Butler Creek Fire 

Start Date & Location: July 22, 2024, Butler Creek Road, Missoula
Cause: Human caused          Size: 307 acres          Containment: 15%

KEY MESSAGE
Regional fire activity in Montana as well as a surge of Canadian smoke has resulted in diminished air quality around the Butler Creek Fire area. Residents should take measures to reduce smoke exposure when air quality dips. Current air quality can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com and monitor the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office for evacuation updates and information. Drivers are urged to reduce speed around the fire area to eliminate conflicts with emergency traffic.

CURRENT STATUS
Firefighting efforts began early yesterday morning with crews building handline and dozers establishing a line along the fire's north flank. As the day progressed, aviation resources supported with water drops to cool hotspots and reduce fire spread while firefighters focused on constructing direct containment lines along the west flank, with engine crews following to spray water and douse hot spots to prevent flare-ups. Crews conducted “mop up” operations along the fire perimeter, systematically patrolling along a grid 100 feet into the fire's perimeter, to detect and extinguish any residual heat sources.
Today, firefighters will focus on locating and extinguishing remaining heat along the north and west flanks of the fire. Crews will intensify mop-up operations to secure control lines, cold lining/trailing (feeling for heat) up to one chain (66 feet) into the burned area to ensure the fire remains within containment. Containment is a measure of confidence that the control line around the fire will effectively halt fire spread.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Tuesday, a persistent hot and dry weather pattern remain over the fire area with temperatures in the upper 90s and humidity values in the teens. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch starting Wednesday for hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty winds, leading to low fuel moistures and serious wildfire conditions. Fuels will be extremely receptive to ignition and fires will spread rapidly creating dangerous conditions and high-risk situations for firefighters and the public. Outside burning and campfires are prohibited until further notice.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
Evacuation Order: There is an Evacuation Order for residents on Lavelle Creek Road and on the west side of Butler Creek Road from Lavelle Creek Road to Timberline Ridge. Residents north of Timberline Ridge and on the east side of Butler Creek Road are under an evacuation warning. The evacuation order issued for residents in the Indreland and Buffalo Speedway area has been downgraded to an evacuation warning. This includes all of Buffalo Speedway and Indreland Lane east of Buffalo Speedway, and streets accessed off Buffalo Speedway such as Kit Lane, Karamu Lane, Patinella Court and Brow Tine Drive. 
Road Closure: Butler Creek and connected side roads are closed to non-local traffic. Residents may use roads for necessary travel only. 

Blacktail Canyon Fire Update

Incident Commander J. Willoughby
Location:  southeast of Butte, MT between Interstate 90 and Highway 2
Start Date: 7/19/2024 
Cause: Undetermined
Size: 76 acres 
Resources on Site:  3 engines, 1 helicopter, 3 type 1 “hotshot” hand crews, 4 type 2 hand crews
Total Personnel Assigned:  179

KEY MESSAGES:  
The evacuation warning issued by Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department for Blacktail Canyon Road southeast of Homestake Road, Homestake Road east of Blacktail Canyon Road, and Passmore Canyon is still in effect.

The weather forecast calls for critical fire weather conditions through Thursday, with the passage of a cold front. A Fire Weather Watch will be in effect over much of western Montana on Wednesday, for gusty winds, low relative humidity, chances for thunderstorms, and an unstable atmosphere. These conditions increase the risk for new and existing fires to spread quickly. Fire officials are keeping a close tab on these conditions, as they affect fire behavior and subsequent firefighting operations. Securing the fire edge is paramount, in anticipation of the cold front passage.

The combination of these weather conditions, the volume of fuel in and adjacent to the fire area, and the amount of internal residual heat result in significant potential for this fire. The public is advised to stay out of the area, as crews and helicopters continue their work. Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.
CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS: 
An aerial mapping flight puts the fire at 76 acres, including a couple spots identified and suppressed by crews yesterday. The infrared guided aircraft assisted crews in locating and securing spot fires outside the line through residual smoke and dead and down fuels. Crews secured these “spots” by walking in a “grid” pattern along the fire edge.

Crews were able to complete sawline and associated handline around the fire perimeter, starting at the southwest corner of the fire in the Beaver Pond Meadows area and progressing northward around both flanks to meet at the head of the fire in upper Blacktail Canyon. The “hotshot” crews completed sawline by creating a pathway, removing dead and down fuels, and mitigating “snag” hazards. Additional crews completed handline by removing all fuels down to bare mineral soil and securing the fire edge. Crews will continue to hold and secure the constructed lines, “mopping-up” areas of residual heat, over the next couple of days. There is still a tremendous amount of residual heat in the smoldering fuels throughout the fire footprint. Crews have been able to complete these “mop-up” operations along approximately 20% of the southern portion of the fire’s edge so far.

These crews will again camp near the fire to decrease travel time back and forth, maximizing efficiency and increasing firefighter safety. Helicopters will be available for aerial support with bucket drops and movement of supplies and cargo through “sling loads.”

Working in cooperation with the Butte-Silver Bow officials, fire managers have identified and prioritized critical values at risk, focusing available resources and current efforts on the protection of the private structures in the Blacktail Canyon, Homestake Road and Passmore Canyon areas. (Local Fire Department engines have provided structure assessments.) 
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire behavior was moderate yesterday, with single tree torching, smoldering, and creeping observed, despite the hot and dry conditions. Residual smoke may be visible from numerous areas around Butte, as larger fuels consume interior to the fire’s edge. Winds will be more westerly today, with potential gusts of 25-30 mph during the afternoon and evening hours. Hot and dry conditions continue through Wednesday, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Wednesday’s conditions will be critical fire weather – hot, dry and windy with a chance of dry thunderstorms. Increased winds and showers enter the area, as the ridge of high pressure breaks down and a cold front moves through on Thursday.
 

Special Statement 

Convective thunderstorms are likely in the Outlook area today and could include strong outflow winds, heavy rain, and ground lightning.

Fire 

The SW side of the Trout fire was impacted by outflow winds yesterday and experienced an uptick in fire activity. Similar fire behavior is likely today with an increased chance of thunderstorms. Expected fire behavior includes group torching, spotting, and uphill runs. Additional tactical firing operations along the Sherman Pass Road may be conducted today to improve containment lines. Additional information can be found here SQF Lightning Fires Inciweb. 

Smoke  

Yesterday, smoke transport was impacted by convective thunderstorms and generally tracked N/NE. Today, similar smoke transport is expected; however, outflow winds from thunderstorms could cause erratic smoke movement. Expect generally MODERATE conditions in eastern foothill communities. The Owens Valley should see generally GOOD to MODERATE conditions as well; however, there is a chance for heavier impact in the Rose Valley area. Smoke will again pool overnight and should begin to lift by early afternoon.

Buckhorn Fire: 1,006 acres 

Start Date: July 10, 2024

Cause:  Suspected lightning

Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory

Containment: 51% 

Resources: 119

Location: Malay Gap Area, San Carlos Reservation

Update: Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Central West Zone to Return Fire Management to San Carlos Apache Officials

Overview: Road conditions from recent rains kept firefighters from engaging the Buckhorn Fire yesterday. Today, if road conditions allow, crews will work to strengthen the handline near Bull Ridge and continue removing brush along the 2030 Road. Due to the increased fire containment, decreased fire activity and recent rain, Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team will begin the process of returning management of the Buckhorn Fire back to officials from the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Transition of management is expected to take place at 6 a.m., Wednesday. Central West Zone thanks the residents and officials for their support throughout the duration of firefighting activities.

Weather: Yesterday brought scattered showers and thunderstorms across the White Mountains. Average rainfall was about half an inch. Temperatures were in the mid-70s with north/northwest winds of 5 mph, except near thunderstorm cells. This weather pattern is not expected to change for the next few days.

Reminder: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. This restriction is for the protection of public health, safety, property, and natural resources. No burn permits will be issued at this time. For more information call Fire Prevention (928) 475-2326 Ext: 352, 321 or (928) 961-0515 or email wsteele@forestry.scat-nsn.gov 

Closures: There is an area closure in place around the Buckhorn Fire. Closures are being adjusted based on fire activity for public and firefighter safety. Please monitor the San Carlos Apache Tribe Facebook Page for updated information. (Link Below)

Smoke: Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/

Fire Information: 928-588-4033 from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. –2024.buckhorn@firenet.Gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azsca-buckhorn-fire

Ko’ doo bena golde’ da

Firefighters work to secure southern perimeter of Boneyard Fire

MONUMENT, Ore. – Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1, Incident Commander Joe Hessel, took command of the Boneyard Fire at 6 p.m. Saturday.  At briefing Sunday morning he told firefighters, “Today we are going to hold what we’ve got and gain what we can, we are going to build off the work local resources have completed and look for opportunities to build lines that will hold”.

Romero Fire Update Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Start Date: Friday, July 19, 2024                                                                                                                      Cause: Lightning 

Location: 13 miles southwest of Kearny                                                                                                          Acres: 7,000 

Personnel Assigned: 176                                                                                                                                  Containment: 40%

Summary: The Romero Fire is 7,000 acres with an increase to 40% containment. Yesterday, firefighters worked along the western edge to mop up any remaining pockets of heat that might pose a threat to containment lines. Crews patrolled the fire perimeter while reinforcing lines put in place over the past few days. The dozer line was completed on the north end and tied into the Cottonwood Wash.  Multiple contingency lines were put in place north of the fire in the event the fire spreads past primary containment lines.

Today, the main focus is on the northeast side of the fire where the majority of activity has occurred over the past few days. Dozers will also be used to improve roads north of the fire to serve as contingency lines. There are no plans to conduct firing operations. Crews on the southeast corner will improve the structure protection around Haydon Ranch.

Objectives set by fire managers are being met due to the hard work of firefighters over the past four days. The Type 3 Organization will begin to release resource today so that they are made available to support new fires across the state. With this reduction in resources, the Romero Fire will downsize to a Type 4 Organization on Wednesday. The FINAL Press Release for the Romero Fire will be on Wednesday, July 24.  After that, updates will be provided through the incident information sources listed below when significant activity occurs.

The SET evacuation has been lifted for 3C Ranch. Residents in Pinal County can sign up for emergency alert notifications at: https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS---Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst to be notified in the event of future emergencies.

Closures: The AZT (Arizona Trail) is closed between Oracle and Kearny. Hikers should plan an alternate route. All road closures have been lifted. However, firefighters are still working in the area and traveling on Freeman Road, Barkerville Ranch Road, and Willow Springs Ranch Road.  We ask that anyone not having a need to be in the area continue to find alternate travel routes.  If you must travel the roads listed, please drive at slower speeds and turn on your headlights to be more visible.

Weather: Mostly sunny skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Expect temperatures to reach the upper 90s with winds forecasted 5-7mph. Gusty, erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms moving through the area.

Safety: A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) is in place over the fire. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect on State Trust lands in Pinal County. Restriction info: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/.

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-romero

Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

Facebook: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Texas Fire – Update

July 23, 2024, 8:00 AM PT

Information Line: 208-901-7295                                                                Email: 2024.texas@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-texas-fire

Date of Origin: Monday, July 15, 2024

Location: East of Kendrick, Idaho

Cause: Human

Size: 1,565 acres                                                      Containment: 70%                                                      Personnel: 189

Current Situation:

Firefighters completed initial mop-up around the entire fire perimeter, including the eastern spot, working 100 feet into the black from the fireline. Due to extended hot and dry conditions, many portions of the fireline are supported by water systems consisting of hose lays, pumps, and sprinklers maintained by fire personnel.

Crews will patrol and monitor the fire today, addressing areas of heat as needed. Interior islands of unburned fuel remain within the fire perimeter and smokes may be visible. Firefighters will check on visible smokes and take necessary actions to stop further fire spread.

Fire personnel will decrease drastically over the next couple of days as resources are released from the Texas Fire to be available for Initial Attack response and support of other large fire incidents.

Please be mindful of firefighters still working and driving within the fire area. Slow down for your safety and theirs.

Weather: Slightly cooler temperatures are expected today, though hot and dry conditions remain with temperatures in the mid 90’s. Light and variable morning winds will become westerly on the ridge tops and upcanyon around 5 to 6 mph. There is a chance for afternoon pop up thunderstorms.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area. Restrictions apply to all federal, state, state endowment, private forestland, and rangelands within the designated area.

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Circle Fire Update Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Start Date: Friday, July 19, 2024                                                                                                                      Cause: Lightning 

Location: 14.5 miles south of Kearny                                                                                                               Acres: 2,800

Personnel Assigned: 73                                                                                                                                     Containment: 35% 

Summary: The Circle Fire is at 2,800 acres and 35% containment. Yesterday, the crews focused on securing the southern and eastern edges of the fire. Firing operations were implemented in the morning to strengthen containment lines already in place. With the cooperation of weather and no production of thunderstorms in the area, fire activity was minimal. The afternoon saw minimal smoke production over the fire except in the areas where a small firing operation occurred on the southern end. Crews spent the afternoon and early evening patrolling the western and southern fire perimeter to address any hotspots burning near the containment line. These spots were treated with water and large, burning vegetation was moved well interior to prevent any possibility of spread over containment lines.

Today, crews plan to conduct firing operations on the western and southern portions of the fire as long as weather conditions allow. The objective is to clean up pockets of unburned vegetation that could ignite, allowing the fire to spread. The entire fire perimeter will be patrolled by crews and engines to ensure that any trouble spots are addressed quickly and do not pose a threat to containment lines. Aircraft remain available to support the fire for recon and suppression efforts.

Objectives set by fire managers are being met due to the hard work of firefighters over the past four days. The Type 3 Organization will begin to release resource today so that they are made available to support new fires across the state. With this reduction in resources, the Circle Fire will downsize to a Type 4 Organization on Wednesday. The FINAL Press Release for the Circle Fire will be on Wednesday. After that, updates will be provided through the Incident Information sources listed below when significant activity occurs.

Residents in Pinal County can sign up for emergency alert notifications at: https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS---Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst to be notified in the event of future emergencies.

Closures: The AZT (Arizona Trail) is closed between Oracle and Kearny. Hikers should plan an alternate route. All road closures have been lifted. However, firefighters and heavy equipment are still working in the area and traveling on Freeman Road, Barkerville Ranch Road, and Willow Springs Ranch Road.  We ask that anyone not having a need to be in the area find alternate travel routes.  If you must travel the roads listed, please drive at slower speeds and turn on your headlights to be more visible.

Weather: Mostly sunny skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Expect temperatures to reach the upper 90s with winds forecasted 5-7mph. Gusty, erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms.

Safety: A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) is in place over the fire. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect on State Trust lands in Pinal County. Restriction info: http://wildlandfire.az.gov/.

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza3s-circle

Twitter: @azstateforestry: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry

Facebook: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry

Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

LONE ROCK FIRE UPDATE July 23, 2024

Location: Lonerock, Oregon to west of Hwy 207 | Size: 131,407 acres | Containment: 40% Cause: Under Investigation 

Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 876

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orprd-lone-rock-fire 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4369

Email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov

Condon, Oregon — The Lone Rock Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy by the unified command of the Northwest (NW) Team 2 and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Red Team.

Yesterday’s Activities: Planned firing operations to secure indirect line resulted in mixed results based on terrain and fuel conditions along the fireline. Crews tasked with securing the fireline south of Forest Service Road (FSR) 21 conducted test ignitions and found conditions unfavorable to proceed with firing. However, these crews successfully conducted mop-up activities along the eastern edge of the fire from FSR 21. Conditions near the junction of Alder Creek Road and Highway 19 proved more favorable for firing operations. Terrain-driven, up canyon winds assisted in pushing flames in the direction of the fire activity; helping to reinforce planned holding features.

With the establishment of a forward operating base in Spray, Ore., firefighters are better positioned to meet their goal of protecting structures and the community. Additionally, the OSFM task forces were bolstered by two additional task forces from Utah. Crews continued to establish and reinforce holding features along the fireline to the north and west of the community. Two task forces were mobilized to the Boneyard Fire to support structural protection near the town of Monument, Ore.

Crews along the eastern fireline north of FSR 21 worked to extend pre-existing containment line south with mop-up activities. Along the western fireline south of Lonerock Road, strong northerly winds tested the line. Crews worked to hold the existing line and began developing contingency lines to the north. Structural task forces began structure assessment to the north of Lonerock Road to ensure appropriate protections are in place if winds push the fire beyond its current perimeter. Crews patrolling the northern perimeter of the fireline and the community of Lonerock, Ore. continued to observe no changes in fire activity.

Cooler evening temperatures supported night crews with continuing firing operations along Alder Creek. Crews worked to connect the fireline south to Highway 19.

Today’s Activities: Firefighters working along the eastern edge will continue to build direct control lines in efforts to extend from Burton Hill south to FSR 21. Additionally, indirect contingency line is being improved adjacent to Highway 207 south of FSR 21 to the north of FSR 25 in efforts to secure the fireline near Flat Iron Springs.

The two task forces that mobilized to the Boneyard Fire yesterday will return to the Lone Rock Fire today. An additional task force is arriving from Marion County bringing the total number of task forces to 14. Firefighters with OSFM will focus on supporting firing operations on the southern portion of the fire, protecting homes along Highway 19, and accessing structural impacts in areas that were previously inaccessible.

Firefighters plan to continue burnout operations to connect existing lines to the west of Spray, Ore. in Alder Creek, and along Lonerock Road. Point protection will continue along Highway 19 while crews work to ensure any unburned areas no longer pose a threat to structures in the area.

Burning operations will continue along the western fire perimeter to improve and connect control lines. Aerial ignition may be used to introduce fire in a controlled manor in the open flats near Notch Road. Aerial ignition utilizes a plastic sphere dispenser (PSD), a machine that releases plastic balls used to ignite natural material on the ground. PSD use could support ongoing efforts to connect fireline along the western edge from FSR 21 to FSR 25.

Along constructed control line, crews will proceed with mop-up activities to build containment. Task forces will work West of Cambell road to conduct structure assessment and clear the area of hot spots. Firefighters will continue patrols along the 40 percent of containment for any changes in fire activity.

Evacuations:

• Level-3 Evacuations – GO NOW! Level-3 Evacuate immediately for the following areas:

o Gilliam County: residences South of Lonerock. For more information on evacuations, visit Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

o Wheeler County: HWY 19 at Rowe Creek Road, south on Rowe Creek Road to Twickenham Bridge, to HWY 19 at Girds Creek, east to the county line, north of the county line to Morrow County line, west on the northern county line, south through the Kinzua area, south back to Rowe Creek

Road. For more information on evacuations, visit Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. o Morrow County: from the West County Line along Buttermilk Canyon to HWY 207, Mile Post 10 south

of Hardman to the south Morrow County line. The Red Cross will be setting up a temporary shelter at the Heppner Elementary School. For more information on evacuations, visit Morrow County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

• Level-2 Emergency Alert – GET SET! Level-2 Be set to evacuate at a moment’s notice for the following areas:

o Gilliam County: residences north of Lonerock. For more information on evacuations, visit Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

o Wheeler County: HWY19/Rowe Creek to Twickenham then Girds Creek/HWY 207 S, south on HWY 207 to Cherry Lane west to the Grant County line. For more information on evacuations, visit Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page

Shelters:

• An evacuation center has been set up at the Wheeler High School (600 E B Street, Fossil, Ore.). A large animal shelter is available at the County Fairgrounds (720 E 3rd Street in Fossil, Ore.).

Closures:
• OR-19 is closed between milepost 78.7 to milepost 95.2. For updated road closure information, visit

https://www.tripcheck.com/.

• Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-01 affects all National Forest System lands, trails, and roads that lay within the Proclamation Boundaries of the Umatilla National Forest and reside within Wheeler County.
• Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-02 includes prohibitions within the Heppner Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest.
• Bureau of Land Management Prineville District Office issued an Emergency Public Land Closure on BLM- managed lands along the main stem John Day River from Kimberly, Ore. To Dale, Ore.; and along the North Fork John Day River from Kimberly, Ore. to Dale, Ore.

Weather: Northerly winds are likely to continue through mid-week with a slight decline in gusts speeds from a maximum ridgetop speed yesterday of 25 mph to 12 mph by Wednesday. Terrain-driven winds are likely to continue to push up canyon and may lead to column growth. Warming temperatures will bring lower relative humidity. The incident meteorologist installed a mobile weather collection station at the forward operating base in Spray, Ore. The station allows access to real-time weather data to help fire behavior predictions and inform firefighting operations.

Smoke Information: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for local air quality information.

Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place above the Lone Rock Fire area. If you fly, we can’t. Unauthorized drone flights (UAS) pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger.

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