6/17/23 - update - The overall goal of the Thomas Mountain prescribed burn is to consume excess fuel in a particular area to reduce the risk of a larger, uncontrolled fire in the future.

Smoke is more present this afternoon due to the success of both aerial and ground-based methods being used together to ignite and consume these fuels.

Video of aerial helitorch device being used on the Thomas Mountain Prescribed Burn.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0266oPe3M8Lwr64GyZgnZyQj6fr9iou1LF5USuG7Bj6wqKz7oKjk5ME2ZrrayXkBzDl&id=100064239626961&mibextid=Nif5oz

Click on link for video showing an active burn unit within the Casa Diablo prescribed fire area:

Cainf Inyo National Forest 2023 Prescribed Fire Projects Incident Videos | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Officer: Lisa Cox
(760) 873-2427 
lisa.cox@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/Inyo/News

Prescribed burning update on Inyo National Forest

BISHOP, Calif., June 17, 2023 — Since June 7, Inyo National Forest firefighters with assisting agencies have treated approximately 1,000 acres of downed and dead vegetation, and plan to continue operations as weather and staffing allows on an additional 2,000 acres. Smoke will continue to be visible most days and may impact your recreation experience in certain areas.

“Days that firefighters burn will depend heavily on weather conditions,” said Chance Traub, Prescribed Fire and Fuels Chief for Inyo National Forest.

“Each day, we have to meet a definitive set of conditions in order to stay within prescription and achieve the desired effects. For example, if the wind is blowing in an unfavorable direction or speed or if vegetation is too moist, the Burn Boss may call off ignitions for that day. Regardless, smoke will be visible from both active ignitions and as previously-ignited fuels within the burn units continue to consume over the coming weeks.”

Want to see a video of what it looks like inside the Casa Diablo RX Unit? WATCH THIS

Smoke will tend to settle down into the valleys in the evenings, so keep this in mind if camping near the burn project sites.

The projects are as follows:

“Casa Diablo” located east of Crowley Lake:

• 100 to 500 acres per day will be burned as conditions allow.
• Approximately 1,000 acres out of the target acreage of 2,000 has been completed.
• Potential campgrounds that could be impacted by smoke: Tuff, French Camp

“Antelope” located east of Smokey Bear Flat and south of Owens River Road:

• Starting the last two weeks of June
• 700 acres are targeted for treatment over several days
• Potentially campgrounds that could be impacted by smoke: none, however dispersed campers along our forest roads or Owens River Road may be impacted.

Updates will be released as needed via:

Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov

Facebook: www.facebook.com/inyonf

Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/alerts-notices

Smoke is expected to be visible from Highways 395, 6, 120, as well as from the communities of Bishop, Crowley Lake, Sunny Slopes, Tom’s Place, Swall Meadows, Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond, depending on winds and how the smoke settles at night. There are posted signs on the highway to notify motorists of the smoke and potential drop in visibility.

All prescribed fire activities will be coordinated with the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District in order to provide the best smoke dispersion and to reduce impacts to Eastern Sierra communities.

To check air quality, visit airnow.gov.

Red pin drops are approximate locations for the Antelope and Casa Diablo burn units

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Northern New Mexico Type 3 Incident Management Team
Luke McLarty, Incident Commander

Fire Information: 505-418-1038
2023.comanche@firenet.gov 
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ 

Upcoming Actions: All containment lines and features around the Comanche Fire focus area are nearing completion. Firing operations may be starting as early as Sunday. Fire managers are using multiple ignition techniques such as hand ignition by fire crews, helicopter operations for aerial firing and an uncrewed aerial system, popularly known as a drone, used to observe and record fire progression using cameras with infrared capabilities. Firing operations will help create a barrier to keep the Comanche Fire within containment lines while the fire burns interior fuels to reduce hazardous fuels and to reintroduce fire into its natural role in the ecosystem. 

Smoke: Once ignitions begin, there will be an increase of smoke in the area. Smoke may hang low to the ground at night and in the early mornings the next few days due to temperature inversion. This occurs when warm air caps the cooler air below, causing smoke to become trapped underneath, which will settle into the valley bottoms—most often at night and in the early morning. The trapped smoke generally begins to lift after the sun rises and heats the earth’s surface. The air heated by the earth’s surface will push the colder layer of smoke up into the higher atmosphere and the smoke mixes with the air above and is transported away.
Closure: Temporary partial road closures are in effect on Forest Roads 137 and 20. These closures are in effect during firing operations for safety of the public and fire crews.

Community Open House: Drop in between 4 and 6 p.m. on Sat., Jun. 17, at the El Rito Senior/Community Center at State Rd. 554, House #1115. Presentation at 4:30 p.m.

Fast Facts
Size: 27 acres
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer Values at risk: Cultural/historical sites.
Percent Completed: 1%
Resources: 2 hand crews, 2 wildland fire modules, 5 engines, 2 dozers, 2 water tender, 2 REMS teams, total personnel 147

Yesterday, ignitions were completed on the Dorado/Cañada del Agua Prescribed Fire. Fire crews used hand ignitions to clean up pockets of surface fuels on the interior and to secure blackline. Afternoon wind gusts were experienced across the prescribed fire area but there was no threat to the line as fire crews held and patrolled the area. There was no significant increase in acreage yesterday as the perimeter was complete and the size of the prescribed fire did not change.

Today, crews will continue to monitor and mop up areas of heat near the edges, securing and cooling a line more than 30 feet deep to prevent any potential heat from creeping out of the perimeter. Lower temperatures and increased moisture in the area will aid in the reduction of smoke but there will be smoldering, and smoke will continue to be visible for the next several days.  

Updates for the Dorado/Cañada del Agua Prescribed Fire will be posted on InciWeb and the forest’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter).

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (June 17, 2023) — Tahoe National Forest, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, plans to prescribed burn up to 500-acres near French Meadows Reservoir, approximately 36 miles northeast of Foresthill, Calif. Dependent on environmental conditions, the burn is planned to start June 21 and may last up to two weeks.  

After ignitions, Tahoe National Forest fire staff will patrol and monitor the area 24-hours a day until the fire is determined out. 

Smoke will be visible to recreational users in the French Meadows basin, Granite Chief Wilderness and surrounding areas. Smoke may impact the towns of Foresthill and Georgetown and could also be visible to travelers on Interstates 80 and 50. Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size and environmental conditions. Smoke may settle into the valleys in the evening and lift in the morning. 

Air quality is an important value that is considered by federal land managers during every phase of the prescribed fire process from planning to implementation. The Tahoe National Forest has collaborated with the Placer County Air Pollution Control District while preparing for this project and other prescribed fires near Foresthill and surrounding communities. 

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and are asked to watch out for firefighters and fire equipment near the French Meadows area. Traffic controls will be implemented along Forest Service Road 96 between French Meadows Dam and the eastern portion of French Meadows Reservoir. 

Prescribed fire treatments are meant to replicate the effect of natural wildfire, resulting in less available material to burn and less intense wildfire activity. This in turn assists firefighters in protecting communities, property and infrastructure. Other benefits include enhancing wildlife habitat and reintroducing low-intensity fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem. 

The planned burn is part of the French Meadows Forest Restoration Project, a 28,000-acre forest health project aiming to improve forest resilience and reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire in the headwaters of the American River. The project has been developed by a diverse group of partners including Tahoe National Forest, Placer County Water Agency, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Placer County, American River Conservancy and Sierra Nevada Research Institute.  

Incident updates and any schedule changes will be announced on Tahoe National Forest’s InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/catnf-2023-french-meadows-rx. 

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (June 17, 2023) — Tahoe National Forest, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, plans to prescribed burn up to 500-acres near French Meadows Reservoir, approximately 36 miles northeast of Foresthill, Calif. Dependent on environmental conditions, the burn is planned to start June 21 and may last up to two weeks.  

After ignitions, Tahoe National Forest fire staff will patrol and monitor the area 24-hours a day until the fire is determined out. 

Smoke will be visible to recreational users in the French Meadows basin, Granite Chief Wilderness and surrounding areas. Smoke may impact the towns of Foresthill and Georgetown and could also be visible to travelers on Interstates 80 and 50. Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size and environmental conditions. Smoke may settle into the valleys in the evening and lift in the morning. 

Air quality is an important value that is considered by federal land managers during every phase of the prescribed fire process from planning to implementation. The Tahoe National Forest has collaborated with the Placer County Air Pollution Control District while preparing for this project and other prescribed fires near Foresthill and surrounding communities. 

Motorists are advised to drive with caution and are asked to watch out for firefighters and fire equipment near the French Meadows area. Traffic controls will be implemented along Forest Service Road 96 between French Meadows Dam and the eastern portion of French Meadows Reservoir. 

Prescribed fire treatments are meant to replicate the effect of natural wildfire, resulting in less available material to burn and less intense wildfire activity. This in turn assists firefighters in protecting communities, property and infrastructure. Other benefits include enhancing wildlife habitat and reintroducing low-intensity fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem. 

The planned burn is part of the French Meadows Forest Restoration Project, a 28,000-acre forest health project aiming to improve forest resilience and reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire in the headwaters of the American River. The project has been developed by a diverse group of partners including Tahoe National Forest, Placer County Water Agency, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Placer County, American River Conservancy and Sierra Nevada Research Institute.  

Incident updates and any schedule changes will be announced on Tahoe National Forest’s InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/catnf-2023-french-meadows-rx. 

Spice Lake Fire Fact Sheet

June 17, 2023                   8:00am

MNICS Team B- Incident Commander-Aaron Mielke

Fire Information: 218-248-7240 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

Email: 2023.spicelake@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-news/mnsuf-spice-lake-fire

Superior National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/superior

Date Detected: June 13, 2023

Current Size: 20-30 acres 

Containment: 30%

Summary: Late in the afternoon on June 13th, a wildfire was detected between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Spice Lake is located east of Knife and Kekekabic Lakes and southwest of Seagull Lake, approximately 10 miles west of the Gunflint Trail. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Current Status: Yesterday, fire activity was minimal with occasional torching, creeping and smoldering burning in mixed timber and brush. Fire crews made good progress by constructing fire line around the northern fire area and starting to mop up by extinguishing hot spots along the fire’s edge. Firefighters also worked the middle fire area by locating a natural barrier to the east and burning out the unburnt vegetation to create a natural fire line. In addition, firefighters worked on direct line around the western fire area and started installing firehose to support mop up operations. Objectives are to mop up 15 feet in from the fire perimeter to get started and extend that up to 100 feet in a few days. Firefighter and public safety are the number one priority.

Planned Activity: Crews will continue to work on constructing direct containment lines to minimize the fire from spreading to the north and east. Firefighters will extinguish hot spots, working up to 100 feet from the fire’s edge by installing more fire hose and putting water on the fire. Air resources will continue to be used to patrol the fire and additional aircraft are available if needed to reduce fire growth to the north, northeast, and east.

Closure Area: The Superior National Forest has implemented Forest Order (09-09-23-03) for a closure area of lakes, portages, and trails around the fire for public safety. Public safety crews are redirecting visitors and posting portages closed. Details can be found at Superior National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov).

Burning Restrictions: The Superior National Forest has implemented Forest Order (09-09-23-03) for a closure area of lakes, portages, and trails around the fire for public safety. Public safety crews are redirecting visitors and posting portages closed. Details can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

Cooperating Agencies: National Park Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

June 17, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (BDF) San Jacinto District will be continuing the prescribed burn today on Thomas Mountain; west of the community of Garner Valley and southeast of the communities of Idyllwild and Mountain Center. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. 

If you are traveling on California Highway 74 you may experience brief closures due to aerial operations. These closures are to protect both the firefighters involved in the operations and the public using the highway.

During these operations certain areas will be temporarily closed to the public: Forest Road 6S13, Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites, Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Sites and the Ramona Trail. These closures are implemented for the safety of both the public and firefighters involved in the operations.

Prescribed fire plays an important role in forest health and in reducing extreme wildfires and their negative impact. These fires also help reduce heavy fuel loads while simultaneously opening the conifer forest structure and maintaining the health of meadow habitats. Fire is also used to enhance native plant communities and cultural landscapes and improve wildlife habitats. Another goal is to provide defensible space for communities and developed areas within and surrounding the BDF. With all fire comes smoke, and the U.S. Forest Service works to mitigate smoke impacts from prescribed fires on the communities in the area.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #ThomasMountainPrescribedBurn

6/16/23 - Evening Update - Burn operations have concluded successfully on Thomas Mountain. Through the effectiveness and efficiency of the firefighters, a total of 580 acres was accomplished today.

The fire continued to burn through the designated area, consuming the intended vegetation and fuel sources as planned. This helps reduce the accumulation of flammable materials, mitigate the risks of uncontrolled wildfires, and promote the health and regeneration of the ecosystem.

The achievement reflects the expertise and professionalism of the firefighters involved as they carefully managed the fire to achieve the intended results while minimizing any potential risks and adverse effects. Their efforts contribute to maintaining forest health, enhancing public safety, and protecting valuable natural resources.

Smoke may still be visible throughout the evening and crews will be monitoring throughout the evening. Operations will begin again tomorrow at 9am.

The below video shows an example of controlled low-intensity fuel consumption achieved.

https://www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoNF/videos/259942889950264