Pioneer Fire Update for July 17, 2024  

Incident Commander Jeff Dimke

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 12

541-861-5808, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov 

There will be a Manson community meeting tonight at 5:30 PM at the Manson High School. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Pioneer Fire Information Facebook page. Please submit questions in advance to 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov or via Facebook Messenger. 

There also will be a Stehekin community meeting tomorrow at 6 PM at the Golden West Visitor Center.

Size: 23,529                          

Start Date: June 8, 2024                     

Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA

Containment: 14%              

Personnel: 776                                   

Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Resources Assigned: 18 crews, 9 helicopters, 20 engines, 23 water tenders, 18 heavy The Pioneer Fire is burning within a mountainous and remote area on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Lake Chelan. Firefighters are using a full suppression response in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness to protect values at risk, life, and property, with firefighter and public safety as the primary objective. The communities of Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin are open and continue to welcome visitors. 

Operations: Firefighters capitalized on the successful Monday night firing operation around Round Mountain yesterday by initiating a limited point protection firing operation along Fish Creek, from the mountain’s north side down to the lake. This point protection operation was successful. Several miles away, fire behavior increased and moved into Hunt’s Creek, unrelated to the point protection firing operation. Firefighters also completed the indirect contingency line along Cooper’s Ridge toward Parrish Peak. 

Firefighters and fire engines from the Pioneer Fire have been assisting Chelan County Fire Districts 5 and 7 with structure assessments in and around Manson. They will continue to coordinate with the local fire districts to ensure accurate structural assessments and inventory data are available if the need arises. The forecasted turbulent weather today with gusty outflow winds may cause profuse spotting and high-intensity fire behavior in active drainages such as Flick Creek, Middle Fork Prince Creek (Cub Lake) and East Fork Fish Creek, which has extensive bug-killed and downed timber. Firefighters from the Pioneer Fire are available to assist with new initial attack fires in the area.

Safety and Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area. Details and maps are available at: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Drone activity is prohibited under the TFR, as helicopters cannot fly with unauthorized drones present.

Evacuations: The Chelan County Sheriff extended the level 3 evacuation up lake to Hazard Creek along Lake Chelan, now encompassing Safety Harbor to Hazard Creek. Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.

Weather and Smoke:  A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for dry thunderstorms and abundant lightning, and a heat advisory remains in effect. 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.

Acres: 11,102 
Start Date: July 11, 2024 
Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness 
Cause: Lightning 
Personnel: 445 
Fuels: Tall Grass and Brush 
Containment: 0% Resources: 9 Crews | 9 Engines | 7 Helicopters | 1 Bulldozers | 3 Water Tenders

Highlights: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the Black Fire today at 7 a.m.  Incident Commander Matt Rau and members of Team 3 would like to thank Central West Zone Type Three Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Benjamin Steward for all their hard work on the Black Fire that has set us up for success.

Operations: The Black Fire is burning in heavy grass fuel loading that is fully cured and in manzanita with low fuel moisture that is actively burning when wind and slope are in alignment. Yesterday, crews finished structure protection efforts within and around the Tonto National Monument, focusing on cultural resources in the area. Structure protection efforts will continue south of State Route 188 at Quail Run and Spring Creek Ranch.  Crews working the night shift will monitor and secure the fires edge around Black Brush Ranch and south along Forest Road 449A, keeping fire from spreading to the east. There has been little growth on the southwest side of the fire, burning in the Superstition Wilderness.  Helicopters continue to be utilized along the northern side of the fire helping to slow its spread and assisting firefighters on the ground.   

Weather: A chance of thunderstorms after 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Increasing clouds, with a high near 100 degrees. Light southwest winds transitioning to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight, there is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 86 degrees.  West wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Smoke: There is moderate to heavy smoke present from the Black Fire as well as other fires in the area.  Individuals who are sensitive to smoke or have conditions aggravated by smoke are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map  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.

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.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL INCIDENTE DE LA MAÑANA

Fecha: 7-17-2024 Hora: 10:00 am

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

Contención: 67%                                                                         Causa: Bajo investigación

Total de personal: 445                                                                Ubicación: Lado sur de Lytle Creek

Estructuras amenazadas:  416

Ayer, los bomberos continuaron las operaciones de patrullaje y limpieza y ampliaron las líneas de contención a lo largo del flanco sur en el Cucamonga Wilderness. Los bomberos han pivotado a las actividades de reparación de supresión y será la consolidación de los materiales y equipos para su eliminación. El comportamiento del fuego sigue siendo mínimo y no ha crecido. Las cuadrillas permanecen vigilantes y preparadas en caso de que se produzcan nuevos inicios.  La contención aumentó al 67%. 

“El trabajo duro y la profesionalidad de nuestros bomberos se está demostrando. El plan de hoy es continuar ese trabajo duro y mantener un ojo hacia fuera para cualquier nuevo comienzo”, dijo Scott Cones, Jefe de Operaciones del Plan.

El Cierre Forestal en el Bosque Nacional de San Bernardino y Angeles sigue en vigor para garantizar la seguridad de los bomberos y del público. El público tiene prohibido el uso de carreteras, senderos y zonas de recreo en la zona del incendio de Vista y no debe entrar en el bosque por Lytle Creek Road. 

CALIDAD DEL AIRE: 

Visita AirNow.gov para obtener información y medidas que puede tomar para proteger a

usted y 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:

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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Falls Fire Update for July 17, 2024  

Falls Fire 2024 | Facebook 

(541) 208-4370 Staffed 8 am to 8 pm 

2024.falls@firenet.gov 

The Falls Fire was less active yesterday than predicted.  The fire acreage is now estimated to be 91,269 with 0% containment. The fire is burning approximately 13.5 miles north of Burns, 15 miles southwest of Seneca, and 3 miles west of Highway (Hwy) 395. Hwy 395 was reopened yesterday at approximately noon.  Traffic traveling between mile posts 44 and 60 will follow lead vehicles through active firefighting operations. 

Yesterday, the fire was not as active and growth was relatively moderate despite predicted conditions.  Control lines along much of the south and west portions of the fire, along Forest Service Road (FSR) 43, held firm with only a few problem spots that were lined and mopped up.  Significant progress was made at the northwest corner of the fire along FSR 4310 where firefighters were able to “turn the corner” and build direct dozer and hand line. Along the northeast and eastern areas of the fire perimeter, firefighters were able to construct both direct and indirect control lines where conditions allowed for safe operations. At the southeastern corner of the fire, firefighters were able to keep the fire from coming out of the Lake Creek drainage.  Efforts to establish dozer line to tie into the Silvies River area over to FSR 3110 area continued to make progress. Mop-up operations continue along FSR 43. 

Aerial resources, including five helicopters, six single-engine air tankers (SEATs), two large air tankers (LATs), and two very large air tankers (VLATs) helped to slow the fires growth, and supported firefighters as they made progress constructing and securing containment lines. 

Today, fire behavior is predicted to be heavily influenced by multi-directional winds. There is an increased possibility of thunderstorms in the area which will produce downdraft winds. New line construction efforts will focus on extending line from the northwest corner of the fire moving to the east across the northern flank. Crews will construct direct and indirect control lines along the northeast and southeast flanks in the FSR 31 area.  Efforts to secure line between FSR 3120 and Lone Pine Road will continue.  Mop-up operations will continue on portions of the southern and western areas of the fire along FSR 43. Firefighters will continue to scout for future control lines to the north and east.  

Yesterday, Oregon State Fire Marshal structure teams were able to document homes and outbuildings that were lost early on in the fire.  Ten residences were lost and thirteen “other” structures were also destroyed.  The term “other” could be campground buildings, pump houses, sheds, shops, lean-tos and other small buildings.  Information for damaged and lost assets will be delivered to Harney County.  Community members with questions can contact the Non-Emergency County Information Line at 541-589-5579.  

Last night, OSFM night crews focused on the Lone Pine burnout operations and holding triaged homes along the southern edge of the fire.  Today, they will continue patrolling the Hines Logging Road and the Lone Pine Road.  Two task forces will continue to identify buildings and complete the triaging process along the 31 Road and Hwy 395.  Triaging includes establishing water supply, removing fuels near structures, identifying firefighter hazards, and supporting any burnout operations near assets.  Structure firefighters will progressively work their way north to the town of Seneca. 

There has been a significant arrival of resources on the fire to help with fire suppression efforts. Currently there are 1,413 personnel on the fire; this includes 48 20-person hand crews, 79 fire engines, 17 bulldozers, and 24 water tenders.  

Today’s predicted weather includes cloudier conditions with an increased possibility of thunderstorms in the general area around the fire that could produce strong outflow winds.  Winds in general are predicted to be erratic, shifting, and multi-directional.  Temperature highs will be 90 – 98 degrees and relative humidity around 15%.   

Evacuation notices remain in effect in Grant and Harney Counties. For the most accurate evacuation information, please visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map here: https://tinyurl.com/3zst4sjy, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.  

The Malheur National Forest issued a fire area closure. A detailed map and additional information about the fire area closure are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1188914. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area. 

Please continue to do your part to prevent human caused wildfires and remember that #onlyyoucanpreventwildfires! Know Before You Go and check for fire restrictions in areas you are living and visiting. 

Ridge Fire Daily Operational Video for Tuesday July 17th, 2024.

Facebook link: https://fb.watch/tnKGvKUREF/

**Silver King Fire Smoke Report - July 17, 2024**

Fire
The Silver King fire has burned 17,750 acres, with minimal
fire growth over the last few days. Containment has
increased to 20%. Moderate to active fire behavior
continues. Firefighters continue building and reinforcing
firelines and protecting structures in further suppression
efforts.

Smoke
Yesterday, air quality for most areas around the fire wavered
between GOOD and MODERATE. Similar conditions are
expected today, as fire activity is expected to be similar and
winds are expected to be light. Thunderstorms are possible,
and if they do develop, gusty winds may increase smoke
production for a short amount of time.

Actions to take
Your animals can be impacted by smoke, too. Long exposure
to lower levels of smoke can irritate animals’ eyes and
lungs. If it’s smoky, consider limiting strenuous activity, and
provide plenty of drinking water to your animals. Limit dust
exposure by using low dust or dust-free feeds. Make sure to
take care of yourself too by limiting exposure or using an
N95 mask while tending to your animals.

Watch Fire: 2,162 acres 

Start Date: July 10, 2024

Cause: Human Caused, Under Investigation

Fuels:  Cottonwood, Brush, Understory

Containment:  100%

Resources: 148

Location: 7 Mile and Peridot Districts, San Carlos Reservation 

100% Containment Achieved on the Watch Fire

Overview: Yesterday, the final piece of containment line was secured around the Watch Fire bringing the total containment to 100 percent. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor around structures and the fire perimeter today. Smoke may still be visible occasionally within the containment lines.

Weather: The Watch Fire is expected to see temperatures around 100-105 degrees in lower elevations with light west/southwest winds between 5-15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Storm cells will continue to develop erratically with a high probability of lightning which may cause new fire starts.

Safety: Additional fire personnel are available to respond to any new fires which may occur in the area. Please do not fly drones anywhere near the fire. Drones can endanger firefighting aircraft. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. 

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 asteele@forestry.scatnsn.gov or wsteele@forestry.scatnsn.gov. 

Evacuations: The following communities remain at “SET” (be alert) Status: 

• Lower Seven Mile Wash, 
• New Moonbase,
• Farmers Station, 
• Downtown San Carlos, and
• Peridot Siding. 

Residents are asked to avoid burned structures due to hazardous materials that may have long term health effects. For more information, call the San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission (TERC) at 928-475-2008 or visit the TERC or the San Carlos Police Department Facebook pages. See below. 

**Silver King Fire Daily Update - July 17, 2024**

The fire perimeter has not grown significantly over the last several days, so the fire footprint has not significantly changed. On Tuesday five Hot Shot crews were strategically assigned to engage the fire in the steep and difficult terrain in the Deer Creek drainage, today there will be four crews to continue the effort. Good progress has been made securing the line on the fire’s edge from Beaver Creek to Bullion Canyon, firefighters continue to mop up, as well as monitor and patrol the line. To allow for public access on forest service roads after the fire, hazardous trees are being removed and the roads graded.

Night operations continue in the Bullion Canyon area to protect the Marysvale watershed and Miners Park historic area. The natural barriers on the west and southwest sides continue to minimize fire spread.

Firefighter safety is the number one priority on the Silver King Fire, and all fire incidents. Late afternoon thunder storms, producing lightning and strong erratic winds result in safety watchout situations for firefighters. Several times during this incident, resources have been removed from the line to help ensure their safety. Despite these challenges, no injuries have been reported, and firelines continue to hold.

Monsoonal moisture remains in the area which will result in continued chance of afternoon thunderstorms for the next few days. Wind speeds should be less than what has been experienced during the last few days. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s over the lower elevations of the fire, and low relative humidities are around 17-25 percent.

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.

Acorn Fire: 5 acres - 80% containment

Packsaddle Fire: 47 acres - 50% containment    

Long Fire: 888 acres - 0% containment

Trout Fire: 6,643 acres - 0% containment

Total Personnel: 251

Current Situation: Hot and dry conditions paired with afternoon winds fueled intense fire behavior and growth on both the Trout and Long Fires on Tuesday. Fuels in the area are critically dry and extremely receptive to burning. Smoke from the 2024 SQF Lightning Incident continues to impact the surrounding communities. Firefighters have made great progress on securing the Acorn and Packsaddle Fires and as these fires are moved into a patrol status, all crews and resources are being directed to the Trout and Long Fires.

Acorn Fire: After working over the past several days to ensure that control lines are mopped up and secure, the Acorn Fire has been placed in a patrol status. This means that a majority of the fire is considered contained and that a local crew will monitor the fire perimeter today to ensure that there is no threat of flare up or escape. 

Packsaddle Fire: Activity on the Packsaddle Fire remained minimal on Tuesday with assigned crews actively mopping up hot spots and continuing to strengthen containment lines. The fire is 50% contained and firefighters will work through the day to hold and improve containment lines with the goal of significantly increasing containment by the end of shift.

Trout Fire: The Trout Fire remains active around its entire perimeter and showed significant fire growth yesterday. The fire moved east into Woodpecker Meadow and toward Smith Meadow. Firefighters started constructing control lines Tuesday along the Boone Meadow Road and will continue these efforts today with the priority of anchoring the fire’s western side. Crews have also been scouting and working on the northeast corner of the fire near the Bald Mountain lookout with the intention of holding the fire’s northern flank. Firefighters and crews will also be conducting fuels reduction and preparation work along the Sherman Pass Road throughout the shift in advance of the fire’s potential northern spread. 

Long Fire: The Long Fire was added to the 2024 SQF Lightning Incident on July 16, 2024.It is currently burning in the Domeland Wilderness south of the Long Valley Campground and near Palome Creek and South Fork of the Kern River. On Tuesday, when elevated temperatures and increased winds arrived in the afternoon, the fire overcame the eastern retardant lines, spotted, and spread significantly to the east towards the Chimney Peak Wilderness. Several hotshot crews as well as aircraft will be working together to anchor the fire’s western edge, construct control lines along the flanks, and try to stop the fire’s forward progress to the east. 

Weather: Warm and dry conditions are forecasted across the fire areas today. Increased southwest winds in the early afternoon will help lift the smoke inversion, but also improve conditions for fire activity. The warming and drying trend with critically low relative humidity is forecasted to continue into this weekend.          

Forest Closures & Restrictions: Lands, roads, trails and recreation sites around the Trout, Long, and Packsaddle Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-11. Fire restrictions are also in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. Both orders, along with accompanying appendices and maps, can be found on the Sequoia National Forest’s Forest Orders web page: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k.

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)