Esta noche, se prevé que comiencen las operaciones estratégicas de disparo en la esquina sureste del incendio (Div. K). Se ha desarrollado un plan para colocar una línea de fuego a lo largo de una cresta a la que las cuadrillas puedan acceder más fácilmente. Si se implementa, esta operación comenzará usando antorcha de goteo para encender un fuego y ampliar una línea de contención existente. Más adelante, se podrá utilizar la ignición aérea desde sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas (UAS) para quemar combustibles desde la línea de fuego hasta el incendio principal. También se está instalando un tendido de mangueras en esta área para ayudar a asegurar esta línea. Esta operación ayudaría a la contención en un área de difícil acceso y permitiría a las cuadrillas a trabajar en un área más accesible con una mayor probabilidad de éxito. Este plan fue desarrollado cuidadosamente, evaluando las tácticas de extinción de incendios apropiadas que mejor alinean el resultado necesario con las condiciones climáticas y del combustible presente en el área del incendio. Espere ver humo adicional en el área con estas operaciones a medida que se quemen los combustibles.

Ayer, en la Sucursal I de la Div. A, las cuadrillas continuaron trabajando para astillar la línea secundaria norte y comenzaron a eliminar árboles potencialmente peligrosos en la línea hacia el sur hacia el incendio. El trabajo de astilladora continuó en la Div. D en la línea desde North Fork hacia Beulah. División K utilizó vuelos UAS infrarrojos y recursos terrestres para encontrar áreas de calor y elaborar el plan para hoy. Probaron el tendido de manguera que estaba en la línea hacia Soldier Park.

En la mitad occidental del incendio (Sucursal II), Div. M trabajó hacia el este y se vinculó con la Div. K con un tendido de manguera terminada en el área de Potato Mountain. Las cuadrillas continuaron preparando la línea cerca de Silver Creek Trail en Div. U. En la esquina noroeste del incendio, Div. W., las cuadrillas continuaron trabajando directamente en el borde del perímetro del incendio, buscando y extinguiendo las zonas de calor.

Se mantienen operaciones nocturnas en toda el área del incendio, excepto en la Div. U. Los bomberos patrullan y monitorean cualquier actividad de incendio durante la noche para proteger los valores en riesgo. Se siguen utilizando recursos aéreos para monitorear el incendio, utilizando descargas de agua y moviendo cargas con eslinga.

Recuerde, existe una Restricción Temporal de Vuelo (TFR) sobre el área del incendio. Cualquier incursión en el TFR, incluidos drones privados, se informa inmediatamente a las autoridades. Estas incursiones obstaculizan los esfuerzos de extinción de incendios y mantienen en tierra nuestros aviones.

Información sobre Condiciones climáticas y de humo: En la zona habrá cielos parcialmente nublados y temperaturas más frescas (máx. 81). Los niveles de humedad relativa alcanzarán los 40 grados con una probabilidad muy baja de lluvias. Los vientos cambiarán del noroeste al este/sureste a las 10:00 a. m. La acumulación de cúmulos comenzará durante la tarde. El informe diario de perspectivas de humo del Programa Interinstitucional de Respuesta a la Calidad del Aire de Incendios Forestales de EE. UU. específico para el área del incendio se puede encontrar aquí. Visite: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d9fa3c77. 

Cierres: El Distrito de Guardabosques San Carlos de los Bosques Nacionales Pike y San Isabel pronunció un cierre de áreas, senderos y caminos a partir del 26 de junio de 2024. Visite www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices para ver la orden completa.

Evacuaciones: El condado de Pueblo que se encuentran en estado de evacuación previa las áreas incluyen Middle Creek Canyon Road, Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue y Beulah Highlands Road. Para obtener toda la información sobre evacuación, visite: www.puebloemergency.info.

INFORMACION SOBRE EL INCENDIO DE OAK RIDGE

Número de Teléfono: 719-315-1536                      Tiempo de abertura: 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. 

Facebook: @OakRidgeFire2024                           Correo electrónico: 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov

InciWeb: www.inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-oak-ridge-fire 

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Fire restrictions are in effect for the Klamath National Forest today, July 4, 2024. These restrictions are designed to help minimize the chances of human-caused wildland fires. Human-caused fires, which range from escaped campfires, careless smokers, equipment use, vehicle exhaust, catalytic converters, parking on dry grass, or children playing with matches, are preventable. Due to recent exceptional heat and rapid drying of fuels, these restrictions also apply to wilderness areas.

Some of the fire restrictions in effect include:

• Campfires, stove fires, and barbecue grills using charcoal briquettes are only allowed in open developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds (no permit required).
• Smoking is limited to inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, within developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails, or within developed recreation sites is prohibited.
• Welding or operating an acetylene torch or other torch with an open flame is prohibited. 

Outside of developed recreation sites, Forest visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills, or lanterns with shut-off valves, in an area that is cleared at least five feet of any flammable materials. Permits may be obtained at any forest office or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/

For a complete list of fire restrictions and a list of developed recreation sites for the Klamath National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187464.pdf.

If visitors choose to have a campfire within a listed developed recreation site, follow these safety tips to prevent starting a wildfire: 

• Clear all flammable materials from the ground for five feet in all directions from the edge of the fire and make sure it is located away from overhanging limbs. Only use developed fire rings.
• Have a shovel and water nearby.
• Keep your campfire small and only use dead and downed wood...don’t cut live trees for firewood.
• Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance of your campfire. NEVER leave a campfire unattended!
• Always make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it! Drown it with plenty of water, stir well with a shovel, feel to see if it is hot, REPEAT. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave.

This evening, strategic firing operations are anticipated to begin on the southeastern corner of the fire (Div. K). A plan has been developed 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 was carefully developed, evaluating appropriate firefighting tactics that best align the needed outcome with weather and fuel conditions. Expect to see additional smoke in the area with these operations as fuels burn out.   

Yesterday, in Branch I on Div. A, crews continued work on chipping the northern secondary line and began to remove potentially hazardous trees on the line going south towards the fire. Chipper work continued in Div. D on the line from North Fork towards Beulah. Div. K utilized infrared UAS flights and ground resources to find areas of heat and work out the plan for today. They tested the hose lay on the line down towards Soldier Park.    

On the western half of the fire (Branch II), Div. M worked east and tied in with Div. K with a completed hose lay in the Potato Mountain area. Crews continued to prep the line near Silver Creek Trail in Div. U. On the northwest corner of the fire, Div. W., firefighters continued to work directly on the edge of the fire perimeter, seeking out and extinguishing areas of heat.   

Night operations are being maintained across the fire area except for Div. U.  Firefighters patrol and monitor any fire activity overnight, to protect values at risk. Aerial resources continue to be used for monitoring the fire, utilizing water drops and moving sling loads of equipment.   

Remember, there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Any incursions in the TFR, including private drones, are immediately reported to law enforcement. These incursions impede firefighting efforts and ground our aircraft.   

Weather & Smoke Information: Partly cloudy skies and cooler temperatures (max. 81) will be in the area. Relative humidity levels will reach the 40’s with a very low chance of showers. Winds will shift out of the northwest to east/southeast by 10:00 a.m. Cumulus cloud buildup will begin over the afternoon. The U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program daily smoke outlook report specific to the fire area may be found here: Visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d9fa3c77.  

Closures: The San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests issued an area, trail and road closure effective June 26, 2024. Go to www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices for the entire order. 

Evacuations: The areas in Pueblo County that are on pre-evacuation status include Middle Creek Canyon Road, Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue and Beulah Highlands Road. For all evacuation information, visit:  www.puebloemergency.info. 

OAK RIDGE FIRE INFORMATION 

Fire Information Phoneline:  719-315-1536 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Facebook: @OakRidgeFire2024   Email: 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov    

InciWeb: www.inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-oak-ridge-fire

Acreage Remains Unchanged on Sheering Fire

Aviation Resources on Scene Since July 2

Acreage: 370

Percent Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 60

Inciweb Entry: Castf 2024 Sheering Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Incident Images: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBxnar

SONORA, California, July 4, 2024— Fire crews on the Stanislaus National Forest saw no growth on the Sheering Fire over the last 24 hours, holding at 370 acres.

“The fire is primarily flanking into Lost Creek,” explained Incident Commander, Shaun Craig. “There’s small short-lived uphill runs occurring from roll out into the drainages.”

Single and group tree torching has been observed in areas outside of dense snag patches where the canopy is still intact due to decadent shrub growth. Numerous snags in the area have fallen and drastically increased the fuel loading though it does not have much impact on the rate of spread.

In addition to ground resources on scene, air resources have been assigned to the Sheering Fire since July 2 – since then, the Stanislaus National Forest Helitak crew has dropped more than 17,000 gallons of water on the fire. Helitak Superintendent Patrick Keener explained that before being assigned the Sheering fire his resources were assigned to other, higher priority incidents.

“That was when we had that unusual lighting event on June 24 – our crews were extinguishing fires in the Clavey River Drainage as well as assigned to two fires down in Mariposa County,” Keener explained.

“Fire burning in the Clavey River drainage is a recipe for disaster,” said Craig, noting the Clavey River drainage was where the 2013 Rim Fire started. “So the decision was made at the time to prioritize air resources on those incidents.”

For more information please contact Forest Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin Cossel at Benjamin.cossel@usda.gov or 209.288.6261.

Special Statement
This evening, strategic firing operations are anticipated to
begin on the southeastern corner of the fire (Div. K). A plan
has been developed to put in a fireline along a ridge that
can be accessed by crews. This operation will begin by using
drip torches to fire and widen that existing line. Later, aerial
ignition from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will be used
to burn fuels from the fireline to the main fire. The ignition
will be held in check by the fireline that has been plumbed
with a hose lay. The fire put on the ground will tie accessible
and in accessible portions of fireline together, therefore
providing a secure line to assist in containing the fire. This
plan was carefully developed, evaluating appropriate
firefighting tactics that best align the needed outcome with
weather and fuel conditions.

Fire
The Oak Ridge fire is currently at 1193 acres with 25 percent
containment. It still remains three miles northwest of
Beulah. Oak Ridge Fire Update

Smoke
Due to an increase in strategic firing operation we will see
possible MODERATE smoke in the area of Beulah and
possibly Westcliffe late into the evening. East winds will keep
the smoke near the fire and to the northeast until winds
change from the west. Smoke in the area east of the fire to
Beulah and east to Colorado City area. Canyon City, Florence
Westcliffe, Wetmore, Pueblo, and Colorado City areas will
have GOOD air quality today with haze visible due to smoke
from other fires. The winds will be out of the East today and
switching to West - downslope winds later in the day.
Information on the air quality and smoke impacts in the area
are on the link below. Fire and Smoke Map

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5

South Fork and Salt Fire Information

Beginning Monday July 8, 2024,
For questions about the South Fork or Salt Fires please contact:
Mescalero Apache Tribe (575-464-4494)
Lincoln National Forest (575-270-2726) and/or New Mexico State Forestry Division (505-699-0601). 

Questions regarding flooding and/or FEMA assistance, contact:
Mescalero Apache Tribe Emergency Operations Center at 575-464-9214
Village of Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center at 575-258-6900
FEMA at 1-800-621-3362

BAER INFORMATION BRIEF: FIRE SEVERITY & FIRE INTENSITY EFFECTS

There are several types of fire severity and intensity maps that you may see. Although they look different for the same fire, they may also all be accurate. This is because fire severity or intensity are different measures of the fire effects on a specific resource such as soils, tree canopies, vegetation or wildlife habitat. Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) maps are primarily measures of fire effects on soils. The following is a description of BAER fire severity mapping for soil burn severity levels. 

SOIL BURN SEVERITY RATING OVERVIEW: 

High Soil Burn Severity Rating: (severe damage to the soils): deeply burned soils with high water repellent soils (tend to be places where the fire burned the forest canopy, ground cover, roots, and organic matter in the topsoil). 

Moderate Soil Burn Severity Rating: burned soil with moderate water repellent soils (much of the root, soil structure, and organic matter stayed intact and could help buffer the rainstorms that might cause erosion) can produce increased water run-off and soil erosion depending on the timing, magnitude, and duration of future precipitation. The remaining vegetation could quickly re-sprout and provide some cover from dead needles and leaf fall to reduce erosion. 

Low Soil Burn Severity Rating: light soil burning includes land that may have burned in recent occurrences with brush or young timber growing on it. 

KEY MESSAGES: 

• Fire severity and intensity are separate measures of the effects of fire on a defined resource. 

• All fire severity or intensity maps view landscapes from different perspectives, so various maps of the same fire can look very different, and all be accurate. 

• The BAER soil burn severity maps specifically focus on severity to soils and watersheds. 

• There are also several other types of fire severity or intensity maps – many of which focus on different aspects of vegetation such as, Burned Area Reflectance Classification (BARC) and Vegetation severity or intensity maps are both vegetation maps but will also look different for the same location and time. 

• Vegetation severity and intensity maps also come from a number of different perspectives and can be short-term or long-term views. 

• During post-fire assessments, the BAER team uses the term “soil burn severity” to differentiate post-fire soil properties from fire effects on vegetation (such as tree mortality), and/or general fire effects on the long-term ecosystem health. 

• When a fire slowly consumes fuel (long residence time), the fire (soil burn) severity is usually high. 

• Ground cover refers to the organic material on the top of the soil layer, and includes vegetative litter, duff, and woody debris. 

• When organic material within the ground cover and within the soil structure burns at high intensity, some of the water repellent components vaporize, and condense on the soil at the surface or deeper depending on the severity of the fire. 

• The correlation between fire intensity and soil burn severity is not always direct because the amount of heat generated and time duration both plays a critical role in the fire effects to soil. 

• Because of the variability of fuel consumption, soil heating typically is non-uniform across landscapes. 

• Wildfire does not always impact soils and vegetation in the same way. 

• A hot, fast-moving fire can consume much of the vegetation and move through so quickly that the soils remain largely intact. 

• Soil scientists evaluate preliminary burn maps from satellite imagery to determine the effects and create a soil burn severity map. 

• Hydrologists use that information to model storm runoff over the burned area to estimate potential flood impacts to lives and property. 

• Foresters use the same satellite images to create a different map that displays post-fire impacts to the trees. 

• A hot, fast-moving fire (wind-driven) can consume the majority of vegetation (especially when dry with low fuel moistures) in a burned area and can be classified as a high intensity fire area by fire ecologists/fire behavior analysts. 

• When the duration (also described as residency time) of the fire is short (fast moving, wind-driven), it can result in a low-to-moderate soil burn severity rating by BAER soils scientists because the soil did not get a lot of lingering heat on the ground.

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/lox/.

INCIWEB UPDATE

SOUTH FORK AND SALT BAER ASSESSMENTS

JULY 4, 2024

Happy Independence Day from Mescalero, New Mexico. 

USDA Forest Service (USFS) BAER specialists submitted an initial funding request for placement of permanent hazard signage on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, part of Lincoln National Forest within the burned area, as they continue to develop the final USFS BAER plan and report. 

BAER specialists from the Department of the Interior (DOI) are writing treatment specifications for burned lands on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, which covers most of both fire areas. 

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. 

This morning, our DOI/USFS BAER team leads were invited to explain the role of BAER on the Southwest Incident Management Team 5’s Facebook page. Learn more by watching their explanation at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/7KziT1eP3ihxbHDc/

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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The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Alaska State Troopers have implemented a reduction of evacuation levels along the Elliott Highway corridor due to changes in weather conditions per the recommendation of fire managers for the #GrapefruitComplex

All of the "GO" evacuation levels have been reduced.

Be prepared for road delays, due to weather conditions near the fire area. Stay safe, and drive carefully!

Check the https://511.alaska.gov/ website for road updates.

Updated Evacuation Map, July 4.jpg

Thu, 07/04/2024 - 20:28

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Updated Evacuation Map, July 4.jpg

Grapefruit Complex Update, July 4, 2024  

Alaska Incident Management Team 3 

Incident Commander- Peter Butteri  

Location: 40 Miles north of Fairbanks 

Complex Acres: 87,434 

Personnel: 290  

Containment: 0%  

Wind gusts led to an increase in fire acreage Wednesday. Firefighters assessed the Eagle and Wilber fires and determined that while Eagle Fire (#306) impacted the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, it was not damaged. Firefighters also assisted with a new fire south of the Grapefruit Complex near Olnes Pond north of Fairbanks and continued installing protection measures on structures to milepost 57 Elliott Highway. 

Southwest wind gusts were 25-35 mph as predicted, with minimal amounts of rain. Thursday and into the weekend, a Siberian weather front is expected to bring significant rain, with 0.5 to 0.75 inches forecast over most of the fire in the next 24 hours. Southwest winds will be strong Thursday, but less intense than Wednesday, with gusts up to 30 mph. 

Evacuations remain along the Elliott Highway corridor. As of 11:00 a.m. the State Operation Emergency Operation Center and Alaska State Troopers have decided to reduce the evacuation levels that were recommended by Fire Managers due to the change of weather and fire behavior. The new levels are: 

All “Go” (red) evacuation have been reduced 

“Set” (Yellow) MP 30 – 57 

“Ready” (Green) MP 18-30 and 57-65 

Firefighters will continue work to protect property and structures in the area as fires move toward the north and east. While firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority, the focus is on protecting the Elliott Highway, Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Native allotments, public and private structures. 

The Globe Fire (#253), estimated at 19,055 acres, continues to spread primarily in an easterly direction and further into the White Mountains National Recreational Area. It also poses threats to sites along the corridor. The Elliott Highway has active fires to the east and west of Mile Posts 30-50 and is the primary focus for protection.  

The Iver Fire (#249), estimated at 49,012 acres remains very active. Predicted southwest winds could impact the highway corridor despite moderate humidity.   

Smoke: While air quality in the fire area has improved with the rain, smoke is still present on the highway. Please exercise caution and patience, turn on your headlights to help ensure the safety of firefighters and flaggers working in the area. 

The complex also includes: 

• The Eagle Fire (#306) is estimated at 5,059 acres. This lightning-caused fire has been burning since June 28th. Firefighters remain in place to continue structure protection on the surrounding infrastructure. 

• The Wilber Fire (#308) is estimated at 432 acres and was reported on June 29th. It is expected to grow to the north and east of the Elliott Highway and is likely to impact the Alyeska Pipeline and the Elliott and Dalton highways. Structure protection is underway on clusters of cabins and homes along the highway corridor. Crews are preparing incase the fire reaches this group of structures. The fire is about 2.5 miles west of Mile Post 51 Elliott Highway.  

• The Noodor Fire (#192) is estimated at 13,868 acres. This lightning-caused fire is burning on BLM-managed land since June 20th. This fire is being monitored via aircraft. Fire managers may send resources if fire threatens sites identified for protection if they can safely do so and there are enough resources available. 

• The Fossil Fire (#115) is estimated at 8 acres and exhibiting minimal fire activity or smoke but will still be grouped into the complex. It is in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. This fire is being monitored by aerial resources. 

Evacuation: Evacuation levels were increased on Tuesday (July 2nd). The current levels are represented as:  

All Go (red) evacuation have been reduced. 

Set (Yellow) MM 30 – 57 

Ready (Green) MM 18-30 and 57-65 

The Incident Management Team will evaluate the evacuation levels daily with the state emergency operations center and Alaska State Troopers, based on weather and fire conditions.  

Road access:  The section of the Elliott Highway near the Globe Fire is open. Expect significant delays between Mile Posts 25-65 if fire activity increases. Plan accordingly by ensuring that you have food, water, and other necessities if traveling through this area. Expect increased fire traffic around Mile Post 28. Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities contracted workers and a pilot car that 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. 

July 4 Public Information Map Grapefruit Complex

Thu, 07/04/2024 - 12:39

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July 4 Public Information Map Grapefruit Complex