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Inciweb Down for Maintenance Update

Related Incident: Siouxon and Sunset Fires

Publication Type: Announcement Thu, 10/27/2022 - 12:00

Inciweb will be down for maintenance starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26. Today's update will be posted as soon as the system comes back online. In the meantime, please visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GiffordPinchot/) for the latest information on the Goat Rocks, Sunset, and Siouxon fires.

Goat Rocks Siouxon and Sunset Fire Update October 26 2022

Related Incident: Goat Rocks Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 10/26/2022 - 12:00

Weather restricts fire suppression and repair work

Current Situation: Rain and snow continue to fall on the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fire areas. Roads above 4,000 feet in elevation have received up to three inches of snow. In the interest of safety, firefighters are not travelling on snow-covered roads. Rain and snow are expected to fall intermittently into next week.

On the Goat Rocks Fire, fire personnel have completed removal of pumps, hoses, and portable tanks from the neighborhoods west of the fire. These supplies have been transported back to fire camp to be tested, cleaned, and reconditioned, after which they will be returned to a local fire cache and made available for use on other fires, a process known as “backhaul.” Where roads are safe to travel, firefighters are patrolling the fire area, addressing any remaining heat that they can safely engage. Some areas with a heavy canopy of branches and deep duff continue smoldering, along with logs, stumps, and other large chunks of wood. Some of these fuels will need weeks or months of rain and snow before they are too wet to slowly burn and produce smoke. As work is completed on the Goat Rocks Fire, the staffing is being right-sized, and surplus firefighters and equipment are being released to return home and prepare for their next assignment.

Similar conditions exist on the Siouxon and Sunset fires. Continued moisture is helping limit growth potential, but it is also making it difficult for firefighters to patrol or improve containment lines safely. Chipping and brush removal operations along Forest Road 311 near the Siouxon Fire and road repairs on Forest Road 42 near Sunset Falls Campground have paused due to saturated roads and continued rain and snow. These activities will require a period of dry weather before they can be completed. Firefighters will continue monitoring and patrolling the fire lines where it is safe to do so, while surplus resources will be released.

Weather Information: On Tuesday, rain and snow hampered operations, with slick roadways and limited visibility. Heavy rain, snow, and fog remain possibilities for early Wednesday. Slower speeds are highly recommended, especially in areas where firefighters or equipment are present. Current weather conditions will keep fire activity at a minimum but smoke may be visible at times.

Forest Closures: A full list of closures in place for the Goat Rocks, Siouxon, and Sunset fires can be found under “Alerts & Notices” on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.

Fire Danger: As of October 25, the Fire Danger Rating on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is LOW. Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) Zones 659S (Goat Rocks Fire) and 660 (Siouxon and Sunset fires) also dropped to Level I on USFS lands. Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPLs) are a system that reduces wildfire risk by limiting activities by woods workers and other industrial forest users. For more information on IFPL, please visit https://www.dnr.wa.gov/ifpl.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in place on the Goat Rocks Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire, all aircraft are grounded until we can ensure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, please visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Inciweb maintenance

Related Incident: Goat Rocks Fire

Publication Type: Announcement Thu, 10/27/2022 - 12:00

Cedar Creek Fire Update October 26 2022

Related Incident: Cedar Creek Fire

Publication Type: News Thu, 10/27/2022 - 12:00

Cedar Creek Fire October 25, 2022 Daily Fire Update Cedar Creek Fire Quick Facts Size: 127,283 acres
Origin: 15 miles E of Oakridge, OR
Resources: 4 engines; 2 crews; 1 helicopter; 2 Masticator
Containment: 55%
Cause: Lightning
Total personnel: 231
Start Date: August 1, 2022

Weather: A Pacific storm system on Tuesday evening brought heavy amounts of precipitation to the fire area, with heavy snow accumulations at higher elevations. On Wednesday, rain and snow will linger into the afternoon, with up to two more inches of snow in the mountains. Temperatures on Wednesday will be in the 30’s to 40’s for a high, with westerly wind gusts of 10 – 25 mph on the ridges. Thursday and Friday should be drier and a bit warmer, with more wet weather likely moving in during the upcoming weekend.

Operations: With substantial amounts of precipitation, firefighter safety in and near the fire line is paramount. Travel routes will be closely monitored to ensure the health and safety of fire personnel. Where conditions are conducive to effective and safe operations along the fire line, repair and rehab of handlines and dozer lines will continue, to help combat erosion. Precipitation will continue to reduce the amount of active fire, while some pockets of heat still remain within the fire’s interior, causing isolated smoldering across the burn area. Cool, wet weather throughout the rest of the week will continue to reduce smoke impacts to the surrounding communities.

Closures: There are updated, reduced closures in effect on both the Deschutes National Forest and Willamette National Forest. These closures will remain in place until areas impacted by the fire are surveyed for safety risks and fire crews are able to mitigate these hazards. Please respect Forest closures for firefighter and public safety. Please visit Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest for the most recent closure orders and maps. Pacific Crest Trail hikers should visit pcta.org for current information. The Temporary Flight Restriction over the Cedar Creek Fire area has been lifted due to a reduction of aircraft needs for fire operations. Smoke: Air quality conditions due to smoke are expected to range from good to moderate within the forecast area. For current conditions, see Fire.airnow.gov, oakridgeair.org, and LRAPA - Today's Current Air Quality. Smoke Forecast Outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook. Evacuations: The remaining evacuations for Lane County have been lifted. Please check with Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150 and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911 for updates and changes.

| Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8307/ | www.facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022/ www.tinyurl.com/cedarcreekfireyoutube

| Fire Information Line: 541-201-2335, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |

For Media Inquiries: 541-327-9925 | Email: 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov

Evacs lifted command transferred and ops scaled back on 8 Road Fire

Related Incident: 8 Road Fire

Publication Type: News Fri, 10/21/2022 - 12:00

October 21, 2022

Evacuations lifted, command transferred and operations scaled back on 8 Road Fireas moisture-laden weather system approaches

(MINERAL, Wash.) – As of 7 a.m. today, the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team has transferred command of the 8 Road Fire back to Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Firefighters’ efforts over the past week have successfully reduced the risk of the fire’s spread toward populated areas and valuable resources, and the forecasted rain storm is expected to bring significant moisture to the area. Several fire engines will stay on the incident to monitor and patrol the fire area. Last evening, Pierce County Department of Emergency Management lifted the evacuation advisory for the properties to the northwest of the fire. The fire remains at 50% containment. Control lines have been reinforced and hot spots mopped up along the northern and western edges where the fire presented the greatest threat to properties, about two miles from the fire’s perimeter. Dangerous terrain and steep slopes have prevented crews from safely engaging the fire on its southern and eastern edges; fire managers have determined that natural barriers and predicted precipitation will serve as containment in those areas. Many of the fire-related dangers have been mitigated, but the public should avoid the fire area where tree snags and stump holes could pose hazards. In and around the fire area, smoke may be visible from time to time. Level 1 evacuations advisories have been lifted for approximately 100 properties accessed off of Scott Turner Road in Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33 of Township 16 N, Range 5 E. Scott Turner Road is reopened. However, where it meets the 8 Road, the 501 Gate is closed. The gates at the top and the bottom of the 5 Road, opened during fire operations, are now closed per usual for this time of year. Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team wishes to thank the people of the surrounding communities for the hospitality and generosity shown to team members during the past week. Reported on October 15 at about 4 p.m., the incident has been burning on DNR land in the timber and brush of the Elbe Hills State Forest, about 4 miles east of Eatonville. The cause remains under investigation and persons with any information about the fire are encouraged to call 9-1-1.

Progress continues on the 8 Road Fire as wet weather approaches

Related Incident: 8 Road Fire

Publication Type: News Thu, 10/20/2022 - 12:00

October 20, 2022

Start Date:

October 15

Total Personnel:

122

Heavy Equip:

Size:

158 acres

Crews:

Water Tenders:

Containment:

50%

Engines:

Helicopters:

Progress continues on the 8 Road Fire as wet weather approaches

(MINERAL, Wash.) – Firefighters continue to mop up hot spots and strengthen containment features on the 8 Road Fire even as a weather system, forecast to include significant rainfall, is predicted to arrive in the area on Friday. Reported on October 15 at about 4 p.m., the 8 Road Fire has been burning on Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land in the timber and brush of the Elbe Hills State Forest, about 4 miles east of Eatonville. The cause remains under investigation and persons with any information about the fire are encouraged to contact the incident via phone or email, listed above. Yesterday, fire behavior again became more active as the day progressed, especially along the incident’s eastern edge. Fire managers once again utilized helicopter water drops to cool the fire in the Beaver Creek drainage where steep and rugged terrain prevents firefighters from safely engaging on the ground. Crews mopped up hot spots around the fire, and improved containment lines on the northern and western perimeter to further reinforce defenses against future growth toward populated areas and valuable resources. Hazard tree removal was on-going. Heavier smoke conditions, coming from multiple fires around the region, continued to affect most nearby communities. A slight increase in fire size (from 151 to 158 acres) since Tuesday has resulted from better data in combination with some growth as the fire creeps toward Beaver Creek; the incident remains 50% contained. Today, the weather is forecast to remain warm and dry with light winds. Firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines, mop up and remove hazard trees. There may be some increase in fire activity in the afternoon, but the fire is not expected to grow significantly beyond its current footprint. Though no helicopters are currently assigned to the fire, aircraft resources are available if needed. Level 1 evacuations (Be Ready) are in effect for approximately 100 properties accessed off of Scott Turner Road in Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33 of Township 16 N, Range 5 E. There are two road closures: At the 501 Gate where Scott Turner Road becomes the 8 Road, and at the 503 Gate at the junction of the 8 Road and the 5 Road. Sign-up for emergency alerts at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/917/Alert-Warning. A sustained shift to fall and winter weather patterns is expected this weekend. Until then, fire danger remains high. Burn restrictions are in effect on DNR lands as well as in local fire districts. For specific information, go to dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions or check with your local fire district. Preserve limited firefighting resources by doing what you can to avoid sparking additional fires. Fire managers are also asking for help keeping the public and firefighters safe. Stay clear of the fire area, and exercise caution when driving in the vicinity as firefighters are operating in and around the area.

Firefighters achieve 50 containment on 8 Road Fire

Related Incident: 8 Road Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 10/19/2022 - 12:00

October 19, 2022

Start Date: October 15 Total Personnel: 127 Heavy Equip: 2 Size: 151 acres Crews: 5 Water Tenders: 1 Containment: 50% Engines: 6 Helicopters: 0

Firefighters achieve 50% containment on the 8 Road Fire

(MINERAL, Wash.) – Additional resources and favorable weather conditions have helped firefighters make significant progress on the 8 Road Fire and as of last evening, the incident is 50% contained. The 8 Road Fire, reported on October 15 at about 4 p.m., has been burning on Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land in the timber and brush of the Elbe Hills State Forest, about 4 miles east of Eatonville. The cause remains under investigation and persons with any information about the fire are encouraged to contact the incident via phone or email, listed above.

Yesterday, fire behavior on the 8 Road Fire became moderately active with warming temperatures and light northwesterly winds in the afternoon. Also on Tuesday, more crews joined the effort. A “felling module” (a specialized team tasked with removing trees – especially those that pose a danger to firefighters) worked to bring down hazard trees around the fire’s edge so firefighters could more safely hold and improve containment lines. Fire managers requested and received helicopter bucket drops to decrease the fire’s intensity where the fire is slowly burning east down steep slopes toward Beaver Creek. Heavier smoke conditions, resulting from weather conditions rather than from increased fire activity, affected most nearby communities. Today, the weather is forecast to remain warm and dry with light winds. Firefighters will continue securing, holding and improving containment lines. There may be some increase in fire activity in the afternoon, but the fire is not expected to grow beyond its current footprint. Though no helicopters are currently assigned to the fire, aircraft resources are available if needed. Level 1 evacuations (Be Ready) are in effect for approximately 100 properties accessed off of Scott Turner Road in Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33 of Township 16 N, Range 5 E. There are two road closures: At the 501 Gate where Scott Turner Road becomes the 8 Road, and at the 503 Gate at the junction of the 8 Road and the 5 Road. Sign-up for emergency alerts at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/917/Alert-Warning. Fire danger will remain high until the region experiences a sustained shift to fall and winter weather patterns. Burn restrictions are in effect on DNR lands as well as in local fire districts. For specific information, go to dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions or check with your local fire district. Preserve limited firefighting resources by doing what you can to avoid sparking additional fires. Fire managers are also asking for help keeping the public and firefighters safe. Stay clear of the fire area, and exercise caution when driving in the vicinity as firefighters are operating in and around the area.

October 25 Loch Katrine Fire Update

Related Incident: Loch Katrine Fire

Publication Type: News Tue, 10/25/2022 - 12:00

Loch Katrine Fire

Daily Update, October 25, 2022, 11:00 AM

Fire activity on the Loch Katrine Fire is limited to smoldering in areas of deep duff and heavy fuels. Fire moderation will continue as rain showers, cooler temperatures, and high-elevation snowfall continue through the week. The last IR flight was on October 19, so acres have not changed, remaining at 1,918 acres.

The main activities on the fire now are repair, patrol, and mop up. Crews are installing water bars on handlines and dozer lines to reduce the risk of erosion. Mop up activities include opening up stump holes and other areas of remaining heat to expose them to rain. Suppression repair needs are being assessed and implemented as conditions allow.

Evacuation: No evacuation orders are in place.

Weather: Another cold front is moving in today (Tuesday). Expect isolated showers increasing to widespread rain in the evening. As much as an inch of rain could fall by Wednesday morning. Rain is forecast through the week with isolated showers on Wednesday and rainfall continuing Thursday through Saturday. Caution: Rain may increase the risk of burn scar debris flows and flash floods.

Closures: Gate 11 is on the right (east side) of North Fork County Road located north of North Bend and will remain closed.

October 24 Loch Katrine Fire Update

Related Incident: Loch Katrine Fire

Publication Type: News Mon, 10/24/2022 - 12:00

Loch Katrine Fire

Daily Update, October 24, 2022, 10:00 AM

Fire activity on the Loch Katrine Fire has been limited to smoldering by the recent rain showers, cooler temperatures, and high-elevation snowfall. The last IR flight was on October 19, so acres have not changed, remaining at 1,918 acres.

The main activities on the fire now are repair, monitoring, and mop up. Crews are cleaning up dozer lines in the Phillippa Creek area, installing water bars, and backhauling equipment. Mop up activities include opening up stump holes and other areas of remaining heat to expose them to rain; smoldering will likely continue within the fire area until significant snowfall. Suppression repair needs are being assessed and are beginning as conditions allow.

Evacuation: No evacuation orders are in place.

Weather: Late last night and into this morning, a new cold front is rolling in with ridgetop winds and rain beginning early today (Monday). This evening may see a break in the rain, but showers will continue through Tuesday with the potential to see as much as three inches over the two days. Rain is forecast through the week. Caution: Rain may increase the risk of burn scar debris flows and flash floods.

Closures: For public safety, Forest Road 26, also known as Suiattle River Road, will remain closed at the junction with Highway 530 for ongoing fire prevention and mitigation efforts. The Darrington Ranger District has closed recreation facilities and trails including: Buck Creek Campground, Boulder Lake Trail, Huckleberry Mountain Trail, Buck Creek Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Downey Creek Trail, Suiattle Trail, Sulphur Creek Trail, and Sulphur Mountain Trail.

October 23 Update for the Loch Katrine Fire

Related Incident: Loch Katrine Fire

Publication Type: News Sun, 10/23/2022 - 12:00

Loch Katrine Fire, Suiattle River Fire, and Boulder Lake Fire

Daily Update, October 23, 2022, 10:00 AM

Fire activity on the Loch Katrine, Suiattle River, and Boulder Lake fires has been limited by the recent rain showers, cooler temperatures, and high-elevation snowfall. The last IR flight was on October 19, so acres have not changed.

The Loch Katrine Fire remains at 1,918 acres. The main activities on the fire now are repair, monitoring, and mop up. Crews are cleaning up dozer lines in the Phillippa Creek area and monitoring any remaining heat spots; smoldering will continue within the fire area until significant snowfall. Suppression repair needs are being assessed and are beginning as conditions allow.

The Suiattle River and Boulder Lake fires are in monitor and patrol status. As of this morning, Sunday, October 23, 2022, the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest has assumed management of the Suiattle River Fire and the Boulder Lake Fire, because no further significant activity is anticipated on these fires based on current and expected weather forecasts. If you have questions or need addition information, please contact the Darrington Ranger Station during normal business hours at 360-436-1155.

Evacuation: No evacuation orders are in place.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today (Sunday) will see low clouds in the morning and overcast conditions in the afternoon with a chance of light rain. Another storm is building in the Pacific and will bring rain after midnight tonight and steady rain Monday and Tuesday. Caution: Rain may increase the risk of burn scar debris flows and flash floods.

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