Chris Mountain Fire Update 

July 9, 2023, 9am 

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three 

Matt Spring, Incident Commander  

Date Reported: June 28, 2023 

Cause: Lightning 

Size: 511 acres (no change) 

Containment: 78% (up 20%) 

Total Personnel: 389 

Location: 12 Mile west-northwest of Pagosa Springs, CO 

Current Situation: 

Crews successfully completed mop up operations on the western flank of the Chris Mountain Fire. Crews and engines will actively patrol this portion of the fire.  

Firefighters on the eastern flank also completed a significant amount of mop up. These efforts resulted in a 20% increase in containment of the fire. Today, three crews will continue to secure the Devil Creek drainage. 

Infrared technology is being used as a tool to assist firefighters in locating hotspots to be extinguished. Rocks and granite slopes make fireline construction difficult on the north end of the fire. Today, crews will work to eliminate hotspots and secure this portion of uncontained fireline.  

The hard work of firefighters on the south end of the fire has resulted in minimal heat remaining in the uncontained fireline north of Snow Angel Ranch. Crews will stay in the area to patrol and mop up ensuring this area is secure.  

Suppression repair will continue in the coming days, utilizing chipping and excavation equipment. These efforts will be focused on the FS road 681. 

Weather & Fire Behavior: Temperatures will be in the upper 80’s with hot and dry conditions. Winds are forecasted to decrease in the coming days and conditions will stay hot and dry. A threat of dry thunderstorms with erratic outflows are likely tomorrow. Today ends a five-day Red Flag Warning streak. Vegetation has dried out increasing the potential for new fire starts that could result in rapid growth. 

Closures: San Juan National Forest has a closure order in effect: https://bit.ly/ChrisMountainFireClosure 

Evacuations: For evacuation information please visit Archuleta County Emergency Operations website. You may also find evacuation information on their Facebook page or call the Chris Mountain Evacuees Call Center: at 970-264-8373. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A TFR is in place. TFR link: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_9743.html 

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 549-8799 Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Facebook:www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094353994683Email:2023.chrismountain@firenet.gov 

InciWeb:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire 

Storage Fire Daily Update

Sunday, July 09, 2023

Size: 975 acres

Containment: 50%

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: Crews worked yesterday to hike all around the slop-over and eastern side of the fire, looking for any heats or potential threats to the line. With the additional resources on scene, the heavy equipment crews were released from the fire and have returned to their home units to be prepared for additional starts here in North Texas and across the state.

Today: Fire personnel are back out on the Storage Fire again today. They will continue patrolling around the Storage Fire, working to identify and extinguish any heat that remains around the east side of the fire. Resources will continue working to extinguish any and all areas of heat they can find by hiking up and over the difficult terrain. As personnel continue to monitor the difficult terrain, there will also be a group patrolling the rest of the burn, making sure that there are no new escapes elsewhere on the fire.  

Weather and Fire Behavior: The fire did receive some rain this morning, and that is expected to help keep relative humidity above 35% today, reducing fire activity. Winds should calm this afternoon and slow to somewhere between 10-15 mph. Temperatures should only reach up to the lower 90s today, again helping to reduce fire behavior. More storms are forecast for this evening, but are not expected to have any meaningful impact on the fire area.

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

Tunnel Five Fire  

July 9, 2023  

Daily Fire Update  

Tunnel Five Fire Quick Facts  

Size: 559 acres | Origin: 2.25 mi W of White Salmon, WA | Resources: 24 engines,10 crews, 4 helicopters, 3 dozers, 6 water tenders | Containment: 65% | Cause: Under Investigation | Total personnel: 395 | Start Date: July 2, 2023   

Weather: Temperatures across the fire area dropped yesterday, as did wind speeds, reducing fire activity inside containment lines. Today, humidity recovery is better in the fire area, but warmer temperatures and erratic winds from nearby storm systems could contribute to increased fire behavior within the perimeter.

Operations: Firefighters continue to patrol and hold control line around the fire. Crews and equipment will be working along the Cook-Underwood Road in close proximity to the roadway today. This road is open to local traffic only. Please slow down near working crews and use extreme caution for the safety of firefighters.

Mop up and structure protection will be ongoing as NW Team 12 prepares for the demobilization of most firefighting resources over the next two shifts. Remaining fire crews and equipment will be utilized to monitor the fire area for the next several days as warmer temperatures and higher wind speeds return to the area throughout next week and pockets of interior fuels continue to consume.

Safety and Closures: Washington State Route 14 remains closed between mile markers 56-65 due to safety hazards from fire weakened trees and terrain that has been compromised by fire activity. Crews are actively engaged in clearing these safety hazards to safely reopen the highway. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the Tunnel Five Fire area. Wildland fires are a “no fly zone” for drones. If you fly, WE CAN’T. Smoke and aircraft will be visible within the I-84 corridor.

With the expectation of increased recreational traffic this weekend, we ask drivers and boaters to be extremely cautious on the water and roadways in the fire area, watching for firefighters and apparatus as they continue suppression efforts. Stay clear of areas on the river where aircraft may be dipping or drawing water. Visibility on roadways within the fire area may be impacted by smoke. Please drive slowly and be mindful of crews working in the area.

Evacuations: All Skamania County evacuation levels have been reduced to level 1 (BE READY). Visit Skamania County Sheriff’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaSheriff for more info. The evacuation shelter at Skamania County Fairgrounds has been closed.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/wases-tunnel-five-fire

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

Fire Information Line: (971) 800-0411, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Media Information Line: (509) 508-3311

Email: 2023.tunnelfive@firenet.gov

Spring Creek Fire Update

July 9, 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: 39%
Total Personnel: 531
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two used helicopters and engines to augment the efforts of the firefighters as they worked to clean up the edge of the fire after the burnout. Substantial work was done on the holding line at the top of the ridge in Division M. The fire is still moving slowly through pockets of denser fuel. Clumps of trees within the fire perimeter may occasionally torch over the next few days, but there is little likelihood that the fire will travel outside of the holding lines.

A Red Flag Warning expired at 9 p.m. last evening; however, exceptionally dry air Tuesday to Thursday will bring the hottest days so far. That could be a factor driving fire activity since fire behavior specialists noted this fire consistently reacts to direct sunlight and the drying and preheating of fuel.

Yesterday, the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was flown over portions of the fire using infrared sensors to check for heat. This versatile tool safely aids firefighters in determining areas that may need additional attention. Smoke will be intermittently present for some time both from the smoldering fire and from an exposed oil shale seam.

Firefighters will continue to focus on holding the perimeter today and gaining more containment. In the area where the containment line is secure, firefighters are starting to remove equipment no longer needed from the line. This backhaul process is a time-consuming effort. Items like hoses need to be cleaned and rerolled in preparation for the next fire. Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: Clear skies, high temperatures, and extremely low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 15 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region. 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!

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Incendio Tunnel Five

8 de Julio, 2023

Información al día

Datos generales del Incendio Tunnel Five

Extensión: 559 acres |Origen: 2.25 millas Oeste de White Salmon, WA | Recursos: 35 camiones; 11 escuadrillas; 5 helicópteros; 6 buldóceres, 13 aviones cisterna | Contención: 35% | Causa: Bajo Investigación | Personal: 485 | Fecha de Inicio: 2 de Julio, 2023

Condiciones climáticas: El dia de ayer, el grado de las temperaturas se presentaron mas bajas en toda el área del incendio y hubo un incremento en la humedad relativa. Habrá una similitud del clima para el día de hoy, con velocidad del viento ligeramente reducida, el grado de temperatura oscilando entre los 70 y 80 grados y con humedades relativas en un rango de 30 a 35%. Existe la posibilidad de la creación de cúmulos en horas del atardecer.

Operaciones: El día de ayer, las ráfagas de vientos a través del área del incendio han contribuido a incrementar la actividad del fuego entre el interior del perímetro del incendio, observándose la presencia del humo, pero sin ningún peligro para las líneas de contención. Las cuadrillas de bomberos continuaron construyendo y patrullando líneas, incrementando con esta labor, el contener el incendio a un 35%. El día de hoy, los bomberos monitorearán y mantendrán las líneas alrededor del perímetro del incendio. Las condiciones climáticas con vientos, calientes y secas van a contribuir al consumo continuo de los espacios internos de materia de combustión situados entre las líneas de contención. Durante el día se podrá observar la presencia del humo desde el interior del área del incendio. Las cuadrillas de bomberos continuaran patrullando a lo largo del Highway 14 y en Cook-Underwood Road. Se continuará con la limpieza y la protección de la infraestructura trabajando de una manera simultánea con los otros recursos de bomberos que se encuentran alertas al surgimiento de otros espacios de emanación de calor y a la vez monitoreando el movimiento de las brasas que pudieran cruzar las líneas y crear áreas de incendios. Los recursos de Ataque Inicial de Spring Creek están listos para responder a otro tipo de tareas si es necesario y así asistir a las agencias locales con el surgimiento de otros incendios en el área.

Ordenes de cierre y Seguridad: Debido al peligro que representan los árboles debilitados por las llamas y los cambios realizados en el terreno en la lucha de extinguir el incendio, se mantiene cerrada la ruta de Washington State Route 14 entre la milla marcada numero 56 – 65. Las cuadrillas de bomberos se encuentran trabajando arduamente en la eliminación de estos peligros para poder abrir nuevamente el highway. El área de Cook-Underwood Road ha sido reabierto solamente para dar paso al tráfico local. Existe una Orden Temporal de Vuelos sobre el área de incendio Tunnel Five. Los incendios forestales son “zonas de exclusión aérea” para el uso de drones. “si Usted vuela, NOSOTROS NO PODEMOS”. Se podrá observar el humo y las aeronaves entre el corredor del I-84. Este fin de semana se espera un incremento en el trafico con visitantes en el área. De manera cordial, pedimos a transportistas y navegantes del rio que manejen con mucha precaución en el agua y en las carreteras en el área afectada por el incendio. Por favor este atento al paso de bomberos y sus equipos en su esfuerzo de contener el incendio. Manténgase alejado de las zonas en el rio en donde las aeronaves se encuentran sumergiendo o extrayendo agua. La presencia del humo puede impactar el grado de visibilidad sobre las carreteras en el área del incendio. Por favor maneje despacio y siempre tenga en mente la presencia de nuestros bomberos trabajando arduamente en la zona del incendio.

Evacuaciones: Las Ordenes de Evacuación para la ciudad de Skamania fueron cambiadas el día a un Nivel 1 (LISTOS). Para mayores detalles acerca del incendio, visite la Página en Facebook del Alguacil de la ciudad de Skamania: https://www.facebook.com/SkamaniaSheriff Ha sido cerrado el refugio que fue construido en la ciudad de Skamania.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/wases-tunnel-five-fire

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

Linea Informativa del Incendio: (971) 800-0411, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Medios de Comunicación: (509) 508-3311

Email: 2023.tunnelfive@firenet.gov

Stockton Hill Fact Sheet 

Today’s Date: 07/08/2023

Start Date: 07/04/2023       Location: 10 mi. N. Kingman    Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Acres: 589                 Containment: 52%

Evacuations: READY – Red Wing Canyon, READY – Shadow Canyon

Structures Damaged: 0       Destroyed: 0

Summary: Today crews focused their attention on the northwest flank as heat still remains on that side. Resources worked to finish the contingency line ahead of the fire on the north side. Crews are using an existing road by cutting fuel around it to serve as that secondary line to safeguard properties to the north of the fire. Overall, crews have made significant progress on getting containment lines established and have black on the east/southeast flank along Hayden Ranch Road. Crews are now concentrating on checking for any remaining heat along the line and for hotspots within the interior of the fire. Some resources will be released to rehab and rest or provide support for any potential new starts in the area. Today residents within the Red Wing Canyon area returned to READY status. The public should use caution when driving in the areas of Red Wing and Shadow Canyons as crews move forward with suppression efforts in those areas.

Resources and Personnel Assigned: 225

Type 1 Hand Crews: 3, Type 2 Hand Crews: 2, Type 3 Helicopters: 1, Engines: 7, Water Tenders: 1

Weather: Red Flag Warning forecast for Sunday, July 9, at 11:00 am through Monday, July 10 at 8:00 pm. Wind gusts up to 40 mph predicted. An excessive heat warning is also in effect through Sunday at 8 pm.

Today’s Date: 07/08/2023

Start Date: 07/04/2023   Location: 10 mi. N. Kingman    Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Acres: 589                Containment: 45%

Evacuations: SET – Red Wing Canyon, READY – Shadow Canyon

Structures Damaged: 0    Destroyed: 0         

Summary: Friday’s high winds tested lines, but overall, they are holding well and crews will continue to strengthen and secure them over the next few days. Crews are also prepping a road and clearing fuel around it to serve as a contingency line north of the fire. That line ultimately helps further protect homes ahead of the fire. The northwest flank remains a priority as firefighters continue efforts to secure that side which is located in very rugged terrain within the Cerbats. Resources are also cold trailing around the fire’s perimeter to confirm there is no remaining heat. There is minimal smoke within the interior of the fire, but pockets of unburned fuel may still smolder. While evacuations have been downgraded, the public should use caution when driving in the areas of Red Wing and Shadow Canyons as crews move forward with suppression efforts in those areas.

Resources and Personnel Assigned: 225

Type 1 Hand Crews: 3, Type 2 Hand Crews: 3, Type 3 Helicopters: 2, Engines: 7, Water Tenders: 3

Weather: Hot and dry conditions with breezy southwest winds. Single digit relative humidity and triple digit temperatures in the extended forecast. 

Today’s Date: 07/07/2023

Start Date: 07/04/2023 Location: 10 mi. N. Kingman Cause: Human-caused, under

investigation

Acres: 589 Containment: 45%

Evacuations: SET – Red Wing Canyon, READY – Shadow Canyon

Structures Damaged: 0 Destroyed: 0

Summary: Friday’s high winds tested lines, but overall, they are holding well and crews will

continue to strengthen and secure them over the next few days. Crews are also prepping a

road and clearing fuel around it to serve as a contingency line north of the fire. That line

ultimately helps further protect homes ahead of the fire. The northwest flank remains a

priority as firefighters continue efforts to secure that side which is located in very rugged

terrain within the Cerbats. Resources are also cold trailing around the fire’s perimeter to

confirm there is no remaining heat. There is minimal smoke within the interior of the fire, but

pockets of unburned fuel may still smolder. While evacuations have been downgraded, the

public should use caution when driving in the areas of Red Wing and Shadow Canyons as crews

move forward with suppression efforts in those areas.

Resources and Personnel Assigned: 225

Type 1 Hand Crews: 3, Type 2 Hand Crews: 3, Type 3 Helicopters: 2, Engines: 7, Water

Tenders: 3

Weather: Hot and dry conditions with breezy southwest winds. Single digit relative humidity

and triple digit temperatures in the extended forecast.

Yesterday, fire crews secured more perimeter line on the fire, increasing containment to 30%. Fire size remains at 95 acres. A weather station was installed in the fire area to help improve weather data collection and forecasting for the fire area. A radio repeater was placed in the same area to improve communications with crews during operations.

Today, continued smoldering of dead and down fuels is expected, with limited growth over the next operational period. While working on securing the fire perimeter the firefighters reached a point of very steep and hazardous terrain. With firefighter safety in mind, today’s operations will include completing handline already in place and monitoring efforts. There is one Type II crew, two Hotshot crews, one engine, one ambulance, and two helicopters working the fire at this time.

A closure order went into effect yesterday that includes portions of the Water Board Road (128) and the Continental Divide Trail.

The road closure follows the James Peak Protection Area boundary along the Water Board Road (128) on NFS land near Devil’s Thumb Park Trailhead off County Road 81, and Devil’s Thumb Trailhead Road (128.2).

Key trailheads and landmarks in the closure area include:

• The High Lonesome Trail, including a section of the Continental Divide Trail, from Junco Lake Trailhead to the intersection of the King Lake Trail.
• Devil’s Thumb Park Trail and Trailhead
• The last ¼ mile of the Devil’s Thumb Trail to the east of the intersection with the High Lonesome Trail

This closure is in place for public and firefighter safety during operations for the Devil’s Thumb Fire, and to support firefighting efforts. There are currently no evacuations in place.

8 de Julio 2023

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del área de las Montañas Rocosas Tres
Matt Spring, Comandante del Incidente

Fecha Reportada: 28 de Junio, 2023
Causa: Relámpago
Tamaño: 511 acres (sin cambio)
Confinamiento: 58% (crecimiento de 12%)
Personal Total: 563
Locación: 12 millas al oeste-noroeste de Pagosa Spring, CO.

Nota Especial: Hoy se emitió una advertencia de bandera roja debido a las condiciones calientes, secas y ventosas.

Situación Actual:
Los bomberos en el flanco occidental del incendio en la montaña Chris completaron una cantidad significativa de limpieza, lo que llevó a un aumento en la contención. En el flanco este, varias cuadrillas procedieron a trabajar a lo largo de Devil Creek, buscando y extinguiendo cualquier calor que pudiera amenazar las líneas de contención. Las cuadrillas pasaron de la protección de estructuras cerca de Snow Angel Ranch para comenzar la reparación de supresión. Este es un proceso para revertir los impactos de las actividades de supresión. El trabajo incluye quitar las bombas y los tendidos de mangueras de la línea de fuego y remover la maleza astillada mientras se construyen y mejoran las líneas de contención. La reparación de supresión también comenzó a lo largo de Forest Road 628. Hoy, una excavadora ayudará a las cuadrillas en la línea a reparar las líneas de excavadoras.

Información sobre el Clima y el Humo: 
Por quinto día consecutivo, se emitió una advertencia de bandera roja debido a la baja humedad relativa y la posibilidad de fuertes vientos con ráfagas de 30 a 35 mph. Las temperaturas estarán a mediados de los 80. En los próximos días, las condiciones permanecerán cálidas y secas, y los combustibles seguirán estando abiertos a la quema. Los monzones suelen comenzar a principios de julio en esta región; sin embargo, los pronósticos a largo plazo muestran una baja probabilidad de cualquier desarrollo en las próximas semanas.

Cierres: 
El Bosque Nacional San Juan tiene una orden de cierre vigente: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-publication/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire/chris-mountain-fire-closure.
Evacuaciones: 
Para registrarse para recibir notificaciones de emergencia o información sobre evacuaciones, visite el sitio web de Operaciones de emergencia del condado de Archuleta. También puede encontrar información sobre evacuación en su página de Facebook o llamar al Centro de atención telefónica para evacuados de la montaña Chris: al 970-264-8373.
Restricciones Temporales de Vuelo:
Existe una restricción de vuelo temporal. Para más información vaya a la página: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_9743.html. 

Línea Telefónica de Información Sobre el Incendio: (970) 549-8799        Horario: 8am – 8pm 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chris-Mountain-Fire/  Correo Electrónico: 2023.chrismountain@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire