Summary: Crews continue to work toward full suppression of the Hillside Fire. The fire is 88% contained with no change in acreage as the fire remains within its footprint. Today resources will patrol and monitor the fire’s edge throughout the day checking to ensure all containment lines are holding and secure and no heat or smokes remain along the fire’s edge and within the interior. Another storm system is forecast for the fire area today with the possibility of outflow winds. 

On Friday, the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management lifted the SET notifications for residents along Ghost Town Road. All residents have been returned to READY. 

As containment increases the incident continues to right size resources for the fire’s needs. Due to multiple fires burning across the state, many resources were released from the Hillside Fire over the last 24 hours and reassigned to ongoing incidents. Two engines and one water tender remain assigned to the fire. 

The fire was the result of a lightning strike on Tuesday, July 9. Local fire resources responded to the smoke report but due to the fire’s location in inaccessible terrain were unable to access the fire. The next day, resources returned for additional monitoring and could not locate the incident due to the overnight precipitation. Wednesday afternoon, a wind event moved through Congress with 60 mph winds that rekindled the fire and significantly increased fire behavior. 

Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management emergency alerts: https://www.ycsoaz.gov/I-Want-To/Services/Sign-up-for-Emergency-Notifications. 

Weather: Hot temperatures and dry conditions. Monsoonal moisture continues to increase through the weekend with greater chances for thunderstorms, including outflow winds over the fire area today and over the next few days. 

Safety: Open mine shafts, extreme temperatures, rugged terrain and other identified hazards within the fire area remain a safety concern for fire operations. 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.

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza5s-hillside-fire

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

Ridge Fire Open House tonight in Willow Creek

Daily Update – Saturday, July 13, 2024

Acres: 2,488                                                                            
Start Date: 7/4/2024
Location: 19 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                
Personnel: 312
Containment: 0%                                                                   
Fuels: Timber, grass, understory

Highlights: The Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 4 will host an open house tonight, on Saturday, July 13, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Willow Creek Ranch, located at 257 Willow Creek Road. The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with fire managers and ask questions about the Ridge Fire.

Operations: Passing thunderstorms provided little to no precipitation over the fire yesterday. Fire managers conducted a successful reconnaissance flight over the area to provide an updated fire perimeter and acreage. The Ridge Fire continues to produce favorable fire effects with low intensity burning as it moves along the ridgetops on the northern flank. Heavy fuels such as logs and stumps continue to burn and smolder in previously burned areas to the east. The southern fire perimeter is holding with minimal activity on the ridgetops at Iron Creek Mesa. On the western flank, firefighters conducted a total of 20 acres of strategic firing operations along Trail #151 to remove excess vegetation and further strengthen the containment lines while continuing to prep handlines along the wilderness boundary. The Structure Protection Group completed the structure protection plan for the Willow Creek subdivision yesterday and will continue assessing structures in the Indian Creek area today. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the northwestern perimeter throughout the day to ensure fire does not cross the completed handlines. Near the Iron Creek drainage, firefighters will continue strategic firing operations as conditions allow to further secure the western flank. Remaining crews will maintain initial attack readiness to respond to any new fire starts detected in the area. Three helicopters remain available to support crews on the Ridge Fire and surrounding areas.

Weather: High pressure will result in slightly warmer and drier conditions over the fire today. A brief isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible in the afternoon or early evening. Gusty and erratic winds are possible in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Similar conditions are expected on Sunday.  

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, and Snow Lake. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions. Smoke monitors are now set up and operational at the Glenwood Ranger Station, Cliff, and Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Closures: The Gila National Forest has issued an emergency temporary closure of trails and trail segments for the Ridge Fire. The purpose of the closure order is for the protection of firefighters and public health and safety during emergency wildfire suppression activities occurring in and around the trails. The full closure order (No. 03-06-05-24-002) and map are available on Inciweb.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.
 

More Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-ridge-fire / 

575-323-8994 / https://www.facebook.com/GilaNForest / 2024.ridge@firenet.gov  

Size: 11,607 acres
Containment: 0%

Northern Rockies Team 2 Complex Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Scott Schuster, took command of the fire this morning due to the size and complexity of the firefighting operation.

KEY MESSAGE

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from 2:00pm until midnight MDT today for hot temperatures, gusty winds, and low relative humidity levels over the fire forecast area.

CURRENT STATUS

Yesterday, the fire remained active throughout the day. Fire crews continued to strengthen and hold the line on the south side along Canyon Ferry Road, as well as along Jimtown Road on the west side of the fire. Fire growth occurred mainly to the north and east and the fire was most active at higher elevations along the ridges. Aircraft were used throughout the day for water and retardant drops to slow fire movement in key locations. A spot fire was found northwest of the fire but it was suppressed quickly and held to 3 acres in size.

Today, the priority continues to be to hold, strengthen, and reinforce the fire lines on the south and west sides of the fire. Firefighters will continue fire line construction along the west and northwest side to protect private lands. Firefighters, heavy equipment operators, and multiple types of aircraft will be working fire suppression in key locations where it is safe to do so. Everyone will be on heightened awareness today due to the forecasted Red Flag weather conditions.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today, it will be sunny with 15-25 mph south winds gusting to 35 mph in the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity levels will be 12-17% and temperatures will increase to 87-97 degrees.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

Evacuations: The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office issued evacuations for the following areas:

• Canyon Ferry Road - from Jimtown Road to the Broadwater County line;

• All roads north and south of Canyon Ferry Road between Jimtown Road to Broadwater County line;
• Cave Gulch to Magpie Gulch north of Canyon Ferry Road;
• Jimtown Road to York and York Road north to Vigilante Campground.

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, Goose Bay, and Riverside.

UPDATED Closures: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has issued an updated and larger road, trail, and area closure order. Details about the new Closure Order can be found on the Forest website at Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest - Home (usda.gov)

Salt Creek Fire Turns the Corner to Full Mop-up Operations

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – With the entire perimeter lined, work on the Salt Creek Fire is now focused on mop up for the remainder of the incident. Updates to mapping put the fire at 4,081 acres, and an infrared (IR) flight across the whole area is scheduled for this evening to confirm a final acreage. 

Overnight, firefighters used multiple types of IR devices to search for hot spots, or smoldering patches of vegetation, roots and coals that could later reignite in hot conditions. With these specific locations identified and marked on maps, today’s day shift resources will be better able to find and extinguish these areas holding leftover heat. 

“We’ve worked incredibly hard in a short amount of time to get to this point where the fire is lined and holding,” Joe Hessel said, IMT 1 Incident Commander. “The work that’s left will require us to be methodical and thorough.”

Today, resources will pick up where night shift left off and build on the progress that has already been made around the perimeter. Mop up totals range from 50 to 200 feet deep into the interior of the fire, which illustrates how wide and secure the line itself is in each area. 

Today, more than 750 personnel are assigned to the fire for Saturday’s day shift, including 27 20-person crews, 22 engines, 12 water tenders, 13 tree fallers, seven dozers and various types of logging equipment. 

BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management remain in effect. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/

The current fire danger level is extreme; follow all fire restrictions to help prevent fires. Learn more at:

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/ 
• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices  and website homepage www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou 
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: www.blm.gov/orwafire

The Salt Creek Fire is located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation. 

Summary: The fire stayed quiet overnight with the exception of the southwest flank as it continued to burn within pockets of fuels. Engine crews spent the night patrolling and monitoring areas where crews conducted burnout operations earlier in the day. Today, hand crews continue with those operations on the north side as they work ahead of the fire trying to tie in line and ultimately pinch the fire off at Willow Springs and Freeman Roads. Dozer operations also continue on the south side of the fire. Resources are working to keep the fire south and east of Freeman Road, north of Willow Springs Road, and west of power line road. Nine hand crews, eight engines, four water tenders, a dozer, and aircraft are supporting the fire. Communities within proximity of the fire may see smoke and flames today as temperatures warm up and likely increasing fire activity. Storm chances increase through the weekend with the possibility for high winds over the fire area. Outflow winds could result in extreme fire behavior. Another mapping mission is planned for today. 

On Friday, despite another day of high fire activity, crews had a productive shift working to secure the north and east flanks of the fire to protect structures to the north. Large Air Tankers and Single Engine Air Tankers assisted those ground crews with their mission. However, due to hot temperatures, dry fuel, and high winds, the fire was resistant to retardant and burned through those lines. An additional heavy air tanker was brought in to support that critical side of the fire. Along the west flank, the fire continues to back down the Black Mountains and into flatter country. On the south side of the fire, a dozer engaged with putting in containment line. Dozer operations allow for faster suppression work in areas suitable for the heavy machinery. The wind-driven fire continued to push to the south and southwest through pockets of heavy fuel, burning within mesquite, grass, brush, and other desert shrub. All sides of the fire remained active throughout the day on Thursday. Large plumes of smoke stayed highly visible to the nearby communities of Oracle, Oro Valley, along State Route 77 and State Route 79. At this time there is no threat to nearby communities. The fire is approximately nine miles from Oracle. 

The fire started Thursday, July 11, 2024, due to 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. Due to the proximity of the fire to the Willow Springs Ranch, fire operations made the decision to evacuate the ranch. That evacuation remains in place. At this time, area road closures are in effect to include: Willow Spring Road at SR 77, Willow Springs Road at Freeman, Willow Springs Road at Camino Rio, Freeman at Barkerville, and Freeman at SR 79. Residents in Pinal County can sign up for emergency alert notifications at: https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS---Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst. 

Weather: Moisture expected to increase over the weekend resulting in an increased chance for thunderstorm activity. A potential for outflow winds of 50+ 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

Basin Fire Update         Thursday, July 11, 2024        

Public Fire Information: 559-468-6809, 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. 

Media Information: 559-492.9967 Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov

Basin Fire Update         

Wednesday July 18, 2024        

Information: (559) 468-6809, 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. 

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov

Facebook: @Sierra NF

PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT:  137 personnel, 1 crew, 3 engines, 0 helicopters, 14 Heavy Equipment, and 7 water tenders 

CURRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire is 14,023 acres, with no increase in acreage. Containment remains at 95%. A gradual warming trend returns to the fire area the rest of this week and into next week, bringing temperatures above normal. An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect Monday morning through Wednesday morning. Mountain showers and thunderstorms are possible near the fire for the next few 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 98 degrees in lower elevations of the fire line. Winds are forecast to remain low, from the southwest at 9 mph, with gusts to 18 mph. 

Fire Suppression: Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor for any flare-ups and threats to the containment line. Unburned areas within the fire’s western perimeter may produce smoke.

Suppression Repair: Suppression repair efforts continue in areas of the fire that are no longer posing a threat. Firefighters are ahead of initial expectations using heavy equipment and hand tools in these areas to return them 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.

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 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.

Salt Creek Fire Now 100% Lined, 32% Contained 

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Firefighters working on the Salt Creek Fire were able to hold all lines today despite hot, windy conditions in the afternoon. The fire is now 100% lined after firefighters worked to contain a small area where the fire crossed over this morning. The acreage remains 3,990 acres since the last full IR flight over the fire. Handheld IR and IR drones will also be used in smaller sections to find areas still holding heat. This data will be used to conduct thorough mop-up operations moving forward. 

Mop up continued across the majority of the fire on Friday, and as a result, it’s now 32% contained. On the north portion of the incident, some areas are mopped up 200-feet into the perimeter. On the northeast side, mop-up operations have reached 100 feet in, and on the southeastern side, firefighters have reached 50 feet in. This area has been a focus for resources the last couple days, as rocky terrain has made progress difficult, however these efforts will continue tonight. On the west side of the fire, mop-up operations have reached 150 feet in. 

Tonight, 420 personnel are assigned to the fire for Friday’s night shift including 14 crews, 18 engines, 10 water tenders and 12 bulldozers. Mop up work will continue overnight as firefighters continue to push toward more containment. This will be the final evening update unless conditions significantly change. 

BLM Medford District has temporarily closed BLM-managed lands in the area for safety. For more info go to: https://www.blm.gov/orwafire

Level 1, “BE READY,” evacuation notices issued by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management remain in effect. Learn more about evacuations at: https://protect.genasys.com/

The current fire danger level is extreme; follow all fire restrictions to help prevent fires. Learn more at:

• The ODF Southwest Oregon District: https://swofire.com/ 
• The RRSNF Alerts and Notices page www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/rogue-siskiyou/alerts-notices  and website homepage www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou 
• The BLM OR/WA Fire Management Page: www.blm.gov/orwafire

The Salt Creek Fire is located 10 miles east of Eagle Point and was first reported Sunday, July 7, just after 4 p.m. The cause is under investigation. 

Order Number: # 03-06-05-24-002

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Gila National Forest
Wilderness, Reserve & Glenwood Ranger Districts
Ridge Fire Emergency Temporary Closure of Trails & Trail Segments,
Tail #141, #151, #157, & #171

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) trails on the Wilderness, Reserve & Glenwood Ranger Districts, Gila National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Trails"):
1. Being on the Described Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED TRAILS
The Described Trails and segments are located within Township 10 South, Range 17 West, Sections 25-27, 34-35; Township 10 South, Range 16 West, Sections 27-30, 31-34; Township 11 South, Range 16 West, Sections 2-7; and Township 11 South, Range 17 West, Sections 1, 2. This closure consists of National Forest System (NFS) trails and segments of trails. Described trails and segments include NFS Trails #141 from Cooper Canyon Reference Point (33° 22' 37.7" N x 108° 32' 25.9" W) to Trail #175 Reference Point (33° 22' 46.9" N x 108° 29' 40.5" W) approximately four miles in length, Trail #151 (West Fork Trail) from Willow Creek Reference Point (33° 23' 59.6" N x 108° 35' 0.3" W) to Turkey Feather Pass Reference Point (33° 21' 16.1" N x 108° 32' 9.1" W) approximately six miles in length, Trial #157 from the trailhead at Gilita Campground Reference Point (33° 24' 33.7" N x 108° 34' 30.6" W) to trail #143 Loco Mountain Reference Point (33° 22' 58.8" N x 108° 28' 16.5" W) approximately ten miles in length, and Trail #171 from Trail #151 Reference Point (33° 23' 28.6" N x 108° 34' 8.6" W) to trail #157 Reference Point (33° 23' 19.1" N x 108° 28' 32.1" W) approximately six miles in length will be closed.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of Firefighters and public health and safety during emergency wildfire suppression activities occurring in and around the Trails.

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from July 12, 2024 at 6:00am through December 31, 2024 at 6:00pm, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/gila/alerts-notices.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Wilderness Ranger District in Mimbres, (575) 536-2250 and Gila National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Silver City, (575) 388-8201 for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Trails.

Signed and issued on July 12, 2024.
_______________________
Camille Howes
Forest Supervisor
Gila National Forest

INCIDENT EVENING UPDATE

Date: 7-12-2024 Time: 8:00 pm

Size: 2879 acres                                                        Start Date & Time: 7-7-24 9:51 am

Containment: 17%                                                     Cause: Under Investigation

Total Personnel: 724                                                 Location: Southside of Lytle Creek

Structures Threatened: 416                                       Unified Command Agencies: California Incident Management Team 15, San Bernardino County Fire Dept.

VISTA FIRE CLOSURE ORDER

There is a new area 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.

Due to the favorable weather today, fire crews were able to put in more handline and continued to mop up the edge of the fire. The cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped the firefighters going direct on the fire perimeter and kept the fire south of the 3N06 and 3N06D spur roads. 

Tomorrow thunderstorms are expected into the evening with wind gusts up to 20-30 MPH. This weather will present challenges on the fire and test containment lines that are already in place. Given the expected weather conditions the firefighters will stay vigilant through the weekend, monitoring and patrolling the fire line for any spots or new starts.

AIR QUALITY: 

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

ROAD CLOSURES:

Lytle Creek Road is open to residents only north of Glen Helen Parkway.

EVACUATIONS:

Mt. Baldy Resort.

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.

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