The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at EXTREME Fire Danger

CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

There have been five (5) new fires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest since the last update on Monday, July 22, 2024.  To date, there have been 15 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  Nine (9) of the fires have been declared out.  

Deer (July 25): The lightning fire is located approximately 33 miles northwest of Challis, southeast of Pinyon Peak on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  Loon Creek Guard Station is east of the fire.  The fire, burning in grass and conifers is estimated at approximately 75 acres.  The fire is burning on both side of Rabbit Creek.  The fire is burning in the 2006 Trail Creek Fire.  

Sheep (July 25): The lightning fire is located approximately 11 miles northeast of North Fork, northwest of Sheep Mountain on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 0.10 acre fire is burning in subalpine fir.  Two (2) firefighters are on scene working to suppress the fire.  

Joseph Pass (July 24): The lightning fire is located approximately 20 miles north of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 0.10 acre fire is 100% contained and controlled.  

Thunder (July 24): The lightning fire is located approximately two (2) miles northwest of Williams Lake and approximately 12 miles southwest of Salmon.  The fire is estimated to be 2,465 acres in size and is burning in timber, sagebrush, and grass.  Yesterday, the fire progressed towards Henry Creek and burned down the Henry Creek drainage to the Williams Lake Road.  Firefighters, with the assistance of Lemhi County Fire Protection district and Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office, burned out along to the road from Henry Creek to the south.  Today, a Type II hand crew is working along the Willams Lake Road mopping up the fire’s edge and a Type I Crew is going direct on the west side of the fire.  Aircraft will be used as weather conditions allow.  A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered and will in brief with Forest Officials this evening.  

The Lemhi County Sheriff has identified evacuation zones for the Thunder Fire.  ZONES 1, 2 AND 3 ARE NOW IN "SET" STATUS.  Information can be found on the Lemhi County website at https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/.  

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has a closure in place: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1196683.pdf.  The Bureau of Land Management Salmon Field Office has a closure in place: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/BLM_ID_IDF_Thunder_Fire_Temporary_closure.pdf.  

Visitors will need to stay East of the Boat launch if recreating on the lake. West of the boat launch will be the Primary Dipping site for the helicopters.  This will still allow for the public to enjoy the lake.  If you are recreating at Williams Lake near this ongoing wildfire suppression operation, please keep your distance ‐ don’t congregate in the area where the firefighters are at work and allow the firefighters to do their job safely and efficiently.  Forest officials as asking the public to limit vehicle traffic on the Williams Lake Road for the safety of the firefighters.  The Thunder Fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idscf-thunder-fire.  

Ajax (July 24):  The lightning fire is located approximately 13 miles northeast of Salmon, approximately one (1) mile northwest of Ajax Peak on the east side of the Carmen Creek drainage on the North Fork Ranger District.  The Ajax Fire is holding at 2.5 acres with only 1/2 acre of growth since initial fire detection.  Six (6) firefighters are on scene working to suppress the fire.  A helicopter is assisting with bucket drops when weather allows.  

Mayfield (July 19):  The lightning fire is located approximately 27 miles northwest of Challis northwest of Mayfield Peak on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 0.10 acre fire is burning in a single tree in a steep, rugged, scabby, and rocky terrain at approximately 9,000 feet.  A helicopter flew the fire this morning and no smoke was observed.  

Loon (July 7):  The lightning fire is located approximately 38 miles northwest of Challis in the West Fork of Little Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The five (5) acre fire burning in grass, brush, and timber is out.  

Weather:  ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 10 PM MDT FRIDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Dangerous fire weather conditions are likely this afternoon as humidity falls into the mid-teens and gusty winds are likely.  Humidity levels are a little higher on Saturday and winds are lighter.

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the EXTREME fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) and that portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  Since June 1, Forest employees have found and extinguished at least 13 abandoned campfires.  

Nationally, there are 104 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 7 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf.  

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‘USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer’

An updated US Forest Service closure order is in effect for much of the Chelan Ranger District north of Lake Chelan, due to the Pioneer Fire. Please see the attached official closure order and map for specific information on open and closed trails, roads, and developed campgrounds. The communities of Chelan and Manson are open and continue to welcome visitors.

Notices and alerts for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are located at: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov)

Washington State Department of Transportation

North Central Region- 2380 Euclid Ave. – Wenatchee, WA, 98801-5616 – 509-667-3000

TRAVEL ADVISORY

July 26, 2024

Contacts: Lauren Loebsack, communications, 509-667-2815
                 Aisha Dayal, communications, 206-482-1130

SR 20 North Cascades Highway reopens July 26 between Granite Creek and Easy Pass trailhead after multiday closure due to wildfire

WINTHROP – State Route 20/North Cascades Highway has reopened at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 26 between Granite Creek and Easy Pass trailhead (mileposts 148-157), following a multiday closure due to fire activity from the Easy Fire.

Fire crews have been removing trees and brush adjacent to the highway and will continue fire mitigation work in the area. Operations are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Work will require extended closures, with flagger-controlled traffic and pilot car with delays of 30 minutes to allow fire crews to safely remove trees and brush from the roadway. Travelers are still advised not to pull off the highway between mileposts 148 and 157 and to remain alert for fire response and maintenance crews throughout the mountain passes. There are no detours on Forest Service roads. Never pass flaggers or pilot cars.

Wildfire activity can mean quickly changing conditions. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center and @wsdot_north and @wsdot_east on X/Twitter and updates will be provided as available. Wildfire information can be found by visiting the Washington State Department of Natural Resources wildfire incident information webpage.

Hyperlinks within the release:

• Easy Fire: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire

• Real time travel center: https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/

• @wsdot_north: x.com/wsdot_north

• @wsdot_east: x.com/WSDOT_East

• Wildfire incident information webpage: /www.dnr.wa.gov/Wildfires

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11:00 AM, July 26, 2024

Estimated size:                    500 acres

Start Date/Time:                  July 17, 2024

Area of Origin:                     21 air miles east of Darrington WA

Cause:                                 Lightning

Fuels/Topography:               timber, rugged terrain

Structures Damaged:            None, there are no homes threatened at this time.

Evacuations:                        None

The Miners Complex consists of nine wildfires caused by lightning strikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The fires included in the complex are: Miners Fire, Vista Ridge Fire, Dolly Creek Fire, Sulphur Three Fire, Sulphur Four Fire, Sulphur Thirty-Four Fire, Upper Sulphur Thirty-Two Fire, Lower Sulphur Thirty-Two Fire, and Plummer Fire.            

Update: Fire growth on all fires were hampered by yesterday’s cold and wet weather. As the day progresses smoke will again be visible but minimal fire behavior is expected. Operations staff has been working on identifying objectives pending fulfillment of fire resources. With multiple fires in the area and nationwide resources being funneled to highest priority fires where life and personal property are at risk, staffing continues to be an issue. As resources become available identified suppression effort priorities will be implemented.

Weather: Sunny and dry conditions will persist today into Saturday, with relative humidities dipping into the 40s and 50s during the daytime hours. Some mid-level instability will be present near the fires during the afternoon hours today and again on Saturday, however good humidity recoveries will persist at night with onshore flow continuing into the weekend. Westerly winds will increase on Saturday, primarily persisting at 8 to 12 mph. Max temperatures  around 59.

Smoke: For more information on smoke and air quality please visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Closures: The following is a summary of the areas closed due to the fires in the Miner's Complex. The full Closure Orders visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.2 from Mica Lake to Suiattle Pass, Suiattle River Trail #784, Miners Ridge Trail #785, Buck Creek Pass Trail #789, Miners Cabin Trail #795, Grassy Point Trail #788, Sulphur Mountain Trail #794, Sulphur Creek Trail #793, Sulphur Creek Campground, and Sulphur Creek Trailhead.  Closure has been extended on the ground down valley to include the Downey Creek trailhead.

Campfire Restrictions: The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie will be elevating to a full campfire ban, even in developed campgrounds, starting Wednesday July 24, 2024 to help prevent human-caused starts in this critically dry period. Additional details at: www.fs.usda.gov/mbs

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11:00 AM, July 26, 2024

Estimated size:                     82 acres

Start Date/Time:                   July 17, 2024

Area of Origin:                      21 air miles northeast of Darrington WA

Cause:                                   Lightning

Fuels/Topography:                Timber, rugged terrain

Structures Damaged:             None, there are no homes threatened at this time.

Evacuations:                          None

Closures:

Campgrounds and Roads: Cascade River Road at and including Marble Creek Campground, Mineral Park Campground, and all tributary roads, trailheads, and trails.

Full closure orders available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs

Update: Fire personnel were able to complete the clearing and prep work of the 1590 road. Crews are now focusing on brushing and limbing the corridor along the Cascade River Road. Mineral Park Campground signs and buildings are wrapped, and firefighters are working on installing sprinklers. Operations staff has identified other objectives pending fulfillment of firefighters. With multiple fires in the area and nationwide resources are being funneled to highest priority fires where life and personal property are at risk. As resources become available identified suppression effort priorities will be implemented.

Weather: Generally benign fire weather conditions are in store throughout the period as onshore flow dominates. Mid-level instability will be present over the incident site particularly during the afternoon, but the influx of marine air will keep RH above critical values with decent recoveries overnight. West winds between 5 to 10 mph are expected. Max temperatures will be around 71, and relative humidity will be 37%.

Smoke: For more information on smoke and air quality please visit: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Air Space Restrictions: There are no air space restrictions at this time.

Campfire Restrictions: The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie will be elevating to a full campfire ban, even in developed campgrounds, starting Wednesday July 24, 2024 to help prevent human-caused starts in this critically dry period. Additional details at: www.fs.usda.gov/mbs

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Emergency Closure Order Now in Effect on Public Lands

Roseburg, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued an Emergency Closure Order on lands
administered by the BLM, Roseburg District north of the Scaredman Campground. This action is in response to
multiple fires currently active in the area.
 

The signed order and associated map are available online at the links below:
CLOSURE ORDER: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf

CLOSURE MAP: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624-map.pdf

This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect on BLM-administered lands as described in
the closure until further notice.

The Scaredman campground remains open and is not affected by this closure. Questions regarding this order may be addressed to the Roseburg District Office at (541) 440-4930.
For more information on Oregon/Washington Fire Closures and Restrictions, please visit:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/firerestrictions
 

For information about the BLM, Roseburg District, visit: https://www.blm.gov/office/roseburg-district-office
-BLM

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

ODF Teams 1 & 3 coordinate on Battle Mountain Complex Zones I & II, strides made overnight

UKIAH, Ore. – In Zone I, Firefighters on night shift were able to increase containment lines around the southeastern portions of the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I (formerly the Boneyard Fire) overnight, wrapping the southern edge of the fire from Top Road to Wall Creek Road. This work contributes to an overall increase in containment on the incident and will continue to be a focus for resources working on Zone I of the fire today.

Despite cooler temperatures and decreases in wind speed, fire behavior remained active along Zone I’s western perimeter. A spot fire approximately four acres in size was located near Ant Hill, but firefighters were able to quickly line and stop the spot fire’s progress before it could spread any further.

In Zone II, the eastern half of the Battle Mountain Complex, firefighters are taking advantage of the somewhat lower temperatures. With less smoke in the air, more assets are available to more portions of the fire.

“This slight break in the weather is really giving us the time and space we needed to dig in and get some work done” said Deputy Incident Commander, ODF Team 3, Bryce Thomas. “We’re holding more line and tying in key pieces of line to minimize acres. There’s a lot of work left, but we’re cautiously optimistic. I can’t say enough about all the hard work our firefighters and support functions put into this.”

On the southeast portion of the fire, firefighters largely held firelines with minimal growth. Crews constructed dozer line, completed some burn operation to tie together two divisions and began preparations for additional burning. Lines are holding along Highway 395 but many hazard trees and rolling debris remain along the roadway.

Along the southern head of the fire, firefighters continue to scout steep and bluffy terrain to tie together lines. Crews were seeing more success holding lines within the drainages, but the terrain continues to challenge suppression efforts. 

Along the north, firefighters continue to construct direct, tight line on the fire’s edge and hope to connect dozer lines today. Structural firefighters, under the command of the Oregon State Fire Mashal, continue to provide protection for residents along the perimeter. 

The 4,484-acre North Fork Owens Fire is now 70% contained (the complex stands at 5% containment).

Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit:

• For Umatilla County, follow www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
• For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.
• For Morrow Couty, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae

Public Land Closures:

The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands along the John Day River from Kimberly to Dale, and from Kimberly to Service Creek. More information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

The Umatilla National Forest has implemented a closure for public lands within the Heppner Ranger District and the North Fork John Day Ranger District. More information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1194462 and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.

FIRE AT A GLANCE
Total Estimated Complex Size: 151,013 acres
North Fork Owens: 4,484 acres
Containment: 5%
Cause: Under Investigation  
Estimated Cost: $7,500,000

All Resources 
Hand Crews: 45          
Engines: 75
Water Tenders: 34
Dozers: 30
Helicopters: 8
Total Personnel: 1,466

Order Number: # 01-15-12-24-16

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Helena and Townsend Ranger Districts

Area/Road/Trail Closure - Horse Gulch Fire

While you're out and about in Baker City, you may see fire information boards placed at some of your favorite businesses. You may also see one of our Public Information Officers posting updated information. Please feel free to stop and ask questions!

Information is being shared with staff or posted on info boards at the following locations:

• Albertson's
• Baker County Tourism/Chamber of Commerce
• Bi-Mart
• Safeway
• Dollar Tree
• Baker County Library
• Baker City Post Office
• Love's Truck Stop
• Truck Corral
• Oregon Trail Livestock Supply
• D&B Supply