Pioneer Fire Update for Monday, June 24, 2024

CHELAN, Wash. — The Pioneer Fire is burning in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and on private land 31 miles northwest of Chelan.  Stehekin, Chelan and Manson are open and continue to welcome visitors. 

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 would like to thank the communities, businesses and agencies of Chelan County for their support over the past two weeks. 

Today, Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 7 will shadow NW13 to exchange critical information and review current operation and plans. At 6 a.m. Tuesday, NW 7 will assume command of the Pioneer Fire.

While short-term operations to protect homes, outbuildings and federal infrastructure were being implemented, fire managers have been developing a long-term strategic plan to provide a seamless transition. This plan spans almost the entire north shore of Lake Chelan, from Stehekin down lake to Manson.

The fire is holding between Meadow Creek on the north end and Prince Creek to the south, backing slowly into both drainages. Backing is when a fire moves downslope.

To the north of the fire area, crews are continuing to hold and improve protection systems around Moore Point and lines extending from Fish Creek Trail to the rock outcropping on Moore Mountain.

Firefighters are working on protecting critical values at risk and infrastructure along the lakeshore from Moore Point up lake to Stehekin, and cleaning up historic contingency lines around the community.

Down lake, firefighters are patrolling homes and structures within the fire perimeter at Rex Creek and Pioneer Creek. Additional resources are positioned to defend Prince Creek and Canoe Creek should the fire move that direction.

Fire personnel in the Contingency group are preparing to implement a secondary line around Oss Peak.

A six-vessel boat group is continuously shuttling firefighters, equipment and supplies back and forth between Chelan, Lucerne, Stehekin and the fire area.

As fire activity did not require water drops Sunday, two Type 1 helicopters were loaned to the Gold Creek Fire suppression effort. Helitack crews were inserted into Pioneer Creek and Lucerne.

Safety: More resources and equipment are working within the Grade Creek Road (8200) system. Motorists should expect 30-minute delays. 

Smoke & Air Quality: Check current air quality conditions at https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Learn more about health impacts and becoming Smoke Ready at smokeready.org.

EVACUATIONS: Evacuation levels have not changed since Sunday, June 16. Please visit County of Chelan, Washington for the most current information on evacuations.

To receive fire updates via email, sign up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/PndMhvq 

Incendio Pioneer Actualizado para el Lunes 24 de Junio, 2024

CHELAN, Wash. —  El incendio Pioneer está ardiendo en el Area Silvestre del Lago Chelan-Sawtooth en el Distrito de Guardabosques de Chelan del Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee y en tierra privada 31 millas al noroeste de Chelan. Stehekin, Chelan y Manson están abiertos y continúan dardo la bienvenida a los visitantes.

El Equipo de Manejo de Incendios Complejos del Noroeste 13 desea agradecer a las comunidades, empresas y  agencias del condado de Chelan por su apoyo durante las últimas dos semanas. . 

Hoy, el Equipo de Manejo de Incidentes Complejos Noroeste 7 seguirá de cerca al NW13 para intercambiar información crítica y revisar las operaciones y los planes actuales. El martes a las 6.00 de la mañana, el NW 7 asumirá el mando del Incendio Pioneer.

Mientras se implementaban operaciones a corto plazo para proteger viviendas, chozas e infraestructura federal, los gerentes de incendio han estado desarrollando un plan estratégico a largo plazo para proporcionar una transición fluida. Este plan abarca casi toda la orilla norte del lago Chelan, desde hacia abajo del lago en Stehekin hasta Manson.

El fuego se mantiene entre el extremo norte de  Meadow Creek y al sur de Prince Creek, retrocediendo lentamente en ambos drenajes. Retroceso es cuando un incendio se mueve cuesta debajo del pendiente.

Al norte del área del incendio, las brigadas siguen manteniendo y mejorando los sistemas de protección alrededor de Moore Point y las líneas de fuego que se extienden desde Fish Creek Trail hasta el afloramiento rocoso de Moore Mountain.

Los combatientes de incendio están trabajando en la protección de los valores críticos en riesgo y la  infraestructuras a lo largo de la orilla del lago, desde Moore Point cuesta arriba del lago hasta Stehekin, y  limpiando  las líneas de contingencia históricas alrededor de la comunidad.

Abajo del lago, los combatientes de incendio están patrullando casas y estructuras dentro del perímetro del incendio en Rex Creek y Pioneer Creek. Se han posicionado recursos adicionales para defender Prince Creek y Canoe Creek en caso de que el fuego se mueva en esa dirección.

El personal de incendios del grupo de contingencia se está preparando para implementar una línea secundaria alrededor de Oss Peak.

Un grupo de seis embarcaciones continuamente transportan a combatientes de incendio, equipo y suministros de un lado a otro entre Chelan, Lucerna, Stehekin y al área del incendio.

Como la actividad del incendio no requirió el descargas de agua el domingo, se prestaron dos helicópteros tipo 1 a al Incendio de Gold Creek para los esfuerzos de supresión. Brigadas de helicóptero fueron insertadas en Pioneer Creek y Lucerna.

Seguridad: Más recursos y equipos están trabajando dentro del sistema del camino Grade Creek Road (8200). Los automovilistas deben esperar retrasos de 30 minutos.

Calidad del Aire y humo: Verifique las condiciones actuales de calidad del aire en https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Aprenda más sobre los impactos a la salud y como prepararse para estar Listo para el Humo en smokeready.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080

The Encerrita fire is 2,496 acres, and 0% contained. The fire area received more precipitation this weekend which kept fire activity at a minimum. On Sunday, the helicopter assigned to the incident flew the fire’s perimeter and observed minimal smoke and fire behavior. Firefighters continued line construction on the north and west sides of the fire and patrolling the fire edge closest to Highway 53. On Monday, firefighters will be addressing an area on the fire’s southwest corner that continues to hold heat in addition to patrolling lines on the west and north sides of the fire.

With the continued forecast for rain, thunderstorms, and high humidity over the coming week, fire managers will be downsizing the number of firefighters and support staff assigned to the Encerrita Fire in the coming days. Some firefighters will remain assigned to the incident to ensure that the fire stays within established fire lines and confinement features while others will be released to other assignments or to return home. Firefighters will keep monitoring the weather for changing conditions.

While the fire remains zero percent contained, that number is not reflective of the amount of work that has gone into establishing containment features on the north and west sides of the fire. Due to the broken nature of the landscape where vegetation is growing in and among lava flows, establishing control features is difficult or impossible in many locations around the fire. For that reason, the containment percentage of the fire’s perimeter will remain well below 100% for the duration of the fire.

Closures remain in effect in the monument. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and Zuni-Acoma Trail are closed in El Malpais National Monument from Porter Ranch Rd off Hwy 53 to Hwy 117; a CDT bypass is in place between CDT miles 502.5 to 512.5; more information is available on the CDT website. Both the western Zuni-Acoma Trail parking lot and the eastern Acoma-Zuni Trail parking lot are included in the closure. Closures have been posted and the public is asked to avoid closed roads, trails, and parking lots. The El Calderon Trail remains open.

Additional updates on the Encerrita fire will be available on Facebook (@ElMalpaisNPS) and on Inciweb. Please contact the El Malpais Visitor Center at (505) 876-2783 or visit www.nps.gov/elma for additional information on closures in the monument.

www.nps.gov 
 

Southwest Area

Incident Management Team

TEAM 5 – Dave Gesser– INCIDENT COMMANDER

Evacuations lifted; Crews mop-up, secure perimeter and conduct structural assessments as weather allows

Daily Update, Monday, June 24, 2024

Fire Information Phone: 575-323-8378 or 575-323-8258 

Media Information Phone: 575-323-8053

Phone Line Hours: 8 am – 8 pm

Email: 2024.southfork@firenet.gov

Acres:  South Fork – 17,551; Salt – 7,816

Start Date: June 17, 2024

Location: South Fork – Ruidoso Area; Salt - 7 miles west of Mescalero, NM                                                  

Personnel: 1,002

Containment: South Fork – 37%; Salt – 7%

Fuels: mixed conifer, grass, pine/juniper                                    

Resources: The South Fork and Salt fires are currently staffed with 19 crews, 8 helicopters, 71 engines, 14 bulldozers, and 23 water tenders.

Highlights: Information regarding the South Fork and Salt fires, status of the surrounding communities, and other updates were provided on Sunday at the Community Meeting Facebook Live Stream. For those interested in accessing the recording, visit https://www.facebook.com/SWIMT5.

Fire Activity: Widespread precipitation caused localized flooding and limited firefighter access to areas across the South Fork and Salt fires on Sunday. Today, crews will focus on mop-up, clearing snags, hazard tree operations and securing the perimeter where conditions allow. Incident personnel will also continue structural assessments in neighborhoods and the fire area. 

While fire behavior has reduced to smoldering and creeping in heavy duff and dead/down fuels, fire activity and smoke can increase in interior pockets of unburned fuel as warmer weather moves into the region. Residents and others traveling within the fire area should continue taking extra precautions as emergency vehicles, engines and equipment continue to travel and work along roadways. 

Weather: The potential for scattered storms reduces slightly for Monday. Temperatures will be above normal with light winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorm potential will increase later in the week. After several days of rain, flash flooding and debris flows can occur faster and more abruptly, posing a safety concern for firefighters and the public.

Smoke: Smoke production will remain light to moderate on Monday. Additional details are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/430b2c05.

Evacuations: No evacuations are in place. Use www.lincolncountynm.gov and www.ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire for the latest information. More information available from the Lincoln County Emergency Operations Center at 575-258-6900. 

Tribal members who have been displaced outside of the Mescalero Apache Reservation due to the fires are strongly encouraged to contact the Tribe's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to help you and your families get back to the reservation. If you're stranded out of town at other evacuation sites, please call the EOC at 575-464-9214 for more details.

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. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Public/commercial drone flights are also prohibited within this area. It is illegal for the public to fly drones within the fire area, including around private residences, businesses or other areas. If you fly, we may have to ground our air resources. Visit https://www.tfr.faa.gov 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

6/23/24 - Evening Update - Prescribed burn operations were successful today. Firefighters from the National Park Service with assistance from Tulare County Fire Department completed a total of 75 acres.

The fire crews were able to establish a solid holding line which will allow crews to continue work tomorrow. Conducting a prescribed burn is a lot like a paint-by-number. First you complete the lines / edges, and then you can fill in the middle. Fire ecologists on the prescribed burn are seeing great fire effects meeting project objectives.

Smoke will be visible throughout the evening and firefighters will be monitoring the fire overnight. Ignitions will continue tomorrow (June 24). 

6/24/24 - Morning Update -  Firefighters were successful is ignitions yesterday completely 75 acres allowing them to establish a solid anchor point which will allow crews to continue work today, June 24, 2024.  

2024 Park Ridge Prescribed Fire - June 23, 2024

Mon, 06/24/2024 - 09:55

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2024 Park Ridge Prescribed Fire - June 23, 2024

Firefighters igniting dead and down fuels on the Park Ridge Prescribed Fire. Firefighters were successful is ignitions yesterday completely 75 acres allowing them to establish a solid anchor point which will allow crews to continue work today, June 24, 2024.  

Location: 7 miles S-SW of Leadville, Colorado         Date Reported: June 11, 2024, at 2:01 pm  

Cause: Human caused      Size: 698 acres     Containment: 96%     Total Personnel: 158

Expect a slight increase in smoke in the following days as firefighters work to strengthen containment lines on the northern end of the fire. Firefighters will clean up an unburned area to allow the fire to back to the Colorado Trail. This slow progression of the fire will assist in preserving the watershed without jeopardizing the aesthetics of the trail. 

Interlaken Fire INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline:  719-301-4284 (until 6/24/2024) 

USFS Leadville Ranger District:  719-486-0749                      

Email: 2024.interlaken@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560818226034  (“Interlaken Fire Information”)

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-interlaken-fire

6/23/24: Morning Update - Ignition operations have commenced for the Park Ridge Prescribed Burn in the Grant Grove Area of Kings Canyon National Park, scheduled to continue for six days. Smoke may be visible from the Generals Highway and Highway 180. Visitors should anticipate moderate smoke impacts in the Grant Grove and potentially Hume Lake on ignition days, along with intermittent traffic delays. At night, smoke may also be noticeable in lower elevations of the parks and the Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest and surrounding foothill areas. 

2024 Park Ridge Prescribed Fire - June 23, 2024

Sun, 06/23/2024 - 16:32

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2024 Park Ridge Prescribed Fire - June 23, 2024

Arrowhead Hotshots and crews from Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park doing ignitions on the prescribed burn, June 23, 2024.

Firefighters have taken a systematic approach to prepare the area for the Park Ridge Prescribed Burn. By implementing the below preparation, firefighters have significantly enhanced their ability to manage the prescribed burn:

• Fuel reduction- thinning vegetation and removing dead wood to help reduce the overall amount of combustible materials.
• Establishing holding lines - creating a critical boundary around the area to reduce the risk of the fire from moving past their line.
• Identified additional firebreaks – these are natural and human-made barriers strategically used such as roadways. 
• Installing perimeter firehose – provides a readily accessible water supply around the burn area. 

Despite significant wildfire impacts in surrounding areas from the 2015 Rough Fire and the 2021 KNP Complex Fire, the Grant Grove area has been relatively preserved due to the parks' extensive history of prescribed burns dating back to 1968. This ongoing commitment by the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Fire and Aviation program ensures the safety of both visitors and natural resources. 

The Park Ridge Prescribed Burn covers 560 acres along the main ridge east of Grant Grove and the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, divided into four segments on the western slope of the ridge. Specific details can be found in the Maps tab. 

For air quality updates tailored to your location or for trip planning, please visit fire.airnow.gov. This website is accessible via smartphone for convenience. 

Access to the General Grant Tree and its parking area will remain unaffected by the prescribed burn. However, trails leading to Park Ridge and Panoramic Point will be closed during this period. 

The 2,496 acres, 0% contained. Encerrita Fire has received a notable amount of precipitation over the past several days, with more precipitation in the forecast over the coming week. The previously issued “Ready” evacuation notice for residents north of the fire was rescinded on Saturday, June 22nd.  

The welcomed precipitation has significantly decreased fire activity and has allowed firefighters to make good progress toward securing line and keeping the fire from crossing Highway 53. 

On Saturday the fire was minimally active as it received more precipitation. Firefighters continued securing line where it was most advantageous and will work toward tying in existing line with natural features as weather permits.  

Closures remain in effect in the monument. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and Zuni-Acoma Trail are closed in El Malpais National Monument from Porter Ranch Rd off Hwy 53 to Hwy 117; a CDT bypass is in place between CDT miles 502.5 to 512.5; more information is available on the CDT website. Both the western Zuni-Acoma Trail parking lot and the eastern Acoma-Zuni Trail parking lot are included in the closure. Closures have been posted and the public is asked to avoid closed roads, trails, and parking lots. The El Calderon Trail remains open. 

Additional updates on the Encerrita fire will be available on Facebook (@ElMalpaisNPS) and on Inciweb. Please contact the El Malpais Visitor Center at (505) 876-2783 or visit www.nps.gov/elma for additional information on closures in the monument.