Williams Mine Fire Update-August 9, 2024

Minnesota Incident Command System, Team C, Incident Commander-Jeb Backe 

Fire Information: (509)-213-5684  [08:00] a.m. to [08:00] p.m.*Please note this new phone line may take up to 24 hrs. to connect. Thank you for your patience. 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wagpf-williams-mine-firegpnf

Email: 2024.williamsmine@firenet.gov

Williams Mine Fire Quick Facts for August 9, 2024

Size: 5,549 acres                             

Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt Adams Ranger District, Trout Lake, Washington                                                            

Containment: 1 percent

Cause: Lightning-Natural

Start Date: August 5, 2024                                                                       

Total Personnel: 96

Current Status: Yesterday, firefighters and assigned equipment continued suppression efforts on the fire, working along the 8020 Road and the 8031 Road towards the 23 Road corridor. Ground and aviation resources worked to suppress spot fires. Resources also worked on constructing contingency lines on the north-northwest side of the fire perimeter. The structure protection group worked in the southern portion of the fire to identify critical infrastructure and assess structures. 

Today, firefighters and assigned equipment will continue to strengthen containment lines by clearing brush and other vegetation along the fire perimeter. Suppression resources, including aviation resources, will continue to work spot fires. Hot shot crews, hand crews and other equipment have been ordered for the fire. When they arrive, they will be assigned to help with the containment effort. Structure protection resources will continue to map infrastructure and conduct property assessments in the fire area. The fire continues to actively burn in heavy timber. 

The fire perimeter is approximately 3.5 miles away from the closest point of the Yakima Nation Reservation. 

Weather: Dry conditions continue with mostly sunny conditions and areas of smoke and haze. High temperatures of 91-95, with relative humidity levels between 19-24 percent. Winds will be light over the main fire areas at 5-7 mph, with ridgetop winds up to 10 mph out of east-northeast. Smoke will continue into the evening hours with lows around 57 degrees and light and variable winds. 

Evacuations: Level 2 & 3 evacuations are in effect for the community of Trout Lake. An evacuation center is located at 1455 NW Bruin County Road, White Salmon. Evacuations are coordinated through the Klickitat and Skamania County Sheriff's Offices. 

Skamania County Sheriff's Office 

Klickitat County Sheriff's Office 

Closures: A Forest Closure is in effect for the entire Mt Adams wilderness and areas adjacent to the fire. See full closure order information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices/?aid=89613

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from between Willaims Mine and Potato Hill. Additional information is found on the Pacific Crest Trail Association website. The public is asked to avoid closure areas for their safety and safety of the firefighters. William's Mine Fire | Pacific Crest Trail Closures (pcta.org)

The 23 and 25 roads are closed; thus, there is no good north-south route through the national forest in the area. 

Fire Restrictions: Public Use Restrictions for fire are in place on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or charcoal fire is prohibited outside of designated developed campgrounds. For additional fire information, please visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/fire  

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: Klickitat County Sheriff’s Department, Skamania County Sheriff’s Department, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Yakama Nation, Klickitat County, and Skamania County. 

Other: The Mt. Adams Resource Stewards staff are available for free home assessments to help you identify and mitigate fire hazards on your property.  Contact:  Sarah@mtadamsstewards.org,   or 440-497-8224 to sign up.

Mt. Adams Resource Stewards (mtadamsstewards.org)

Falls and Telephone Fires Update for August 10, 2024

Telephone Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 53,852 Start Date: July 22, 2024 Location: 12 miles NE of Burns, OR 

Containment: 61% Total Personnel: 570 personnel Cause: Lightning/Natural 

Resources Assigned: 12 hand crews, 22 engines, 4 bulldozers, 15 water tenders, 10 skidders 

Falls Fire Quick Facts:  

Size: 148,519 Start Date: July 10, 2024 Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, OR 

Containment: 77% Total Personnel: 507 Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Structures Triaged: Residences: 386 / Commercial: 119 / Outbuildings: 760 

Resources Assigned: 19 hand crews, 28 engines, 14 bulldozers, 8 water tenders, 4 masticators, 2 skidders 

Sand Mountain Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 7,582 Start Date: July 25, 2024 Location: 17 miles SW of Seneca, OR 

Containment: 52% Total Personnel: Staffed by Falls Fire Cause: Lightning/Natural 

Aerial resources assigned: Two Type 1 helicopters / One Type 1 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)  

Priorities for Saturday, August 10:  

1. Initial Attack (IA); firefighters are ready to respond to any new fire starts 
2. East/northeast portion of Telephone Fire 
3. Northeast side of the Falls/Sand Fire along the 31 Road 
4. West side of the Telephone Fire/King Mountain area 

Telephone Fire: Although some portions of the Telephone Fire experienced variable winds yesterday, crews continued firing operations near the 855 and 2820 Roads on the southwest side of the earlier King Mountain spread. Crews also used UAS for aerial ignition of unburned fuels to increase containment depth and remove fuels that contribute to continued fire activity. A few small pockets of unburned fuel in Perry Meadows generated visible smoke. Today, crews are focusing on strengthening existing containment lines on the south and east portions of the fire, patrolling the fire perimeter, and extending containment lines to the northwest corner of the Telephone Fire. 

Falls/Sand Mountain Fires:  Yesterday, resources had ongoing success holding the burnout operations that took place over several days on the northeast corner of the Falls and Sand Mountain Fires. In the Gilbert Ridge area, firefighters continued removing hazard trees. Crews also conducted limited burn out operations on the 31 Road while conditions remained favorable. Today, firefighters will continue felling hazard trees in the 3150/3160/3170 Roads area and conducting firing operations near Crane Flats and the 3170/31 Roads. With the significant progress made over the recent shifts, crews will also focus on deepening containment lines.  Given the large perimeter and ongoing critical fire weather, work is expected to be challenging, but crews remain vigilant and committed to deepening containment lines and securing any problem areas. 

Weather: Temperatures will moderate slightly, and the fire area saw good humidity recoveries overnight. Light to moderate winds are expected today. There is a low chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and could produce strong outflow winds. 

Evacuations: There are no changes to the evacuation orders for Grant and Harney Counties. For the most accurate evacuation information, visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map: https://bit.ly/FallsFireEvac, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423 

Closures:  A closure is in effect for portions of the Malheur National Forest west of 395B, north of Mt. Vernon and south of Long Creek, in the Fox Valley area, including all roads, trails, and camping within the closure area.  A map of the closure is available on the Malheur National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1198892) and in local U.S. Forest Service offices. 

Investigation: The U.S. Forest Service is seeking the public’s assistance with any information pertinent to the start of the Falls Fire on the Malheur National Forest. Submit any relevant information to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov.   

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFRs in the area have been changing; pilots should check the latest information on the Federal Aviation Administration TFR website prior to flying: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/ 

Falls Fire InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire 

Telephone Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-telephone-fire 

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov 

Harney County Non-emergency Evacuation Questions: 541-589-5579 

Air Quality Questions: 541-573-2271. Air quality information, searchable by zip code: https://fire.airnow.gov/ 

Smoke Outlooks: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook 

Special Statement

An Air Quality Advisory is in effect for southwestern Washington until 1 PM PDT Friday, August 9 due to smoke and ozone. Pollutants can cause burning eyes, itchy throat, and other health problems. More information can be found at www.swcleanair.gov and www.oregon.gov/DEQ.

Declaración Especial

Un Aviso de Calidad del Aire está en efecto para el suroeste de Washington hasta la 1 PM PDT del viernes 9 de agosto debido al humo y al ozono. Los contaminantes pueden causar ardor en los ojos, picazón en la garganta y otros problemas de salud. Se puede encontrar más información en www.swcleanair.gov y www.oregon.gov/DEQ.

Fire

On the Whisky Creek Fire, crews complete and monitor indirect handlines while helicopters with buckets drop water directly on any active fire. Today, winds will be terrain-driven and temperatures in the upper 80s are expected. The Whisky Creek Fire is currently 1671 acres.

Incendio

En el Incendio de Whisky Creek, los equipos completan y supervisan líneas de defensa indirectas mientras que los helicópteros con cubos de agua la dejan caer directamente sobre cualquier fuego activo. Hoy, los vientos serán impulsados por el terreno y se esperan temperaturas en los 80 grados Fahrenheit. El Incendio de Whisky Creek actualmente abarca 1671 acres.

Smoke

On Friday, winds will be more terrain-driven and keep smoke in the Columbia Gorge area. Winds are expected to shift to westerlies Friday evening. Smoke pooling is expected during overnight hours, increasing smoke concentrations in localized areas. West winds will occur on Saturday, and air quality in general will be between Good to Moderate.

Humo

El viernes, los vientos serán más impulsados por el terreno y mantendrán el humo en el área del Columbia Gorge. Se espera que los vientos cambien a occidentales el viernes por la noche. Se espera que se acumule humo durante las horas nocturnas, aumentando las concentraciones de humo en áreas localizadas. El sábado habrá vientos del oeste y la calidad del aire en general será de Bueno a Moderado.

Current Situation

As of today, the Pyramid, Slate, and Ore Fires will be collectively referred to as the Willamette Complex North.

Pyramid Fire 

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,328 Acres, 31 Percent Contained, Lightning Caused

Yesterday, firefighters focused on holding and securing the fire perimeter and continued mopping up. Crews also scouted and prepared contingency lines in the area northwest of the fire perimeter. Along the southern flank, hotshot crews constructed hand line where it was safe to do so. Today, firefighters continue to mop up and extinguish hot spots. 

Slate Fire

5 miles SW of Detroit, 91 Acres, 99 Percent Contained, 65 Personnel, Under Investigation

Crews continue to patrol and secure the fire perimeter. The fire continues to remain contained within the current footprint. 

Weather & Fire Behavior

Milder conditions today than yesterday with increasing marine influence. Predicted maximum temperature is 86 to 90 °F in the valleys and 80 to 84 °F on the ridgetops. Predicted minimum relative humidity is 36 to 42 percent in the valleys and 42 to 48 percent on the ridgetops. Conditions will continue to moderate over the next several days. Even so, fire behavior potential will continue to be high because heavy fuels are dry and heavy fuel moistures are slow to change. Enhanced northwest winds will mix out smoke in the afternoon today. Smoke and air quality conditions are available on: AirNow.gov 

Evacuations, Closures & Fire Restrictions

On July 17th, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Willamette National Forest, issued a Level 3: Go Now Evacuation Alert for the closure area affected. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map https://tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for full details of the issued evacuation area (which will appear in red). To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/. 

Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in effect in the Willamette National Forest. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487. 

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Smokey Bear turns 80 years old today! Since 1944, Smokey has educated millions of Americans on the importance of wildfire prevention, mitigation, and suppression. 

Warner Peak Fire Daily Update

Friday, August 09, 2024

Location of Origin: 6 miles East of Plush, on the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge

Start Date: August 5, 2024

Size: 22,974 acres                                                       

Percent Contained: 0%

Cause: Undetermined, Under Investigation                 

Fuels: Brush, Tall Grass

Resources Assigned: 2 Crews, 8 Engines, 3 Helicopters, 8 Single Engine Air Tankers, 1 Type 1 Airtanker, 1 Water Tender

Operations: Firefighters will utilize established roads along the eastern flank to conduct firing operations to reinforce critical perimeters of the fire. Crews will construct direct and indirect primary and secondary containment lines where it is safe to do so. A point protection strategy, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire, is being utilized around private inholding within the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge.

Closures: The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is closed for the safety of the general public.

Weather: The forecast is calling for a high of 93 degrees, and winds out of the southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. There is a possibility of thunderstorms returning later in the week.

Smoke: Wildfire smoke may impact the community of Plush. Go to fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. 

 Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orfwf-warner-peak 
• Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope 
• Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/index.aspx 
• Fremont-Winema National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema 

Las comunidades pueden seguir viendo humo a medida que se queman los materiales dentro del incendio.

Acres: 20,019 acres | Fecha de inicio: 21 de Julio 2024 | Causa: Rayo | Combustibles: Madera, hierba, arbustos.

Contención: 83% | Recursos: 366

Viernes, 9 de Agosto de 2024

Puntos Sobresalientes: Los bomberos están extinguiendo y retirando materiales en llamas en el lado superior este del incendio Courtrock y avanzando constantemente hacia el objetivo de contención total, mientras tanto, un helicóptero Tipo 1 ayudará con tiradas de agua en áreas que aún muestran calor dentro del interior del incendio. Es posible que se vea humo desde las carreteras cercanas a Merrill Springs; sin embargo, eso no es un indicador de riesgo para la contención. En el extremo sur del incendio Courtrock, las cuadrillas están retirando equipos de la línea y terminando los esfuerzos de contención.

Clima: Un sistema débil seguirá atravesando la región hoy. La alta pero densa nubosidad mantendrá las temperaturas altas durante la noche y mejorará marginalmente la recuperación de la humedad relativa. Este sistema todavía tiene la capacidad de producir rayos. Las lluvias serán leves y es posible que ni siquiera lleguen al suelo. Los vientos serán impulsados por el terreno con ráfagas ligeras sobre las crestas. A principios de la próxima semana un sistema fresco y seco ingresará al área. No se esperan fenómenos meteorológicos significativos en el futuro próximo. 

Seguridad: Continúe conduciendo dentro y cerca de las áreas afectadas únicamente para los viajes necesarios. Los bomberos y el equipo pesado siguen utilizando las carreteras. Aunque el incendio está prácticamente controlado, no se apagará hasta dentro de algún tiempo.
 

Cierres: Las órdenes de cierre están bajo revisión constante. Las agencias consideran muchos factores con respecto a estas revisiones. La seguridad pública es siempre la primera consideración. También se consideran la caza, la recolección de leña y otros usos del suelo. Las agencias abrirán estas áreas a estos usos tan pronto como la seguridad lo permita.

• El Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. ha emitido cierres para el Bosque Nacional Malheur. Para obtener información sobre los cierres del Bosque Nacional Malheur, visite https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events

Evacuaciones: No hay evacuaciones de Nivel 3 (¡Vayase ahora!) en vigor.

• Para obtener información sobre la evacuación del Condado de Grant, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Grant o regístrese en el Sistema de Alerta de Emergencias del Condado de Grant.
• Para obtener información sobre la evacuación del Condado de Morrow, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Morrow.

Refugios: 

• El centro de evacuación está establecido en Grant Union High School, 911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.

###

Cougar Creek Fire Update for August 9, 2024

Incident Commander Jeff Dimke

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 12

509-210-2928, staffed 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

2024.cougarcreek@firenet.gov 

Quick Facts:

Size: 20,999 acres                

Start Date: July 15, 2024        

Cause: Under investigation

Location: SW of Clarkston, 1 mile west of Hwy 129 and Grand Ronde River intersection

Containment: 35%              

Personnel: 440                        

Fire Strategy: Full suppression                      

Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 3 helicopters, 31 engines, 12 water tenders, 13 heavy equipment

Northwest Team 12 hosted a virtual community meeting last night for the Cougar Creek Fire. The saved video of the meeting is posted on the fire’s Facebook page. 

Happy 80th Birthday, Smokey Bear! With most wildfires caused by people, Smokey’s fire prevention message is more relevant than ever. It is hot and dry right now, so we need your help to decrease new fire starts. We are asking everyone to be careful with any activity that can create a spark and be aware of active fire restrictions and fire closures before heading out to recreate on public lands. This allows firefighters to focus limited resources (crews, engines, aircraft, equipment) on the numerous existing large fires across the region.

Operations: Firefighters are continuing the ongoing firing operation near Saddle Butte as they work to keep the fire out of the wilderness. Last night crews continued the burnout operation along FSR 40 to extend the blackened line northward from Saddle Butte, reaching Saddle Springs. After the initial firing operation, fire crews will secure and reinforce the approximately 100-feet deep blackened areas along the roadside.  

Further north, firefighters completed a firing operation at the FSR 43-40 junction, heading southward from Snow Spring to the Three C Spring/FSR 020 area. Mop up is nearly complete on the existing spot fire south of DeSpain Spring as crews work to fully secure this area. Fire equipment, remaining hoses, and litter is being collected and removed from control lines, roads, and staging areas across the swath of fire perimeter north of Grouse Flats and along Grande Ronde Road. Firefighters are also continuing to masticate and chip remaining activity fuels along the eastern and northeastern fire flanks. 

Evacuations and Closures: Forest closure descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest closure website. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff website and Asotin County Emergency Management Facebook website. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon, to the Highway 129 junction in Washington. A level 2 evacuation remains in effect for all of Grouse Flat. The TFR remains in effect: https://bit.ly/4duptei. Drone activity is prohibited under the TFR as firefighting aircraft cannot fly with unauthorized drones present. Please respect road and area closure orders and use extra caution while driving for your safety as well as our firefighters.

Weather and Smoke: There is a slight chance of thunderstorms tomorrow. No wetting rain is expected on the fire. Relative humidity remains fairly steady as ridge top temperatures cool into the 70s next week. Learn more about smoke at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. 

Incident Commander:  Bill Waln, Incident Commander 

Location:  10 miles southwest of Wise River, MT

Start Date: 7/25/2024 

Cause: Undetermined

Size: 4,149 acres 

Containment: 5%

Resources on Site: 3 hotshot crews; 4 type 2 hand crews; 11 engines; 2 skidgens; 1 dozer

Total Personnel:  294

KEY MESSAGES: 

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three (RM CIMT3) assumed command of the Grouse Fire this morning at 6:00 a.m. While the fire has been showing minimal smoke over the last day, the fire will become more active as the weather warms in the coming weeks. Expect more smoke to be visible as temperatures rise. 

Firefighting personnel are working to remove trees and other flammable materials to create a shaded fuel break along the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway. This will help reduce the fire’s ability to spread rapidly. While the scenic byway remains open, intermittent delays and one lane of traffic with heavy equipment is expected. Please continue to slow down, obey the posted speed limit signs, and yield to firefighting equipment, engines and vehicles. Fire activity and smoke will be visible in the area.

Current Status/PLANNED ACTIONS:  

Minimal fire behavior was observed across the fire yesterday, with isolated torching on the interior of the fire and creeping along the fire’s western perimeter. Moderate fire behavior is expected today.

Today, the structure protection crew will continue fuels reduction work around the homes on the Harriet Lou Road to the south on the Scenic Byway. This crew will continue assessing structures and further establishing a structure protection plan for this fire. Crews will continue to secure control lines in the Reservoir Creek drainage by constructing and strengthening fuel breaks to the north of Reservoir Creek trail, tying into scree fields (rocky slopes) above the fire’s perimeter. On the southern perimeter of the fire, crews will work to strengthen the line along Pattengail Creek trail. Fire managers will continue to work to keep the fire along the ridge south of the main Stine Creek drainage.   

Weather and Fire Behavior:

On Thursday, the weather was humid and cloudy across the fire for most of the day. Today, mild temperatures and gusty westerly winds are expected across the fire area. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening and a 50 percent chance of tomorrow. Moderate fire behavior is expected with smoke visible in the fire area. 

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has issued an Area/Road/Trail Closure (Closure #01-02-03-24-05) effective July 31, 2024. This Order is for public and firefighter safety during fire suppression efforts of the Grouse Fire. Closure information and maps are posted on the Forests’ website and the fire’s Inciweb page as they are in place. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtbdf-grouse.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area.

The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. 

The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest consists of 27 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 7,629 acres, with 728 people assigned. The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park has 31 people assigned, but the Diamond Complex is sharing resources as needed. The park remains open.

KEY MESSAGES: Highway 230 along the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park will be one-lane traffic with a flagger due to work occurring on the Middle Fork Fire. Expect delays and plan accordingly. 

The Umpqua National Forest has issued a new Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-05 that includes some exceptions from the previous Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03.

OPERATIONS:

Middle Fork Fire (4,011 acres, 1% contained): The fire grew to the north and northeast yesterday, getting into a patch of green timber that allowed it to spread. Scoopers and helicopters flew briefly doing water drops before being grounded due to smoke. To the north, firefighters scouted for line options along OHV trails, with the alternative being Highway 230. Northeast of the fire, crews continued widening the previously constructed dozer line between Highways 230 and 138. A feller buncher and log loader are hauling logs away from that line to open it up further. On the west, local resources scouted for line options closer to the park border. Masticators continue to work along a road system from the south end of the fire west and up a road system paralleling Highway 230. Crews are laying hoses and pumps along many of these lines. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek, and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.  

Diamond Complex Fires (No IR flight for new acreages was available for last night)

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 2,160 acres, 15% contained):  A large portion of the fire's east side is showing very little heat. From the top edge of the east perimeter, masticator and dozer operators are constructing an indirect line northeast of the fire, and crews have installed hoses and pumps along a portion of this line. Crews cleared vegetation along a dozer line on the south edge of the Boulder Creek Wilderness to the fire's edge. Hand crews are piecing together some of this line together with handline. Heavy equipment, including dozers and masticators, continue to work up the 4670 road on the west side of the Wilderness.

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 2060 acres, 0% contained): Yesterday, the fire showed low activity. Crews are finishing putting structure protection wrap around wooden trestles and other Pacificorp infrastructure south of the fire. On the north, fire managers are scouting for fireline opportunities. 

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 374 acres, 0% contained): Fire managers are looking at fireline options south of the fire as it pushes that direction into the Bear Creek drainage. As smoke conditions allow, firefighters will continue to utilize helicopters to conduct water drops to slow the spread.

Lost Fire (Northeast of the Trep Fire, 51 acres, 0% contained): The rappelers will be replaced with a helitack crew today to continue working to construct line around and secure this fire. A dozer is also constructing line.

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 276 acres, 0% contained): Firefighters continue mopping up where the fire slopped over the road to the south. Crews are opening roads around the fire, and sawyers are cutting down hazard trees before additional firefighters arrive so they can access the fire directly.

Brodie Fire (Five miles south of Hwy 138, south of Devils Canyon, 165 acres, 0% contained): The fire spotted across a line yesterday. Today, masticators will open roads to allow access for firefighters to get in and address it directly. Otherwise, firefighters are succeeding on this fire, and it's looking good.

Lemolo Fire (North of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, 1247 acres, 20% contained): Firefighters completed burnout operations on the south and will mop up and secure the edge today. The rest of the fire is holding.

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 843 acres, 40% contained): This fire is currently being patrolled by air. There continues to be some interior heat towards the eastern side.

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:  

Watson Fire (237 acres, 50% contained)

Loafer Fire (42 acres, 50% contained)

Bear Trap Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain, 64 acres, 50% contained)

Trap Fire (One mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain, 16 acres, 0% contained)  

Rough Fire (11 acres, 25% contained)

Campwood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138, 20 acres, 25% contained) 

Wood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 139, 23 acres, 25% contained) 

Canal Fire (1 acre, 75% contained)

Slide Fire (Northeast of Pine Bench, 0.1 acres, 95% contained)

Elephant Fire (Two miles southwest of Lemolo Lake, 0.7 acres, 95% contained)

Sheep Fire (Three miles north of Diamond Lake, 0.3 acres, 95% contained) 

Thin Fire (Four miles northwest of Diamond Lake, 0.6 acre, 95% contained) 

Pig Iron Fire (Near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, 27 acres, 95% contained)

Garwood Fire (About three miles southwest of Mt. Bailey, 5 acres, 95% contained)

Mowich Fire (One mile north of Hwy 138, 0.4 acre, 95% contained) 

Toolbox Fire (0.1 acres, 95% contained) 

Fires 100% contained: Clearwater (0.7 acre), Birds (0.1 acres), Dog (0.1 acres)

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Milder conditions are expected through the weekend and next week, including lower temperatures and higher humidity. The smoke also continues to keep temperatures cooler and humidity higher. The fires are primarily fuel and terrain-driven rather than wind-driven. The next few days should see moderated fire behavior.

SMOKE OUTLOOK:  Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations. For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/

CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, EVACUATIONS: Umpqua National Forest has two closures in place across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-05 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impacts all the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at VERY HIGH, and Public Use Restrictions Level 3 ORDER NO. 06-15-24-04 is in effect: https://tinyurl.com/PublicUseRestrictions

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office evacuation order for the Trail Fire west of Hwy 138 is set at Level 1: Get Ready and east of Hwy 138 is set at Level 3: GO NOW. The evacuation order for the Lemolo Fire south of Lemolo Lake is set at Level 1: Be Ready and northeast of Lemolo Lake is set at Level 3: GO NOW. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations

Communities May Continue to See Smoke as Materials within the Fire Burn 

Acres: 20,019 acres | Start Date: July 21st, 2024 | Cause: Lightning | Fuels: Timber, grass, brush

Containment: 83% |Resources: 366

MONUMENT, Ore. – Firefighters are extinguishing and removing burning materials on the upper east side of the Courtrock Fire and making steady progress towards the goal of full containment, meanwhile a Type-1 helicopter will assist with water drops in areas that still show heat within the fire’s interior. Smoke may be visible from the roads near Merrill Springs, however, that is not an indicator of risk to containment. On the southern end of the Courtrock Fire, crews are pulling equipment off the line and wrapping up containment efforts.
 

Weather– A weak system will continue to cross the region today. The high but dense cloud cover will keep temperatures up overnight and marginally improve relative humidity recovery. This system still has the capability of producing lightning. Any rain showers will be slight and may not even reach the ground. Winds will be terrain-driven with light gusts over ridgelines. Early next week a cool, dry system will enter the area. No significant weather events are expected in the near future.

 

Closures: Closure orders are under constant review. Agencies consider many factors with regard to these reviews. Public safety is always the first consideration. Hunting, firewood gathering, and other land uses are also considered. Agencies will open lands to these uses as soon as safety allows.

• For Malheur National Forest closures information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events 

Evacuations– No level 3 (go now) evacuations are in effect. 

• For Grant County evacuation information, visit Grant County Emergency Management Office’s Facebook page, or sign up for the Grant County Emergency Alert System 
• For Morrow County evacuation information, visit the link below.