Southwest Area

Incident Management Team

TEAM 5 – David Gesser – INCIDENT COMMANDER

Severe flooding prompts evacuations, Crews to assist in flood mitigation

Daily Update, Monday, July 1, 2024

Mescalero Apache Tribe Emergency Operations Center: 575-464-9214 (8am-6pm)

Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center: 575-258-6900 (7am-10pm)

Fire Information Phone: 575-323-8378 or 575-323-8258 (8am-8pm)

Media Information Phone: 575-323-8053 (8am-8pm)

Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov

Acres:  South Fork – 17,569; Salt – 7,939

Start Date: June 17, 2024

Location: South Fork – Ruidoso Area, Salt – 7 mile west of Mescalero, NM

Personnel: 690

Containment: South Fork – 84%; Salt – 84%

Fuels: mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper                                             

Resources: The South Fork and Salt fires are currently staffed with 16 crews, 3 helicopters, 24 engines, 
2 bulldozers, and 7 water tenders.

Highlights: Longer-duration rains fell across the fire area on Sunday with totals ranging from 2-5", causing severe flash flooding. Flooding will continue to pose a threat as afternoon storms pass across the South Fork and Salt fires on Monday.

Fire Activity: The South Fork and Salt fires received significant rain late in the day on Saturday, further suppressing the remaining heat sources. The majority of remaining heat sources on the South Fork Fire are actively charring downed logs, located interior of control lines.

Structure assessments are nearing completion. Additionally, crews on the South Fork and Salt Fires will focus on flood mitigation today. Suppression repair work on constructed containment lines will continue when safe to do so. 

Weather: The South Fork and Salt fires experienced intense scattered thunderstorms on Sunday, resulting in flooding and debris flows. Residents and visitors are advised to stay apprised of changing weather conditions and heed flood watches and warnings. Seeker higher ground during afternoon storms, if possible.

Closures: A South Fork Fire Emergency Closure Order was issued on June 20, 2024, for national forest lands within the Smokey Bear Ranger District. The identified areas, and roads and trails therein, are closed to public access to allow firefighting personnel to work and through the fire area safely. More information is available at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices/?aid=88199. 

The Mescalero Apache Tribe issued a Class V/Stage II – Extreme Fire Restriction Notice on June 28, 2024. More information is available at https://mescaleroapachetribe.com. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Public/commercial drone flights are also prohibited within this area. If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources. Visit https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html for more information.

More information:

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmmea-south-fork-and-salt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5 

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/430b2c05

Lincoln County Government: www.lincolncountynm.gov

Mescalero Apache Tribe: https://mescaleroapachetribe.com 

Village of Ruidoso: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire

INCIWEB UPDATE

SOUTH FORK AND SALT BAER ASSESSMENTS

JUNE 30, 2024

Today, both the South Fork and Salt Fires produced flooding and ash-laden flows. Thunderstorms delivered water and debris flows from Upper Canyon of Rio Ruidoso into the Village of Ruidoso, along with floodwaters from Bear Snow and Fence Canyons on the Mescalero Apache tribals lands. The public is strongly advised to follow all directions from local officials regarding evacuations and road closures. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment team is urgently making progress with post-fire recovery plans and taking steps to adjust and implement advance protection measures wherever possible on tribal lands, in response to latest storm events. Assessment and design are ongoing and will utilize the flood event to fine tune designs that were already implemented by the Tribe to protect homes and bridges prior to the rainstorms. The BAER team identified locations for placement of permanent warning signs on roads and on forest lands where people congregate.

Today, BAER team soils and hydrology specialists conducted aerial reconnaissance over both fires to validate a Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the Salt Fire and assess post-fire flooding damage where storms occurred yesterday over the South Fork Fire. A BAER engineering specialist has been assessing road conditions on the national forest and will similarly assess tribal roads in both fire areas. The team completed most of its field work and is now focused on completing maps to project flooding and debris flows. Team members with various natural resources specialties (forestry, recreation, archeology, wildlife) are analyzing and prioritizing their respective critical values at risk to design effective emergency stabilization treatments on tribal and national forest lands.

Additional information on understanding the BAER program, process and other post-fire information is posted on the South Fork & 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/.

###

Southwest Region – New Mexico

Post-Fire Resources for Private Property Owners

POST-FIRE WATERSHED CONDITIONS—KEY MESSAGES

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to prevent problems afterwards.

Summer monsoon thunderstorms and winter rain events in the southwest mountains can result in high water runoff and flooding.

Wildfire increases the potential for flooding, post-fire soil erosion and debris flows that could impact campgrounds, fishing areas, homes, structures, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from the burned areas.

Post-fire, watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.

The public and communities adjacent to and downstream from the wildfire areas should expect increased flooding and debris transport during less than average rain events.

SAFETY CONCERNS CONTINUE AFTER THE FIRE IS OUT

The potential for increased water runoff and debris flows are not just a one-year concern.

We recognize the threat potential of flash floods and debris flows may exist for the next several years, depending on the intensity of these storms.

For life and safety concerns, burned area public land closures are sometimes implemented prior to forecast rain events until the burned area fully recovers.

Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads within and downstream from the burned areas.

ASSESSING BURNED WATERSHEDS RESPONSE

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams work with each of the national forests, to assess the condition of the watersheds on National Forest System (NFS) lands burned by wildfires.

BAER assessment teams identify potential emergency threats to BAER critical values that may be considered at-risk on federal lands such as:

• Human life and safety.
• NFS property, such as buildings, water systems and infrastructure, utility systems, road and trail prisms.
• Critical natural resources such as water, soil productivity and hydrologic function, areas where invasive species or noxious weeds may impact native or naturalized communities and may include critical habitat or suitable occupied habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species.
• Critical cultural and heritage resources such as pre-historic and historic properties and sites.

BAER assessment teams recommend emergency stabilization response actions that are implemented on federal land to reduce potential post-fire threats.

ASSISTANCE FOR PRIVATE LAND AND HOMEOWNERS ADJACENT TO AND DOWNSTREAM FROM BURNED AREAS

For values and resources potentially impacted off federal lands, one of the most effective BAER strategies is interagency coordination with local cooperators who assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners with preparing for rain events.  

While multi-agency efforts are being taken to reduce the risks to life and safety adjacent to and downstream from the burned areas, nearby residents should develop individual plans to protect themselves and their property. 

The USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work together and coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased water run-off and potential flooding impacts.

NRCS and local sponsors prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas.  NRCS uses these reports, along with the Forest Service BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows, and assist local sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures through its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program: (www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf). 

All EWP Program–Recovery projects begin with a local sponsor or legal subdivision of state or tribal government. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally-recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Interested public and private landowners can apply for EWP Program–Recovery assistance through one of those sponsors. For more information on NRCS Disaster Assistance Programs: Emergency Watershed Protection Program | NRCS New Mexico (usda.gov).

The following links provide information and references for state and local county offices of emergency management promote preparedness through its emergency services programs to assist the public to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and quickly recover from natural emergencies that may impact county residents and visitors:

After Fire: Toolkit for the Southwest (postfiresw.info)

After Wildfire: A Guide for New Mexico Communities

New Mexico Fire Information: After a Wildfire

Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - Welcome to NewMexico.gov (nm.gov)

New Mexico Current Road Conditions

NM Counties--Wildfire Risk Reduction Program

New Mexico County Office of Emergency Services

New Mexico Counties, NM County List - USA (officialusa.com)

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods and www.floodsmart.gov/.

LINKS TO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND WEBSITES

NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Recovery Assistance

USDA Fire Recovery Assistance

FEMA Flood Insurance Program

FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk

FEMA Flood After Fire—Fact Sheet

Recovering from Wildfire-Damage Assessments

After Disaster Guidebook Template - Emergency Management - CSU Extension (colostate.edu)

Boulder-County-After-the-Disaster-Guidebook-CSU-Extension-V4.pdf (colostate.edu)

Flood Emergency Preparedness

Be Ready & Prepare for Emergencies

NWS Weather Information—Albuquerque NM

NWS-Albuquerque Facebook

NWS Post-Wildfire Flash Flood-Debris Flow Guide

New Mexico—Southwest Region

Preparing for Rain After Wildfires

POST-FIRE WATERSHED CONDITIONS—KEY MESSAGES

While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to prevent problems afterwards.

Summer monsoon thunderstorms and winter rain events in the southwest mountains can result in high water runoff and flooding.

Wildfire increases the potential for flooding, post-fire soil erosion and debris flows that could impact campgrounds, fishing areas, homes, structures, roads, and other infrastructure within, adjacent to, and downstream from the burned areas.

Post-fire, watershed conditions will naturally receive and transport water and sediment differently than during pre-fire conditions.

The public and communities adjacent to and downstream from the wildfire areas should expect increased flooding and debris transport during less than average rain events.

SAFETY CONCERNS CONTINUE AFTER THE FIRE IS OUT

The potential for increased water runoff and debris flows are not just a one-year concern.

We recognize the threat potential of flash floods and debris flows may exist for the next several years, depending on the intensity of these storms.

For life and safety concerns, burned area public land closures are sometimes implemented prior to forecast rain events until the burned area fully recovers.

Residents and visitors should remain alert to weather events and plan ahead when travelling along roads within and downstream from the burned areas.

ASSESSING BURNED WATERSHEDS RESPONSE

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams work with each of the national forests, to assess the condition of the watersheds on National Forest System (NFS) lands burned by wildfires.

BAER assessment teams identify potential emergency threats to BAER critical values that may be considered at-risk on federal lands such as:

• Human life and safety.
• NFS property, such as buildings, water systems and infrastructure, utility systems, road and trail prisms.
• Critical natural resources such as water, soil productivity and hydrologic function, areas where invasive species or noxious weeds may impact native or naturalized communities and may include critical habitat or suitable occupied habitat for federally listed threatened or endangered species.
• Critical cultural and heritage resources such as pre-historic and historic properties and sites.

BAER assessment teams recommend emergency stabilization response actions that are implemented on federal land to reduce potential post-fire threats.

PREPARING FOR POTENTIAL FLOODING AND DEBRIS-FLOWS FROM WILDFIRE BURNED AREAS

For values and resources potentially impacted off federal lands, one of the most effective BAER strategies is interagency coordination with local cooperators who assist affected businesses, homes, and landowners with preparing for rain events.

While multi-agency efforts are being taken to reduce the risks to life and safety adjacent to and downstream from the burned areas, nearby residents should develop individual plans to protect themselves and their property.

The USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work together and coordinate with other federal, state and local agencies, and counties that assist private landowners in preparing for increased water run-off and potential flooding impacts.

NRCS and local sponsors prepare damage survey reports for eligible sites on private lands adjacent to and downstream from affected areas.  NRCS uses these reports, along with the Forest Service BAER team’s assessment report, to develop emergency measures to reduce the impacts from potential increased water and debris flows and assist local sponsors to implement recommended emergency measures through its Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program: (www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1045263.pdf).

All EWP Program–Recovery projects begin with a local sponsor or legal subdivision of state or tribal government. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Interested public and private landowners can apply for EWP Program–Recovery assistance through one of those sponsors. For more information on NRCS Disaster Assistance Programs: Emergency Watershed Protection Program | NRCS Arizona (usda.gov).

The following links provide information and references for state and local county offices of emergency management promote preparedness through its emergency services programs to assist the public to prepare for, respond appropriately to, and quickly recover from natural emergencies that may impact county residents and visitors:

After Fire: Toolkit for the Southwest (postfiresw.info)

After Wildfire: A Guide for New Mexico Communities

New Mexico Fire Information: After a Wildfire

Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management - Welcome to NewMexico.gov (nm.gov)

New Mexico Current Road Conditions

NM Counties--Wildfire Risk Reduction Program

New Mexico County Office of Emergency Services

New Mexico Counties, NM County List - USA (officialusa.com)

Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods and www.floodsmart.gov/.

LINKS TO ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND WEBSITES

NRCS—New Mexico

NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Recovery Assistance

USDA Fire Recovery Assistance

FEMA Flood Insurance Program

FEMA Wildfire Increases Flood Risk

FEMA Know Your Post-Wildfire Flooding Risk

FEMA Flood After Fire—Fact Sheet

Recovering from Wildfire-Damage Assessments

After the Wildfire ToolKit

Flood Emergency Preparedness

Be Ready & Prepare for Emergencies

NWS Weather Information—Albuquerque NM

NWS-Albuquerque Facebook

NWS Post-Wildfire Flash Flood-Debris Flow Guide

NWS-The NM Monsoon Season - YouTube

NWS-Monsoon Safety

NOAA Flood After Fire-Know Your Risk

After the Flames Resources

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 theses National Weather Service website: https://www.weather.gov/abq/.

BURNED AREA EMERGENCY RESPONSE (BAER) BRIEFING PAPER

POST-FIRE EFFECTS: UNDERSTANDING SOIL BURN SEVERITY

We tend to think of wildfire burn severity in terms of the visual impacts to above-ground vegetation, but the post-fire landscape response (erosion, flooding, and mass movement) is generally more strongly correlated to soil burn severity. When characterizing soil burn severity, looking at the vegetation is a good starting place to understand the conditions on the ground.

Armed with that information, the BAER team’s watershed specialists (soil scientists, hydrologists, and geologists) ground-truth different vegetation burn intensities to tease out patterns of how fire affected and changed the properties of the soil.  Pre-fire ground cover, forest type, fire behavior, slope, aspect, and other factors all influence soil burn severity.  After field observations are collected, specialists adjust the vegetation severity map to create the soil burn severity (SBS) map.  The SBS is broken into four different classes: unburned (green), low severity (blue), moderate severity (yellow), and high severity (red). 

So, what do these different classifications mean?

LOW severity areas generally have intact and recognizable litter layers (organic material on the forest floor, such as pine needles and twigs).  These litter layers may be charred but are not consumed.  Underlying topsoil is intact, and near-surface fine roots are unburned.  These soils have enough cover to protect them from erosion during rain events because their natural porosity and structure allow rain to soak into the soil instead of running off, while fine roots provide stability.  In low severity areas, burns may have been patchy islands of green vegetation and intact canopies may be present.  

MODERATE severity areas generally have more—up to 80% of their pre-fire surface litter layers consumed by fire.  Black or gray ash may be present on the soil surface. Fine roots near the surface may be scorched and killed.  Topsoil layers are generally intact with minimal impacts to the soil’s ability to absorb moisture. Soils with moderate severity are more susceptible to erosion in post-fire rain events because they have lost protective surface cover and may have less surface stability because of root mortality. 

HIGH severity areas generally have had all their pre-fire surface litter layers consumed by fire.  White or gray ash may be present on the soil surface. Fine roots are often fully burned/consumed within several inches of the soil surface, and even large tree roots may have burned deep into the soil.  Soil may be powdery or grainy and loose, unable to bind together and retain water. These soils are very susceptible to erosion and often have high surface run-off during rainstorms.

So, what does the BAER team do with the SBS map?

The BAER team uses the SBS map to make predictions about how the landscape will respond after fires. Soil scientists consider where soil productivity will be degraded due to erosion losses and where sediment may move into stream channels. Hydrologists use the SBS to predict watershed response—surface runoff from high SBS areas in rainstorms can produce more “flashy” behavior in stream systems.  Geologists use the SBS to inform predictions for debris flow or other mass movement potential based on reduced soil stability in steep drainages.

BAER teams focus on emergency responses to stabilize burned areas that may impact Forest Service critical infrastructure or other values located within or immediately downstream of high soil burn severity areas. 

###

The Pizona Fire behavior continues to decrease and is staying within its current footprint with no significant smoke. Firefighters are securing containments line in extremely challenging terrain with assistance from air resources for water drops, and conducting mop-up where needed.

Logistical support for firefighters continues to be the top challenge in managing this fire, however today additional cargo loads of supplies will be delivered via helicopter.

Incident objectives are to keep the fire north of McBride Springs, south of Jack Spring, east of Forest Road 1N1132, and west of Forest Road 206.

Today’s forecast will moderate slightly, however tomorrow the winds are expected to shift from out of the west slightly south with gusts up to 20 mph in late in the afternoon on Monday.

No bulldozers are being used for this incident due to the logistics and inaccessibility of the roadways, in addition to the potential for cultural resource impacts.

Resource advisors are present on the fireline to monitor sensitive cultural, archeological and ecological resources and to advise on Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST).

Acreage: 2,138           
Percent Containment: 40%
Current Resources: 195 total personnel (7 hand crews, 3 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 water tender, 24 overhead)
Location: Adobe Hills in Mineral County, Nevada, just over 12 miles north of Benton, CA.
Cause: lightning          
Structures threatened: 0

Contact:
Public Affairs Officer: Lisa Cox
lisa.cox@usda.gov 
(760) 873-2427
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cainf-2024-pizona

Hot, dry conditions keep the McDonald Fire active

Size:  145,775 acres
Personnel:  61
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Cause:  Lightning

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The McDonald Fire remains active, even in old burn areas. Facilitated by persistent hot, dry conditions, the fire is running through dry grasses and traveling through stringers of black spruce trees. Expected cooler temperatures and higher overnight relative humidity will help slow fire progression.

An initial attack crew from eastern Montana arrived on Sunday to join the Plumas and Midnight Sun hotshot crews in structure protection and direct line construction in the 5 Mile Creek area. For additional protection, crews are constructing indirect line, making use of ATV trails in the area. Two engines are patrolling the Richardson corridor and nearby neighborhoods. Over the next few days, firefighters will continue scouting for opportunities to slow or hold the fire as the perimeter continues to grow.

Weather: Sunday will be hot and dry with a chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. A low pressure is expected to move into the area Sunday night and Monday morning, which could bring cooler temperatures and the chance of rain, but also strong, gusty winds.

Burn Permits:  The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection has issued Burn Permit Suspensions for Fairbanks, Salcha, Delta, Tok, and Railbelt areas. The fire danger in these areas remains HIGH. 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:  Sunday’s air quality will be slightly better than Saturday, especially in the afternoon. Hot, dry weather will continue to create air quality and visibility issues along the Elliot Highway near the Grapefruit Complex, in the Fairbanks area, and south along the Richardson Highway. Regional air quality should improve as winds shift to the west/southwest on Monday. Use periods of better air to get outside and open up windows. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (1650 Cowles Street) 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:  Flight restrictions have been released; however, pilots should be mindful that air operations in support of fire suppression are ongoing.

-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.

We will have a Community Meeting for the whole community, tomorrow, Monday, July 1st, at the Goodpasture Barn (7970 CO-78, Beulah) at 6:30 p.m. Fire managers and local authorities will present on current and future fire activity and will also be available to answer questions.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we continue to try to share operational plans and information with the right audiences.

Forest Enters Temporary Fire Restrictions June 30, 2024

Fire restrictions prohibit campfires in non-developed areas, welding, operating an internal combustion engine except on a National Forest System road or trail and smoking. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for more information.

Due to drying vegetation and rising daytime temperatures, conditions now necessitate the implementation of fire restrictions.

Fire restrictions are determined using several criteria, including two key metrics: the Energy Release Component (ERC) and the Burning Index (BI). The ERC measures the potential energy available to a fire, indicating the amount of heat that would be released if a fire burned the available fuel. It accounts for the moisture content of both live and dead vegetation, providing a comprehensive measure of landscape dryness and flammability. The BI estimates the difficulty of controlling a fire, combining potential energy release and fire spread rate into a single value.

When thresholds for these metrics, along with factors like vegetation moisture content, weather forecasts, human risk factors, and firefighting resource availability, are met, fire restrictions are implemented.

Date(s): Jun 29, 2024 - Nov 15, 2024. 

Forest Order No. 05-15-00-24-14 Sierra National Forest Fire Restrictions

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Sierra National Forest.  This Order is effective from June 30, 2024, through November 15, 2024. 

To view Forest Order 05-15-00-24-14: Click Here

To view Wilderness Fire Restriction Forest Order 05-15-00-24-09: Click Here

Basin Fire Update

Sunday, June 30, 2024

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

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov 

Facebook: @SierraNF

People and Equipment: 697 personnel, 11 crews, 43 engines & 12 helicopters. 

Current Situation: The Basin Fire northeast of Fresno is currently at 11,047 acres and 0% containment. The fire is burning primarily in dry, dense grass within the Rough Fire scar from 2015. While there was some growth along the northwest and eastern edges of the fire yesterday, the rate of growth is slowing.
Additional personnel and equipment are continuing to arrive daily to support firefighting operations on the Basin Fire. Crews are improving roads east of Sacate Ridge to gain access to the northwest corner of the fire, which will be the highest priority for aircraft support today. Structure protection crews are working in the Balch Camp area to protect energy infrastructure, and bulldozers are continuing their work constructing a fuel break to the west and northwest of the fire. Hot shot crews will be inserted on the northern edge of the fire near Rodger’s Ridge and will be supported by aircraft. The southern perimeter of the fire is holding north of the South Fork of the Kings River.

The weather today should be similar to yesterday with light winds and temperatures at the fire of 86-92 and minimum relative humidity of 12-15%. A heat wave forecast for July 2-6 will bring challenging temperatures of near 100 at the fire with low humidity.

Sierra National Forest has implemented new temporary fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding, and smoking in non-developed campsites. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices for full details of the fire restrictions and Forest Order.

The Basin Fire started on June 26th 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 will be posted in Inciweb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casnf-basin-fire.

Evacuations: There is a mandatory evacuation order for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31 and K40. Please check the Fresno County Evacuation map:

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

NEW Temporary Partial Forest Closure Order for the Basin Fire: To ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters, The Sierra National Forest has issued a Forest Closure for the Basin Fire area. Effective June 30, 2024, the closure will remain in effect until July 30, 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.  Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for the forest order and area map.

Forest Visitors:  this may impact your holiday plans!  You will not be able to visit the campgrounds and trails within the closure area. Please support our firefighters and stay out of this area.

Smoke: Visit AirNow to check the Air Quality Index in your area and recommendations to protect your health.