Over 800 lighting strikes in Oregon and Washington the night of July 17 led to numerous new fires. National Preparedness Level 5 was declared yesterday, meaning many firefighting resources are committed and the potential for new starts is high. NW Team 12 has taken command of the Easy Fire (20 air miles west of Mazama) and will manage both fires. Fire managers are requesting more firefighting resources, as they become available, to bolster both incidents. NW Team 3 arrives today to inbrief on both fires.

Easy Fire Size: 107 acres | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0% | Total personnel: 35

Dry lightning storms that moved through the Methow Valley started the Easy Fire. The Pioneer Fire dispatched aviation resources as part of the aggressive initial attack on this new fire, which was experiencing explosive fire growth. Crews remained on the fire overnight but weeks of extreme temperatures, record dry conditions, and dangerous terrain combined with no road access hampered initial response efforts. As of yesterday, the fire had not crossed the Skagit-Okanogan county line ridge. Firefighters are scouting the mountainous terrain to identify strategies using natural barriers and other suppression tactics to contain the fire. 

Pioneer Fire Size: 26, 137 acres | Cause: Human-caused | Containment: 14% | Total personnel: 782

Firefighters worked across the Stehekin Valley to strengthen, improve, and extend firelines while increasing hose lays to support community protection. Just north of Moore Point, firefighters constructed direct fireline to the lake’s edge and executed a successful firing operation to secure firelines. Helicopters dropped 110,000 gallons of water in this area yesterday to support firefighters securing the ground near Hunts Creek. Helicopters will be working water buckets today to cool and slow the fires as they support firefighters on the ground. If necessary, firefighters are prepared to initiate firing operations to protect values at risk, including homes and infrastructure. Resources from this fire remain available to assist with initial attack.

Safety and Closures: The National Park Service-North Cascades has expanded their list of closures: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. There are two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in place over the fires: https://tinyurl.com/wduxpesz (Pioneer) and https://tinyurl.com/mtxej9zj (Easy). Drone activity is prohibited within the TFRs.

Evacuations: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information. There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire though portions of the Pacific Crest Trail are closed.

Weather and Smoke: A Heat Advisory remains in place. Friday's forecast calls for hot temperatures, sunny skies and light winds with low relative humidity. Smoke should clear up some in the afternoon. Extended, near record-breaking heat, continues to dry fuels and contributes to heightened fire potential. The air quality outlook can be found at: https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Learn more about smoke at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. The fire marshal issued fire danger ratings and restrictions: https://t.ly/WLBds.

Durkee Fire was extremely active today spreading south, southeast driven by wind. Gusts up to 45 mph were detected. We are engaging where safe to do so. The Fire has crossed Huntington Road and is following the ridge. OSFM task forces along with other firefighter will be working overnight. Approximately 15 aircraft aided firefighting, dropped water and retardant throughout the day. Durkee Fire is expected to remain active overnight with dynamic winds coming from the north, northwest.

The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office posted new evacuation orders, including some areas being placed in Level 3 (Go!): https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02wvHdzAo9JXCrjzCBXv74kmMriEgoh7pyfBXry1UCW4DhkeBtzry9w1VARLhh86Rtl&id=100069245917855&__cft__%5b0%5d=AZW-pUu8G2Xs3JVrNGijAIJHcOsrZhg8ZFUk7HaXnTcRYRkbMIAdK2PTnCopA9-VOHint6PT0x6TQcASIHHb1y3a6Y2j-TKpzIBhfRMDw3A2PMEz1RarVHz6UOgc3LHvIYj8IXBIU1AsGG9Vju1rW5Kf9AkueZ2zMjpKRMB9NAi-4w0uy_0rHFSJTr1_VnfEynQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Contact Malheur County Dispatch at (541) 473-5125 for questions.

The Baker County evacuation levels, ranging from Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set), and Level 3 (Go!) also remain in effect: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0325RXDfFX9RyYAVHMY3jR8nu9rdjwqgWSWynfzoirRWR58unkpJrrFeQG5ArMKjtWl&id=100064434892363&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXBTecwImXKq3MDlYEYhm9_hPr7VkjurfAlRV8zuMI83dujdesj68I6YFBJClLD8Rv21NhgU84Qme6faFTQe9DFavvSU_riiM4y6BDJkoamPaJsoGKFyVUVOhApgY0ezwC8IFEkl2fPWIfj6lC1EWN6dfLvk07F3CRSWzMOqCNU9D-41JARJsxeGVZVVDh0tX1k50RRLYfXjC9syr1xhVxH&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Please join us for our latest public meeting to learn more about the Falls Fire's current status. 

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024 

Time: 3:00 p.m. 

Location: The Grant County Regional Airport – 72000 Airport Road, John Day, OR 97845. In the large conference room. 

Attend to receive a full fire briefing, ask questions and hear from local officials. The event will be live streamed.

The Durkee fire has advanced to the south at an alarming rate toward Brogan. It has jumped Durbin Creek road and is proceeding south along the ridge line North of Hwy 26. Residents on the north side of Hwy 26, just north of Thomaselio road and Hill road are advised to evacuate at once. This is the highest level of preparedness, or the "GO" level.

Fire crews are battling winds and environmental factors that make it incredibly difficult to keep up with.

All areas south of Lockett road and north of Hwy 26 should be at a level 2 or "Get Set" preparedness level. You should have your travel supplies and companion animals ready to go within 10 minutes of notice to evacuate. Plans should be set. Don’t go anywhere yet unless you need extra time to get out and travel.

If you need shelter accommodations, call Malheur County Dispatch at (541) 473-5125. Dispatch is very busy. Do not call for anything other than shelter accommodations or emergencies. We will send a similar alert when you can return to the area.

A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County, including all BLM lands.  For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/ or see attached for the Order.

Emergency Alert

Wildfire Alert from Wheeler County Sheriff's Office. Level 3 - GO NOW - Evacuate immediately 

from From Alder Creek along Hwy 19-207 E to Hwy 207 at the Heppner junction, Hwy 207 N to mile post 39. Alder Creek North to the Windlock intersection to include city of Spray.

OEM messaging.

“Attention residents of Spray, Oregon: Due to the ongoing emergency, all residents are ordered to EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. Please proceed to the designated emergency shelter located at Wheeler High School, 600 E 4th  St, Fossil, Oregon. Your safety is our top priority. Do not delay. Gather your essential belongings and pets, and leave your homes immediately. Stay safe and follow all instructions from emergency personnel.”

Continuing hot, dry weather, and worsening fire danger conditions have prompted forest officials to expand campfire restrictions across the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions go into effect on Saturday July 20, banning campfires across the forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Wilderness areas. 

Under the forest-wide restriction, the use of wood and charcoal campfires is banned; however, people will still be able to use pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, campfires or heating devices if no flammable material is present within three feet of the device. Devices must have an on/off switch or valve that can immediately extinguish the flame. Wood burning camp stoves will not be allowed.     

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions also prohibit recreational (target) shooting on the forest. The shooting restriction does not impact lawful hunting under tribal treaty rights or with a valid state-issued license during hunting season.

Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions for details on current restrictions.

Firewood cutters must also comply with Industrial Fire Precaution Level requirements found at fortress.wa.gov/dnr/protection/ifpl/

UPDATED EVACUATION ZONES - TEXAS RIDGE FIRE

As of 1200 on July 19, 2024, all Level 1 and 2 Evacuation zones for the Texas Ridge Fire have been lifted. Level 3 Evacuation zones have slightly changed from what was previously posted on Monday, July 15. A map has been provided for reference.

Level 3 Evacuations are still in effect for the Cedar Creek Canyon area. This includes house on Parsley Dr., Linden Rd., Sister Ln., Elk Ln., and parts of Cedar Ridge Rd.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL INCIDENTE DE LA MAÑANA

Fecha: 7-19-2024 Hora: 10:30 am

Tamaño: 2936 acres                                                                       Fecha/hora de inicio: 7-7-24 9:51 a

Contención: 83%                                                                             Causa: Bajo investigación

Total de personal: 396                                                                    Ubicación: Lado sur de Lytle Creek

Estructuras amenazadas:  416

Hoy los bomberos seguirán patrullando las líneas de contención. Dentro de la huella del fuego puede haber algo de calor todavía presente. Los bomberos van a limpiar los puntos calientes que representan una amenaza y se puede acceder con seguridad. La contención ha aumentado al 83%.

Hay un aviso de calor en efecto hoy y las condiciones cálidas y secas en curso aumentan el potencial de nuevos inicios de incendios. Los equipos están listos para responder a cualquier nuevo incendio.

Las actividades de reparación de supresión de incendios están en marcha a lo largo de las líneas de contención y de contingencia. La reparación de la extinción se lleva a cabo para devolver el bosque a las condiciones deseadas y mitigar el futuro impacto medioambiental. Para minimizar la erosión a lo largo de las carreteras, las cuadrillas construirán barras de agua bajo la dirección de asesores de recursos naturales. En la zona del incendio están trabajando equipos pesados, incluidas astilladoras, para reparar las líneas y las carreteras forestales dañadas. 

CALIDAD DEL AIRE: 

Visita AirNow.gov para obtener información y medidas que puede tomar para protegerse y proteger a sus seres queridos.

CIERRE DE CARRETERAS:

Lytle Creek Road está cerrado al público en general, incluyendo todas las áreas de recreación al norte de Glen Helen Parkway.

EVACUACIONES:

Ninguna.

Nota: En un esfuerzo por comunicar rápidamente información sobre peligros inminentes, el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de San Bernardino y el Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de San Bernardino envían notificaciones masivas de alta velocidad por teléfono y mensajes de texto. Este sistema se conoce como Sistema Telefónico de Notificación de Emergencias (TENS). Para obtener más información sobre este servicio, visite el sitio web: https://sbcfire.org/alertwarning/. 

CIERRES:

Los remontes de Mt. Baldy están autorizados a operar en terrenos, carreteras y senderos que de otro modo estarían cerrados por la Orden Forestal Numero 05-01-24-08. Esta exención se aplica únicamente a los clientes que posean un forfait válido o una reserva con Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts para la zona dentro del Bosque Nacional de los Ángeles. El cierre de la zona sigue en vigor para proteger al público y a los bomberos que están trabajando en la zona del Incendio Vista.

Orden de cierre en vigor en el Bosque Nacional de San Bernardino y el Bosque Nacional de Angeles. Varias carreteras, campings, áreas de picnic, senderos y áreas recreativas dispersas están cerradas al público para garantizar la seguridad de los bomberos, la comunidad y el público. Las actividades recreativas están prohibidas dentro de la zona de cierre. Más información sobre la orden de cierre está disponible en los sitios web de los bosques nacionales en https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sbnf/alerts-notices y https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices.

RESTRICCIONES CONTRA INCENDIOS:

El Bosque Nacional de San Bernardino ha aumentado las restricciones contra incendios. Las hogueras están restringidas a las zonas urbanizadas enumeradas en el Forest Order.

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