Smoke from the Pika Fire is expected to impact Yosemite Valley in the evenings and overnight with conditions improving as smoke lifts during the late mornings. Slight impacts may also be seen on trails near the fire including in Yosemite Valley.

 To monitor smoke in your area and take precautions for your health, please visit Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 9    INCIDENT COMMANDER: SHANE ARTIN
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 13, 2023

Location:  5 miles up Lightning Creek Road on Bee Top Mountain
Start Date: 7/1/23      Cause: Lightning       Size: 45 acres       Containment: 16%
Total Personnel: 128    Engines:  2     Helicopters: 3      Hand Crews: 3

Yesterday, The Boise Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) continued to test hose lay and pumps along the lower contingency line adjacent to Lightning Creek. Plumas IHC completed the helicopter landing zone above the fire and constructed fire line on the north flank. Mad River IHC anchored the south flank of the fire and pushed up to the east and north from there, constructing saw line, followed by hand line. Klamath IHC constructed fireline along the west flank and pushed up the mountain. Both crews tied into fireline Plumas recently constructed on the north flank. There is now saw line along the full perimeter of the fire. 

Today, Klamath IHC will construct hand line along the west flank of the fire. Plumas IHC will continue constructing handline from the top of the fire downward on the east flank, while Mad River IHC constructs and extends handline up from the bottom of the fire on the east flank. These handlines will meet and tie in together, completing direct hand line around the perimeter of the fire. Once completed, previously constructed indirect fireline will become the primary contingency line. All three crews will sleep in spike camps on the mountain tonight and continue to improve fireline and extinguish hot spots within the fire perimeter in coming days to prevent rollouts. With the steepness of the terrain, rollouts are a primary concern. The IA group will chip slash piles on the lower contingency fireline along Lightning Creek, complete any remaining structure assessments, and provide initial attack for fire starts within in the area.

Helicopters will continue to provide bucket drops to cool the fire and allow crews to have better access to the fire perimeter. Helicopters will also support crew operations on the mountain, slinging in food and equipment and backhauling items down from the mountain. 

Crews have been able to effectively attack the fire and mitigate risk while working on steep and rugged slopes. Safety remains the top priority and communication among crews is critical to ensure a safe working environment on this difficult terrain. Additional helicopter landing zones and saw line have been constructed to allow for quick medical extractions and a short hall helicopter is available for extractions in tight locations.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
A weak midlevel wave will track across North Idaho early Thursday morning, bringing a threat for light showers and 5% chance for a stray lightning strike. Any showers or storms in the vicinity could promote erratic wind gusts up to 30 mph. Afternoon heating will lead to a 15% chance for a shower or weak thunderstorm. Otherwise, winds will be light and terrain driven tonight into midday Thursday.  
Fire behavior was minimal yesterday due recent precipitation, with backing creeping, and smoldering 

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.   
 

Storage Fire Daily Update

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Size: 792 acres

Containment: 98%

Start Date: June 28, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation, Human Caused

The Storage Fire, burning south of Possum Kingdom Lake and 9 miles west of Palo Pinto in Palo Pinto County, started on June 28, 2023. The fire is suspected to be human caused and is under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, grass and mesquite mix, and was initially contained on July 4th, 2023. The fire has spotted out of containment lines and began growing again on July 7th, 2023.

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuations in place for the Storage Fire.

Two buildings were damaged by this fire, but no injuries have been reported.

Yesterday resources patrolled around the fire and continued to find no smoke or signs of activity in the original burn as well as the escape that happened last weekend. Today crews are going back to the fire to patrol around the fire again and make sure that with the dry and windy conditions there is still no sign of any fire activity or threats to the community.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Continued high temperatures and high winds are expected through this weekend, leading to concerns of increased fire behavior. There is some chance of storms today and tonight which could lead to lightning activity and gusty or erratic winds.

Fire Information

Adam Turner

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: adam.turner@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 940-328-9158

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-storage-fire

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS

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

Start Date: 6/30/2023       Cause: Lightning       Size: 264 acres       Containment: 10%         Total Personnel: 210   

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

Hand Crews: 6 + a district module            Engines: 2           Other: 3 Faller Modules, 4 Water Tenders, Ambulance, REMs

An Idaho Panhandle National Forests closure is effective 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.

The fire was most active on the northern edge yesterday. Helicopters dropped water to cool and slow fire progression. Crews are preparing the line to begin strategic firing operations on the north side in the next few days when the conditions are right. Ahead of these operations, sawyers are felling trees several tree lengths into the interior to mitigate falling snags. The firing operations reduce fuels and create depth between the fire, the firelines, and unburned fuels. Firefighters continue strengthening and improving the completed heavy equipment line along the northeast perimeter.

On the east side, heavy equipment is progressing, working off a long ridge. Hand crews are constructing a fireline down into Consalus Creek. A type 3 dozer will begin opening FSR #333 on the southeast side to provide access to the south end. Additional faller modules have arrived and will work to build sawline and mitigate snags. Crews continue to set up sprinkler systems along the constructed fireline on the southwest side.

Fire managers are scouting for areas to tie firelines together on the south side as operations begin to come together from the east and west. Additionally, two new helispots were approved to allow for faster firefighter extrication by helicopter in the event of an accident.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today’s weather will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny with a 10% chance of sprinkles in the morning. Maximum temperatures will be around 83 degrees with minimum humidity 32 percent.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

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 accessing the Crystal Mine 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. 

Today’s Date: 07/12/2023

Start Date: 07/01/2023   Location: 20 mi. E. Wikieup on the O RO Ranch within the Mohon Mountains, Yavapai County

Cause: Human-caused, unknown at this time  

Acres: 33,834                 Containment: 39%

Evacuations: None          Structures Damaged: 0       Destroyed: 0 

Summary: The fire stayed within its footprint again today but there is still some heat remaining within the juniper on the eastern flank and up in Mohon Peak. Crews have secured line around much of the fire and established additional black line today on the northwest side. The fire is now 39% contained. On Wednesday, resources also conducted some proactive fuels reduction work around structures and infrastructure on the northeast and southwest sides of the fire. The plan over the next few days is to continue strengthening line, including along the east side near SH Butte. Crews will also monitor and cold trail the lines over the next few days to ensure there is no heat remaining. Along with hand crew and aircraft work, the use of natural fire barriers, previous burn scars, and natural monsoon activity play a role in the Pilot Fire suppression efforts. 

Resources and Personnel Assigned: 154

Type 1 Hand Crew (HC): 2, Type 2-IA HC: 2, Type 2 (HC): 1, Type 3 Helo: 1, Engines: 6, Single Engine Air Tankers: 2

Weather: Seasonally hot temperatures with increasing RH and moderate winds.

Incident Information:

Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

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

Today’s Date: 07/11/2023

Start Date: 07/01/2023   Location: 20 mi. E. Wikieup on the O RO Ranch within the Mohon Mountains, Yavapai County

Cause: Human-caused, unknown at this time  

Acres: 33,834                  Containment: 5%

Evacuations: None          Structures Damaged: 0          Destroyed: 0  

Summary: Overnight, higher humidity levels helped decrease fire activity and that activity remained fairly low throughout the day Tuesday. The fire has primarily stayed within its footprint with no change in growth or containment: 33,834 acres - 5% contained. Crews have secured the north and northeast sides of the fire and today worked their way into SH Butte to make sure the line was anchored in. They will continue to cold trail that line over the next few days to check for any remaining heat. Along the southwest flank, crews continue their efforts to get containment line established to keep the fire from moving toward Francis Creek where many values at risk and infrastructure are located. Crews have that 5% containment on the west flank of the fire. The Department of Forestry and Fire Management's UAS platform flew today to check for heat signatures along the perimeter and within the interior of the fire. There is some heat that still remains, especially along the east side toward SH Butte, but overall activity has significantly decreased. Along with hand crew work, the use of natural fire barriers, previous burn scars, and natural monsoon activity play a role in fire suppression efforts. 

Today, additional logistical support arrived, including drivers. Drivers will take water, supplies, and other necessities out to the fire line. To get to some areas of the fire, drive times can take as long as 4 hours one way. Hotshot and hand crews are spiking out along the fire line and are being supported by those drivers and helicopters that are dropping meals into their camps every day.

Resources and Personnel Assigned: 154

Type 1 Hand Crew (HC): 2, Type 2-IA HC: 2, Type 2 (HC): 1, Type 3 Helo: 1, Engines: 6, Single Engine Air Tankers: 2

Weather: Seasonally hot temperatures with increasing RH and moderate winds.

Incident Information:

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Smoke Forecast: https://www.azdeq.gov/wildfiresmokeforecast?fire=pilotfire

Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

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

Whiskey Hill Wildfire – July 12 Update
Magdalena Ranger District

Albuquerque, NM – July 12, 2023

Start Date / Time: July 11, 2023 / 1536

Cause:  Lightning strike.

Size: 650 acres

Location:  Southeast of San Mateo Mts on the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands. The origin of the fire start was on Forest Service land crossing over to adjacent to State and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

Resources: Multiple resources on scene from US Forest Service (USFS), New Mexico Forestry Division (NMFD), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and air attack.

Fuels: Juniper, grass and brush.

Fire behavior: The Whiskey Hill Fire is exhibiting moderate fire behavior.

Containment: 0%.

Strategy: Full suppression. Crews continue to secure the fire perimeter to mitigate any identified threats to control lines. Air attack providing air tankers for retardant drops.

Values at risk: At this time, the Whiskey Hill Fire is not a threat to any values at risk or communities, and there are no evacuations in effect.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Members of the public should avoid the Whiskey Hill Fire area on the Magdalena Ranger District.

Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease.
The public is reminded that “If you fly, we can’t!”

Smoke may be visible west from I-25 in between San Antonio and Truth or Consequences, NM within a 50 mile radius of the Whiskey Hill Fire. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) website nmtracking.org

Weather: Afternoon showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. https://www.weather.gov/

Fire updates will be posted on the  Cibola NF & NGs website, New Mexico Fire Information website, and the Cibola NF & NGs Facebook  & Twitter pages.

Resources:  300 Total Personnel | 6 Hand Crews | 7 Engines | 7 Heavy Equipment | 4 Water Tender | 2 Fixed-Wing Aircraft | 5 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 236 acres have burned. Firefighters have been very productive, making great strides toward (containment). Fire managers have combined infrared flight data with information from personnel on the ground for a better estimate of the fire’s size. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A temporary flight restriction is in place. Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Boulder Fire. 

Community Meeting: A community meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Wamic Community Hall (80192 Emigrant St. in Wamic, Oregon) and on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/mthoodnf

Yesterday, fire crews made substantial progress on handline construction and road improvement despite challenges posed by terrain. Firefighters have nearly completed handline around the fire’s northeast corner to help prevent the fire from crossing the perimeter. The previous night’s infrared flight pointed out hot spots along Boulder Creek and fire crews extinguished these hot spots. A masticator processed debris that firefighters had cleared from the 4880 Road, further strengthening the line as a containment feature. To the west, fire crews nearly finished a handline around the northwest corner and helicopters dropped thousands of gallons of water to cool any flare-ups. Efforts to remove brush from the 4813 Road were ongoing as was grading along the 4816 Road.

Today, helicopters will operate out of Pine Hollow and Dallesport helibases to cool the fire’s edge as crews continue road improvements, line construction and hose lays. Rotor aircraft will also help meet logistical needs, delivering materials and equipment to the fireline with sling loads. Additional heavy equipment such as bulldozers will speed work to complete control lines.

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.

Weather: The weather was warm and dry around the fire yesterday, with only light winds. A weak cold front is expected Wednesday, bringing cooling and higher humidity with partly cloudy skies.  

Closures and Restrictions: Forest Roads 4880, 4881, and 4890 are closed. Due to the high fire danger, open fire and target shooting restrictions have been implemented. For more information, visit the Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.

Public Safety: Firefighters and heavy equipment are working 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. Timothy Lake, a popular recreation site, is being used by water-scooping aircraft. Firefighters are using the Rock Creek OHV Area as a staging area. For everyone’s safety, the public is asked to stay clear of these 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. 

Starting August 7th, 2023, at 8:00 AM, all previous trail closures associated with the Pika Fire instituted after June 29th, 2023, are hereby rescinded. Areas will continue to burn within the perimeter of the Pika fire. To maintain the safety of park visitors and allow management operations to continue unimpeded, the area within the Pika fire will remain closed. 

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 12, 2023

Location:  5 miles up Lightning Creek Road on Bee Top Mountain
Start Date: 7/1/23       Cause: Lightning       Size: 40 acres        Containment: 16%
Total Personnel: 151    Engines:  2     Helicopters: 3      Hand Crews: 4

To date, crews have constructed 5.88 miles of handline on the Bee Top Fire. Yesterday, crews began engaging the fire directly. Moisture from the recent storm reduced fire behavior providing greater access to the fire perimeter. On the southwest flank, Klamath Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) located opportunities to construct direct fireline. The Plumas Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) accessed the fire laterally from the mid-slope spike camp to the west and identified an area to construct a helicopter landing zone above the fire. Mad River IHC began constructing handline to anchor in the fire perimeter on the south flank. To the south, Boise IHC finished hose lay preparations and began chipping operations on containment line along Lightning Creek.

Today, with contingency line completed to the south and west, crews will continue to employ direct engagement tactics on the fire’s edge. Plumas IHC will prepare the helicopter landing zone, sawing and clearing brush. Mad River IHC will continue anchoring the southeast flank of the fire with handline, pushing up from the south flank to the north along the east flank. Klamath IHC will begin constructing fireline along the southwest flank of the fire and push line up the west flank of the fire. To the south, Boise IHC will continue chipping and prepare and test hose lays and pumps along the on contingency line to ensure they are ready for use should the need arise. 

Direct attack on extremely steep and rugged slopes makes firefighting difficult and dangerous. Crews are taking measures to mitigate hazards and operate safely. Additional helicopter landing zones and saw line have been constructed to allow for quick medical extractions. A short hall helicopter is available for extractions in tight locations.

Helicopters will continue to provide bucket drops to keep fireline in check and allow crews greater access to the fire perimeter. Helicopters will also support crew operations out of the the mid-ridge spike camp, slinging in food and equipment.
 
Initial attack (IA) crew responded to a fire start yesterday and extinguished the fire. They will also complete remaining structure assessments around the Clark Fork community and maintain readiness to rapidly respond to new fire starts. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Another weak midlevel wave will move into the region on Wednesday, however most of the storms are expected skirt the fire to the north. Winds will be light on Wednesday morning with afternoon gusts around 15 mph. Fire behavior was minimal yesterday due recent precipitation, with backing creeping, and smoldering 

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.