Start Date & Location: July 9, 2024,    5 miles south of York, MT 

Cause: Human, under investigation          Size: 15,033 acres          Containment: 52% 

KEY MESSAGE 

Evacuation warnings were lifted around the Horse Gulch Fire for all residents. Traffic restrictions remain in place on Jimtown Road and Black Bear Road due to heavy emergency vehicle traffic. Additionally, the fire area itself is still closed to everyone except emergency personnel. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest closure remains in place, which includes Vigilante Campground. The Bureau of Land Management Butte Field Office land closure remains in place. Drivers are urged to reduce speed around the fire area to eliminate conflicts with emergency traffic.  

CURRENT STATUS 

Yesterday to the north, fire personnel burned large pockets of fuel using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, in the Bar Gulch area to eliminate the chance of hot embers creating spot fires outside of the fire perimeter. Rollouts are a concern along Magpie Gulch, where terrain is steep. These large pieces of burning fuel can roll down hills posing a hazard to firefighters and igniting unburned fuel. Fire crews continued to seek out and extinguish residual heat along control lines on the south, west, and north portions of the fire. Crews began suppression repair along the southern flank to mitigate damage caused by firefighting activities. 

Today, crews will continue mopping up along containment lines to find and extinguish areas of residual heat. Personnel will scout, identify, and begin suppression repair on the south west portions of the fire. The structure protection group will perform property assessments along the 284 corridor to identify areas that will benefit from fuel reduction to create defensible space.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

Weather will remain in a persistent hot and dry pattern with temperatures today in the low 90’s and humidities in the high teens to low 20’s. A 20% chance of thunderstorms is forecasted in the afternoon bringing the possibility of gusty and erratic winds.  

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES 

Evacuations: Effective 7/19/24, all evacuation warnings have been lifted. 

Road Closure: Residents only access on Jimtown Road from Riverside Road to Trout Creek Road and on Black Bear Road. All other roads including Canyon Ferry Road are open, except roads within the fire perimeter. 

Forest Closure: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest closures remain in place around the fire area. Details can be found at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov)  

Campground Closure: The Vigilante Campground, within the forest closure area, remains closed. As of 7/19/2024, all other campgrounds are now reopened.  

BLM Closure: The Butte Field Office has issued a closure on BLM lands near the fire area. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mthlf-horse-gulch-fire/signed-blm-area-closure-07-14-2024  

The back haul of water handling equipment continues throughout the fire area. Good progress is being made in the repair of dozer lines. Work continues to improve forest roads by grading and removing hazardous trees. Work continues to strengthen the line in the Bear Hollow area. Firefighters will continue to mop up, monitor, and patrol other areas of the perimeter. 

Questions often arise concerning the loss or damage to the landscape as the result of a wildland fire. Contrary to what the fire looks on a map, the entire interior vegetation is not totally consumed. Fires burn at varying intensities based on many factors. The vegetation type and density, terrain, wind, time of day, and fuel moisture are some critical factors affecting rate of spread and heat level. Referred to as a mosaic burn, this is a patchwork pattern of burned and unburned areas left behind by a wildfire. The Silver King Fire burned in a mosaic pattern that will benefit the landscape of the Fishlake National Forest in many ways. It will, among other things, improve wildlife habitat, enhance Aspen regeneration, reduce excess plant litter, and slow encroachment into natural meadows.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has arrived and will begin soil burn severity mapping soon.

There is a 70% chance of afternoon thunderstorms today. Relative humidity will likely remain above 20%, with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. This will result in low to minimum fire behavior and limited fire spread. Air quality for most areas around the fire has improved. For more smoke information go to https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks.

The Fishlake National Forest has issued a Forest Closure Order and Stage 1 Fire Restrictions that can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/fishlake/alerts-notices. The Castle Rock Campground remains open to the public.

Size: 2936 acres
Containment: 83%
Total Personnel: 297
Structures Threatened: 416
Start Date & Time: 7-7-24 9:51 am
Cause: Under Investigation
Location: Southside of Lytle Creek

Yesterday, firefighters observed fewer signs of smoke with minimal fire behavior activity. Firefighters continue to maintain vigilance as they patrol fire lines and reinforce hand lines along the northwest corner of the fire. The fire size and containment percentage remains unchanged.

Significant progress has been achieved by fire suppression teams along the northern contingency lines. An unmanned aerial system (UAS) conducted infrared flights over the fire lines to detect hot spots and provide real-time information to ground crews. Fortunately, the UAS reported no hot spots currently threatening containment lines. Later in the afternoon yesterday, strategic water drops were conducted; however, air resources were redirected to assist with a new fire start on Angeles National Forest.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 will transition the management of the Vista Fire back to the San Bernardino National Forest on Sunday, July 21.

AIR QUALITY: 

Visit AirNow.gov for information and actions you can take to protect yourself and loved ones.

ROAD CLOSURES:

Lytle Creek Road is closed to the general public including all recreation areas north of Glen Helen Parkway.

EVACUATIONS:

None.

Note: In an effort to quickly communicate information on impending dangers, the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department and San Bernardino County Fire Department send high-speed mass notifications via telephone and text messages. This system is known as the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS). To learn more about this service, visit the website for more information: https://sbcfire.org/alertwarning/.

CLOSURES:

The Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts are authorized to operate on lands, roads, and trails otherwise closed by Forest Order No. 05-01-24-08. This exemption applies only to customers who hold a valid lift or pass or reservation with Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts for the area within the Angeles National Forest. The area closure remains in effect to protect the public and firefighters who are working in the area of the Vista Fire. 

Closure order in effect on the San Bernardino National Forest and the Angeles National Forest. Several roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, and dispersed recreation areas are closed to the public to provide for firefighter, community and public safety. Recreation activities are prohibited within the closure area. More information about the closure order is available on the national forest websites at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sbnf/alerts-notices and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

The San Bernardino National Forest has implemented increased fire restrictions. Campfires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the Forest Order.

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CLOSURE AREA: The closure area is located within the State of Oregon, Lane and Linn 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. This includes FS Road 15 where it is the boundary of this closure order. Recreation sites, trails and campgrounds closed by this order are depicted in “Exhibit B”. 

Area Closure Description: The closure boundary starts at the junction of FS Road 15 and Hwy 126 and proceeds north along FS Road 15 all the way to the Sweet Home Ranger District and McKenzie River Ranger District boundary. The closure then follows that boundary west and then south to Simmonds Creek. The closure then follows Simmonds Creek south until it aligns with FS Road 2620-122 and continues south down FS Road 2620-122 until it reaches the junction of FS Road 2620- 125 and continues south along FS 2620-125 until it reaches Hwy 126. The closure then continues east along, but not including Hwy 126, until it reaches the starting point at the junction of FS Road 15 and Hwy 126. • Outside the boundary there is a small piece of the Tidbits trail and the Tidbits trail head that are closed. (

Smoke Outlook 7/20 - 7/21 

Eastern Oregon (Falls Fire)

Special Statement

A Heat advisory will be in effect today through Monday as expected temperatures are expected to be above 100 degrees. An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for Grant, Harney and Malheur Counties.

Fire

There are multiple fires effecting the forecast area. The Falls Fire is currently 117,020 acres and is 10% contained. The Lone Rock Fire is 83,922 acres and is 40% contained. The Durkee Fire is 24,269 acres and the Battle Mountain Complex is 3,750 acres. Hot, dry conditions will continue to result in active fire and continued smoke production across the area as multiple fires continue to burn.

Smoke

Smoke from multiple fires will continue to impact the area as high pressure results with hot dry conditions across the area. The most impacted areas are those communities south of active fires and this is expected again today. Burns continues to see UNHEALTHY air quality, south of the Falls Fire and John Day is expected to be UNHEALTHY for SENSITIVE GROUPS. Conditions will improve late afternoon as winds will clear the smoke and MODERATE conditions are expected in most locations. Sunday and Monday similar conditions are expected, however as fires remains active and the heat increases its recommended that people try to find places with air conditioning, stay hydrated and take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.

Acres: 11,162 
Start Date: July 11, 2024 
Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 404
Fuels: Tall Grass and Brush 
Containment: 51%
Resources: 11 Crews | 13 Engines | 2 Helicopters | 2 Bulldozers | 3 Water Tenders

Highlights: Gila County Division of Emergency Management along with the Gila County Sheriff’s Office have moved all evacuations orders that are in effect for the Black Fire to “READY” status. The following Tonto National Forest recreation sites will remain administratively closed to support fire personnel: Grapevine Campground, and Frazier Horse Campground and Group Site. Gila County would like to remind residents to prepare now; Gila County retains a culture of readiness year-round. For more information about Ready, Set, Go and to sign up for alert notifications visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. 

Tonto National Monument plans to open for normal summer business hours on Wednesday, July 24 at 8 a.m. 

Operations: Firefighters have made progress strengthening and improving containment along the northeast flank from Forest Road 341 south to the Black Brush Ranch to prevent growth during critical fire weather.  Crews and heavy equipment will continue to patrol the fire, mop up remaining hot spots near control lines; and start to repair and rehabilitate areas where suppression actions were taken, and clear hazardous snags and debris along roadways in and around the fire area. Light smoke may be visible at times, as interior fuels continue to smolder. As a reminder, residents and recreationists need to utilize caution while driving on the roads in and around the Black Fire as firefighters and equipment are traveling to and from the fire on state highways and roads. 

Weather: Overnight relative humidity recoveries have been around 50% and temperatures in the low to mid-80s. Afternoon temperatures are forecasted to be from 102-107 degrees with afternoon humidity readings dropping to around 20%. We will once again see scattered afternoon and early evening thunderstorms today, but the probability is low that rain will fall within the fire perimeter. The main concern with these storms will be the gusty and erratic outflow winds. Chances of rain increase Sunday and Monday as the overall flow becomes more favorable for storm development. 

Smoke: Individuals who are sensitive to smoke or have conditions aggravated by smoke are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/  allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. 

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure for land surrounding the Black Fire. 03-12-00-24-31_Black Fire_Closure_Order. Additionally, the Tonto National Monument is closed. National Park Service Alerts.

Evacuations: For current evacuation information please call Gila County Emergency Management at 928-910-4009 EXT 1 or visit the Gila County Government Facebook page at -  https://www.facebook.com/gilacountygovernment/

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations. Citizens are urged to sign up for the Gila and Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.  

Buckhorn Fire: 1,006 acres 

Start Date: July 10, 2024 

Cause: Suspected lightning 

Fuels: Timber, Brush, Understory 

Containment: 44% 

Resources: 165 

Location: Malay Gap Area, San Carlos Reservation 

Update: Saturday, July 20, 2024 Central West Zone Type Three IMT To Command Buckhorn Fire 

Highlight: The Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team has taken command of the Buckhorn Fire as of 0600 today. Thanks to the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two for their hard work. 

Overview: Yesterday, on the Buckhorn Fire, firefighters began to construct handline to connect two dozer lines near Bull Ridge. Crews worked for as long as safely possible until lightning forced them to withdraw. Firefighters also responded to several new starts along Route 8, toward Point of Pines, and quickly extinguished the fires. Today, firefighters will work to continue to construct handlines and monitor weather conditions. Defensive burning operations are still planned, but crews must wait until the fuel conditions are more favorable. 

Weather: Yesterday brought a little rain to the Buckhorn Fire. Rain fell heaviest on the eastern side of the fire with amounts between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch. The storms also brought a lot of lightning, which forced crews to disengage from the fire for their safety. There is a 70 percent chance of storms today, with temperatures in the 80s and west/southwest winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour. 

Reminder: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Due to extreme drought, increasing temperatures, and no rain predicted soon, the potential of catastrophic wildfire remains high. 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 

Nowhi ni’nlt’eego anlsih

Fire

The Long Fire has potential for large growth under strong afternoon winds. It is burning in steep terrain with no recorded fire or treatment history. No fire spread is expected on the Acorn and Packsaddle Fires. The Trout Fire is expected to have comparatively moderate fire behavior. Expect smoke production from both fires. 

Smoke

Slight change in the smoke patterns today. Smoke will return to mostly pooling on the lower Owens Valley in the overnight hours. Models indicate that smoke will continue to travel down the Highway 190 corridor bringing smoke in the late evening/early morning hours to the foothill communities. At this time, it is not anticipated to be in as high concentrations as Friday night.

BLACKTAIL CANYON FIRE

Incident Commander J. Willoughby
Location:  southeast of Butte, MT between Interstate 90 and Highway 2
Start Date: 7/19/2024 
Cause: Unknown
Size: estimated at 150 acres
Resources on Site:  8 air tankers, 6 helicopters, 3 engines, 1 type 1 “hotshot” hand crew, 1 type 2 hand crew

KEY MESSAGES:  
The Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department has issued an evacuation warning for Blacktail Canyon Road southeast of Homestake Road and Homestake Road east of Blacktail Canyon Road. This warning means residents should be prepared to evacuate but are not yet under an evacuation order.

The Blacktail Canyon fire is a developing situation and has the potential to change rapidly. Updates will be posted to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Facebook page. In addition, an Inciweb page will be shared once established.

CURRENT STATUS: 
Seven Large Air Tankers (LAT) and a Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) dropped fire retardant during the afternoon and evening hours. Six helicopters provided aerial support through water bucket drops to help cool hot spots. Engines crews, a 20-person crew, and other firefighters assisted on the ground.

Working in cooperation with the Butte-Silver Bow community 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 and Homestake Road areas. Local Fire Department engines provided structure protection in these areas. Additional resources, including three type 2 hand crews, have been ordered. As they arrive, fire managers and agency officials will collaborate to utilize resources to protect the prioritized values.

Firefighters are currently scouting for areas to access the fire and safe anchor points for fireline construction. Protecting life and property and ensuring firefighter safety are of the utmost importance. The fire moved to the south and east today.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire behavior was active throughout the afternoon and evening hours, with single tree and group torching and short-range spotting observed. Aerial observations included several actively burning spots.

Hot, dry conditions will persist over the weekend and into much of next week. Relative humidity recovery overnight will be poor, especially at upper elevations. Winds will be from the northeast at 5-15 mph. There is a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms over the weekend.