ASH AND SEDIMENT FLOW VISIBLE FROM HULL ROAD AND PARADISE CANYON DRIVE IN RUIDOSO ON JUNE 24, 2024

Flash flooding near residences in Ruidoso NM on June 24, 2024

Tue, 06/25/2024 - 15:27

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Flash flooding near residences in Ruidoso NM on June 24, 2024

Ash and sediment flow visible from Hull Road and Paradise Canyon Drive in Ruidoso on June 24, 2024

Post-wildfire recovery teams of specialists for the Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have arrived in Mescalero, New Mexico, to evaluate impacts of the South Fork and Salt Fires on public and tribal lands. These fires have burned a combined 25,370 acres, between the towns of Mescalero and Ruidoso. The fires have crossed jurisdictional boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Lincoln National Forest, and Lincoln and Otero counties. 

Wildfires can cause complex aftereffects, from severe loss of vegetation and soil erosion to a decrease in water quality and possible flash flooding. Post-wildfire recovery is facilitated through a program called Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER). BAER addresses post-wildfire emergency stabilization and treats other post-fire threats to protect public safety, prevent further degradation of the landscape and mitigate post-fire damages to critical values.

Fires result in loss of vegetation, exposure of soil to erosion, and increased water runoff that may lead to flooding, increased sediment, debris flow, and damage to critical natural and cultural resources. BAER actions such as: seeding, mulching, installation of erosion and water run-off control structures, temporary barriers to protect recovering areas, and installation of warning signs may be implemented. BAER work may also replace safety related facilities; remove safety hazards; prevent permanent loss of habitat for threatened and endangered species; prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and protect critical cultural resources.

The Mescalero Apache Tribe has already begun to install treatments to mitigate the threat to local residences, businesses, and other important infrastructure.

The DOI BAER Team hosted an in-brief with the Mescalero Apache Tribe on June 24, 2024, and will oversee treatment priorities on Tribal Trust lands. The DOI Team will coordinate with the USDA BAER Team to assess soil burn severity and post-fire threats. 

The Teams will include specialists in soils, hydrology, geology, engineering, wildlife, botany, and archeology. Each resource specialist brings a unique perspective to the BAER process, to help the team rapidly determine whether the post-fire effects constitute urgent threats to human life, safety, property, or critical natural and cultural resources. They produce an integrated plan designed to install treatments that reduce those threats. 

Land managers and local officials will use the designed treatments to seek funding for immediate emergency stabilization measures. Ideally, these treatments will be installed prior to major storms.

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 Oak Ridge Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy utilizing a combination of tactics: airtankers dropping retardant and helicopters dropping water to slow the fire spread, and constructing hand and dozer lines along the fire edge where it is safe. When direct access is not possible, indirect fire lines are constructed strategically where there is the highest probability of success in holding the fire and where the level of risks are commensurate with the threat to values at risk.

Current Situation
Firefighters made excellent progress yesterday constructing and reinforcing hand and dozer lines on the east and northeast fire perimeter, essentially creating a “catcher’s mitt” to keep the fire from spreading further toward Beulah. The remaining fire perimeter in the northern and western portion and to the south, is in steep and rugged terrain and unacceptable to safe ground operations. In those areas, aviation resources worked aggressively to slow the fire’s progression with airtankers dropping eight loads of retardant along the remaining fire perimeter and helicopters dropping water throughout the day to slow the fire’s progression. This is giving time for fire managers to scout areas where firefighters can safely construct indirect fire lines utilizing natural features like rock outcroppings, trails and roads.

Structure protection crews continued their work building on existing structure protection established by local units and the Beulah Fire Protection District. They are also scouting and assessing structures further away from the fire to the north and south so they can develop a structure protection plan for future use if needed.

There are a lot of unburned fuels inside the fire perimeter. Often when large columns of smoke are visible it’s because the fire has reached those areas and burning within the fire perimeter.

Weather & Smoke Information: A change in today’s weather patterns will bring cooler temperatures and an increase in humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms bring the potential for brief heavy rainfall and small hail and south-southwest winds with gusts up to 25-30 mph.

Inversions will cause smoke to settle in the lower elevations. To check the air quality in and around the Oak Ridge Fire go www.colorado.gov/airquality. For resources on how to mitigate the impacts of smoke go to www.airnow.gov/wildfires/.

Closures: The Middle Creek Road is closed.

Evacuations: Homes along the Middle Creek Canyon Road are under a mandatory evacuation. The following are in a pre-evacuation status: Vine Mesa, Cascade Ave., Pine Ave., and Beulah Highlands Rd. Go to www.puebloemergency.info for all evacuation information.
 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. If you FLY, we CAN’T. Do not fly or operate your own drones in this area, as it will impede firefighting efforts and ground our aircraft.
 

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

El incendio Pioneer arde en los espacios naturales de Lake Chelan-Sawtooth, en el Distrito de guardabosques de Chelan del Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee y en un terreno privado a 31 millas al noroeste de Chelan. Las comunidades de Stehekin, Chelan y Manson se encuentran abiertas y siguen recibiendo visitantes. Se preven cielos soleados para el próximo fin de semana y se ha visto limitada la actividad de incendios y humo. 

El incendio Pioneer es un incendio de extinción completa. Los directores del incendio están utilizando estrategias y tácticas con la mayor probabilidad de éxito, y al mismo tiempo mitigan los riesgos para los trabajadores de primera línea y el público. El terreno extremo impide el ataque directo, especialmente en el borde este del incendio.  Se están identificando y estableciendo líneas indirectas para proteger la propiedad privada, la infraestructura federal y los recursos recreativos. 

En Stehekin, las cuadrillas enfocaron su atención en el retiro de arboles viejos y caídos y abrieron líneas de mano antiguas alrededor de las estructuras y de esa manera unirlas al sistema de carreteras. Las cuadrillas continuarán reabriendo las líneas anteriores de extinción de incendios y removiendo la maleza a lo largo de Stehekin Valley Road. Se siguen evaluando árboles potencialmente peligrosos a lo largo de las líneas eléctricas en preparación para la llegada de las cuadrillas del PUD (Distrito de servicios públicos) de Chelan el viernes. 

Las cuadrillas confirmaron que un fuego nuevo que comenzó ayer en el Graham Harbor Creek Campground se ha extinguido por completo. A lo largo de Meadow Creek, fue mínima la acitividad de fuego, y las cuadrillas trabajaron hacia la ruptura de la división en Prince Creek, mientras que continúan evaluando amenazas a estructuras. Las cuadrillas comenzaron a retirar algunas bombas y mangueras de estructuras previamente afectadas entre Pioneer Creek y Rex Creek, debido a que las amenazas disminuyeron. Se retiraron algunos equipos que ya no se necesitan, devolviéndolos para su reacondicionamiento y uso en otros lugares. 

Una tripulación y un médico de línea fueron transportados en barco y comenzaron a hacer una línea manual desde Safety Harbor que se unirá a una línea de topadoras que se ha abierto de nuevo cerca de Nelson Butte. El mantenimiento en la carretera Grade Creek Road (8200) dará acceso a las cuadrillas y al equipo pesado para que que fortalezcan las líneas anteriores de las topadoras. El mantenimiento de la carretera comenzará en Black Canyon Road y se evaluará Gold Creek Road para que entre personal y equipo pesado. 

Puede encontrar el pronóstico sobre la calidad del aire en https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Conozca más sobre el humo en smokeready.org. 

CLIMA: A lo largo de Nelson Ridge (a 6,000 pies) aa precipitación máxima fue de 0.21 pulgadas. Se prevé que el tiempo mañana será cálido y seco, y no se pronostica lluvia para los próximos cinco días. 

EVACUACIONES: Los niveles de evacuación no han cambiado desde el 16 de junio. Visite https://t.ly/QoH9w para tener más información. 

INCIWEB UPDATE

SOUTH FORK AND SALT BAER ASSESSMENTS

JULY 26, 2024

The South Fork and Salt Fires Department of Interior (DOI) and USDA Forest Service (USFS) BAER Teams are working collaboratively on a common post-fire recovery rapid assessment process. The two teams consist of 24 BAER specialists with expertise in hydrology, forestry, soils, range conservation, spatial mapping, engineering, archaeology, recreation, wildlife biology, and public information. This collaborative BAER assessment incorporates the successful effort to include a specialist from USDA Natural Resources Conversation Service (NRCS) to address post-fire concerns on non-federal lands; by working beside federal partners conducting a similar rapid assessment. NRCS can streamline its assistance to affected landowners with timely data as BIA and USFS specialists evaluate post-fire impacts to Tribal lands and National Forest lands.

Currently, BAER specialists are conducting field surveys and gathering knowledge from local Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Tribal, USFS, state, and county officials about potential critical values at risk of post-fire impacts. These critical values – which consist of human life and safety, property, and important cultural and natural resources – are entered into the BAER Teams’ spatial watershed models, which predict the increased risk of flooding and debris flows during monsoons, for all areas in, around, and downstream from the fires. The model, being produced by the USFS BAER Team hydrologist, factors in potential rainfall on changed soil conditions (from pre-fire to post-fire) and will inform all cooperators planning for post-fire mitigation actions in the coming weeks, months, and years. 

Yesterday, several BAER specialists collected soil burn severity data in the field, even though flash flood warnings curtailed their work in the afternoon. Other BAER specialists met at length with Mescalero Apache Tribe officials about post-fire concerns to forestry, range, and infrastructure; they will spend the next several days together on Tribal lands surveying these locations.  Additionally, the BAER Teams are collaborating with New Mexico Division of Forestry, Lincoln County, Village of Ruidoso, City of Ruidoso Downs, and Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District to collect data on potential areas of concern.

To maximize their effectiveness and keep all affected parties informed, the DOI and USFS BAER Team Leaders are providing a daily morning update to leadership and cooperators-- summarizing their teams’ joint progress and the next day’s plans. Each team will ultimately produce a risk assessment with which may included emergency stabilization treatment plans for consideration by the BIA Mescalero Agency and the Lincoln National Forest managers.

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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6-27-24 Morning Update – Ignition operations for the Park Ridge Prescribed Burn have successfully concluded, covering 560 acres. The dedication of the firefighters involved in this operation is commendable. Now that ignition operations are finished, the focus shifts to mopping up and securing the holding lines.

As the fire continues to burn through targeted fuels within the designated area, residents and visitors should anticipate ongoing flames and smoke within the burn footprint. This controlled process is essential for reducing excess vegetation and minimizing potential wildfire risks. Smoke will persist in the vicinity of Highway 180 and General Highway. For your safety, exercise caution while driving in this area: keep your headlights on and be mindful of firefighters working nearby.

Following the completion of the Park Ridge Prescribed Burn, fire management officers are looking to proceed with the burn plan and start on the Big Stump East project starting on 6/28/24 in the Grant Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park. Given recent lightning storms and nearby fires, leaders and fire management staff at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks remain vigilant and maintain close coordination with neighboring fire agencies throughout the execution of the 126-acre Big Stump East, scheduled to be completed in one day.

It's crucial for residents and visitors to stay informed about these operations and comply with any safety instructions. Please continue to monitor our InciWeb page for the latest updates on any potential impacts to the surrounding areas.

2024 Park Ridge Prescribed Fire - June 26, 2024

Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:17

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2024 Park Ridge Prescribed Fire - June 26, 2024

Fire Effects Technician, Ortiz observing the Park Ridge Prescribed Burn.

Order Number: #03-08-01-24-004

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service

Lincon National Forest 

Smokey Bear Ranger District 

Area Closure 

PROHIBITIONS 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Attachment A (the “Described Area”): 

1. Going into or being upon the described area which is closed for public health and safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). 

EXEMPTIONS 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2). 

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty. 

DESCRIBED AREA 

The Restricted Area is National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within and around the Smokey Bear District on the Lincoln National Forest. The western boundary of the Restricted Area is located at the junction of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 400 and NFSR 108 Tanbark, NFSR 108 Tanbark to NFSR 107, NFSR 107 to Big Bonito trail #36 to the junction of Aspen Trail # 35, Aspen Trial #35 to the junction of Crest Trail #25, Crest Trail #25 to the junction of Trail # 78, Trail #78 to the Forest Boundary. The Southern boundary is the Forest Boundary from trail # 78 going east for approximately 4.75 miles and then south approximately 6 miles following the Forest Service boundary to the Mescalero boundary, then east along the Forest Service and Mescalero boundary for approximately 18 miles. The eastern boundary is southeast corner of the forest bordering the Mescalerothe boundary going north along the Forest Boundary for approximately 12 miles, then west along the Forest Boundary for approximately 16 miles, then north along the Forest Boundary for approximately 9.25 miles, to the junction of NFSR 400. The northern boundary is NFSR 400 west to the junction of NFSR 108 Tanbark Canyon.

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this Order is to protect the safety of firefighter personnel and the public as firefighters engage in suppression tactics on the Blue 2 and South Fork wildfires. This order rescinds order # 03-08-01-24-003.

IMPLEMENTATION 

1. This Order shall be in effect from June 20, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. through 23 August 2024, at 12:01 p.m., unless rescinded. 

2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lincoln/alerts-notices. 

3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions. 

4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

5. Contact the Smokey Bear Ranger District in Ruidoso, NM (575) 257-4095, and Lincoln National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Alamogordo, NM, (575) 434-7200, for more information about this Order. 

6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.