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Graff Point Fire Final Update Friday 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Graff Point Fire
Publication Type: News

Cedar City, Utah– The Graff Point Fire remains at 544 acres and is now 85% contained. In total, 302 personnel are assigned to the incident. 

This will be the final update unless fire activity increases.

Fire behavior continues to be minimal, with smoldering and creeping. Crews and engines are still mopping up and “cold trailing,” feeling heat by hand, and an infrared flight showed no significant pockets of heat. Areas of unburned fuel within the interior could still put smoke up during the afternoon. Chipping operations continue along containment lines and will be completed by the end of shift today. Transfer of command, of the incident will occur Saturday at 6 a.m. to the Utah Division of Natural Resources. Two helicopters will stay on the incident and the hose lays will remain in place. Repair and rehabilitation work has begun in some areas to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Contained line are still being patrolled and monitored across the fire.

The weather pattern remains unchanged and afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible as moisture continues to build at midday over higher elevations. The highs for the day will be in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s with light winds and gusts to 17 MPH. Humidity will be as low as 20 percent. Yesterday’s winds on the fire provided a test on containment lines with positive results.

Evacuations and road closures will be lifted Saturday, July 20 at 6 a.m.

For information regarding evacuations, please contact the Iron County Sheriff. We kindly ask that you respect these measures and avoid the area. For more information, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ututs-graff-point-fire or https://utahfireinfo.gov 

For private landowners, information is available from the Utah DNR on reducing wildfire threats to homes and property. Homeowner Education | Utah DNR – FFSL (Forestry, Fire and State Lands)


Durkee Fire Update 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Durkee Fire
Publication Type: News

Durkee, Cow Valley, and Bonita Fires Update for Friday, July 19, 2024

541-208-4371, staffed 7a.m. to 7 p.m. MDT

2024.cowvalley@firenet.go

DURKEE FIRE: Start date: July 17, 2024 | Location: 5 miles southwest of Durkee, OR | Personnel: 88 | Fire size: 2,699 acres | Cause: Lightning |Containment: 0%

Yesterday, fire personnel worked quickly to develop a strategic plan to engage and suppress the Durkee Fire. The structure protection group was formed and has started structure assessments.  Firefighters were able to make progress in partnership with local Rangeland Fire Protection Associations on creating firelines. 

Aviation was used to help minimize fire behavior supporting crews on the ground. Throughout the day, there were about 14 aircraft dropping water and retardant helping to slow the fire so crews on the ground could make progress. Overnight, there was not much fire spread to the north, but the fire did spread about 5 miles to the south into Rye Valley. 

Today, firefighters will be working to establish control points to keep the fire south of Burnt River. The fire is expected to be active today because of hot, dry, and breezy weather. Fire personnel will continue to use aviation and work to establish primary and secondary firelines. 

COW VALLEY FIRE:  Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 303 | Fire size: 133,408 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 77%

Firefighters working on the Cow Valley are patrolling to find any pockets of heat to extinguish. No fire spread is expected, and fire behavior is characterized as smoldering. 

BONITA FIRE: Start date: July 11, 2024 | Location: 9 miles south east of Ironside, OR | Personnel: 0 | Fire size: 2,727 acres | Cause: Human caused |Containment: 90%

Minimal fire behavior has been observed due to suppression efforts, containment features and fuel consumption. 

WEATHER AND SMOKE: It will be hot and dry today with temperatures ranging between 97-108 and low humidities. Winds will be north, 8-12 mph. The inversion will lift over the Durkee fire this morning that will cause gusts to reach up to 30 MPH this afternoon. For current smoke information and air quality index, visit airnow.gov

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES: All evacuation order related to the Cow Valley Fire have been lifted. Check for updates on the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuations for the area around Durkee Fire. Visit the Baker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for more information. Baker County Sheriff's Office has closed Burnt River Canyon road to non-local, non-emergency traffic due to the Durkee Fire.

BURN BAN: 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/

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: There is a temporary flight restriction over the Durkee Fire, please remember if you fly we cant.

Cow Valley Fire Incident Website

Durkee Fire Incident Website

Cow Valley and Durkee Fire Facebook


Watch Fire Update Friday 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Watch Fire
Publication Type: News

Watch Fire: 2,162 acres 

Start Date: July 10, 2024

Cause: Human Caused, Under Investigation

Fuels:  Cottonwood, Brush, Understory

Containment:  100%

Resources: 127

Location: 7 Mile and Peridot Districts, San Carlos Reservation 

 

Central West Zone Type Three IMT To Command Watch Fire

 

Highlight: The Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team will assume command of the Watch Fire on Saturday. The team will begin shadowing Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two beginning today.

Overview: Unburned materials within the Watch Fire perimeter will continue to smoke as fuels are consumed. There is no threat to containment and crews will continue to monitor the fire. Resources assigned to the Watch Fire responded to a new fire near Cutter Airport. The fire was quickly extinguished and is believed to have been the result of lightning. Crews are available to respond to any additional new starts today.

Although the Watch Fire is 100 percent contained, weather conditions are contributing to high fire danger. Residents should always be “READY” to evacuate in the event of emergencies. Information regarding what to pack in a “go bag” and how to prepare for evacuations can be found in the Fire Evacuation Check List info sheet linked below. 

Weather: Yesterday saw some rain on the Watch Fire. Today will bring a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with temperatures around 102 degrees. 

Reminder: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. 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

Evacuations: All areas of San Carlos remain under “READY” status. For more information, call the San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission at 928-475-2008 or  visit (TERC) or the San Carlos Police Department Facebook

Nowhi ni’nlt’eego anlsih


Lone Rock Fire Update July 19 2024 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Lone Rock Fire
Publication Type: News

LONE ROCK FIRE UPDATE July 19, 2024

Location: Lonerock, Oregon west to west of Hwy 207 | Size: 83,922 acres | Containment: 40% 

Cause: Under Investigation | Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 739

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: On Thursday morning, a spot fire crossed Highway 25. Crews worked throughout the day to wrap the spot fire with line; however, the persistent afternoon winds fueled fire behavior, blowing the spot fire further south. As the fire spread south it moved from heavier timber fuels to lighter grass and shrub fuels which are more responsive to wind shifts. Active fire behavior persisted through the night on the southeast area of the fire. OSFM task forces engaged heavily on the southern front of the fire. Working from the Campbell Ranch on the southwest side of the fire south all the way around to the Morrow County OHV Park on the southeast side of the fire. An additional task force arrived last night and immediately mobilized to access structures ahead of the fire, including the town of Spray. The Incident Management Team is closely monitoring this situation, especially with the weekend forecast predicting hotter temperatures and shifting winds.

On the southern area of the fire, firefighters worked directly along the perimeter of the fire and established contingency lines around using a combination of roads and dozer lines. The contingency line on the west side of stretches from Big Dutch Canyon south to Forest Service Road 21. The contingency line on the east side of the fire runs from Highway 207 to Forest Service Road 25. The north area of the fire shows minimal heat, allowing firefighters to focus on the southern perimeter.

A spike camp was set up in Heppner to locate firefighters closer to the active fire front and reduce their travel time, with night crews resting there during the day and day crews resting there at night.

Today’s Activities: Extreme fire behavior is expected as the weather heats up to the 90s, and relative humidity drops. Crews will continue to work on reinforcing lines in the southern area preparation for tomorrow’s weather which is forecasted to bring shifting winds that will test the lines in the responsive fuels to the south. OSFM will mobilize two more task forces bringing the total number of task forces to nine. Structural resources will continue to work with their wildland partners to engage with the southern flank of the fire and protect structures near the fire perimeter. Structural firefighters are currently working three shifts to ensure a robust amount of structural protection is provided all day and all night.

Tomorrow, there are plans for a community meeting. We are currently working to secure a location and time. Please check Facebook and InciWeb for updates. The community is encouraged to attend and receive firsthand updates from the unified command of the Northwest (NW) Team 2 and the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Red Team.

 

Evacuations:

o Township 6, Range 24. A temporary 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.).

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

Gilliam County: residences South of Lonerock. An evacuation center is set up at memorial hall in Condon. For more information on evacuations, visit Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page

Wheeler County:

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. o Wheeler County: community of Spray.

Weather: Hot, dry conditions are expected to increase over the weekend. Winds from the north are expected today shifting east northeast tomorrow. The increase in temperatures and poor relative humidity recovery will contribute to significant fire behavior.

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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Buckhorn Fire Update Friday 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Buckhorn Fire
Publication Type: News

Buckhorn Fire: 1,006 acres 

Start Date: July 10, 2024

Cause: Suspected lightning

Fuels:  Timber, Brush, Understory

Containment:  10%

Resources: 145

Location: Maylay Gap Area, San Carlos Reservation 

 

Central West Zone Type Three IMT To Command Buckhorn Fire

Highlight: The Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team will assume command of the Buckhorn Fire on Saturday. The team will begin shadowing Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two beginning today. Reduction in containment is due to successful defensive burn operations. 

Overview: Yesterday, operations on the Buckhorn Fire were halted as nearly an inch of rain fell on the fire. Prior to the storm, dozers worked to construct a fire containment line near Bull Ridge. Due to the steep terrain, the line will be completed by hand crews as weather permits. Today, crews will be reassessing roads leading to the fire perimeter for firefighter safety and operations will continue as weather permits.

Weather: Yesterday, nearly an inch of rain fell on the Buckhorn Fire as a storm formed over the White Mountains and moved into the area. The storms are expected to continue today and through the weekend. Temperatures will remain in the mid 80’s with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Safety: Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. Drones may endanger firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t.

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. 

 

Nowhi ni’nlt’eego anlsih


Update Flames Reach Mesa 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Mestenas Canyon Fire
Publication Type: News

Crews continue to work the Mestenas Canyon Fire, which has grown to 350 acres with 0% containment. Outflow winds from nearby storms pushed two heads of the fire up canyon slopes onto Mestenas Mesa where crews are securing roads as potential containment lines.

The overall suppression strategy is to contain the fire using existing roads and natural features.

“It is too dangerous to send crews into the steep, snag-choked canyon, where the fire began,” Jicarilla District Ranger Jim Eaton. “We’re opting instead to set action points on the mesa where flatter ground makes it safer for crews to engage flames.”

Forecasted rain earlier this week has so far not materialized in a manner to slow or stop the fire’s steady spread when strong winds hit the area. Lower humidity levels, however, have mostly kept fire behavior minimal. 

There are no evacuations, but oil and gas infrastructure, archeological sites, dispersed camping sites and inholdings may be threatened if the fire continues to grow.

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.

Deadman Fire Daily Update 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Deadman Fire
Publication Type: News

Video Update: https://fb.watch/tqkZQZ5xvc/ 

Deadman, McGhee, Prairie, and Four Mile Fires 

Bureau of Land Management Montana-Dakotas State Office 

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation 

 

Fire Information 406-924-3831  2024.Deadman@firenet.gov 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-deadman-fire www.facebook.com/RosebudCountyDisasterAndEmergencyServices 

Friday, July 19, 2024 

Northern Rockies Team 3, Incident Commander Mike Behrens  

Location:  South of Birney, Montana and north of Tongue River Reservoir in Rosebud and Big Horn Counties 

Start Date: 7/12 and 7/13/2024 

Cause: Lightning    

Size:   Deadman: 18,927   McGhee: 11,409   Prairie: 6,540   Four Mile: 2,082  

Completion/Containment:   Deadman: 20%   McGhee: 9%   Prairie: 50%   Four Mile: 39%   

 

KEY MESSAGE  

Thursday was a very productive day for burnout operations on both the McGhee and Deadman Fires. The Flathead Hotshot crew carried on with burnout operations begun by the Craig Hotshots on the west flank of McGhee (along the Tongue River Road) and tied into dozer line on the north tip of the fire perimeter near Birney. The Mesa Hotshot crew, assisted by the unmanned aerial system, fired off large pockets of unburned fuel to create a black line on the west side of Hanging Woman Road, making it less likely for fire to back down with enough energy to spot across the road. They did protective burnouts around several residences as well. On the west side of the Deadman Fire, the smokejumper module continued to bring the fire’s edge to the Tongue River, a natural barrier to fire spreading west. A suppression repair plan was created for fireline rehabilitation on the Prairie Fire. Overnight, firefighters patrolled, mopped up hot spots, and watched for spotting due to outflow winds from the thunderstorm. 

 

CURRENT STATUS 

The main objective for today is for firefighters to secure and hold the areas burned yesterday. Crews may conduct additional burnout operations on the northwest side of McGhee to tie firelines together if conditions allow. Unburned islands still exist in the interior of the McGhee Fire, with the potential for spotting up to ½ mile. Helicopters will support firefighters as needed throughout the day to cool areas with intense heat with water bucket drops. On the Four Mile Fire, firefighters are cooling the remaining hot spots and patrolling the edges. Suppression repair actions will begin on the Prairie Fire today. There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area and initial attack resources assigned to these fires will help with any new lightning starts within the TFR. 

 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 

The fire area received little precipitation from the thunderstorms last night. Temperatures will be 8-10 degrees cooler today with relative humidity at 27 percent. Winds will generally be north-northeasterly, with gusts to 20 mph. Individual tree torching has the potential to create spot fires, which will readily sustain spread.    

 

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES 

In Big Horn County, an evacuation warning is in place for residents from the intersection of Dale Creek Road and East Fork Canyon Road, east to the county line; from the intersection of Dale Creek Road and East Fork Canyon Road south to the intersection of Birney Road and Highway 314; from the intersection of Highway 314 and Birney Road east to the county line. In Rosebud County, an evacuation warning is in place for residents along the Tongue River Road from the Tongue River Bridge at Wall Creek to the southern Rosebud County line. Look for specific closure information and maps on the Rosebud and Big Horn County Sheriff Facebook pages. An evacuation warning means people should be aware of and monitor the situation closely, being prepared to evacuate if needed as the status could change quickly. 


Basin Fire Update 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Basin Fire
Publication Type: News

Sierra National Forest                          

Basin Fire Update             

Friday July 19, 2024                          

Information: (559) 855-5355

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov

Facebook: @SierraNF

PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT:  132 personnel, 1 crew, 3 engines, 0 helicopters, 12 Heavy Equipment, and 7 water tenders 

CURRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire is 14,023 acres.  Fire Containment 100% effective today. 

A gradual warming trend continues in the fire area the rest of this week and into next week.  An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect Monday morning through Thursday morning. Isolated mountain thunderstorms are possible over the next several days, with best chances east of the fire. Daytime relative humidity will be 20% to 30%, with poor to moderate overnight recoveries, and mostly terrain driven winds. Temperatures today are expected to reach the high nineties in lower elevations of the fire area and raise slightly over the following five days. Winds are forecast to remain low, from the southwest at 9 mph, with gusts to 17 mph over the next five days.

Suppression Repair:  Suppression repair efforts continue throughout the fire area. Firefighters are using heavy equipment and hand tools to return fire areas to as natural a state as practical.

The Basin Fire started on June 26, 2024, and the cause is currently under investigation.  The fire is at 2000-4500 feet elevation, northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of the Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of the Kings River. 

Fire updates are posted on Inciweb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casnf-basin-fire.  With 100% fire containment and full firefighter focus on suppression repair within the fire area, the next Update and maps will be July 22, 2024.

 FOREST CLOSURE and FIRE RESTRICTIONS for the Basin Fire: To ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters, The Sierra National Forest has issued a Temporary Partial Forest Closure Orders No. 05-15-52-24-19 & 20 for the Basin Fire area. Effective July 10, 2024, the closure will remain in effect until July 31, 2024. We urge the public to respect all closure signs and barriers and to avoid the area to prevent any potential accidents or interference with suppression repair efforts. 

Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for the Basin Fire closure area map. Roads & trails in this area on the Sierra National Forest are CLOSED.

The Sierra National Forest has implemented temporary fire restrictions prohibiting campfires except within designated recreation sites. Operating vehicles off roads or trails is prohibited, and welding is prohibited.  Smoking is only allowed in vehicles, buildings and designated recreation sites. 

Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for more information or call the Sierra National Forest (559) 855-5355 during business hours for questions.


Speirs Fire Daily Update 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Speirs Fire
Publication Type: News

Moist weather is helping firefighters to actively engage the Speirs Fire, but forecasted hot and dry conditions are expected next week. While the weather remains favorable, firefighters will take advantage and continue to aggressively suppress the fire.


In the past few days crews made substantial progress containing the Speirs Fire. The stage was set by positioning a complex incident management team, establishing spike camps, and local community support. The highest priorities include firefighter and public safety. Two new wildland fire crews joined the fire yesterday bringing the total personnel to 347. Crews are building additional helicopter landing areas along the containment line to improve access and add support and potential medical evacuation options. Today crews will continue to construct fire line, making fuel breaks to contain the fire.


Great Basin IMT 3 is investing significant effort to ensure Dutch John residents, local businesses, and visitors to Flaming Gorge can go about their normal day with minimal disruptions. Currently, 41 of the 43 campgrounds in the area remain open. Only Firefighters Memorial and Greendale Group campsites are closed. Roads and trails in the Green’s Draw area are closed, see closure map for details. All boat launches on the reservoir and river remain open. Please visit Ashley National Forest Facebook page or the Speirs Fire Inciweb site for details on the closure order.


For more information on existing closures, please visit the Ashley National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ashley/alerts-notices. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area remains open to the public for recreational opportunities.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in effect over the Speirs Fire area. Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)/drones is illegal within the TFR.


Start date: July 13, 2024 
Location: Approximately three miles south of the town of Dutch
John, Utah and south of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Fire size: 764 acres
Containment: 20%
Total personnel: 283
Cause: Naturally-Caused, Lightning


Speirs Fire Information Number: 435-709-8209 (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.)


Horse Gulch Smoke Outlook 07 19 2024

Related Incident: Horse Gulch Fire
Publication Type: News

Fire
Successful management of The Horse Gulch Fire continues.Some limited burning continues in high wilderness areas
mainly on the north side. Isolated burns and smoldering within the interior will produce some additional smoke. Containment was up to 40 percent late Thursday.
 

Smoke
With light winds, MODERATE with periods of USG is forecast along the north side of Canyon Ferry Lake into the afternoon. Elsewhere MODERATE air quality is forecast from around Helena to East Helena and the southern portion of Canyon Ferry Lake into late afternoon. After dusk, smoke will settle into local drainages. MODERATE AQ continues across much of southern Montana due to ongoing regional fires.
 

Roadway Visibility
Reduced visibility along S-284 to the Canyon Ferry Lake south of the fire overnight and in the early mornings. Visibilities should remain one mile or greater however along S-284 and Canyon Ferry Road in the north portion of the Canyon Ferry Lake up to York. Outside this area no roadway visibility issues are expected.


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