Storage Fire Daily Update

Wednesday, July 12, 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: The Lone Star State Handcrew worked to hike around the fire yesterday searching out any and all hot areas they could find. While they were doing this, they walked along the edge of where the fire burned and were able to better map the actual burned area. This led to an overall reduction in the number of acres burned due to the discovery of a large unburned area in the middle of the fire. Resources found little to no heat or activity and felt confident in increasing the overall containment. At the end of shift the handcrew was released and everyone returned to their home units to be available for new assignments.

Today: Fire Personnel will continue to patrol the fire and monitor for heat or activity for the next several days. Weather conditions are expected to become more conducive for fire spread so this fire will be checked daily by the local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Resources will be available for response to new starts in the area as well today.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures are expected to be in the triple digits for the next several days and with higher winds expected five behavior should increase. Crews are already planning for additional fire starts across the state and will be standing by ready to respond to the Storage Fire or other fires.

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: 248 acres       Containment: 10%         Total Personnel: 186   

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

Hand Crews: 6 + a district module                           Engines: 2                          Other: Faller Module, Water Tender, Ambulance

Hand crews have been engaging the fire directly on the north and northeastern perimeter to secure the fire's edge and eliminate heat. Heavy equipment has been working up the east side to tie in with this work. Equipment operators will now look to build the most efficient line possible from there south to Consalus Creek. On the north indirect line, crews tested sprinkler systems, and sawyers continued to put in saw lines and mitigate hazard trees weakened by the storms. Heavy equipment will be shifted to the southwest side of the fire over the next several days to begin constructing fireline there. Fire managers are also assessing where to build a fireline on the southeastern side and looking for more opportunities to go as direct as possible.

The scooper planes and helicopter bucket drops were not needed yesterday with the higher humidity due to rain over the previous 24 hours. However, these resources will remain available as needed and as conditions allow.

Fire managers ordered a Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) to place near the fire for more elevant weather forecasts. A RAWS gives firefighters more accurate intelligence and allows for better planning.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today’s weather will be partly cloudy, with a chance of sprinkles in the evening. Maximum temperatures will be around 81 degrees with minimum humidity 35-40 percent.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

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. 

While the following roads are not yet closed, please avoid them for firefighter and public safety. FSR #1108 from the junction with FSR #333 to the junction with FSR #659. The entirety of FSR #1094 (from FSR #312 to the junction with FSR #1108). FSR #312 from junction with FSR #333 to the junction with FSR #659. FSR #659 in its entirety. 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 map for a visual explanation.

Flying V Fire: Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300

Start Date: July 5, 2023

Size: 831 acres

Cause: Undetermined

Percent Contained: 73

Personnel: 212

Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass

Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 1 helicopter, 1 Dozer

Operations: The Flying V fire has decreased in complexity and will transition from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to the Type 4 Team with Incident Commander Llory Burnette and trainee Rylene Montana at 0600 on Thursday, July 13th.

Closures:

• Traffic lanes on highway 60 will be open between 9:00 pm – 6:00 am. Traffic on highway 60 between 6:00 am – 9:00 pm will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car escort. The public is advised to allow for traffic delays during this time. This conditional reopening plan may be rescinded if fire activity increases in the area. 

• The White Mountain Apache Tribe issued an executive order on July 7, 2023. There are no campfires allowed at the lakes, streams, or even in the community, and no yard burning. Wood cutting must be done before 10:00 a.m., and there is no wood cutting in the closure area.

Weather: The forecast is calling for scattered rain showers, and isolated thunderstorms with temperatures in the mid-90s.

Values at risk: Emory Oak grove in the area of Flying V, tribal sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watershed and riparian areas, woodland areas, the Salt River recreation areas, the Highway 60 transportation corridor, communications towers on Brewer Hill, Cibecue Ridge, and north of Salt River Canyon.

Safety: Wildfire smoke may impact Cibecue, White River, Carrizo, Cedar Creek, and the White Mountain communities. The public is encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azwat-flying-v-fire
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt
• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077
• ADOT: https://www.az511.com/
• Executive Order: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and Forest Closures

NEW WILDFIRE START: Whiskey Hill Fire  
on the Magdalena Ranger District

Albuquerque, NM – July 11, 2023

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

Reported start date / time: July 11, 2023 / 1536

Size: 75 acres

Cause:  Lightning strike.

Vegetation: Juniper, grass and brush.

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

Strategy: Suppression.

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: Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.  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

(Dufur, OR) The Boulder Fire started on July 8th southeast of Mt. Hood on the Barlow Ranger District near Boulder Lake Trailhead. The fire is burning in dead and down debris located in steep, rugged terrain. Local resources from the Mt. Hood National Forest have aggressively been fighting the fire over the last 48 hours with the support of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Approximately 160 acres have burned, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire. Resources continue to arrive.

Northwest Incident Management Team 10, under the leadership of Incident Commander Alan Lawson, assumed command of the Boulder Fire at 6 a.m. this morning. The team is working closely with fire officials from the Mt. Hood National Forest. Approximately 200 personnel are assigned to the fire in addition to 2 water scoopers and 4 helicopters. Fire crews will spend the day assessing the fire activity, scouting the area looking for potential safety hazards and safe access to and from the fire. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority on the Boulder Fire.

Evacuations: Boulder Lake campground, Little Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadow campground, Badger Lake campground, Camp Windy, and Post Camp campground are under a Level 3 – Go Now evacuation.

• Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate.
• Level 2 - BE SET to evacuate.
• Level 3 - GO NOW!

Weather: Clear skies and winds out of the west with gusts up to 25 mph are forecast over the fire area today.

Closures: Forest Roads 4880, 4881, and 4890 are closed.

Fire Restrictions: Due to hot and dry conditions, campfires are prohibited across the Mt. Hood National Forest. All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires are prohibited under a Forest Order, including in developed campgrounds. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off. Target shooting is temporarily prohibited because of the risk of wildfire.

Public Safety: Firefighters and heavy equipment are traveling and working on and around the area roadways, including Forest Road 48. You can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and avoiding these areas.

Additional Information: Evacuation information is available from the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff.

Smoke from fire activity on the west flank of the fire is visible from Highway 40 and also on the east side of the Continental Divide. This activity is still within the fire management area and poses no immediate threat. Firefighters are on the ground actively engaging where it is safe to do so. There are two helicopters responding as well. Stay tuned for an operational update video this afternoon.

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 11, 2023 

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

Start Date: 7/1/23       Cause: Lightning       Size: 37 acres        Containment: 16% 

Total Personnel:1    Engines:  2     Helicopters: 3      Hand Crews: 4 

Yesterday, crews laid hose and improved fireline along Lightning Creek. Crews stayed in lower elevations due the cold front moving through the area bringing strong wind, rain, and lightning. After the storm passed, helicopters resumed conducting water drops over the fire. 

Today, with indirect firelines constructed, crews will begin to attack the fire directly. Firefighter safety remains the number one priority. Direct attack on a steep and rugged slope poses significant risk and this shift in tactics was driven by what crews see on the ground. While short-term risks will increase due the difficulty of the terrain, a direct attack strategy is likely to shorten the duration of the fire, reducing the number of firefighters exposed to hazards, and the time of exposure. This strategic change will accomplish the primary objective of protecting the community of Clark Fork. 

The Plumas Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) will cut a “P-line” in to the fire laterally from the mid-slope spike camp to the west and scout areas above the fire for a helicopter landing zone or sling-in site. “P-line” is a saw line utilized for access in and out of hard to reach areas. On the southwest flank, Klamath IHC will scout for opportunities to construct direct fireline. Mad River IHC will construct an anchor in the fire perimeter on the south flank. Boise IHC will continue to improve the indirect fireline along Lightning Creek, chipping brush and finishing hose lay preparation as a contingency. With the lightning that accompanied last night’s storm, Boise IHC will also be available to join the Initial Attack Group to extinguish for any new fire starts that occur in the fire area. 

Helicopters will continue to cool the fire and keep fireline in check, allowing crews to construct fireline on the fire’s edge. Helicopters will also support the crews return to the mid-ridge spike camp following last night’s storm, slinging in food and equipment. 

Initial attack (IA) crews will continue with home assessments to ascertain preparation needs and minimize damage to structures in the Clark Fork community. The IA group will also maintain readiness to rapidly respond to new fire starts caused by lightning within the fire area. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

The low pressures system that brought wind, rain and lightning to the fire area continued to move through the area overnight and will persist into Tuesday morning. Expect gradual warming and drying Tuesday through Friday. 

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.    

Actualización del Incendio Spring Creek

11 de Julio 2023

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del área de las Montañas Rocosas Dos

Jared Hohn, Comandante del Incidente

Fecha Reportada: 24 de Junio, 2023

Causa: Bajo Investigación

Tamaño: 3,286 acres

Confinamiento: 50%

Personal Total: 480

Locación: Sur oeste de Parachute, CO.

Situación Actual: El Equipo Dos de Manejo de Incidentes del Complejo Rocky está coordinando con el equipo local de Tipo 3 para proporcionar una transición sin problemas para el incendio de Spring Creek. Para garantizar que el incendio se encuentre en el punto apropiado para el intercambio de liderazgo, el Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes del Complejo de las Montañas Rocosas Dos, los administradores de incendios y los bomberos están trabajando arduamente para mejorar la contención y terminar con fuerza.

Ayer, hubo un comportamiento mínimo del fuego y los bomberos trabajaron en el borde del fuego para obtener más contención. La repetición y el arduo trabajo de “limpieza”, extinción o remoción de material en llamas cerca de las líneas de control, continuarán hoy. Además, los bomberos están transportando equipos que ya no se necesitan y brindando reparación de supresión, mitigando los efectos de los esfuerzos de extinción de incendios. Los bomberos patrullarán todos los lados del incendio, pero el lado norte permanece más activo.

El Equipo Dos de Manejo de Incidentes del Complejo Rocky Mountain transferirá oficialmente el mando del Incendio Spring Creek al equipo local Tipo 3 el miércoles por la mañana; por lo tanto, este es nuestro informe final. Gracias por su apoyo al equipo y a los bomberos.

Spring Creek Road y High Mesa Road están abiertas solo al tráfico restriñido. Evite estas áreas si es posible y conduzca con precaución con el aumento de personal de bomberos en la carretera.                                                                                                            

Información sobre el Clima y el Humo: Se pronostican altas temperaturas y baja humedad para los próximos días. Los vientos rondarán las 20 mph. El tiempo casi crítico de incendios continúa en la región de martes a jueves. Permanezca atento para evitar que se inicie un nuevo incendio.

Cierres: La Oficina de Administración de Tierras Campo del Valle del Río Colorado y el Bosque Nacional del Río Blanco del Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. tienen órdenes de cierre de tierras públicas vigentes para la seguridad del público y de los bomberos. Visite la oficina de campo de BLM Colorado River Valley y el Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. – White River para ver las órdenes.      

Evacuaciones: No hay evacuaciones en estos momentos. Se les pide a los residentes a registrarse en el sistema de notificación de emergencia del condado de Garfield en garco911.com. Todas las órdenes de evacuación se realizarán a través de la oficina del Sheriff. Llame a la línea de mensajes grabados al 970-981-3401 para obtener información actualizada sobre evacuaciones.

Restricciones Temporales de Vuelo: Existe una restricción de vuelo temporal (FDC 03/215) para el espacio aéreo sobre el incendio de Spring Creek para reducir los impactos en los operadores de aviación de incendios. La respuesta de la aviación contra incendios se detiene o retrasa si una aeronave no autorizada ingresa a la TFR. Las restricciones temporales de vuelo también se aplican a los sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas (UAS) o drones. ¡Si tú vuelas, nosotros no podemos!

Línea Telefónica de Información Sobre el Incendio: (970)414-1772 Horario: 8am – 9pm

Facebook: SpringCreekFire2023 Correo Electrónico: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Spring Creek Fire Update

July 11, 2023

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,286 acres
Containment: 50%
Total Personnel: 480
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two is coordinating with the local Type 3 team to provide a smooth transition for the Spring Creek Fire. To ensure the fire is at the appropriate point for the exchange in leadership, Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two fire managers and firefighters are working hard to improve containment and finish strong.

Yesterday, there was minimal fire behavior and firefighters worked the edge of the fire gaining more containment. The repetition and hard work of “mopping-up”, extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines, will continue today. In addition, firefighters are back hauling equipment no longer needed and providing suppression repair, mitigating the effects of firefighting efforts. Firefighters will patrol all sides of the fire, but the north side remains more active.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two will officially transfer command of the Spring Creek Fire back to the local Type 3 team on Wednesday morning; therefore, this is our final report. Thank you for your support of the team and the firefighters.

Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to restricted traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: High temperatures, and low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. Near critical fire weather continues in the region Tuesday through Thursday. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.

Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.

Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County's emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff's office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Starting Wednesday 7/12: Please contact the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit for further information.