RED FIRE DAILY UPDATE Friday, August 9, 2024

541-208-1766, 2024.red@firenet.gov https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/

Size: 530 acres
Start Date: July 17, 2024 Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning Total Personnel: 267

Location: 5 miles west of Crescent Lake Junction, OR County: Klamath

Crescent, OR – The Red Fire is burning within the Diamond Peak Wilderness of the Deschutes National Forest, on the southwest slope of Redtop Mountain. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy. The Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Mitch Ketron, assumed command of the Red Fire on Thursday, August 8. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in managing this fire.

Yesterday’s Activities – Firefighters have almost completed the northern section of the shaded fuel break from Crescent Lake Resort to Odell Lake Resort. They are also extending it west along Forest Service Road (FSR) 60, which follows the northwest shore of Crescent Lake. Other team members worked on structure protection assessments around Odell Lake Resort, Diamond Peak Estates, Willamette Ski Resort, and surrounding homes. Road crews used heavy equipment to improve Forest Service Road 6010, making it safer and more accessible for firefighters and heavy equipment.

Today’s Activities – The Southern Area Gray Team is continuing efforts to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. Firefighters will soon finish the shaded fuel break’s north section and will continue expanding it west along FSR 60. Crews working around residences near Crescent Lake’s northwest shore are preparing structure protection gear that can be deployed if needed. Road improvement work will also continue on FSR 6010. Resource advisors from the Deschutes National Forest will continue to closely work with firefighters to protect sensitive areas.

Weather and Smoke – Mostly sunny with a high temperature of 78° and minimum humidity of 25%. Light winds from the west with afternoon gusts to 17 mph. Most smoke in the area is drifting in from other wildfires, but the Red Fire’s smoke output may be more visible today as it encounters heavier fuels. Air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures – The Deschutes National Forest has implemented an emergency closure around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness. The public should note that Forest Service Road 60 is closed, and road guards have been posted for public safety. More closure information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices/?aid=89091

Evacuations – The WILDFIRE! Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice issued by Klamath County Emergency Management for the Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, and Crescent Junction areas remains in effect (INCENDIO FORESTAL! Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: Crescent Lake, Odell Lake, Crescent Junction). Visit www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management for more information or to sign up for alerts.

Fire Restrictions – Stage 2 Public Use Fire Restrictions – which prohibit open fires, including in developed campgrounds – are in effect for the Deschutes National Forest. The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is currently Level IV “General Shutdown.” Visit fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376 for more information.

Drone Restrictions – A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Red Fire area. Unauthorized drone (UAS) flights pose serious risks to the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Aerial firefighting is suspended when unauthorized UAS are in the area, allowing wildfires to grow larger. If you fly, we can’t.

Crazy Creek Fire gains significant containment; Smoky conditions will persist locally and from incidents to the west

Daily Update August 9, 2024

Fire Information Phone:541-208-1768 (8am-8pm)

Media Information Phone:541-208-1770 (8am-8pm)

Email: 2024.crazycreek@firenet.gov

Acres: Crazy Creek – 79,971; 498/Kitty Creek – 73 
Acreage changes may occur due to overnight operations and infrared mapping.

Location: Crazy Creek: 5 miles north of Paulina, OR                      Start Date: July 22, 2024 

           498/Kitty Creek: 7 miles south of Mitchell, OR                     Personnel: 638 

Containment: Crazy Creek 50%; 498/Kitty Creek 100%                Fuels: Timber and short grass

Resources: 14 crews | 1 helicopter | 32 engines | 13 bulldozers | 15 water tenders | 3 masticators | 27 skid steers

Highlights: Clouds and smoke sat heavy on the fire area throughout the morning on Thursday, August 8. As smoke lifted by mid-afternoon, fire activity increased with crews observing group tree torching and short-range spotting. Short uphill pushes were also observed in several areas where fuels and drainages aligned, including Bear Mountain and through East Wolf Creek.

Fire Activity:On Thursday, August 8, crews built on the success of overnight firing operations in the north/northeast area of the Crazy Creek Fire to reduced fuels and secure containment lines. On the northwest portion, spot fires are fully contained.

 

Today, firefighters will patrol and mop-up along the northern perimeter. Along the western perimeter, remaining heat sources within Deep Creek drainage are being monitored and firefighters and working to hold and secure the fireline in that area. Resource advisors have begun assessing suppression repair needs and crews will also assess heavy equipment needs and determine a plan for relocating remaining log decks from the northwest area of the fire. Crews will complete prepping the final mile of Forest Road 5820 on the eastern perimeter to protect recreation infrastructure. 

Evacuations: Evacuation orders remain in effect for areas in Crook and Wheeler Counties for areas in or near the fire. Level 3 evacuations have extended from the Forest Boundary to Highway 380. Level 2 evacuations have extended south of Highway 380. For further information, please refer to the Crook County Office of Emergency Management evacuation map. 

Weather: Hot, dry weather will continue through the weekend across the region with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, light wind and low humidity. 

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, to include the Ochoco National Forest are in Stage 2 Public Use (Fire) Restrictions. All open flames, including woodstoves and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited. In times of high fire danger, it is crucial for everyone to follow fire prevention measures to avoid additional strain on overburdened resources. The public's cooperation in adhering to fire bans and restrictions is vital to prevent new fires from starting and to help our firefighters focus on containing the existing fires. Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89068. 

Fire Restrictions and Closures: The Ochoco National Forest has implemented a forest closure for the Paulina Ranger District. More information can be found at fs.usda.gov/alerts/ochoco/alerts-notices/?aid=89203. Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for public lands in Crook and Grant Counties. More information is available at https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-08/orwa-fpo-pri-paulina-080224.pdf. 

 

More Information:

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orocf-crazy-creek

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

Central Oregon Wildfire Information: https://centraloregonfire.org/ 

Crook County Emergency Information Map: https://arcg.is/1ij0vb 

Containment climbs on the Battle Mountain Complex 

Total Complex Estimated Acres: 182,766 
Location: Ukiah, Oregon 
Cause: Under Investigation 
Personnel: 1733
Containment: 61% 
Estimated Cost: $56 million 
Resources: 59 crews | 70 engines | 9 helicopters | 40 water tenders | 25 dozers

Highlights: Containment increased on the Battle Mountain Complex as crews grow confident in their control lines on the southwest side. 

Operations: Yesterday pockets of unburned fuel in Swale Creek and Ditch Creek continued to burn. Firefighters responded by extinguishing hot spots and ensuring nothing threatened the containment lines. Late afternoon, two small spot fires crossed the containment lines just northwest of the Potamus drainage. Crews were able to quickly respond and build line around the spots. Sawyers finished falling hazard trees on the southwest side of the fire. The night shift patrolled most of the south side of the fire and continued looking for hot spots on the northside.

Today, firefighters will continue mopping up and ensuring the remaining areas of unburned fuels around Notell, Swale Creek and Ditch Creek do not threaten containment lines. Masticators will reinforce the lines by removing brushy fuels north of the Potamus Creek drainage. Crews will continue checking for any remaining heat along the fireline southwest of Dale that is still not contained. As much of the southern half of the fire is moving into a patrol status, fire managers are turning the efforts toward repair of any impacts caused from the suppression effort. Resource advisors are working with firefighters to identify what repair is needed and what equipment or resources will be needed to complete the work.

Engines are still patrolling the North Fork Owens Fire daily.  

Weather: Cloud cover will continue to build in the afternoon today. A slight chance of rain is expected into the weekend which may also bring slightly increased winds. These isolated showers are not expected to bring much moisture but will increase the chance of dry lightning and new fire starts. Temperatures will gradually trend down into next week.

Smoke: Smoke from regional fires is expected to persist in the area. Residents can expect to continue to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel as well as small burnout operations. Helicopter resources will patrol the fire and provide bucket-drop support where visibility allows. Additional smoke information: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Public Land Closures: The Bureau of Land Management and the Umatilla National Forest have closed public lands in the fire area. Visit https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 for more information.

Road closures and fire restrictions: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024 

Grant, Morrow and Umatilla County Evacuations: https://linktr.ee/battlemntcomplex2024

Smoke Outlook 8/09 - 8/10 East Central Oregon

Fire

There are multiple fires affecting the forecast area. For more information on these incidents, please visit each fire's Inciweb page.

Smoke

Air quality is gradually improving over east central Oregon as smoke production from nearby fires begins to diminish. Light and variable winds this morning will give way to northwesterly winds this afternoon over most of the region. The smokiest conditions are expected in the early afternoon when smoke from nearby fires mixes down from just above the surface. The forecast is for MODERATE conditions over most of the region on Friday, with the exception of Dayville, where UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS smoke levels are expected. Looking ahead to Saturday, MODERATE conditions are expected at all forecast locations.

Limepoint and Cliff Mountain Fires

Fire Information 208-992-3032

2024.limepoint@firenet.gov

Limepoint: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-limepoint-fire

Cliff Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-cliff-mountain

https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/

Friday, August 9, 2024

The Limepoint and Cliff Mountain Fires are burning in the Hells Canyon area, located on the Payette National Forest in west-central Idaho, east of the Snake River bordering Oregon.

Note: Yesterday Adams County Sheriff announced that residents of Bear, Calf Pen and Wildhorse may return to their homes at a Level 2 (Set) evacuation level. Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations are still in effect for Cuprum. If you have evacuated areas still under Level 3 evacuations, please do not go back. Fire personnel work closely with the sheriff’s office with recommendations to reenter evacuated areas when safe to do so.

Tonight, Friday August 9, a public update about the Limepoint and Cliff Mountain Fires will be held at 7:00 pm via Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/). 

Limepoint Fire

The Limepoint Fire is west of Cuprum and Bear communities to the Snake River in Adams County, Idaho and was started by lightning on July 24th, burning in tall grass, brush and timber. The southern part of the fire was once a smaller, separate fire named the Oxbow Fire, but both fires burned together and are now collectively known as the Limepoint Fire. It is now 28,115 acres (an increase of 1,320 acres) with 27 percent containment. The fire threatens homes in several areas, including Cuprum, Bear, Wildhorse, Paradise Flat and Ditch Creek. Idaho Power transmission lines to the south of the fire are threatened. 

Yesterday, fire behavior was moderate, and firefighters held firelines with the help of helicopters. Firefighters continued to work overnight on the fire, mopping up and protecting structures. Structure protection remains in place in Bear, Cuprum, Paradise Flat, Ditch Creek, Wildhorse, Mill Creek and OX Ranch.

On the northern flank, heat was observed in scattered timber with active runs and crews improved fireline along Grassy Ridge. Favorable conditions allowed hotshot crews to begin tactical burning south of Horse Mountain Lookout. A drone (Unmanned Aircraft System) helped with aerial ignition and super scoopers and helicopters used water to prevent fire spotting over the line. 

On the eastern flank, crews conducted mop up and held a fireline north of Boulder Creek and along Forest Road 071. Firefighters observed heat and smoke in this area, where a pocket of green vegetation continues to burn. Engines mopped up areas of heat on the west side of Cuprum. Structure protection specialists finished protecting additional structures in Bear.

On the southeastern flank, firefighters continued to mop up in the Flat Creek and Elk Creek areas and much of the fireline in this area is considered contained. Masticators also improved contingency lines in Ditch Creek.

The southwestern flank near Oxbow and western flank along Forest Road 454 (Hells Canyon Road) south of Big Bar had minimal fire activity yesterday. Several areas along the Snake River on the western flank are contained.

Today, 14 hand crews, 26 engines, seven bulldozers, five helicopters, two skidders, four masticators, four feller-bunchers, one excavator and 672 people are on the Limepoint Fire. On the northern flank, crews will continue to maintain firelines and establish dozer line north to Sheep Rock. As conditions allow, firefighters will continue with strategic burning operations south of Horse Mountain Lookout and along Grassy Ridge, which may span several days. Masticators will work near Lockwood Saddle to reduce ladder fuels in subalpine fir stands to prevent torching. 

On the eastern flank, crews will continue mopping up and securing fireline north of Boulder Creek and along Forest Road 071. They will also continue improving a contingency fireline west of Bear and lengthening this contingency fireline north toward Black Lake Road using bulldozers, a feller buncher and other heavy equipment. Firefighters continue to monitor hot spots along Indian Creek up to Cuprum. 

On the southeastern flank, crews will continue to improve and mop up fireline to hold the fire in the Flat Creek and Bear Creek drainage. Masticators will also work to improve existing roads along Ditch Creek. 

No personnel are assigned to the western flank of the fire due to lack of fire activity along the Snake River, but firefighters will monitor the area by air. 

Cliff Mountain Fire

The Cliff Mountain Fire started by lightning on July 25th in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area in wilderness just below Hells Canyon Dam 25 miles east of Joseph, Oregon in Adams and Idaho Counties, Idaho. It also was once two fires, the Muddy Fire and the Cliff Mountain Fire, which burned into each other. It is 1,108 acres with 20 percent containment, burning mostly in wilderness, with growth slowed in some areas due to steep rocks. Hells Canyon Dam and associated powerlines are threatened by the fire. No smoke was observed on this fire yesterday. No personnel are assigned to the fire. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Today is forecasted to be warm and hazy, with a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs will be in the mid-90s, while relative humidity will be 15-19%. Downslope northeast winds in the morning will become north-northwest in the afternoon with gusts near 15 mph during the afternoon. 

Dead and down fuels remain extremely dry, making all types of vegetation available to burn. In heavy grass, a new start could burn 363 acres in an hour if undetected. Minimal fire activity is expected today along the Snake River north of Oxbow; however, material could continue to roll down onto Hells Canyon Road. In the northern, eastern, and southern flanks of the fire, interior burning and spotting is likely, although fire activity is expected to be minimal. The Cliff Mountain Fire is expected to have minimal fire activity.

Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net. 

Evacuations: Per Adams County Sheriff, residents of Bear, Calf Pen and Wildhorse may return to their homes at a Level 2 (Set) evacuation level. Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations are still in effect for Cuprum. If you have evacuated areas under Level 3 evacuations, please do not go back. Fire personnel work closely with the sheriff’s office with recommendations to reenter evacuated areas when safe to do so.

Closures and Restrictions: The Payette National Forest issued a Forest Closure to protect public safety during the Limepoint and Cliff Mountain wildfires. The closure includes, but is not limited to, the following recreation areas: Big Bar, Black Lake, Sheep Rock, Kinney Point and Horse Mountain Lookout. Huckleberry Campground is also closed. For more information, see the full closure orderand map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/payette/fire.

Kleinschmidt Grade (Forest Road 050), Calf Pen Road, and Landore Road are closed. The Council-Cuprum Road is closed at the Black Lake turnoff. Reminder: the Forest Closure order is still in effect, therefore all roads within the order remain closed. Forest Road 454, which runs along the river is open, but please drive with caution due to rolling debris. Do not stop on the road. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes use of personal drones. If you fly, we cannot fly.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Payette National Forest and all state, private and BLM lands in the fire area. Prohibited: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on your own land, and only within a permanent landowner-provided structure; and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Morning of Friday, August 9, 2024 

For more information on the Park Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-fire  

Size: 428,744 acres with 34% containment | Personnel: 6,378 

Lassen National Forest: 

Last night on the #ParkFire, firefighters held the fire within the planning area through direct action on active fire and tactical firing on indirect lines with the support of night capable aircraft. 

Today aircraft and crews will utilize direct tactics to hold the fire within the perimeter and mop-up less active fire areas. Mop-up is a phase of fire suppression that involves removing or extinguishing all burning or smoldering material along containment lines. 

An inversion layer is predicted to hover over the fire creating hazy conditions. 

The collaborative, risk-informed strategies, and tactics from all our partners are being implemented under unified command. 

The #ParkFire has burned 113,022 acres on the Lassen National Forest. 

CAL FIRE: 

Firefighters made good progress on the Park Fire overnight. There were fewer spot fires than in previous nights, and firefighters were able to construct direct line in the Mill Creek area. The fuels in this area include significant brush, timber, and understory with limited fire history. 

Fire is burning primarily in mature timber stands and dead and down fuels. Firefighters continue to aggressively engage in a direct firefight where possible. They are working in very hot conditions and in steep terrain and deep drainages. 

Over the weekend, lower temperatures and higher humidity are expected to limit fire spread in some areas. However, winds are expected to increase which could lead to more wind-driven fire activity. 

Repopulations are occurring where it is safe to do so. However, threats remain to several communities in the region. 

All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted in Butte County, while some orders and warnings remain in Tehama, Shasta and Plumas counties. 

For more information on the Park Fire please visit:  

• CALFIRE Park Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/24/park-fire  
• CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit/Shasta County Fire Department: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESHU  
• CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit/ Tehama County Fire Dept: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRETGU  
• Butte County, CA: https://www.facebook.com/ButteCounty 
• Butte County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/bcsonews 
• Plumas County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/plumascountysheriff  
• Shasta County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/ShastaSheriff  
• Tehama County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088640404140  
  

Fire Location 

• Dollar: 9.5 miles East of Cascade, Idaho
• Snag:  9.5 miles East of Cascade, Idaho

Size 

• Dollar: 1,233 acres
• Snag:  6,180 acres

Containment 

• Dollar: 0%
• Snag:  0%

Personnel 

• Dollar: 0
• Snag:  35

Start Date 

• Both Fires: 8/5/2024 

Cause 

• Both Fires: lightning 

Incident Commander 

Mike Johnston, Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #7 

Summary: The Dollar and Snag Fires on the Boise National Forest started on the evening of August 5th after a storm system producing cloud-to-ground lightning moved through the area. Lightning has been determined as the cause of both fires. The Dollar and Snag Fires will be added to the West Mountain Complex which includes Boulder, Wapiti, and Bulltrout Fires on the Boise National Forest, and the Wolf Creek Fire on the Payette National Forest. The team is using a full suppression strategy on these lightning-caused fires. Great Basin CIMT 2 is shadowing Great Basin CIMT 7 today and will take command of the West Mountain Complex on Saturday, August 10th at 6am.

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: Cloud cover and smoke moderated fire behavior and temperatures yesterday. It is expected to be warmer today with humidity holding steady in the 20% range. Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon. Outflow winds and a possibility of cloud to ground lightning would impact the fires. There is a low chance of wetting rains. Terrain driven winds will push the fires upslope and up canyon during the day, and down slope down canyon at night. Fires will continue to be active at night with the presence of a strong thermal belt.

Actions: Resources continue scouting the fire perimeters to develop a plan of access. Fire scars in the area may help slow the progression of these fires. A single Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be in place over both fire areas.

Dollar Fire: The Dollar Fire saw little movement yesterday. This fire burns in rock scree with a 2007 fire scar to its east. The fire will continue to spread north and flank east toward the South Fork Salmon River. To the west and south the fire will back and flank towards the North Fork Gold Fork drainage.

Snag Fire: The Snag Fire is burning in steep terrain with heavy fuel loading. These conditions paired with a warming and drying trend pose potential safety impacts to suppression resources. It is progressing to the southwest where backing fire behavior has been observed. It is also moving to the northeast towards Cougar Rock. Yesterday it crossed the 409 Road. A structure protection plan is being developed.

Important Information: The Valley County Sheriff’s Office issued a “ready” evacuation order for Warm Lake residents and the North Shore Lodge at Warm Lake on August 7th. This map can be found on Inciweb: https://tinyurl.com/bddhpaeu. A second “ready” evacuation order was issued on August 8th for the Horsethief area, including the YMCA Camp, and areas of Scott Valley. This map can also be found on Inciweb:  https://tinyurl.com/4vfj657x. The relevant areas are outlined in purple.

Ingress along the Warm Lake Highway on the east side of Scott Valley is closed. Currently, westbound traffic toward Cascade along the Warm Lake Highway is allowed. Residents and recreators in the area will be notified of the closure. Residents not currently at their homes will be granted one-time access into the Warm Lake area to retrieve animals and other property if they can provide a valid address. Anyone who remains in the area should be prepared for a full closure of the Warm Lake Highway and have enough fuel to exit the area via the Deadwood area or Lick Creek Road. As a reminder, the South Fork Road remains closed due to construction unrelated to the Snag Fire.

Review the READY, SET, GO evacuation procedure for Valley County: https://www.co.valley.id.us/ReadySetGo

For timely information on evacuations, sign up for Valley County’s emergency alert: https://www.co.valley.id.us/CompleteEmergencyNotificationandAlerting. 

The Boise National Forest has issued closure order # 0402-04-100 for the National Forest System (NFS) roads, trails and lands around the Snag Fire. For a map and a more detailed description of the closure please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been issued for the West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Area on the Boise National Forest.  For more information on the restrictions and a very helpful interactive map, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/.

Fire Location 

• Wolf Creek: 5 miles W of Donnelly, ID 
• Boulder: 9 miles SW of Cascade, ID 

Size 

• Wolf Creek: 1,054 acres 
• Boulder: 1493 acres 

Containment 

• Wolf Creek :46% 
• Boulder: 6% 

Personnel 

• Wolf Creek: 168 
• Boulder: 494 

Start Date 

• Both Fires: 7/24/2024 

Cause 

• Both Fires: lightning 

Incident Commander 

Mike Johnston, Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #7 

---

Summary: The Boulder and Wolf Creek Fires started on the evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2024. On July 31, an incident management team was delegated the West Mountain Complex which includes Boulder, Wapiti, and Bulltrout Fires on the Boise National Forest, and the Wolf Creek Fire on the Payette National Forest. The team is using a full suppression strategy on these lightning-caused fires. Please avoid high traffic fire areas, slow down while driving, and give the firefighters room to do their work. Great Basin CIMT2 is mobilizing and will take command of the West Mountain Complex on Saturday, August 10th at 6:00 am. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: Relative humidity did not recover last night, meaning that it did not rise significantly during the cooler nighttime hours. There was not enough water vapor in the air to moisten vegetation and other fuels. Dry air and dry fuels can lead to increased fire activity.

Winds will continue out of the northwest today which will be a driver of fire behavior and potential fire spread. Temperatures over both fires will increase slightly from previous days to the mid-70s. Looking ahead to Saturday, more dry thunderstorms are expected in the vicinity of both fires with a minimal chance of wetting rains. 

Actions: The Cascade area received several new fire starts on the evening of August 5th on both the Boise and Payette National Forests. Great Basin Team 7 assumed command of two of those new starts, the Dollar and Snag fires at 6:00 AM yesterday. Firefighter and public safety as well as the protection of values at risk remains the top priority of the team through all suppression efforts. 

Boulder Fire: After the efforts over the last two days, no other burning operations were initiated yesterday. Last night, crews strengthened existing handline and dozer line. The intended footprint of the burn operations has shrunk, remaining west of South Fawn Creek drainage. Today, firefighters continue to mop-up along the southern flank of the fire perimeter. Mop-up consists of looking for areas of flame and heat that are near the perimeter of the fire and making sure that they are extinguished, similar to stirring a campfire to make sure it is cold. Firefighters will continue to monitor the west perimeter of the Boulder Fire, which has not grown much in that direction due to natural barriers such as loose, rocky slopes.

Wolf Creek Fire: Yesterday, crews completed handline and connected the dozer lines on the northeast area of the fire that were finished yesterday. Other crews moved water pumps along the Little Weiser River, ensuring they are in the best areas to support the existing handline. The pumps, hose lay, and handline have been a demanding effort by these crews over many days, and its completion marks an achievement in this area.

Important Information: The Boise National Forest has issued a closure order #0402-04-98 for National Forest System (NFS) roads, trails and lands encompassing the Boulder Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. The closure includes Blue Lake and Snowbank Mountain Road (#446) along with all #404 and #421 system roads. Near the Wolf Creek Fire, Forest Road #435 (Anderson Lake Road) was closed on August 1.  For more information on closures on the Boise National Forest please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices 

On the Payette National Forest, a closure including popular National Forest System roads around the Wolf Creek fire such as: sections of NFS #1763 (West Mountain Jeep Trail), #835, #206, #326. For a map and more detailed description of the closure please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/payette/alerts-notices 

For the Wolf Creek Fire, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office has issued a “ready” evacuation order for residents in Zone 7 and Zone 8. The “ready” status means that there is a threat or hazard to your local area. At this level, residents should be thinking about their evacuation plan and monitoring trusted news sources for any change in evacuation status. Maps and additional information on the evacuation status can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbuy6 

For timely information on evacuations, check out your county’s emergency alert system. 

• Valley County: https://www.co.valley.id.us/CompleteEmergencyNotificationandAlerting 
• Adams County:  https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/PublicUser.aspx?regionid=1077

 Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been issued for the Payette Fire Restrictions Area on the Payette National Forest and the West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Area on the Boise National Forest.  For more information on the restrictions and a very helpful interactive map, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/.

Fire
Western Idaho and eastern Oregon fires are significantly influencing AQI, especially the Paddock 
Fire north of Emmett. For more information on Limepoint/Cliff Mountain fire and other wildfire 
incidents, please visit Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ and the NASA FIRMs site:
https://firms2.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/usfs/map/#d:24hrs;@- 116.04,44.46,9.17z
 

Smoke
Surface winds will move smoke S until late morning shifting to the east until mid-afternoon, then 
toward the SE through late evening, eventually trending S through the night and into Saturday 
morning. This trend will keep communities S and SW of the cluster of Idaho fires (Paddock, Snag, 
Boulder, and Bulldog) in USG-UNH throughout the day, following a similar pattern from the previous 
day. The Town Gulch fire SW of Halfway, OR continues to heavily impair AQI for that community and 
to a lesser extent communities following the ID-95 corridor south (Council, Weiser, Ontario). For 
those in UNH or worse AQI please visit this site for construction of a home air purifier: 
https://deohs.washington.edu/edge/blog/how-make-box-fan- filter-clean-indoor-air-smoke. Air quality 
in Riggins will fluctuate between MODERATE and USG from today's defensive firing operations on the 
Limepoint Fire. Enterprise and Grangeville should expect MODERATE conditions today.

Fire Location: 11 miles west of Wapiti, WY
Size: 1,878 acres
Containment: 10%
Personnel: 145
Start Date: 7/19/24
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander (IC): Ron Steffens, Wyoming Type 3 Team

Summary  
Cooler and potential wet weather is predicted, giving firefighters the opportunity to make progress on the fire.  They will use this weather window to secure lines and spots fires, as well as scout for direct line opportunities or natural barriers to use for containing fire spread where possible.   

Drivers along Highway 14 should maintain a safe speed in the fire area. The presence of a USFS law enforcement officer in the corridor is helping to manage traffic. 

Please do not enter closed campgrounds and closed trail areas so firefighters may work safely. This also provides for public safety. 

Closures 
Elk Fork Campground is closed indefinitely.  Wapiti Campground, and Clearwater Campground are closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. These closures provide public safety and increased access for fire resources. A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail.  

Click here to view the closure order (#021404-24-03). A temporary flight restriction is in effect until August 19, 2024 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior 
In the coming days, cooler temperatures are foreseeable, though gusty winds with thunderstorm outflows could allow growth of the fire, particularly into the south end of the Elk Fork drainage. Air quality index is forecasted to remain GOOD for the next 24 hours. 

Important Information 
Managing the risk to responders and ensuring public safety remain the highest priorities for the incident management team. The Clearwater fire has not been the only fire contributing to the smoke in the air.  Smoke from fires in Canada as well as Idaho and the Northwest have been a steady influence across the area for many days. Use the Air Now link to check current conditions and plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level.  

The Shoshone National Forest implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions due to very dry conditions of fuels and continued hot, dry weather.  Click here to view a copy of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions order (#02-14-04-24-04).  

Fire History 
The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the vicinity of the Elk Fork drainage.  The location of the fire is in very steep and remote terrain that makes direct attack on the fire very difficult for firefighter access and safety. The fire is burning on steep slopes in conifer forest, brush, and dead and down logs.  The fire was caused from lightning.