UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE 

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River Ranger District 

FOREST ORDER NO. 06-06-06-24-07 

Whisky Creek Fire Closure Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (CRGNSA), and the Hood River Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest as shown on the attached map (Exhibit A). These prohibitions will become effective July 2 , 2024, and will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, or until rescinded. 

1. Going into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health or safety. (36 CFR261.53(e)) 

2. Being on a road. (36 CFR § 261.54(e)) 

3. Being on a trail. (36 CFR § 261.55(a)) 

CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION: As depicted on “Exhibit A” all National Forest System lands, roads and trails administered by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River Ranger District within the following area: The Whisky Creek fire closure area boundary is located on National Forest System lands inside the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness boundary east of the Eagle Creek Trail #440 and east of the Indian Springs Trail #435, in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest. It also includes Forest Service Lands just east of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and west of Flume Creek. It extends north of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness to all Forest Service lands just south of the State Trail. 

The following areas currently remain open; Wyeth Campground and the Gorge #400 trail connecting the Eagle Creek Trail #440 to the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead, allowing access for Pacific Crest Trail hikers. 

Additionally, the following Forest Service System roads and trails are closed: 

Closed Roads within the Closure Area Forest Service Road 1000102 Forest Service Road 1000104 Forest Service Road 1002000 Forest Service Road 1004000 Forest Service Road 1310000 Forest Service Road 1310640 Forest Service Road 1310641 Forest Service Road 1310660 Forest Service Road 1310661 Forest Service Road 1310662 Forest Service Road 1310664 Forest Service Road 1310669 Forest Service Road 1311000 Forest Service Road 1400030 Forest Service Road 1400032 Forest Service Road 1400034 Forest Service Road 1400036 Forest Service Road 1400038 Forest Service Road 1403000 Forest Service Road 1403007 Forest Service Road 1430000 Forest Service Road 2810000 Forest Service Road 2810630 Forest Service Road 2810650 Forest Service Road 2820000 Forest Service Road 2820011 Forest Service Road 2820013 Forest Service Road 2820622 Forest Service Road 2820631 Forest Service Road 2820632 Forest Service Road 2820633 Forest Service Road 2820634 Forest Service Road 2820635 Forest Service Road 2820636 Forest Service Road 2820650 Forest Service Road 2820651 Forest Service Road 2820660 Forest Service Road 2820661 Forest Service Road 2820662 Forest Service Road 2820663 Forest Service Road 2820670 Forest Service Road 2820685 Forest Service Road 2821000 Forest Service Road 2821620 Forest Service Road 2821621 Forest Service Road 2821630 Forest Service Road 2821640 

Closed Trails within the Closure Area Anthill Trail #406B Bear Lake Trail #413A Benson-Ruckel Trail #405A Benson Spur Trail #405C Casey Creek Trail #476 Chinidere Cutoff Trail #405M Chinidere Mountain Trail #445 Deadwood Trail #422 Eagle-Benson Trail #434 Eagle Creek Trail #440 east of its junction with Indian Springs Trail #435 east to its junction with Pacific Crest Trail #2000 Gorge Trail #400, east of its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 east to its junction with Wyeth Trail #411 Gorton Creek Trail #408 Green Point Ridge Trail #418 Herman Bridge Trail #406E Herman Creek Trail #406 Herman Cutoff Trail #410 Mitchell Point Trail #417 Mt. Defiance Trail #413 Mt. Defiance Tie Trail #413B Mud Lake Trail #406A Nick Eaton Trail #447 North Lake Trail #423 Pacific Crest Trail #2000 north of its junction with Indian Springs Trail #435 north to its junctionat Bridge of the Gods Trailhead Plateau Cutoff Trail #412 Rainy Lake Trail #423A Rainy-Kingsley Trail #409B Rainy-Wahtum Trail #409 Ridge Cutoff Trail #437 Ruckel Creek Trail #405 Starvation Ridge Trail #414 Starvation Ridge Cut-Off Trail #414B Wahtum Express Trail #406H Wahtum Switchback Trail #407 Warren Lake Trail #417A West Benson Way Trail #405B Wyeth Trail #411 

Closed Recreation Sites within the Closure Area Black Lake Campground & Trailhead Herman Creek Campground & Trailhead Indian Springs/PCT North Trailhead Mt. Defiance South Trailhead Rainy Lake Campground & Trailhead Wahtum Lake Campground & Trailhead Warren Lake Trailhead 

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 

1. Any person with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 

2. Any Federal, State, or local official or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in theperformance of an official duty. 

3. Owners or lessees of land within the closed area. 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR part 261, subpart A. Violations of these Prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. [16 USC § 551, 18 USC § 3571 ]. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR part 261, subpart A. 

PURPOSE: The closure is necessary to provide protection for forest users, firefighting personnel, and natural resources from the current Whisky Creek Fire. 

Executed in Hood River, Oregon and Sandy, Oregon this 26 day of July, 2024.

DONNA MICKLEY Forest Supervisor Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

META LOFTSGAARDEN Forest Supervisor Mt. Hood National Forest

Lassen National Forest, Supervisor's Office

Date: July 26, 2024

Forest Order No. 06-24-05 - Park Fire Closure Order

Deb Bumpus, Forest Supervisor, Lassen National Forest

I have decided to close the portion of the Lassen National Forest that may be affected by the Park Fire. The Park Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, has grown to over 45,000 acres in a twelve-hour period and is experiencing very high temperatures and red flag warnings for the area. The closure is necessary to promote public safety within the area and facilitate unimpeded ingress and egress for fire and other emergency responders, as well as owners, lessees and residents of land in the area while limiting public exposure to fire danger and impaired visibility due to smoke. Blow-ups and fire runs are unpredictable, and they pose a serious threat to individuals who are near an uncontrolled fire. Aircraft fire suppression tactics such as retardant drops and water buckets also pose a safety risk to the public. The area closure will keep the public out of the fire's potential pathway and fire suppression tactics perimeter, thereby reducing the risk of public injury or death. I have decided to exempt all Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. I have also exempted persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order (Form FS-7700-48). Authorization under this exemption will only be provided if I or my delegate determine that the risk to personal health and safety is reasonable considering the circumstances of the request. I hereby delegate the authority to sign Form FS-7700-48 granting an exemption to this Forest Order to the District Rangers of the Lassen National Forest. This order also exempts persons who reside within the closure area to the extent necessary to access their residences. We have included this exemption because we are able to effectively monitor the limited roads traveled by residents and a brief traverse along these roads does not pose the same risk as full public access. We may also require appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and/or other safety measures.

Consultation was done externally with CALFIRE, Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. USFS employees with areas of expertise in fire management prevention, law enforcement and public affairs were all contacted and involved in the development of the proposed closure order. 

I have concluded that this decision may be categorically excluded from documentation in an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. This action falls within the category identified in 36 CFR 220.6(d)(I) - prohibitions to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety – and does not require documentation in a decision memo, decision notice, or record of decision. I have determined that there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with this temporary closure. Implementation of the decision may begin immediately.

United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Northern California District
6640 Lockheed Dr., Redding, CA 96002

July 27th, 2024, Temporary Emergency Fire Closure Order

Notice is hereby given that BLM-managed lands, roads and trails in the area being affected by the Park Fire in the Bend Area of Critical Environmental Concern are closed to public access to reduce risk to the public and ensure firefighter safety. Exempted from this closure are personnel and vehicles involved with fire suppression and resource protection and state, local and federal officials involved with enforcement. 

This closure is issued under fire prevention order 43 CFR 9212.2, “to prevent wildfire or facilitate its suppression.” This closure is necessary to protect public health and safety. The closure is in effect until the authorized officer determines that there is no longer a threat to public safety or potential impacts to fire suppression activities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This closure affects public lands, trails and roads located in M.D.M 28N 3w, sections 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. T28N R2W Sections 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, T29N 3W Sections 1, 3, 10, 12, 24, 25, 25, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36 and T29N 2W Sections 2, 5,6,7, 8, and 18. This closure is made under authority of 43 CFR 9268.3(d) and 43 CFR 9212.2. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this closure order may be subject to the penalties provided in 43 CFR 8360.0-7.

Jennifer Mata, Redding Field Manager, BLM
United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Northern California District
6640 Lockheed Dr.
Redding, CA 96002

News Release Date: July 27, 2024
Lassen Volcanic National Park closed due to Park Fire

Media contacts: 

Ana Beatriz Cholo, 805-750-9356, ana_cholo@nps.gov

Sierra Coon, 435-260-1103, sierra_coon@nps.gov

MINERAL, Calif. – Three years after the Dixie Fire consumed much of the eastern portion of Lassen Volcanic National Park, the massive Park Fire is approaching the park's western edge, prompting National Park Service officials to close the park.

Visitors have been evacuated from all campgrounds, and reservations have been canceled. All park employees have been evacuated from park housing and their homes in the community, most staying in hotels.

Park superintendent Rose Worley, who took over leadership for the park three months ago, said employee accountability and the safety and well-being of employees and visitors is her number one priority. Her second goal is to protect the park's resources and many historic buildings. 

"I'd like to commend my staff for their resiliency," Worley said. "Many of them went through the Dixie Fire, and I have been amazed at their professionalism and strength. We're also grateful for our concessioner and park partners who have also been impacted by this wildfire."

Fire officials speculate that the fire has potential to reach both Manzanita Lake and Mineral Headquarters. These are areas that were not hit during the Dixie Fire.

The historic district at park headquarters in Mineral in the southwest portion of the park includes structures built by the California Conservation Corps in the 1930s. On the northwest side of the park is the pristine Manzanita Lake campground and historic district that was spared by the Dixie Fire during the summer of 2021. Staff are scrambling to save historic artifacts stored in the 1927 Loomis Museum. 

Drakesbad Lodge and Juniper Lake have been closed in the eastern portion of the park since the Dixie Fire.

Worley said the entire North State network of federal agencies, including the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and other National Park Service units such as Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, have come forward to support the park. 

"There's such a love for Lassen, and if you read some social media posts, everybody's just torn up," she said. "It's a special park with unique features found nowhere else in the world, and for so many people, this is their favorite national park. We'll work to reopen as soon as possible and rebuild as needed."

Information about the Park Fire is available on InciWeb at  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-fire   

Visitors and residents are encouraged to follow county evacuation warnings and orders.

Evacuation warnings and orders are in place in four counties: Butte, Tehama, Shasta, and Plumas. 

Highway 89 through the park is currently open only to through traffic for the purposes of evacuation. Recreational travel is prohibited to keep the road clear for evacuating residents of the park and the local communities.

For additional restrictions, closures, and other park-specific information visit the park’s website (www.nps.gov/lavo) and social media platforms.

For the latest information regarding evacuation orders, check the local sheriff’s office’s communication channels or call 211. For information about the fire itself and management of firefighting operations, visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/24/park-fire.

www.nps.gov

For more information about Lassen Volcanic National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/lavo;

e-mail us; find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube @LassenNPS.

Due to the Apache Fire, the Los Padres National Forest is announcing an emergency area closure for Forest Service lands surrounding the Apache Fire.  This closure is in effect from 12:00 p.m. on July 27, 2024 until September 30, 2024.  This order can be expanded, or rescinded early based on fire behavior and risks associated with the fire and fire recovery.

View the attached map and legal order below.

Equipo 1 de Northern Rockies, Comandante del Incidente Brent Olson

Ubicación: 14 millas al suroeste de Naches, WA

Fecha de inicio: 23 de julio de 2024

Causa: Bajo investigación

Tamaño: 18.273 acres

Recursos: 302 personas en total; 8 excavadoras; 6 cuadrillas de incendios; 10 motores; 1 helicóptero.

Mensaje clave: 

Actualmente se están llevando a cabo operaciones de fuego, empleando tácticas directas e indirectas para detener el avance del fuego y proteger a las comunidades y los valores críticos identificados en la zona este del incendio y el corredor de la autopista 12.

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL:

El incendio de Retreat, situado al suroeste de Naches, WA, abarca aproximadamente 18.273 acres. Dados los vientos esperados y el movimiento del humo, es posible que se observe un comportamiento activo del fuego. El incendio se encuentra actualmente bajo una estrategia de supresión total, dando prioridad a la seguridad pública y de los bomberos. Se está empleando una combinación de tácticas directas e indirectas a lo largo de Hatton Road, Oak Creek y la autopista 12 en la parte oriental del incendio.  Los equipos pesados y las cuadrillas de incendios también están trabajando en las líneas a lo largo de los perímetros norte y sur para minimizar el avance del fuego.  Los recursos operativos continúan realizando reconocimientos a lo largo del flanco oeste en busca de posibles ubicaciones de líneas indirectas para evitar una propagación adicional del incendio hacia el lago Rimrock. Las operaciones de fuego están en curso en el noreste a lo largo de Bethal Ty Road hacia la autopista 12, y se están realizando nuevas evaluaciones para determinar la necesidad de futuras operaciones de fuego a lo largo de la cresta principal hacia el sur.

Meteorología y comportamiento del fuego:

Este fin de semana se esperan temperaturas típicas de la temporada, con temperaturas del día superior a los 80 grados. Una perturbación meteorológica traerá vientos fuertes y racheados del oeste-noroeste que comenzarán a últimas horas de la tarde del sábado y continuarán durante la noche hasta el domingo. La humedad será ligeramente elevada durante el fin de semana. Usted puede esperar cielos soleados en su mayor parte, aunque en algunas zonas puede haber humo y bruma.

En cuanto a las condiciones de los incendios, hay tres tipos principales de vegetación en el paisaje: fondos de roble, pasto y artemisa, y pino Ponderosa mezclado con otras coníferas. Los fondos de roble y la hierba/arbusto están muy secos y pueden incendiarse fácilmente. Los grupos aislados de árboles o los árboles aislados pueden incendiarse y propagar las llamas a otras zonas.

Cierres y evacuaciones:

Aviso de evacuación de nivel 3 "IR AHORA " desde US Hwy 12 en Bear Canyon Trailhead (NF 1301 Forest Service Road) hacia el noreste hasta la "Y" (Hwy 12/410).  Desde la "Y" (autopista 12/410) hacia el sur a lo largo de los límites de los municipios de Cowiche y Tieton hasta Cowiche Mill Road. Cowiche Mill Road oeste hasta NF 641 Forest Service Road.NF 641 Forest Service Road norte hasta Hwy 12.

Aviso de evacuación de nivel 2 "GET SET" para el área de la ciudad de Tieton, WA, incluyendo Cowiche Mill Road al este hasta Summitview Road, Summitview Road al norte hasta la parada de cuatro vías en West Tieton Road, en dirección oeste por West Tieton Road hasta el final de West Tieton Rd.  El límite oeste es el final de West Tieton Road en dirección sur hasta el bloque 3600 de Cowiche Mill Road.  Para conocer los límites de la evacuación, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina de Emergencias del Condado de Yakima: www.facebook.com/YakimaCountyOEM/.

• La US Hwy 12 permanece cerrada por varios motivos entre la Y de la Hwy 410 y el cumbre del collado en el punto kilométrico 151.
• Cierre de la zona de incendios del Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.
• La Región Sureste del Departamento de Recursos Naturales del Estado de Washington (DNR) ha cerrado temporalmente el Bosque Estatal de Ahtanum debido al aumento de la actividad del incendio adyacente Retreat Fire que quemando cerca de Rimrock Lake. El público puede acceder a la información más actualizada sobre cierres en www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.
• El Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington ha cerrado al público la mayor parte de la zona de Oak Creek debido al incendio de Retreat, que permanecerá cerrada hasta el 23 de agosto para garantizar la seguridad pública y facilitar las labores de extinción. Encontrará más información en Áreas silvestres | Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington.

Las agencias federales, estatales y locales de gestión de incendios forestales y la Administración Federal de Aviación (FAA) instan a los ciudadanos a no volar "sistemas aéreos no tripulados (UAS)" o drones sobre la zona de Retreat Fire. Los vuelos no autorizados de drones plantean graves riesgos para la seguridad de los bomberos y de los ciudadanos, así como para la eficacia de las operaciones de extinción de incendios forestales. Los incendios forestales son una "zona de exclusión aérea" para los drones. Si vuelas, ¡NOPODEMOS!

Falls and Telephone Fires Update for July 27, 2024  

Falls Fire Quick Facts:  

Size: 141,989  

Start Date: July 10, 2024 

Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, OR 

Containment: 57% 

Total Personnel: 1,492 

Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Structures Triaged: Residences: 386; Commercial: 119 Outbuildings: 760 

Resources Assigned: 43 hand crews, 74 engines, 23 bulldozers, 33 water tenders 

Aerial resources available to the fire: 2 helicopters assigned

Telephone Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 15,190 Start Date: July 22, 2024          Location: 12 miles NE of Burns, OR 

Containment: 0% Total Personnel: Staffed by Falls Fire personnel   Cause: Lightning/Natural 

New Fire Activity Quick Facts: 

Whiskey Mountain: 2,565 acres; Cow Creek: 85 acres; Sand: 2,733 acres; Parasol: 353 acres; Poison: 39.6 

A Community Meeting will be held on Sunday, July 28 at 3 pm at the Seneca City Hall with updates on the Falls, Telephone and other fires in the area. 

Fire Summary:  On Friday, an inversion kept haze and smoke over the Falls, Telephone and other smaller fires in the area.  Heavy smoke created unhealthy air quality through the day. An inversion reduces additional heat to a fire, giving firefighters the chance to work directly on the fire, reducing fire spread.

The Telephone Fire was very active Friday. The fire crossed FSR28 and pushed to the southeast at Pujade Rd and the Cows Creek area. The Falls Fire held steady with minimal changes in spite of afternoon winds and extremely dry fuels. The most significant activity during the last few days has been new starts due to lighting and high winds associated with thunderstorms.  Evacuation levels remain in place due to fire activity on the Telephone Fire and smaller starts in the area.

Falls Fire: Over the past 24 hours, the fire experienced minimal fire activity. On Friday, no growth was reported on the southern portion of the fire. The team used infrared (IR) to identify and address areas of heat as well as along the west side. Firefighters focused on containment and mop up operations. Crews worked hard to hold existing line and ensure the fire stays in place. Westerly winds pushed the Whiskey Fire, burning on the western side of the Falls Fire, back into the Falls’ perimeter. Crews utilized the road system and contingency lines, previously constructed for potential threats, as defensive features to wrap the fire into the Falls Fire footprint. Along the northwest corner, firefighters continued mop up to improve the fireline. Westerly winds allowed crews to go direct and pushed the fire back onto itself. This work is in place to protect the community of Izze and other local resources.

Along the northeast portion of the fire, hotshot crews worked with the support of dozers and water dropping aircraft to navigate the challenging terrain and other geographic features. Crews spent the day stitching together handline and roadways, making progress towards completing control lines along the northeast and eastern edge.

OSFM crews also continued to patrol the area to the NE of the Falls Fire near Silvies Ranch and throughout the Highway 395 corridor. This work continued overnight, with crews continuously patrolling, assisting wildland partners, and addressing structural protection needs.

Saturday, crews will continue improving the work completed on the south end of the Falls Fire with mop up and holding. Work on the Whiskey Mountain Fire includes prep of the FSR43 for possible firing operations.

On the Sand Fire, crews fought difficult terrain and have held the fire along FSR3160. Ground crews were assisted by air resources and made steady progress on Friday.  Resources worked to wrap the fire into the Falls Fire utilizing geographic and strategic features to contain the fire. Firing operations are planned for Saturday.

The Parasol Fire had no new growth on Friday and crews secured dozer line around its perimeter. The fire remains at approximately 393 acres. The nearby Poison Fire, which sits in more challenging terrain grew to about 39 acres. Firefighters were able to go direct due to the inversion. Air resources were engaged and assisted with suppression efforts on both Parasol and Poison. This area also had several small additional starts on Friday, which were mitigated as they were identified. On Saturday, OSFM resources will be extending operations to the east of these fires, surveying and prepping additional structures. They will be rechecking and strengthening the substantial work that has been completed in structural areas over the last several weeks. Crews will continue to reinforce containment line and will employ indirect and direct opportunities to get line around the entire fire.

Telephone Fire: The fire continued to have active fire behavior on Friday with running, torching and spotting observed. The fire is currently burning in East Canyon. The most significant spot fire, located to the northeast of the main fire, is approximately 20 acres. Wildland crews established a dozer line and will continue to use firing tactics today to remove fuels ahead of the active fire. Structure crews also expanded surveys, wrapped up preparations on structures and provided protection to buildings east of Highway 395 and along the southern edge of the Telephone Fire.  Wildland and structural crews remained actively engaged overnight. Saturday, firefighters are working to secure line along the 28 Road, handling slop over and mop up. To the east of the 28 Road, crews are holding and preparing for the north wind expected later Saturday.

Today, OSFM crews will continue to coordinate with wildland resources to protect structure and focus efforts on keeping fire away from populated area to the south and east. Crews will also be assessing and preparing structures along the east side of FSR28.

The OSFM California resources have been demobilized due to increased wildfire activity within their own state. They have been replaced by two Task Forces from Utah. Saturday will be the last assigned day for all OSFM resources, as structural protection needs have been reduced thanks to the cooperative efforts of OSFM and wildland crews. The remaining OSFM Task Forces and the Blue Incident Management Team will be demobilizing Sunday morning. As of last night, OSFM crews have surveyed 386 residential structures, 686 outbuildings and 119 commercial structures. This means that these locations have been identified, assessed, and prep work has been completed wherever necessary, ensuring the best possible structural package for remaining resources.

As of Saturday morning, the Alaska Incident Management Team assumed command of the Ritter Fire, located approximately 30 miles east of Burns near Clear Creek in the Stinking Water Mountains. Two Hotshot crews are working on the southeast corner to establish containment line in advance of expected winds.

Weather:  Smoky conditions will continue through the morning Saturday with poor visibility. An inversion layer will stick around today and is expected to lift by early afternoon. Temperatures will remain similar to Friday and will stay in the mid-80’s. Skies will generally be clear by afternoon. Diurnal northwesterly winds will transition to the north, bringing in a weak disturbance this afternoon and wind gusts between 20-25 mph are anticipated across the fire area.

Evacuations: Evacuations remain in place in both Grant and Harney Counties and have expanded to include Level 3 evacuations due to the Telephone, Parasol and Poison Fires. For the most accurate evacuation information, please visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map here: https://tinyurl.com/3zst4sjy, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.

Closures: Due to active wildfires compounded by extremely unfavorable weather conditions, limited firefighting resources and County Resources, Malheur National Forest officials have temporarily closed lands within the Malheur National Forest.

Investigation: U.S. Forest Service fire investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any tips or information pertinent to the start of the Falls Fire on the Malheur National Forest. Please submit any information that could assist fire investigation efforts to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov.   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/ 

Falls Fire InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire 

Telephone Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-telephone-fire 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov 

Harney County non-emergency evacuation questions: 541-589-5579 

Air quality questions: 541-573-2271  

Smoke Outlooks: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook 

Big Horn Fire

 10:00 AM, July 27, 2024

Estimated size: 49,585 acres

Containment: 38%

Start Date/Time: 7/22/2024 at 1:07 PM

Area of Origin: 7 miles SE of Bickleton, WA

Cause: Undetermined                                                                 

Structures Damaged: 4

Update: 

Overnight operations had a night of cooler temperatures and minimal winds.  The crews worked hard to improve lines on the fire perimeter. Nighttime operations bring the ability to visually see areas of smoldering fuels and hotspots. Crews were able to respond to potential flare ups.

Taking advantage of this morning’s fair weather, crews are working to secure fire lines and increase the percentage of containment. Winds across the incident will be 5 to 10 mph with occasional gusts around 15 mph. 

Community Meeting: This afternoon, Saturday July 27th, 2024, Klickitat County Emergency Management and Southeast Washington Incident Management Team will host a community meeting at 2:00 PM.

Mercer Ranches Inc. – Conference Room 

46 West Sonova Road

Prosser, WA 99345

Evacuation Levels: As of yesterday evening, evacuation levels have decreased.  Please visit Klickitat County Emergency Management’s website or check Facebook for the most current information:

• https://www.klickitatcounty.org/249/Emergency-Management
• https://www.facebook.com/KlickitatDEM911

Road Closures: The west-bound shoulder of Highway 14 will be closed, please drive with caution as firefighters are working in the area. East Road remains closed from the Town of Bickleton south to Middle Road. Alderdale Road from Linda Lane south to the intersection of Highway 14 remains closed. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Seasonal and fair conditions will prevail across the incident though this weekend.  Gusts up to 15 mph during the daytime.  

Smoke: Satellite imagery shows large swaths of smoke across the region.  With the large number of fires in the Pacific NW and continued westerly flow, smoke impacts should be expected in central and eastern Washington through the weekend. New Air Quality Alerts are in place for Klickitat, Benton, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin counties. If you are near fire locations, please stay up to date on evacuation orders.

While there are no current air quality alerts for Klickitat County, communities close to active wildfires could see air quality worsen as the fire and wind conditions change. Critical fire weather continues across Central and Eastern Washington; please continue to recreate responsibly as any fire starts could spread quickly. For more information on smoke and air quality, please visit: Washington Smoke Information (wasmoke.blogspot.com)

Shelter: At 10:00 AM this morning, the American Red Cross Shelter in neighboring Benton County will be closed.  We want to thank the volunteers that supported the shelter operations during the Big Horn Fire.

Resources: 38 engines, 11 water tenders, 1 helicopter, 4 dozers, 5 hand crews, 1 UAS module, 226 personnel total.

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