As you likely saw in today's update, this evening, strategic firing operations are anticipated to begin on the southeastern corner of the fire in Division Kilo and will continue for the next few days.

We've developed a plan to put in a fireline along a ridge that can be more easily accessed by crews. If implemented, this operation will begin by using drip torches to fire and widen an existing containment line. Later, aerial ignition from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) may be used to burn fuels from the fireline to the main fire. A hoselay is also being assembled in this area to aid in securing this line. This operation would aid in containment in an area that has been difficult to access and allow firefighters to work in a more accessible area with a higher probability of success.

This plan has been carefully developed by evaluating appropriate firefighting tactics that best align the needed outcome with weather and fuel conditions while managing firefighter safety and values at risk. Please expect to see additional smoke in the area with these operations as fuels burn out and likely a slight "glow" into the evening.

The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Alaska State Troopers have coordinated with fire managers to reduce all evacuation levels to "Ready" status on the #GrapefruitComplex.

Even though the rain has reduced fire activity in the area, it has also affected road conditions.

Check 511.alaska.gov for updates.

Updated Evacuation Map, July 5.jpg

Fri, 07/05/2024 - 17:02

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Updated Evacuation Map, July 5.jpg

Sierra National Forest Updates Forest Orders to Enhance Safety and Fire Management

CLOVIS, Calif., July 3, 2024- The Sierra National Forest (SNF) is updating three Forest Orders that supersede previous orders issued in late June 2024. These revised orders are intended to ensure public safety and allow for the continued enjoyment of public lands while effectively managing ongoing fire activities. 

Effective July 5, 2025.

Updated Forest Orders:
1. Forest Order 05-15-52-24-15 - Basin Fire Closure
Supersedes: Forest Order 05-15-52-24-13
Key Change: This order now includes an exemption for persons with a Forest Service Permit, allowing them to access areas within the closure. Boundary now encompasses portions of the 10S02, 10S04, 10S05 and includes the Bretz Mill Campground on the western side of the fire closure area.

2. Forest Order 05-15-00-24-16 - Fire Restrictions
Supersedes: Forest Order 05-15-00-24-14
Key Change: Bald Mountain Base Camp has been determined fire safe by fire personnel and has been identified as a temporary designated recreation site. Its boundaries are identified on Exhibit C map, located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices

3. Forest Order 05-15-00-24-17 - Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure
Supersedes: Forest Order 05-15-00-24-12
Key Change: As of July 4, 2024, and due to the passage of time and changing conditions, the Isberg and Mammoth Trails are closed for hazard tree mitigation operations in that area. Additional closures due to the current Basin Fire can be referenced in Forest Order No. 05-15-52-24-15.

These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to align with our partners and ensure the safety of the public and firefighting personnel, while maximizing public accessibility to the SNF, to the extent practicable.

The closure orders will remain in effect until further notice. Frequently, updated orders are issued to take routes and locations off the closure list. We urge the public to respect all closure signs and barriers and
avoid the affected areas to prevent any potential accidents or interference with firefighting efforts. 

Please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices  to view the updated versions.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this critical time. Updates and further information will be provided as the situation develops. For additional information, please contact your local Ranger Station or visit our website.

Contact Information:
High Sierra Ranger District: 559-855-5355
Bass Lake Ranger District: 559-877-2218
Supervisor’s Office: 559-297-0706
Email: SM.FS.Sierranfinfo@usda.gov
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Size:  172,236 

Personnel:  77 

Start Date: June 8, 2024 

Cause:  Lightning 

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Rain and cooler temperatures set up over the McDonald Fire on Thursday as a series of fronts pushed across the region. This moderated fire behavior. A reconnaissance flight found minimal fire activity, mostly backing and smoldering. There was minimal perimeter growth. Overnight, weather stations in the area received anywhere from a half inch to an inch of rain. 

In the 5 Mile Creek Area, crews have secured roughly 100 feet of depth along the line and will continue with mop-up operations to secure the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to monitor fire behavior for any potential spotting or flanking beyond the perimeter. Several lookouts are being staffed by a wildland fire module to provide information to crews on the ground. With the wind and rain in the forecast, operations will be weather and safety dependent. 

Weather: Rain is expected to continue Friday and will likely slow fire growth, although smoldering is expected to continue under the canopy and in areas that receive less precipitation. Winds will be out of the west at 10 to 20 mph, then shifting to southwest winds in the evening. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 50s to 60s. This should further reduce fire activity. 

Burn Permits: The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection has lifted the Burn Permit Suspensions for Fairbanks, Salcha, Delta, Tok, and Railbelt areas. Small and Large Scale Permits are required. Burning is allowed today. The fire danger in these areas is MODERATE. Please check https://dnr.alaska.gov/burn/fireareas or call the burn permit hotline for the Fairbanks Area Forestry at (907) 451-2631 for the most current updates. 

Air Quality: The cool, wet weather significantly moderated fire behavior and smoke production. There is still some lingering smoke in the Tanana River Valley, which will likely clear on Friday. It will be a bit drier and windier, but the overall pattern will stay cool and wet through the weekend and into next week. With the suppressed smoke production, the air quality is expected to remain GOOD. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (1650 Cowles St.) has clean-air rooms available for people impacted by smoke open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke at the Smoke Management page on https://akfireinfo.com/smoke-management/. 

Evacuation Notices: A Level 2: SET evacuation notice is in effect for the approximately 20 cabins near the fire’s southeastern edge west of the Tanana River. The communities east of the Tanana River are in READY status, including the Johnson Road neighborhoods, Canaday, Harding Lake, Salcha, the lower Salcha River, Hollies Acres, and south to Birch Lake. Find more information and an interactive map of these areas on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Services website. 

Temporary Flight Restriction: The temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been adjusted based on public input to give float plane access to Harding Lake. Be aware helicopter operations to support the fire still continue in the area. Visit tfr.faa.gov for more information. 

-BLM- 

Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service, P.O. Box 35005, 1541 Gaffney Road, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703  

Need public domain imagery to complement news coverage of the BLM Alaska Fire Service in Alaska?  

Visit our Flickr channel! Learn more at www.blm.gov/AlaskaFireService, and on Facebook and Twitter. 

The Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (AFS) located at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, provides wildland fire suppression services for over 240 million acres of Department of the Interior and Native Corporation Lands in Alaska. In addition, AFS has other statewide responsibilities that include: interpretation of fire management policy; oversight of the BLM Alaska Aviation program; fuels management projects; and operating and maintaining advanced communication and computer systems such as the Alaska Lightning Detection System. AFS also maintains a National Incident Support Cache with a $18.1 million inventory. The Alaska Fire Service provides wildland fire suppression services for America’s “Last Frontier” on an interagency basis with the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Military in Alaska. 

Riley Fire Update, Friday, July 5, 2024

388 acres, 5% contained, 173 personnel

A rainy 4th of July cools the Riley Fire

HEALY, Alaska –The Riley Fire remains at 5% containment, as crews continue to improve the firebreak—making sure the fire is extinguished at least 25 feet from the perimeter into the fire area. The Tanana Chiefs and the Alta Interagency Hotshot Crew continue to work directly on the southern edge of the fire, working westward from the railroad. The Smith River, Golden Eagle, and Mill Creek interagency hotshot crews are building indirect line through thick alder and birch. This saw work is slow and hazardous on the steep, slippery slopes. Smokejumpers are assessing opportunities for indirect line in the northern bowl.

Many businesses are opening in the Nenana River Canyon now that electricity has been restored. Denali National Park and Preserve remains closed as long as the southern edge of the fire is unsecured. Although rain has a moderating effect on the fire, gusty winds can fan flames and increase fire behavior, as fuels remain dry despite the recent rainfall. The park will resume normal operations when it is safe for park employees and the public, and for firefighters continuing to work the fire. 

Weather: Showers on Thursday dropped a few tenths of an inch of rain on the fire. More rain is likely for Friday and into the weekend. Temperatures will remain cool through Sunday, with highs near 60°F and relative humidity above 40%.

Smoke: Strong southwest winds on Thursday pushed smoke north and east. Cloud cover trapped some smoke closer to the surface. Cooler temperatures and the rain forecast for the weekend should help moderate smoke production. This should continue the overall trend of improving air quality. Winds will continue to be from the southwest, pushing smoke northeast. Lingering smoke may potentially enhance any fog that forms and impact visibility.

Evacuations:  Some areas are in Evacuation Status with the Tri-Valley Community Center established as the Evacuation Information Center. Go to the Denali Borough website for more information.  

? Red – Go! All Bison Gulch and Antler Ridge hikers, Riley Creek Campground, and all employees housed at the Denali National Park Joint Venture facility: ANYONE IN RED AREAS SHOULD EVACUATE. 

? Yellow – Set: There are currently no locations in “set”. 

? Green – Ready: The Nenana Canyon area (aka Glitter Gulch), Denali National Park Headquarters, C-Camp. Anyone in GREEN areas should stay alert and monitor for evacuation status updates. 

Park Closures:   All visitor facilities and park operations in Denali’s entrance area are closed. Future dates will be assessed based on fire activity. The park will remain closed to personal vehicles and day use visitors until further notice. Employees evacuated from park housing are being sheltered in various facilities in the nearby town of Healy. Park officials continue to work closely with the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team, Denali Borough, and other partners to ensure everyone is taken care of. Go to the Denali National Park and Preserve website for closure information.  

Road conditions:  The Parks Highway remains open. Go to https://511.alaska.gov/ for road condition updates. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A new temporary flight restriction is in place over the Riley Fire until July 19. Find more information at: 4/7281 NOTAM Details (faa.gov).

INCIWEB UPDATE

SOUTH FORK AND SALT BAER ASSESSMENTS

JULY 5, 2024

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team leaders and specialists from the Department of the Interior (DOI) held a close-out briefing today with the Mescalero Apache Tribe to review and validate its preliminary final draft BAER Plan for submission as a funding request to the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters. The purpose of the close-out is to inform the local Tribe and land managers of proposed treatments and solicit feedback on information that may have been overlooked. 

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) BAER specialists are holding a similar close-out briefing with the Lincoln National Forest tomorrow, to review the draft plan before finalization for submission as a funding request to the USFS Southwest Regional Office.

The USFS BAER Specialists are prepping their treatment recommendations and creating BAER treatment maps, specifications, and cost estimates for their report.

Both USFS and DOI BAER reports are expected to be substantially completed by Saturday. Two final BAER plans will be submitted as separate funding requests to the headquarters for the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The leadership of each agency has discretion to determine which treatments will be funded and implemented. 

Additional information on understanding the BAER program, process and other post-fire information is posted on the South Fork and Salt BAER InciWeb page found at: Nmmea South Fork And Salt Fires Burned Area Emergency Response Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov). 

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events--be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/abq/.

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Grapefruit Complex Update, July 5th, 2024  

Alaska Incident Management Team 3

Incident Commander- Peter Butteri  

Location: 40 Miles north of Fairbanks 

Complex Acres: 87,434

Personnel: 313

 Completion: 25%

Widespread rain led to decreased fire behavior across the complex Thursday. Firefighters were able to close the Elliott
Highway briefly on Thursday to remove fire-weakened trees that could endanger firefighters and motorists as they
travel through this area. Evacuations were adjusted Thursday morning due to the change in fire behavior and weather.
As predicted, the fire area experienced southwest winds gusting up to 20-25 mph Thursday accompanied by 0.5-.75
inches of rain. A wind advisory and 30% chance of rain with a 20% chance of enough rainfall to moisten the ground and
vegetation is predicted today.

The Grapefruit Complex includes the Globe Fire (#253), Iver Fire (#249), Eagle Fire (#306), Wilber Fire (#308), Noodor
Fire (#192), and Fossil Fire (#115). The Elliott Highway has minimally active fires to the east and west of Mile Post 30-50
and is the primary focus for protection. Firefighters are actively safeguarding property and structures in the area, where
fire activity shows signs of creeping, smoldering, and isolated torching within the black spruce. Crews are focusing on
protecting the Elliott Highway, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Native allotments, public and private structures as well as minimize
impacts to anadromous fish habitat along the Tatalina and Tolovana river corridors.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels were reduced on Thursday (July 4th). The current levels are represented as:
Ready (Green): Elliot Hwy Mile Post 18-30 and 57-65 / Set (Yellow): Elliott Hwy Mile Post 30 – 57 / Go (red): None currently.
Fire managers are re-evaluating their recommendations for evacuation levels today.

Smoke: Air quality in the fire area has improved with rain. However, smoke may still be present on the highway mixed
with fog. Please exercise caution and patience, turn on your headlights to help ensure the safety of firefighters and
flaggers working in the area.

Road access: The Elliott Highway remains open. Expect significant delays between Mile Posts 25-65 if fire activity
increases. Firefighters are working out of Wickersham Dome trailhead with increased traffic and heavy equipment
exiting and entering the area around Mile Post 28. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities contracted
workers and a pilot car are helping keep the flow of traffic open. Check https://511.alaska.gov/ for road updates.
Temporary Flight Restriction: A TFR is in place during the day to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.
Closures: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern Interior Field Office closed the western portion of the White
Mountains National Recreation Area surrounding the Wickersham Dome Trailhead at Mile Post 28 Elliott Highway.
The closure is in effect until Sept. 1st, unless the BLM determines the area is safe for public use at an earlier time.

Public Information Map of Grapefruit Complex, July 5

Fri, 07/05/2024 - 11:56

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Public Information Map of Grapefruit Complex, July 5

Incident Start Date:  July 3, 2024      

Incident Start Time: 1:27 p.m.    

Incident Type: Wildland Fire

Incident Location: Marble Mountain Wilderness     

Size: 445 acres        

Containment: 0%      

Cause: Under Investigation

Current Situation: 

Yesterday, crews were deployed to two helispots west of the fire, near Shelly Lake, and another crew further east. Their primary objectives were to scout the area for opportunities to establish a ridgetop holding line and work closely along the fire's perimeter to contain it within its current boundaries. Plans are also underway to set up spike camps and provide logistical support using mule trains.

Today, crews will focus on constructing handlines and clearing brush along roadways. Additionally, crews alongside a dozer will open Babs Fork Road and clear brush in preparation for potential fire movement eastward, driven by changing wind conditions.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 12, led by Incident Commander Matt Conklin, will take command of the Shelly Fire at 6:00 PM today.

Weather:  

Today’s weather is forecast to be hot and dry with a maximum temperature of 85-90 degrees, minimum relative humidity of 11%, with winds northeast around 5 mph.

Closures: 

An official closure area around the Shelly Fire went into effect last night. Hikers are not permitted in the area and will be asked to leave. For details and a map of the closure are, please visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187463.pdf.

Fire Restrictions: 

Forest fire restrictions also went into effect last night. Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187464.pdf. Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also have restrictions in place.

Sierra National Forest                                 

Basin Fire Update         

Friday, July 5, 2024                               

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

Media Information: 559-492.9967 

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov

Facebook: @SierraNF

PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT:  1,351 personnel, 30 crews, 83 engines, 13 helicopters, and 16 dozers. 

URRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire is at 14,020 acres. Containment is 46%.  The heat wave continues and the National Weather Service yesterday issued a Red Flag Warning that includes the western tip of the fire. The Warning is scheduled to expire at noon today.

• Eastern perimeter:  The eastern side of the fire continues to remain within the constructed lines, however rollout of burning material may still occur.  This area is being monitored by aircraft and firefighters in the area. 

• Southern perimeter:  Containment line has been secured along the South Fork of the Kings River and the area is being monitored. Crews have not detected any remaining heat.

• Western perimeter:  Crews have boxed in the fire with a combination of dozer line and retardant. Firefighters are continuing to secure this area.

•  Northern perimeter: Creating safe access to the northern edge of the fire in the Dinkey Creek drainage continues to be a priority. A helicopter rappelling crew has been ordered.  The very steep and inaccessible terrain is a good match for this kind of crew; they are not used often. They will build a temporary helicopter landing area for inserting and removing firefighters north of the fire. Crews will then be able to access this area and build fire-line.

• Contingency Lines:  Dozers have improved roads into northwestern perimeter from the west, to allow smaller vehicles at least partial access. Further north of the fire perimeter, work continues to build contingency fire lines using crews, dozers, masticators, and feller-bunchers, to block the fire if it starts moving north.

An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING through next Thursday is affecting the fire with high temperatures, drying vegetation, and little relief at night. Temperatures were as high as 108 yesterday and relative humidity dropped as low as 15 percent. Today, temperatures across the fire are forecast to be in the 90s and low 100s, with minimum humidity of 18-22%. Low winds expected with gusts up to 9 mph. Cooling stations have been brought into the fire camps to help reduce the cumulative effects of heat stress on firefighters.

The Basin Fire started on June 26, 2024, and the cause is currently under investigation. Currently, the fire is burning at 2000-4500 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.

Updates are posted on Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casnf-basin-fire.

EVACUATIONS: The mandatory evacuation order remains in place for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31, K40, K41 & K166. Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K61 & K76. Check the Fresno County Evacuation map:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7d6006a016a444db8b210ac4d2eb5cf

The Pioneer Fire is burning in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and on private land 31 miles northwest of Chelan. The communities of Stehekin, Chelan, and Manson are open and continue to welcome visitors. Fire managers are using a full-suppression strategy to protect property, infrastructure, and natural and recreation resources, while minimizing risks to responders and the public. Fire behavior and spread were limited until yesterday, giving firefighters the opportunity to strengthen fire lines and point protections. Firefighters removed vegetation over the last several days to improve Prince Creek as a natural holding feature. During the day yesterday, firefighters used an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS, or drone) to remove fuel between Prince Creek and the fire’s south flank. Firefighters secured the fire to the north edge of the Prince Creek drainage at approximately 5pm yesterday. Helicopters dropped water yesterday on the north and south flanks of the fire, cooling hot spots near the Meadow Creek and Prince Creek drainages. These methods of direct attack, working near the edge of the fire, aimed to reduce the potential for fire spread. With the warmer and drier conditions, fire behavior increased yesterday on the north end of the fire near Horton Butte, and on the south end of the fire in the Prince Creek drainage. Around 7pm the fire spotted over Prince Creek into the Canoe Creek drainage. Two helicopters and initial attack ground crews quickly responded to the spot fires. The water systems in place near Prince Creek helped to address the spot fire last night. Work on the south flank of the fire continues today with additional resources supporting point protection for private property and public infrastructure. Multiple other fires in the area are also contributing to smoke impacts today. Today, firefighters will continue strengthening fire lines in the Stehekin area, and down lake between the fire and the cities of Manson and Chelan. Crews are using masticators to remove vegetation to inhibit fire spread. WEATHER: This is a critical weather day with excessive heat, low humidity, and gusty winds. Fire managers expect increased fire behavior and potential spread. The air quality outlook is at https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Learn more about smoke at smokeready.org. The fire marshal is raising fire danger ratings and restrictions. See https://t.ly/WLBds for more information. EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES: Due to the increased fire behavior and spread, Chelan County increased evacuation levels. In the area between Prince Creek down lake to Lone Fir Creek, the advice is Level 3 (Go Now). A Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) is now in effect from Moore Creek down lake to Prince Creek. Level 1 (Stay Alert) evacuation levels apply down lake from Lone Fir Creek to Safety Harbor and up lake from Fourmile Creek to Moore Creek. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information. The OkanoganWenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area. Details and maps are available at: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Many recreation sites remain open and accessible.