Cougar Creek Fire Umatilla National Forest Closure

Wed, 07/24/2024 - 11:46

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Cougar Creek Fire Umatilla National Forest Closure

Umatilla National Forest July 22 Fire Update

Fire Update (3:00 p.m.)

Multiple fire related area closures are in effect for the Umatilla National Forest including areas on the Heppner, North Fork John Day, and Pomeroy Ranger District. Closure descriptions and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb528676. 

Actualización del incendio Easy      
23 de julio de 2024

Datos clave:

Tamaño: 354 acres                       Fecha de inicio: 17 de julio de 2024      Ubicación: 17 millas al oeste de Mazama, WA
Contención: 0%                             Personal: 30     Causa: Rayo

Recursos asignados:  1 equipo, 3 helicópteros, 3 camiones de bomberos

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: El incendio Easy arde sobre una cantidad densa de restos de madera con abundantes árboles muertos y una extensa área de vegetación. El terreno tiene una inclinación extrema. Las continuas condiciones meteorológicas inestables, cálidas y secas del lunes provocaron un aumento en la intensidad del incendio que incluye incendios aislados o desplazamiento del fuego desde el suelo hasta las copas de los árboles. Los pequeños focos aislados, en los que las brasas llegan al frente del incendio, también han contribuido a la propagación.  El incendio Easy se extiende sobre el Mt. Hardy y amenaza el Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), mientras que se desplaza colina abajo hacia la ruta estatal 20 (SR 20) de la autopista North Cascades.

Mientras las empinadas colinas contribuyen con las actividades de extinción, los equipos emplean tácticas de extinción total que tienen las mayores probabilidades de éxito y minimizan los riesgos para los bomberos y el público. 

Desplazamientos de piedras, árboles caídos y el incendio activo cerca de la carretera obliga al cierre de la SR 20 para proteger al público de los peligros asociados con el comportamiento del incendio y las estrategias de extinción. Los equipos talan árboles muertos entre el extremo activo del incendio y la ruta estatal 20 para ayudar a limitar su propagación hacia la carretera.

El lunes, los helicópteros ayudaron a los bomberos vertiendo agua para ralentizar la propagación del incendio Easy. Asimismo, los equipos se encuentran estableciendo activamente líneas de control e instalando sistemas de rociadores. 

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: La extrema geografía del terreno evita el ataque directo sobre el incendio Easy. Los bomberos seguirán con la identificación y mejora de los cortafuegos indirectos que aprovechan las barreras naturales, como rampas de avalanchas y zonas quemadas por incendios pasados. Los equipos terrestres continuarán talando árboles muertos por encima y a nivel paralelo de la ruta estatal 20 para reducir los peligros y eliminar la vegetación que sirve como combustible para el incendio. Los bomberos refuerzan las líneas de control y siguen vertiendo agua sobre el incendio. Además, es posible que comiencen las obras de protección de estructuras de la histórica torre Mebee Lookout. 

CLIMA: Anoche, una capa marina del oeste trajo consigo humedad a la zona del incendio. El aire justo encima de la capa marina es seco, así que las condiciones cambiarán durante el día a medida que se mezclan. Con las temperaturas más frescas, se esperan ráfagas de viento fuerte hasta con una velocidad de 26 millas por hora. 

 EVACUACIONES:  No existen órdenes de evacuación para el incendio Easy. Cualquiera que utilice la zona para recrearse debe estar atento a su entorno y permanecer fuera de las áreas cerradas. Visite https://t.ly/QoH9w para tener más información sobre los niveles de evacuación. 

 CIERRES: La ruta estatal 20 se encuentra cerrada en ambas direcciones entre Granite Creek (MP 148) y Easy Pass Trailhead (MP 157).

 El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee tiene órdenes de cierre en los senderos dentro del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html.La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR. 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Actualización diaria del incendio Pioneer                                 

23 de julio de 2024

Datos clave:

Tamaño: 30,667 acres             Fecha de inicio: 8 de junio de 2024       Ubicación: 31 millas al NO de Chelan, WA

Contención: 14%                       Personal: 732                                                Causa: De origen humano, a ser determinada

Recursos asignados: 12 equipos, 7 helicópteros, 27 camiones de bomberos, 28 tanques de agua, 18 maquinarias pesadas

Se realizará una reunión comunitaria en Stehekin el martes a las 5 PM en el centro de visitantes Golden West. Asimismo, se realizará una reunión comunitaria en Manson el miércoles a las 5:30 PM en la preparatoria Manson High School. La reunión de Manson también será transmitida en directo en la página de Facebook sobre información del incendio Pioneer. Agradecemos que envíen sus preguntas por adelantado al correo 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov o a través del Messenger de Facebook. 

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL:  Los bomberos y equipos del programa Asistencia estatal contra incendios llegaron a Stehekin para implementar planes de protección de estructuras. A pesar de que frente frío que se desplazó por la región el lunes trajo humedad más baja y ráfagas de viento hacia el río, el crecimiento del incendio fue mínimo. Durante los próximos días podrían reavivarse los focos de calor restantes y aparecer nuevos brotes dentro de la zona de East Fork de la cuenca Prince Creek, en la cuenca de Fish Creek y alrededor de Cub Lake. En el extremo sur del incendio, los bomberos buscan focos de calor en la cuenca de Lone Fir y a lo largo de los cortafuegos mejorados en Nelson Ridge y Coyote Ridge. Asimismo, los bomberos del incendio Pioneer ofrecieron una respuesta inicial a nuevos incendios forestales que comenzaron en el área el día lunes.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY:  El personal de infraestructura en Stehekin trabajará con el equipo estatal especial para mejorar el refuerzo de viviendas y de los espacios defendibles en estructuras e infraestructuras. Al norte del incendio, los bomberos construirán una línea de "comprobación" justo al sur de Flick Creek que estará vinculada a rasgos rocosos naturales. Esta línea de comprobación ayudará a retrasar la progresión del incendio en la costa del lago. Sin embargo, debido a la gran cantidad de combustibles pesados y a la inclinación del terreno que lo hace inaccesible, no se espera que esta maniobra detenga por completo la propagación del incendio. Al mismo tiempo, los bomberos monitorean y neutralizan los focos de calor en la costa del lago. Los equipos seguirán mejorando los cortafuegos directos en Cooper Ridge y Antilon Ridge, al norte de Manson. La cuenca de Lone Fir sigue bajo monitorización para detectar focos de calor.

CLIMA:  Gracias al frente frío que pasó ayer, las temperaturas serán más frescas, pero los vientos sobre el incendio seguirán siendo fuertes. La bandera roja de advertencia se extiende hasta hoy debido a que se esperan ráfagas de viento y humedad baja. Se espera que se intensifique el comportamiento activo del incendio y de las llamas internas aisladas por la crítica situación meteorológica. Existe la posibilidad de ver columnas de humo.

EVACUACIONES:  Los niveles 1, 2 y 3 de evacuación alrededor del incendio Pioneer no han cambiado. Visite https://t.ly/QoH9w para tener más información.

CIERRE DEL BOSQUE: Cierres vigentes del Parque nacional North Cascades: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee ha emitido una orden de cierre sobre gran parte del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR.

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov 

Start Date: July 20, 2024
Fire size: 151 Acres
Cause: Human, under investigation
Containment: 0%

Whisky Creek Fire is located five miles southeast of Cascade Locks, OR and is within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. An infrared flight last night mapped the fire at 151 acres. Fire managers use infrared technology to detect heat and help track fire growth.

Crews made great progress clearing Gorton Creek Trail #408 yesterday. Today they will continue to improve Trail #408 then move to work on Herman Creek Trail #406 and Green Point Ridge Trail #418. Resources on the south end of the fire were able to locate an area to put in a potential direct handline along the south end of the fire and will continue to scout the area today.

The weather forecast today will be similar to yesterday but with reduced wind speeds in the Columbia River Gorge. The fire was sheltered from the yesterday’s high winds and experienced minimal growth.

Because of minimal fire behavior yesterday, Whisky Creek air resources were able to support a new fire start west of Mosier, OR where there was immediate threat to life and safety.

Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #6 arrived yesterday evening. They will use today to shadow the Type 3 resources and will assume command tomorrow morning, Wednesday, July 24.

The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are issuing a joint emergency closure for the fire area.
Closures:
• Developed Recreation Sites: Rainy Lake Campground, Black Lake Campground, Wahtum Lake Campgrounds, Indian Springs Trailhead, Warren Lake Trailhead, Wahtum Lake Trailhead, Mt. Defiance South Trailhead, Wyeth Trailhead, and Herman Creek Trailhead
• Trails: Gorge #400, Herman Creek #406, Herman Bridge #406E, Gorton Creek #408, Wyeth #411, Green Point Ridge #418, Deadwood #422, North Lake #423, Rainy Lake #423A, Ridge Cut-off #437, and Nick Eaton #447
• Roads: Forest Service Roads: 1310, 1310-640, 1310-641, 1310-660, 1310-661, 1310-662, 1310-664, 1310-669, 2810, 2810-630, 2810-650, 2820 beginning at its junction with Forest Service Road 2820-620, 2820-011, 2820-013, 2820622, 2820-631, 2820-632, 2820-633, 2820-634, 2820-635, 2820-636, 2820-650, 2820-651, 2820-660, 2820-661, 2820-662, 2820-663, 2820-670, 2820-685, 2821, 2821-620, 2821-621, 2821-630, and 2821-640

The cause of the fire is from human activity and is currently under investigation. The public is reminded that fire restrictions are in effect and campfires are prohibited across both Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area lands.

News Release – July 23, 2024 
Bridge Creek Fire

Firefighters worked in extreme heat and moderate winds over the past few days to increase containment on the Bridge Creek fire. Using hand tools, large equipment and a helicopter.  The fire pushed hard to the south and crossed the Bridge Creek road in a few locations, moving into dry grass and light fuels. Fire managers expect limited fire growth on this fire Tuesday, which will give firefighters the opportunity to shore up dozer and control lines around it in preparation for the dry cold front and winds arriving on Wednesday.

A bulldozer did roll over in rough terrain on the southwest side of the fire on Monday and fortunately, the driver walked away with minimal injuries.

Several roads have been closed in the fire area to keep both the firefighters and the public safe during wildfire suppression: 
Bridge Creek Rd
Keno Mine Rd
Upper Bridge Creek Rd
SanPoil Rd
30 Mile Road
FIRE ACTIVITY: The weather remains unseasonably hot and dry and a dry cold front is predicted on Wednesday, which will bring strong winds to the fire. Firefighters are taking advantage of roads and topographic features (ridges, roads, streams) to build strong lines in preparation for this change in weather. Fire crews are working both day and night as needed to take advantage of more favorable fire behavior and working conditions. A helicopter is supporting ground crews with bucket drops on hotter areas.

In addition to the Bridge Creek Fire, there are two other fires burning in this region. The Swawilla Fire is expected to be the most active of the fires. Please refer to the Swawilla Fire update for more information on road closures, evacuations and other information related to that fire. This will be the last independent update on the Bridge Creek Fire. It will be included in the Swawilla Fire update in the future

PUBLIC AND FIREFIGHTER SAFETY IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1191891 

Willamette National Forest implements fire restrictions 

Release Date: Jul 17, 2024 

Contact(s): Carla Robinson 

Open fires prohibited as Industrial Fire Precaution Level increases 

Springfield, OR – July 17, 2024 – As hot, dry temperatures and red flag warnings continue, the Willamette National Forest will implement fire restrictions and increase the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) to IFPL II. The new restrictions are in effect starting July 17, 2024, until rescinded. The Fire Danger Level across the forest remains “HIGH”. 

All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires will be prohibited outside of designated campgrounds under Forest Order #06-18-00-24-12. Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire is authorized in designated metal campfire rings or grills in designated recreational sites, except when the site is closed to the public. 

Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off. Generators are permitted only in areas devoid of vegetation, such as campground pavement. Motorized vehicles may operate only on designated trails and roads. 

Restrictions will also go into effect for smoking, off-highway vehicles, and chainsaws in campgrounds. Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. Additionally, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame is also not allowed. 

The increase to IFPL II limits the following operations to the hours between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.: power saws except at loading sites; feller-bunchers with rotary head saws; cable yarding; blasting; and welding, cutting, or grinding of metal. 

Please be aware of current restrictions and share information with others who may be unaware of the restrictions. As fire restrictions change, information will be made available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @WillametteNF for the latest updates. https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/ 

To report a wildfire, please call 9-1-1.

Crews on Monday continued to build control lines and conducted more firing operations on the Mestenas Canyon Fire, which has grown to 628 acres with 30% containment.

Containment was gained on the fire’s southern edge, and a ¾-mile stretch of Forest Road 312 was blacklined, which is when fire personnel burn fuels along a control line ahead of an approaching fire.

“Despite the complicated location of where this fire started, our progress is looking good,” said District Ranger Jim Eaton, referring to point of origin where lightning ignited the incident in a steep canyon rife with dangerous snags.

There are no evacuations, but oil and gas infrastructure, archeological sites, dispersed camping areas and inholdings may be threatened if the fire grows beyond planned control lines.

The lightning-caused Mestenas Canyon Fire was first reported July 11. It is in the canyon of the same name, about 14 miles southwest of Dulce, N.M., and two miles north of Highway 64, where smoke may cause limited visibility to drivers.

The public can keep updated on the fire by visiting InciWeb or calling a public information officer at 505-216-6793.

News Release – July 23, 2024 
Swawilla and Owhi Fires

The Swawilla Fire burned to the Peter Dan/Manilla Road and burned over the road to the east of the summit. It is moving northwest towards State Hwy 21.  Monday, the fire burned into the powerlines along Manilla Road, forcing the power company to shut down power for firefighter safety. This affected the community of Keller. As of Tuesday morning, the power is back on in Keller.

Several roads have been closed in the fire area to keep both the firefighters and the public safe during wildfire suppression: 
Peter Dan/Manilla Road
Swawilla Basin Road 
State Hwy 21 from Manilla Creek to Keller Ferry 
Keller Ferry

The Town of Keller is now in Evacuation Level 2 (SET) due to fire activity.

There is a tentative plan to move the Evacuation Center to the Lake Roosevelt School in Coulee Dam.

With the increase in people and resources to fight the fire, the forward operations camp as outgrown the space in Keller and is being moved to Owhi Flats near the intersection of Cache Creek Road and the Agency Cutoff Roads. Fire suppression crews will continue efforts in the Keller area.

FIRE ACTIVITY: The weather remains unseasonably hot and dry and a dry cold front is predicted on Wednesday, which will bring strong winds to the fire. Firefighters are taking advantage of roads and topographic features (ridges, roads, streams) to build strong lines in preparation for this change in weather. Fire activity increases significantly in the afternoon and the fire is expected to grow especially in the northwest edge. Fire crews are working both day and night to take advantage of more favorable fire behavior and working conditions. A helicopter is supporting ground crews with bucket drops on hotter areas.

Recreationalists are encouraged to avoid the Swawilla Fire area until the fire is better controlled. This includes water, trail and road recreationalists.  Please help keep our firefighters safe.

The Owhi Fire remains unchanged and is on patrol status. This will be the last update on the Owhi Fire.

PUBLIC AND FIREFIGHTER SAFETY IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

FOREST SERVICE 

WILLAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST 

SPRINGFIELD, OREGON 

ORDER # 06-18-10-24-18 

FOREST ORDER 

TIRE MOUNTAIN FIRE EMERGENCY AREA CLOSURE 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (“NFS”) areas, roads, and trails described below within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. Refer to exhibit A for the map. Also note the roads and one trail outside of the boundary that will be closed with this Order. This Order is effective on July 19, 2024, through November 15, 2024, unless otherwise rescinded sooner. 

PROHIBITIONS: 

1. Being on the road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e) 

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

3. Entering into or being upon National Forest System Lands closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)

 CLOSURE AREA: The closure area is located within the State of Oregon, Lane Counties, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closure applies to the NFS areas, roads, and trails and trailheads described below. The closure area is depicted on the attached map, which is incorporated into this order as “Exhibit A”. All areas, roads, trails, campgrounds, and rec sites in this closure area are closed. 

Area Closure Description 

The closure boundary starts at Tire Mountain Trailhead (Trail No. 3485), continues along the length of the Tire Mountain trail and terminates at the junction of trail numbers 3485 and 3450 (Alpine trail). Along with the trail closure described above, this closure includes FS Road 1911- 000 beyond the intersection with Alpine Trailhead #3. The section of the 1911-000 which is used to access the Alpine trail is unaffected by this closure. 

EXEMPTIONS: 

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1) and (4), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

(1) Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically exempting them for this Order. 

(2) Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

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 $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3551, 3571, and 3581. 

Executed in Springfield, Oregon on this 20th day of July 2024

Duane Bishop 

Forest Supervisor 

Willamette National Forest