Fourth of July visitors reminded that fireworks are always prohibited on Los Padres National Forest

Release Date: Jul 1, 2023

Contact(s): Media contact: Andrew Madsen, Forest Public Affairs Officer (805) 895-0841

 Los Padres National Forest officials are reminding Fourth of July visitors that the possession or use of fireworks—including the “safe and sane” variety—is always prohibited in the Forest. This year-round prohibition will be strictly enforced throughout the holiday weekend.

A violation of the law could result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone causing a wildfire is potentially liable for the full cost of suppressing the fire. 

The Forest asks that all visitors take the appropriate precautions to prevent accidental wildfires:

• Campfires are permitted in developed (designated Campfire Use Sites) and outside of designated Campfire Use Sties. Campfires must always be attended by a responsible person and a valid California Campfire Permit is required to have a campfire or use of a portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel outside of designated Campfire Use Sites.
• California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Ready For Wildfire website. You must clear all flammable material for 10 feet in all directions from your camp stove, have a shovel and water available nearby, and ensure that a responsible person always attends the stove when it is in use.
• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed campground. 
• Internal or external combustion engines require properly installed, functional spark arresters. This requirement is in effect year-round.
• Avoid parking vehicles on grass, as hot engines can ignite dry vegetation.
• Contact the Ranger Station nearest your destination for the latest conditions.

As always, the Los Padres National Forest reminds the public to plan ahead before visiting their local national forest and to recreate responsibly, including packing out your trash and only parking in designated areas.

Additionally, excellent tools and resources are available on the Recreate Responsibly website.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.

Actualización del Incendio Spring Creek

8 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: 3,230 acres

Confinamiento: 37%

Personal Total: 532

Locación: Sur oeste de Parachute, CO.

Situación Actual: El Equipo Dos de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo de las Montañas Rocosas aprovechó ayer las condiciones ideales para continuar con los encendidos cuidadosamente planificados que han tenido mucho éxito en los últimos días.

Los encendidos aéreos dentro de las líneas de espera privan al fuego de combustible y limitan la oportunidad de que el fuego crezca fuera de la línea de espera establecida. En lugar de quemar un área grande como se hace a menudo como estrategia de contención, el equipo identificó pequeños segmentos para quemar y planeó estratégicamente la mejor secuencia de estas unidades para obtener los resultados más efectivos. Estas decisiones se basan en el clima pronosticado, los vientos dominantes, el terreno, el tipo de vegetación, la humedad del combustible y el modelo de comportamiento del fuego.

Ayer, tanto un Sistema Aéreo No Tripulado (UAS) como un helicóptero fueron utilizados para dispensar las esferas utilizadas durante los encendidos aéreos. Un UAS solo puede transportar una cantidad limitada de esferas de plástico antes de que necesite regresar y recargar, mientras que un helicóptero puede transportar un suministro mucho mayor. Sin embargo, existen mayores preocupaciones de seguridad cuando se utiliza un helicóptero debido a una mayor exposición y riesgo para el personal a bordo. Debido a la complejidad de la operación, los jefes de bomberos decidieron utilizar alternativamente el UAS y el helicóptero para brindar las mayores medidas de seguridad.

Después de varios días de igniciones, los bomberos se enfocarán hoy en mantener el perímetro. Parte de la estrategia es permitir que parte del fuego restante continúe arrastrándose por el interior y termine de consumir combustibles terrestres. Asegurar el borde del fuego es una tarea ardua. Si bien los días largos y calurosos aumentan el desafío físico de combatir el fuego, los esfuerzos persistentes de los bomberos agregarán lentamente más contención.

Spring Creek Road y High Mesa Road están abiertas solo al tráfico local. 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 cielos despejados, altas temperaturas y baja humedad para los próximos días. Los vientos rondarán las 20 mph. Una fuerte inversión se desarrollará nuevamente durante la noche y se quemará a medida que el día se calienta. El clima de incendio casi crítico continúa en la región con una advertencia de bandera roja para hoy. 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

Most Mt. Pinos Ranger District recreation areas set to reopen June 30 for public use

Release Date: Jul 1, 2023

Contact(s): Media contact: Andrew Madsen, Forest Public Affairs Officer (805) 895-0841

Los Padres National Forest officials today announced that most of the roads, trails, and recreation areas within the Mt. Pinos Ranger District will reopen to the public June 30 ahead of the upcoming 4th of July holiday. A small number of roads and trails will remain closed until repair work is completed.

The opening of the district roads and trails was made possible in large part by the commitment and dedication of the Forest Service Storm Damage Incident Management Organization (IMO) and assistance from the Mt. Pinos District Volunteers and Mt. Pinos Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) clubs. 

The IMO is composed of Forest Service equipment operators, wildland firefighting hand crews, and a support services team. The IMO has been working since January to repair roads, trails and recreation areas damaged by the   winter storms. The district volunteers surveyed and cleared the OHV trails to enable them to reopen June 30. 

The following areas will remain CLOSED for both public and first responder safety:

1. Tinta Road (7N04)
2. Tinta Trail (24W02)
3. Rancho Nuevo Road (7N04-A)
4. Rancho Nuevo Trail (24W03) section between Rancho Nuevo and Deal Junction campgrounds in the Dick Smith Wilderness
5. Rancho Nuevo Campground
6. West Dry Canyon Road (8N19)

Los Padres National Forest strongly encourages the public to adhere to closure signs as hazardous conditions are still present on these roads, making travel unsafe and potentially impossible. Violators who become stranded in closed areas and require assistance create unnecessary risk for search and rescue teams and may face legal consequences. 

Forest visitors should also be aware that heavy equipment including bulldozers, excavators and road graders will be working to repair storm-damaged roads. Please allow adequate space when walking or driving around equipment and ensure verbal and visual confirmation is given before passing. 

Additional information about recreational opportunities on Los Padres National Forest can be found on the Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf. 

Storage Fire Daily Update

Saturday, July 08, 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: An ember from the Storage Fire blew across containment lines and started actively burning again outside of the lines. Local fire departments and the Texas A&M Forest Service quickly stopped forward progression with the use of aircraft, heavy equipment, and engines. Last night dozers constructed new containment lines around the additional burned acres and worked where they could to mop-up the burned area. As night fell the rough terrain limited everyone’s capabilities and crews made the decision to rest over night and start again in the morning.

Today: Crews are back out on the line today working to continue mopping up the eastern side of the Storage Fire. A Hand crew, 18-20 people who hike into fires with chainsaws and hand tools, has been ordered and should arrive today to assist with suppression efforts. The fire jumped out in an area of rough terrain that has been difficult for engines and heavy equipment to work in. With the addition of the hand crew resources will hike in through this difficult terrain and work to suppress all additional hot areas found within the burned area.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Winds are expected to be lighter today and more favorable for firefighters working on the line today. High temperatures and low relative humidity will remain through tonight when a weak cold front should pass through the area. No meaningful rain is expected but there is a chance for some increased winds once the cold front passes over the 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

July 8, 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: 58% (up 12%) 

Total Personnel: 466 

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

Special notice: A Red Flag Warning has been issued today due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. 

Current Situation:  

Firefighters on the western flank of the Chris Mountain Fire completed a significant amount of mop up, leading to an increase in containment. On the eastern flank, multiple crews proceeded working along Devil Creek, searching out and extinguishing any heat that could potentially threaten containment lines. Crews transitioned from structure protection near Snow Angel Ranch to begin suppression repair. This is a process to reverse the impacts of suppression activities. Work includes removing pumps and hose lays from the fireline and chipping brush removed while building and improving containment lines. Suppression repair also started along Forest Road 628. An excavator will assist crews on the line today to repair bulldozer lines.  

Weather & Smoke Information:  

For the fifth day in a row, a Red Flag Warning has been issued due to low relative humidity and the potential for high winds gusting to 30-35 mph. Temperatures will be in the mid 80’s. In the coming days, conditions will stay hot and dry, and fuels remain receptive to burning. Monsoons typically start in the beginning of July in this region; however, long-term forecasts show a low chance of any development in the next few weeks.  

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=100094353994683   Email: 2023.chrismountain@firenet.gov 

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

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Flying V Fire Update: July 7, 2023

Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300

Start Date: July 5, 2023

Size: 831 acres

Cause: Undetermined

Percent Contained: 0

Personnel: 245

Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass

Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 3 helicopters, 2 Dozers

Operations: Fire activity has moderated, and suppression lines are holding. Firefighting resources will continue to patrol firelines, and aerial resources will be utilized to mitigate the fires spread. Fire crews will monitor the fire along Highway 60 and will look to improve and reinforce handlines and dozer lines.

Closures: A temporary emergency closure was implemented along highway 60, between mile posts 256-311, to provide for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression activities. There is no estimated time to reopen the highway. The White Mountain Apache Tribe has issued an executive order that went into effect at midnight on July 7, 2023. Beginning on July 8, 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: Today’s forecast is calling for clear skies with a high of 95 degrees and winds from 10 to 20 mph.

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

Spring Creek Fire Update

July 8, 2023

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

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,230 acres
Containment: 37%
Total Personnel: 532
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two took advantage of ideal conditions yesterday to continue with the carefully planned ignitions which have been very successful over the past few days.

Aerial ignitions inside the holding lines deprive the fire of fuel and limit the opportunity for the fire growth outside the established holding line. Instead of burning one large area as is often done as a containment strategy, the team identified small segments to burn and strategically planned the best sequence of these units to get the most effective results. These decisions are based on predicted weather, prevailing winds, terrain, vegetation type, fuel moisture, and fire behavior modeling.

Yesterday, both an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and a helicopter were used to dispense the spheres used during aerial ignitions. A UAS can only carry a limited number of plastic spheres before it needs to return and reload whereas a helicopter can carry a much greater supply. However, there are heightened safety concerns when a helicopter is used because of increased exposure and risk to the personnel on board. Because of the complexity of the operation, fire managers decided to alternately use the UAS and helicopter to provide the greatest safety measures.

After several days of ignitions, firefighters will focus on holding the perimeter today. Part of the strategy is allowing some of the remaining fire to continue to creep through the interior and finish consuming ground fuels. Securing the edge of the fire is an arduous task. While the long, hot days increase the physical challenge of fighting fire, the firefighters’ persistent efforts will slowly add more containment.

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 low humidity are predicted for the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region with a Red Flag Warning for today. 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

Tunnel Five Fire

July 8, 2023

Daily Fire Update

Tunnel Five Fire Quick Facts: Size: 559 acres | Origin: 2.25 mi W of White Salmon, WA | Containment: 35% |Cause: Under Investigation | Resources: 35 engines11 crews, 5 helicopters, 6 dozers, 13 water tenders Total personnel: 485 | Start Date: July 2, 2023 

Weather: Yesterday, temperatures were cooler across the fire area and relative humidities increased. Weather today will be similar, with slightly reduced wind speeds, temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s and relative humidities in the 30-35% range. There is a chance of cumulus buildup in the afternoon.

Operations: Gusty winds throughout the fire area contributed to an increase in fire activity within the interior of the fire perimeter yesterday, producing visible smoke but posing no threat to containment lines. Crews continued constructing and patrolling line, increasing containment to 35%.

Firefighters will monitor and hold control line today around the fire perimeter. Windy, hot and dry conditions will contribute to the ongoing consumption of interior pockets of fuel within containment lines. Smoke will be visible from inside of the fire area throughout the day. Crews will continue to patrol along Highway 14 and Cook-Underwood Road. Mop up and structure protection will continue as firefighting resources watch for hotspots and monitor for any embers over the line that could cause a spot fire. Initial Attack resources remain ready to rapidly shift assignments if necessary to assist local agencies with any new fire starts in the area.

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. The Cook-Underwood Road is open to local traffic only. 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

 Activities:

Fire crews began burning operations today, picking up where they left off in the southeast unit between 3N01 and 2N05, moving south towards the Jawbone Pass area.  They began ignitions targeting standing dead trees (snags) and white thorn, as well as thick overgrown stands of fir interspersed with dead and down trees.  Crews also patrolled and mopped up in the northern perimeter of the fire, securing the control line.

Fire professionals took advantage of the warming sun and lower relative humidities by starting later in the morning.  This encouraged better consumption of understory vegetation and standing dead trees.  The slow and steady tactical burning is leading to a successful outcome and meeting management objectives. 

Working with this naturally caused low intensity fire, managers are using fire as a tool to increase forest resiliency and aid in reducing catastrophic wildfire.

The three photos attached at the bottom of this article paint a picture of the firing operations conducted Friday, July 7 on the north side of the fire in Division M.

One photo shows the Devil’s Canyon Veteran Crew burning from the ridge line. Since fire moves more slowly downhill than up, this allows for a more controlled rate of spread and less intense fire.

Another photo captures the fire on the ridge moving down towards Dry Creek Road. Meanwhile, the Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew adds fire down low to increase the depth of the control line created by Dry Creek Road.

A third photo depicts the completion of the firing operations. Look closely to the right edge of the burned area to see a hand line which was constructed specifically as a control line for this burnout operation. Though it’s not visible in the photo, the hand line was supported by hoses and water.

All the factors such as fuel moistures, humidity, wind, etc. came together today to result in a successful burning operation. In tomorrow morning’s daily update, we’ll explain this is one of several units that have been strategically planned out to get the most effective containment on the north side of the fire.