downgraded at the end of shift on 07/15 and the incident has been managed today by Texas A&M Forest Service personnel and Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) strike teams 130, and 131 for a total of 34 personnel. Crews worked on improving fire lines and mop-up operations to extinguish areas of heat near fire perimeters. 

14 structures were initially threatened and saved over the course of the fire. No new damages or injuries have been reported, and no evacuations or closures are in effect. Hot and dry conditions are forecasted to persist over the fire area for the following days to come, increasing the need of extensive mop-up to prevent rekindle or containment issues. Crews will continue to monitor fire behavior to ensure 100% containment.

Resources:  408 Total Personnel | 8 Hand Crews | 9 Engines | 4 Heavy Equipment | 10 Water Tenders |1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft | 6 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 is burning in dead and down debris located in steep, rugged and alpine-like terrain. An overnight infrared flight confirmed that 233 acres have burned. The percentage of containment has increased to 30%. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the fire. Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Boulder Fire. 

Despite Saturday’s high temperatures, fire activity was minimal though crews observed isolated single tree torching within the fire’s interior where scattered pockets of unburned fuels remain. The unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with heat-sensing equipment flew over the fire area in search of hot spots, and none were detected. The percentage of containment doubled to 30% as firefighters completed line along the fire’s western flank. Work to strengthen containment lines continued to the north, south and east sides of the fire. In addition, masticating and grading was underway as crews improved access north to Grasshopper Point along the 4860 Road. Efforts were interrupted several times when recreationalists, who apparently missed notices of area and road closures, appeared near where crews were working.

Today, the UAS is flying over the area again. Work continues as firefighters further strengthen containment lines all around the fire. Crews are pushing toward the fire’s center, creating cool and fuels-free ground 100 feet inside the perimeter.

Weather: Temperatures are expected to be slightly lower on Sunday than Saturday and humidity, slightly higher. A cold front is forecasted to push in today, bringing gusty winds during the evening hours and into Monday.                                           

Closures and Restrictions: Many of the roadways, campgrounds and trails north and east of Forest Road 48 in the Barlow Ranger District are closed. 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 Post Camp Campground are under a Level 3 – Go Now evacuation. Evacuation 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. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV as a staging area. Drivers can help keep firefighters and visitors safe by avoiding these areas. Recreationalists planning to use trails and roadways must check closures and restrictions before entering the forest; for everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of all fire suppression operations.

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

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 9    INCIDENT COMMANDER: SHANE MARTIN

Bee Top Fire

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District

Fire Information 1-208-953-7021  2023.beetop@firenet.gov

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-bee-top-fire

July 16, 2023

Location:  5 miles up Lightning Creek Road on Bee Top Mountain

Start Date: 7/1/23      Cause: Lightning       Size: 49 acres       Containment: 66%.

Total Personnel: 124    Engines:  2     Helicopters: 3      Hand Crews: 3

Yesterday, Crews continued to secure fireline and mop up work along the fire control lines.  Helicopters flew support to the fire by dropping water bucks on the North-Eastern flank of the fire.  This flank still has residual pockets of heat near the fireline.  Helicopters also supported crews on the hill by sling loading food, supplies, and blivets on to the fire.  A blivet is a water holding bag that can be placed on rougher terrain and allows water to be gravity feed through a firehose.   These blivets allow firefighters access to water in dry areas as well as being able to work the water and dirt together to fully extinguish hotspots.   

In between helicopter missions an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team was able to use infrared cameras to find hotspots along the fireline. The UAS team additionally looked for signs of heat outside the containment lines to help keep firefighters safe as they worked.   

Today, the Klamath, Plumas, and Mad River IHC will continue to secure the fires edge and continue the process of mop up.  Helicopters will continue to provide bucket drops to cool the fire and allow crews to have better access to the fire perimeter and support crew operations on the mountain. The UAS will continue to search for interior heat and hot spots.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot and dry conditions are expected through the weekend. A breakdown of the ridge will occur Monday that will bring very gusty winds to the fire. There is an 80% chance of gusts 25 mph or more Monday, and a 20% chance of gusts 35 mph or more.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There are currently no road or trail closures associated with the Bee Top Fire, however road, trail, and area closures may occur if the fire reaches pre-determined decision points, creating dangerous conditions. The public is urged to use caution and check Inciweb regularly for the latest fire information before recreating in the area.  

Campbell Fire: Sunday, July 16, 2023

Location of Origin: Forest Service Road 8861

Start Date: July 10, 2023

Size: 1,398 acres

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Percent Contained: 0

Personnel: 139

Fuels: Medium Logging Slash

Resources Assigned: 4 Crews, 5 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 2 Dozers, 2 Water tenders

Operations: Firing operations were aided yesterday by favorable winds and timing of ignitions. A handful of small spot fires on the northwestern flank were readily responded to and corralled by firefighters. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) were deployed to drop Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD), which are ping-pong sized balls that ignite upon chemical reaction. PSDs were used to consume unburned pockets of fuel within the fire perimeter. Fire crews will work today to secure containment lines along highway 191 and to mitigate any threats or hazards.     

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies, a 20% chance of precipitation, highs in the upper 80s, and winds 5 - 10 mph.

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

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

Start Date: 6/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 378 acres       Containment: 10%         Total Personnel: 272   

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

Hand Crews: 8 + a district module    Engines: 4    Aircraft: 1 helicopter       Other: 5 Faller Modules, 5 Water Tenders, Ambulance, REMs

At the end of Saturday, the initial line was complete around the fire, and firefighters will continue working to improve all lines. Additional direct and indirect lines may be constructed where it strategically makes sense. Weather conditions are shifting to hot and dry, with increased winds Sunday night into Monday that could test firelines.

The strategic firing operations conducted Thursday and Friday were successful, and crews continued to cool the burned edge on Saturday. In the coming days, fire managers will look for opportunities to conduct more strategic firing operations off the lines on the east and southeast sides of the fire as conditions allow. Ultimately, this work should lead to increased containment as fire managers become confident the fire is cooled far enough into the interior to stay within the firelines.

Standing dead trees (snags) continues to be one of the most significant hazards firefighters face. Falling modules of highly trained sawyers continue working ahead of crews to mitigate these trees as much as possible.

As crews time out after completing their 14-day assignments, fire managers are backfilling with fresh crews. Replacements will continue for the near future as progress is made on constructing and improving the line so it can hold if the fire pushes in any direction.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot and dry conditions will continue today. Maximum temperatures will be around 90 degrees with minimum humidity around 19 percent. Winds will primarily be light and terrain driven, southwest 2 to 5 mph.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

An Idaho Panhandle National Forests closure (Closure Order # 01-04-08-23-002) went into effect July 13, 2023, at midnight for the following roads: 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.

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; FSR #659 in its entirety; and FSR #333 from Highway 57 to the junction with FSR #1108. Anyone Crystal digging off FSR #659, please pull off the road, as heavy equipment and firefighting personnel must be able to get through. 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. 

Texas A&M Forest Service remains in unified command with Llano County on the Moore Peak Fire. Fire acreage has increased to 707 acres due to better mapping, and containment has increased to 80%. Crews have been engaged in heavy mop-up operations to ensure containment. 

Two TIFMAS Strike Teams and Texas A&M Forest Service Fredericksburg and Smithville Task Forces remain on scene improving existing dozer lines and mopping up. The large type 1 helicopter based in Fredericksburg has been used to do bucket drops on hot spots. Fire weather conditions persist in the afternoon causing flare ups within the fire perimeter. Rough terrain has slowed dozer progress. Crews will continue to remain on scene into the night hours. No closures are in place. Expect emergency vehicle traffic and smoke visible in the area and please practice caution and give responders safe space. Do not fly drones around wildfires as it hinders emergency aircraft's ability to operate. 

Campbell Fire: Saturday, July 15, 2023

Location of Origin: Forest Service Road 8861

Start Date: July 10, 2023

Size: 1,110 acres

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Percent Contained: 0

Personnel: 95

Fuels: Medium Logging Slash

Resources Assigned: 4 Crews, 5 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 2 Dozers

Operations: The Campbell fire is burning within the Wallow Fire footprint from 2011, which includes heavy dead and down fuels. This is a full suppression fire utilizing a confine and contain strategy to existing roads around the fire area. This will prioritize firefighter and public safety while conducting operations to contain the fire. Recent precipitation has moderated fire activity and growth over the last few days but is expected to diminish with today’s forecast which could increase fire behavior.

Weather: Today’s forecast calls for a near record high of 87 degrees with winds 10 - 15 mph.

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

Bee Top Fire

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District

Fire Information 1-208-953-7021  2023.beetop@firenet.gov

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-bee-top-fire

July 15, 2023

Location:  5 miles up Lightning Creek Road on Bee Top Mountain

Start Date: 7/1/23      Cause: Lightning       Size: 49 acres       Containment: 46%.

Total Personnel: 124    Engines:  2     Helicopters: 3      Hand Crews: 3

Yesterday, Klamath, Plumas, and Mad River Interagency Hotshots (IHC) were able to finish direct fireline around the fire’s boundary.  IHC crews also continued to mop up and secure the fires edge as they constructed fireline and prevent rollout.  Rollout is when burning material rolls down the steep slope, past containment lines and can start several spot fires as it rolls.  Helicopters continued to cool the fire with bucket drops and extinguish hot spots within the fireline so firefighters can safely engage the fire.  The helicopters also continued their mission of supporting the spike camp by sling loading gear, food, and supplies to the crews on the Bee Top Mountain.  In between helicopter bucket work an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Team was able to use infrared cameras to find hotspots along the fireline. The UAS team additionally looked for signs of heat outside the containment lines to help keep firefighters safe as they worked.   

Today, the Klamath, Plumas, and Mad River IHC will continue to secure the fires edge and continue the process of mop up.  This is to find any interior hotspots along the fires edge. The initial attack crew will finish back hauling hose off the mountain.  In addition, they will also be using a mechanical chipper to clear brush that was cut for the indirect fireline into fine woody debris all while being ready to respond to an initial attack.

Helicopters will continue to provide bucket drops to cool the fire and allow crews to have better access to the fire perimeter and support crew operations on the mountain. The UAS will continue to search for interior heat and hot spots.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Hot and dry conditions are expected though the weekend.  Saturday will be sunny with a increase in cloud cover mid to late afternoon. A breakdown of the ridge is expected late Sunday into Monday that will bring gusty winds and very low humidities.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There are currently no road or trail closures associated with the Bee Top Fire, however road, trail, and area closures may occur if the fire reaches pre-determined decision points, creating dangerous conditions. The public is urged to use caution and check Inciweb regularly for the latest fire information before recreating in the area.