Evacuations: There are currently “GO” orders in place for Tonto National Monument, Black Brush Ranch, Cross-P Ranch, Reevis Mountain School, Cottonwood Cove Picnic Area, Frazier, Windy Hill, Schoolhouse, and Grapevine Campgrounds. There are “SET” orders in place for Quail Run, Roosevelt Post Office, Lakeview Mobile Home Park, and Roosevelt Lake Marina and RV Park. Boat ramps at Cholla and Windy Hill are currently open. 

Closures: The Tonto Basin Ranger Station and the Tonto National Monument are closed due to the Black Fire.

Highlights: Crews focused on structure protection Sunday, including the Lakeview Mobile Home Park, ranches on the east side of the fire, and the Tonto National Monument. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Tonto, Coconino, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, as well as other jurisdictions. Fire Restrictions Map for Arizona and New Mexico can be found online at: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions

Operations: Crews improved firelines around structures on the northeast and northwest areas of the Black Fire, where it was most active. Aviation resources, including helicopters and single engine air tankers, were utilized on the northeast side to slow fire progression. On Monday, crews will improve forest roads for use as firelines and continue to use aviation to slow the growth in inaccessible areas.  

Weather: The high Monday will be 106 degrees, with 5-15 mph west wind. There is a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon bringing wind, lightning, and rain. Fuel moisture is critically low, and fuels are very receptive to fire. 

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. 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.

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 at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Location: South of Roosevelt Lake on the edge of the Superstition Wilderness

Start Date: July 11, 2024

Size: Approximately 5,982 acres

Percent Contained: 0%

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Tall Grass and Brush

Resources: 4 Handcrews, 1 Helicopter, and 6 Engines. Resources will continue to arrive today.

Number of Personnel Assigned: 230

Tonto National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire

InciWeb: Black Fire Fire email: 2024.black.az@firenet.gov Information Phone: 928-295-1514

Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest

INCIDENT MORNING UPDATE

Date: 7-15-2024 Time: 9:00 am

Size: 2936 acres                                                                            Start Date & Time: 7-7-24 9:51 am

Containment: 47%                                                                         Cause: Under Investigation

Total Personnel: 632                                                                     Location: Southside of Lytle Creek

Structures Threatened: 416  

Containment lines on the Vista Fire were tested again yesterday afternoon by gusty outflow winds from nearby thunderstorms in the east, which caused erratic wind patterns. Firefighters successfully maintained the fire within its current footprint while remaining prepared for initial attack responses. Today, hotter and drier conditions will persist over the fire, with slightly lighter winds compared to yesterday and no anticipated thunderstorm development. 

“Although the fire is not doing a lot of movement, there are a lot of moving parts. We have new equipment out there doing great suppression repair work. A hotshot crew is spending the night in a rugged part of Cucamonga Wilderness and will be putting in handline while minimizing impacts to the natural environment,” said Nic Elmquist, Incident Commander trainee.

Firefighters will focus on patrols, mop-up operations, and improving containment lines throughout the fire area. Additionally, one crew will be inserted into the Cucamonga Wilderness via helicopter. This crew will be self-sustained for 24 hours in the wilderness, tasked with constructing fire lines to prevent the fire from spreading southward. Containment has increased to 47 percent.

The firefighter crews who worked overnight on the fire have completed their final shift and will now transition to daytime operations. The hard work and dedication of the night crews were paramount in achieving and maintaining containment and halting the fire's advance during nighttime.

The Forest Service has an area closure in effect on the San Bernardino and the Angeles National Forest. The public is prohibited from recreating in the fire area and should not enter the forest on Lytle Creek Road. The closure is in effect to protect firefighter personnel and communities. 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.

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:

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.

###

Cedar City, Utah – Incident Commander Mack McFarland with Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 6 took command of the Graff Point Fire, located 4-5 miles south of Cedar City, at 6 a.m. The fire was ignited by lightning on private property on Saturday. All efforts are being made to suppress the fire safely, and recent precipitation has helped to moderate its behavior.

As of now, the estimated acreage is 561 acres. Crews are actively engaged in full suppression efforts. The fire is burning in steep and rugged terrain, requiring hand crews to secure the fire line. Yesterday, hand crews anchored a handline at Hicks creek and today, they will continue constructing the handline to the ridge. Hand crews are also progressing from the top of the fire, securing the fire line to the northeast side. Air resources will support ground efforts. Indirect line construction will be implemented as a contingency measure. Tipple Rd, Kannara Mountain rd. on top the Kannara Mountain Road going over to Kolob Road.

Current weather conditions include hot and dry temperatures, along with low relative humidity. There is also a potential for thunderstorms and outflow winds later today, increasing the fire's risk due to extremely dry fuels and the possibility of dry lightning. For the safety of both the public and firefighters, road closures remain in effect for closure of Tipple Rd, Kannara Mountain Road on the top going over to Kolob Road.

For information regarding evacuations, please contact the Iron County Sheriff. We kindly ask that you respect these measures and avoid the area.

Cow Valley Fire Update for Monday, July 15, 2024

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

2024.cowvalley@firenet.gov

Start date: July 11, 2024

Location: 9 miles east of Ironside, OR

Total personnel: 362

Fire size: 132,528

Cause: Human caused, under investigation

Containment: 0%

Vale, OR— Firefighters are working around the clock to suppress the Cow Valley Fire. There is currently a day shift, swing shift, and night shift operating as fire conditions allow. The fire is 132,528 acres. Most of the fire growth was wind driven and occurred on the western edge towards East Prong Dry Creek. Yesterday, firefighters continued to create line around the fire on the northern, eastern, and southern edges. Aviation resources dropped water and fire retardant on the western edges of the fire, slowing the rate of fire growth. The current perimeter around the fire is 163 miles long. Fire edges remain south of the Malheur Reservoir, east of Brogan and Jamieson, and north of Bully Creek Reservoir. 

Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces continued to work on structure protection efforts in the communities along Highway 26 and in Westfall—in addition to assisting firefighting efforts on the southern edge of the fire. The threat to the local community has significantly decreased and the number of wildland firefighters on the incident have increased. For that reason, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has begun to right size resources on the Cow Valley Fire. One task force was demobilized yesterday. Today, two task forces will continue to support structure protection on the Cow Valley Fire and two will be sent to emerging fires across the state.

The fire burned throughout the night. Winds died down around 3:00 a.m. This, in addition to higher humidity levels and lower temperatures, allowed night crews to continue their progress. Today, firefighters will explore options on the southwestern edge to connect the leading edges together. Resources in other areas will strengthen and secure firelines around the perimeter using tactics known as cold trailing and mop up – where they use tools and water to extinguish heat. Firefighters will also work with aviation as weather allows. 

An Unmanned Aerial System, also known as a UAS or drone, with infrared technology will be used during day and night shifts to monitor for hot spots that threaten the integrity of the fireline. The UAS could also be used for strategic firing operations if needed. 

BONITA FIRE: No major growth was reported on the Bonita fire. Crews will continue to secure the fireline and search for hot spots. 

WEATHER AND SMOKE: Today’s temperatures will be slightly cooler with a forecasted high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly higher humidity levels. Extreme fire behavior is still possible based on fuel and weather conditions. Winds will be moving east at 5-8 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph.

Smoke from neighboring fires will drift towards the area with the wind. For the current smoke information and the air quality index, visit airnow.gov. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:

The Malheur County Sheriff's Office issued updated evacuation orders on July 14. Check below for details or visit the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. 

Level 1 – Be Ready – Green

Residents along Hwy 26 Corridor (Willowcreek, Jamieson, Brogan) and NW of Vale (Graham Blvd and North, Alder Road and west).

• Level 1, or “Get Ready”, evacuation means residents should prepare to evacuate and start packing essentials for themselves, pets, and livestock.

Level 2 – Be Set – Yellow

Residents in the Westfall area (including Bonita, Indian Valley, Clover Creek areas).

• Level 2, or “Get Set”, evacuation means that there is high danger in the area and residents should prepare to leave at a moment's notice. If you or your family require additional time to evacuate, now is the time to do so. 

Level 3 – GO NOW – Red

None at this time.

• Level 3, or “Go Now”, evacuation means that there is immediate danger. Leave without delay and do not return until officials announce that the area is safe.

BURN BAN: A burn ban is currently in effect for all of Malheur County. For more information, visit https://www.malheurco.org/category/public-notices/. 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION: A temporary flight restriction is in place for the safety of the public and firefighting aviation resources. If you fly, we can’t; if a drone or other aircraft enters the air space, all firefighting aviation equipment will be grounded. 

Cow Valley Fire Incident Website

Cow Valley Fire Facebook

A planned infrared flight over the fire Sunday night was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, Freeman Fire operations flew the fire earlier in the day and prior to storm activity to update acreage and provide additional intelligence to ground operations. The fire was mapped at 32,568 acres. Fire resources have 65% containment on the fire. Containment is along the north, east and southeast flanks of the fire. Those lines continue to hold through wind events. Late Sunday evening a storm system moved through the fire area bringing high winds and some precipitation. However, the fire did not receive enough rain to help with full suppression efforts. On the southwest and west sides of the fire, resources continue their work along the base of the Black Mountains, strengthening containment lines to ensure they hold in any additional wind events. Some pockets of unburned fuel within the fire’s interior on that side continue to burn producing some smoke that may be visible to the nearby communities. There is no threat associated with that fuel burning. Engine crews continue patrolling and monitoring the fire’s perimeter for any remaining smokes. The GO notification for Willow Springs Ranch was lifted Sunday at 10 am. However, roads within the fire area remain closed to the general public out of public and fire fighter safety. Those roads include, Willow Springs Road at State Route 77, Willow Springs Road at Freeman, Willow Springs Road at Camino Rio, Freeman at Barkerville, and Freeman at State Route 79. As containment increases on the fire, fire operations will right size the incident to the appropriate number of resources for the work load. With that, multiple hand crews and engines will be released over the next 24 hours for rest or reassignment to other fires burning in Arizona. On Tuesday, the incident will transfer from a Type 3 incident to a Type 4.  

The fire started Thursday, July 11, 2024, from a lightning strike near the Oak Well Camp. A second lightning strike occurred almost a mile away eventually merging the two fires. Late Thursday night, a storm system moved across the fire area producing outflow winds that fanned the fire in all directions and pushed it out to the southeast toward ranch structures. At that time, and due to the proximity of the fire to the Willow Springs Ranch, fire operations made the decision to evacuate the ranch. Residents in Pinal County can sign up for emergency alert notifications at: https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS---Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst. 

Weather: Mostly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms producing potential wind gusts up to 20 mph.  

Safety: 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/.

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

Smoke

Mostly MODERATE AQ is expected west of Canyon Ferry Lake toward Helena. Moderate to periods of USG remains possible more likely east and southeast of Canyon Ferry Lake and into the higher wilderness eastward and immediately downstream of the fire. After dusk, smoke from the Horse Gulch Fire will settle into local drainages including S-284, Canyon Ferry Lake and perhaps Hwy 12 toward East Helena. A large number of monitors over southern Montana are indicating MODERATE AQ due to ongoing regional fires in surrounding states.

Roadway Visibility

Localized smoke conditions can bring reduced visibility along S-284 to the Canyon Ferry Lake south of the fire overnight and in the early morning. Visibilities should remain at least one mile or greater however along S-284.

**Silver King Fire Smoke Report - July 15, 2024**

Fire 

The Silver King fire has burned 17,648 acres with little fire growth of 106 acres on Sunday. Containment is now 8%. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, wind-driven runs and spotting. Firefighters are building and reinforcing firelines, and protecting structures in further suppression efforts.

Smoke

Yesterday, air quality for most areas around the fire improved in the afternoon. Today, transport Winds will shift from S/SW during the day and into the evening, then switching around to WNW later, moving smoke toward the southeast in the late evening. Those communities closest to the fire will continue to see the greatest residual smoke impacts, however they are likely to last short periods of time.

Actions to take

Wildfire smoke can be unhealthy to breathe, especially for vulnerable people such as those with existing heart or lung disease, children, older adults, and pregnant women. Always pay attention to how the smoke is making you feel and check with your doctor right away for help managing symptoms or any specific concerns.

Monday July 15, 2024                               

Information: (559) 855-5355

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov

Facebook: @SierraNF

PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT:  231 personnel, 4 crews, 6 engines, 2 helicopters, 2 dozers and 4 water tenders 

CURRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire is 14,023 acres, with no increase in acreage. Containment remains at 95%. The threat of thunderstorms is minimal for the next few days.  Slightly cooler, more seasonable temperatures are forecast through midweek, before a warming trend returns to the area by the end of the week and into the weekend. Dry conditions will prevail with low humidity, poor overnight recoveries, and mainly terrain driven winds. Temperatures today are expected to reach 101 degrees in lower elevations of the fire line with relative humidity 20% to 35%. Winds are forecast to remain low, from the southwest at 9 mph, with gusts to 19 mph.

Firefighters continue to monitor the fire line and backhaul any equipment that is no longer needed.  Some resources have been loaned to assist with new wildfires in the area. 

Fire Suppression:  Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor for any flare-ups, threats to the containment line, and visible smoke. Unburned areas within the fire’s western perimeter may produce smoke. When available aircraft will assist firefighters in monitoring the fire line and will use water drops when necessary.

Suppression Repair:  Suppression repair efforts continue in areas of the fire that are no longer posing a threat. Due to very dry fuels, firefighters have not been using dozers due to the risk of starting a spot fire. Hand tools will be used in these areas to return them to as natural a state as practical, until the use of heavier equipment can be re-introduced.

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.

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 9, 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 firefighting 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.

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

Cause: Human, under investigation   Size: 12,797 acres Containment: 0%

Current Status

Yesterday, crews and aerial assets were successful in containing two large spot fires that took root outside the fire area during the wind event on Saturday afternoon. Hand line was started in the steep terrain between the 693B1 Road and 425 Road, to tie in with dozer line that is nearly complete up Neversweat Gulch towards the 4136B Road. Along the fire’s southern edge, crews continued to strengthen the existing line. Progress was made to build and reinforce fire line from Jimtown Road to York and that has been holding well. The Structure Group worked on assessing and protecting properties threatened by potential fire activity. Aerial resources were busy most of the day, delivering 80,000 gallons of retardant, 70,000 gallons of water by helicopter, and 300,000 gallons of water by Super Scoopers. In order for all these aerial drops to be effective, it is essential for there to be resources on the ground that can back them up by going in after the drop cools the flames and digging line. Otherwise, the water/retardant burns off and the fire continues on its way. The night crews worked to strengthen lines and patrolled the perimeter, watching for spot fires.

Today, crews and equipment will be bridging the gaps between existing fire line and reinforcing the lines by cooling the edge and “cold trailing”. Cold trailing is a process where firefighters line up in a grid and physically touch the ground, inspecting for any hidden areas of heat. When they find heat, they will dig it out, mix it with cool soil and add water when it is available, so no trace of heat remains. This process is necessary before any portion of the fire edge can be declared “contained”. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, aid suppression efforts by applying fire to back burn when appropriate and by using infrared cameras to identify areas of heat near the perimeter that need attention.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Yesterday, high cloud cover shaded the fire and moderated fire activity. Humidity got down into the lower teens and temps were in the lower 90’s across the fire area. Today, temps are expected to trend a few degrees cooler while humidity continues to decrease. Winds are expected to be lighter than they have been with afternoon gusts around 15mph. There is no Red Flag Warning issued for today.

Evacuations and CLosureS

Evacuations (UPDATED): Effective 7/14/24, the evacuation order for the area from Jimtown Road to Hellgate Gulch Road south of Canyon Ferry Road will transition to an evacuation warning. This area will be open to residents only, proof of residency required. https://www.lccountymt.gov/Emergency-Management/HORSE-GULCH-FIRE-Information   

Road Closure: Canyon Ferry Road is closed at Canyon Ferry Village to the Broadwater County line. Campground closures include Hellgate, Court Sheriff, Chinamen’s Gulch, and Riverside.

Forest Closure: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has issued a road, trail, and area closure order, which can be found at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov) 

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 

Bench Lake Fire Update

Monday, July 15, 2024

Start Date: July 11, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 738 acres

Percent Containment: 0%

Helicopters: --

Scooper Planes: 2

Engines: 6

Crews: 5

Total Personnel: 211

Cooler temperatures and higher humidities aided firefighting efforts on Sunday.  Crews focused on containing small fires outside of the main fire’s edge.  This effort was concentrated primarily along the Redfish to Bench Lakes trail 101 system. 

Aerial resources including scooping aircraft and helicopters delivered over 370,000 gallons of water on the fire from Redfish Lake.  Gusty winds in the evening forced aircraft to stand down around 5:30 pm.  Additional aerial resources have been placed on order to further support crew efforts. 

Similar weather conditions are forecasted today. Tuesday begins a drying trend with a chance of thunderstorms later this week. The fire’s acreage will be updated when an infrared flight can be conducted; at this time, it’s estimated at 738 acres. Over 200 firefighting personnel are assigned to the incident and additional resources are being mobilized for the full suppression effort.

A structure protection group continues to work diligently at the north end of the lake.  Water pumps and hoses are being proactively deployed near Redfish Lodge and other structures. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Closures: Sawtooth National Recreation Area officials issued an emergency closure for the Bench Lake Fire (0414-04-147) July 12 for the Redfish Lake recreation complex, including the lodge and associated buildings, roads, trails, trailheads, and campgrounds in the area. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for a map and more details on the closure order. Highway 75 remains open. The Bench Lake Fire Incident Command Post about 13 miles south of Stanley and the Redfish Lake road both have increased activity that warrant slowing down.