At 6:00 a.m. this morning, the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team took command of the Sandstone Fire, which also includes the addition of nearby smaller fires Blister Creek and Thunder Mountain. The fire is currently burning in the 2006 Blister Fire burn scar, where there is dead and down fuel and steep, rugged terrain. Fire management objectives include a full suppression strategy. 

The fire moved southward, spotting over Forest Road 7010 and threatening the BPA powerline to the south. Today, crews are continuing to gain access to the fire and are assessing the southern edge, where it has spotted over the 7010 road to determine the most direct and appropriate course of action to protect values at risk. Heavy equipment, such as dozers and a masticator, are being transported to the incident and will be working on connecting and improving existing roads to establish control lines in the southern perimeter. Additional crews and heavy equipment are on order to assist with suppression efforts.

There is an existing closure around the fire area. For closure information, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices.

 Additionally, there are Level 2 & 3 evacuation orders in place, and information can be found at the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office’s wildfire webpage: https://www.clackamas.us/wildfires

Warner Peak Fire Daily Update

August 8, 2024

Acres: 17,000

Containment: 0%

Personnel: 160

The Warner Peak Fire started on the evening of Monday, August 5, 2024, and is burning within the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, 6 miles east of Plush, Oregon. This fire is a full suppression fire.

Firefighting Strategy: Firefighters are utilizing burnout operations to create fire lines and secure the perimeter of the blaze. Additionally, they are scouting and prioritizing structures within the wildlife refuge for protection.

Closures and Evacuations:

• The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is closed.
• There are currently no evacuations in place.

Important Information:

• This is a rapidly changing situation. Please stay informed by checking the links below for the latest updates.
• The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge has issued a closure order. More information can be found on their webpage and on Inciweb.

Links: 

• Inciweb Warner Peak Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orfwf-warner-peak
• Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope
• Oregon Department of Forestry: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/index.aspx
• Fremont-Winema National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema

Information Bulletin - Closure Notice

Temporary Closure of Hart Mountain National Antelope Due to Warner Peak Fire

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and all access, including roads and campgrounds, are closed until further notice due to the growing Warner Peak Fire and active fire suppression efforts. Fire crews will use established roads along the eastern side of the fire to conduct firing operations for perimeter control. Direct and indirect construction of primary and secondary containment lines will be utilized. The fire started near Warner Mountain within the refuge on August 5 and has grown to approximately 17,000 acres. It is 0% contained and is expected to continue to grow. There are no structures threatened and no evacuations at this time. The fire currently remains within the boundary of the refuge. Up to date fire information can be found: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orfwf-warner-peak

All campgrounds, hot springs, trails, access, and roads into the refuge are closed. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Blue Sky Road and all adjoining roads, including Black Canyon Road, Martin Canyon Road, South Boundary Road, Shirk Road, Barnhardi Road, and Post Meadows Road.
• Frenchglen Road
• Hot Springs Campground
• Post Meadows Campground
• Camp Hart Mountain Campground

All hunting and fishing, including the Hart Mountain Unit for Antelope and Archery Deer Seasons, have been closed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife until further notice due to the fire. For more information regarding the hunting and fishing closure, please call ODFW: 541-883-5732.

For more about Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge access and closures, visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/hartmountain. The 278,000 refuge was established to protect pronghorn antelope and other wildlife like California bighorn sheep and hundreds of other plant and wildlife species that rely on the protected habitat, including seasonal and yearlong water resources fed by snow melt and springs.

For additional information please visit: https://www.scofmp.org/ or online on Facebook at facebook.com/SCOFMPFireInfo . 

Size: 1,447 acres

Start Date: July 20, 2024

Cause: Human – Under Investigation

Location: 6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR

Containment:  0%

Fuels: Scrub oak, timber, and grass

Highlights:

There were no operational burning operations yesterday.   A small spot fire located in rough terrain was reported approximately 1.3 miles from the fire edge.  Crews continued to improve contingency lines in preparation for future firing operations, if conditions warrant. Smokey conditions will continue as winds out of the east are expected to bring smokey conditions to the west end of the Gorge and the Portland Metropolitan area. NOAA has issued an air quality alert for the Portland Metropolitan.

Operations:

Crews made good progress holding and securing hand lines. Today, crews will continue to improve existing handlines on the western side of the fire, and on the east and southeast flanks of the fire crews will monitor and hold lines where firing operations were conducted.  If conditions are favorable firing operations to reduce fuels between the fire and control line will be conducted. 

Fire Behavior and Weather

Today is expected to be one of the warmest days of the week. Temperatures will be warm today as a ridge of high pressure builds over the area with terrain driven winds. Winds with gusts up to 25 mph are expected on ridges and relative humidities will drop to 30 with overnight recoveries in the 60’s.  Warmer and drier weather may increase fire intensity while east winds forecasted will increase smoke on the west side of the gorge. Fire activity and smoke production is expected in the afternoon as fine fuels dry and become more receptive to burning, but lighter winds should reduce rates of spread. Smoke forecasts specifically for the Whisky Creek Fire area can be found at AirNow.gov.

Road and Trail Closures:

The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area closure information can be found at: Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Hood River County has closure information that can be found on their website. Closures are put in place for the safety of the public and fire crews – intrusion in a closure area can stop fire suppression activities, endanger life and property, and can result in fines.

Total Fire Resources Assigned:

• Approx. 387 personnel, 8 hand crews, 5 engines, 4 water tenders, 2 dozers, 5 masticators, 3 skidders, 1 feller buncher, and 2 helicopters.  
                        

Contact Information:                                                                                                                          

Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov       

Phone: 541-208-1743, 8 A.M - 8 P.M        

Special Statement

An Air Quality Advisory is in effect until 8 PM PDT Thursday, August 8 due to smoke and ozone. Pollutants can cause burning eyes, itchy throat, and other health problems. More information can be found at www.swcleanair.gov and www.oregon.gov/DEQ.

Una Advertencia de Calidad del Aire está en efecto hasta las 8 PM PDT del jueves 8 de agosto debido al humo y al ozono. Estos contaminantes pueden causar ardor en los ojos, picazón en la garganta y otros problemas de salud. Se puede encontrar más información en www.swcleanair.gov y www.oregon.gov/DEQ.

Fire

Crews continue to construct indirect handlines while helicopters with buckets drop water directly on active fire. Today, an east wind and temperatures in the upper 80s are expected on the Whisky Creek Fire. The Whisky Creek Fire is currently 1447 acres.

Los equipos continúan construyendo líneas de contención indirectas mientras que los helicópteros con cubetas de agua la dejan caer directamente sobre el fuego activo. Hoy se espera viento del este y temperaturas en los 80 grados Fahrenheit en el Incendio Whisky Creek. El Incendio Whisky Creek actualmente tiene 1,447 acres.

Smoke

On Thursday, east winds will push smoke away from the Columbia Gorge area. Smoke pooling is expected during overnight hours, increasing smoke concentrations in localized areas. West winds will return on Friday, and air quality in general will be between Good to Moderate.

El jueves, los vientos del este alejarán el humo del área de Columbia Gorge. Se espera acumulación de humo durante las horas de la noche, lo que aumentará las concentraciones de humo en áreas localizadas. Los vientos del oeste volverán el viernes, y la calidad del aire en general estará entre Buena y Moderada. 

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officers, Vicki Shaffer and Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 4,206 acres 

Percent Contained: 10%

Resources Assigned: 193 personnel

Crews (8); Engines (7); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (4); Heavy Equipment (6)

Yesterday: Crews continued to prep and secure the hand and dozer lines on the south end of the Bucktail Fire using existing roads and trails. Helicopters contained spot fires when embers landed on the unburned side of the fireline. New total fire growth was minimal. 

Today: With the secured line in place, fire crews will conduct hand and aerial ignitions today on the northwestern side of the fire. Firefighters use this method of igniting fires and burnout operations to control the speed, intensity, and overall fire behavior. Expect to see increased smoke due to these fire operations. Helicopters, including a Type 1, will continue water drops on hot spots. Road barricades are in place for firefighter and public safety.

Weather: Above normal heat continues with a decrease in moisture.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty, erratic winds, are still possible this afternoon.  Temperatures will range between 87-92F while relative humidity will be slightly lower at 15-20%.

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  Road and area closures are in place within the proximity of the fire for public and firefighter safety. This includes 25 Mesa Road to the northwest, as well as Houser Road, Cottonwood Trail, and Hwy 90 to the south. The closure area also includes all roads and trails within this boundary. For a complete list of closed roads and a map of the closure area, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-bucktail-fire. 

The BLM temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted to the BLM Southwest District Fire page under Current Fire Restrictions & Notices / Uncompahgre Field Office at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. 

The Forest Service temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted on the Forest Service Website at: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1198456.pdf. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

Smoke Information: Visit CDPHE - Colorado.gov/AirQuality to learn about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. For more information on current air quality go to Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov) and zoom in on Southwest Colorado. 

Fire Prevention: Fire managers would like to remind everyone to be attentive to their actions and surroundings, especially in areas with dry vegetation or dead/down trees. Preventing new fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Practice smart wildfire prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring fires are completely out and cold. Make sure trailer chains don’t drag and dispose of smoking materials properly.  Every spark can start a fire! 

Evacuation Updates:

KRN- 747

Genasys Zone KRN-747 has been split into two different zones, 747-A and 747-B.

Genasys Zone KRN-747-A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning. Those that are now under an evacuation warning should be prepared to LEAVE. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in the area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.

KRN-747-B remains in an Evacuation Order. Those that remain in an evacuation order should be aware that visibility in the area can be reduced and roads may become blocked.

Access points will open at 2:00pm.

Click on the link below for health and safety information for safely returning home: https://kernpublichealth.com/returning-home-after-a.../

737-

This is an update to the Borel Fire in the Havilah area.

Genasys Zone KRN-737 has been split East and West at approximately two miles East of Caliente Bodfish Rd.

KRN-737-A has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning. Those that are now under an evacuation warning should be prepared to LEAVE. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in the area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.

KRN-737-B remains in an Evacuation Order. Those that remain in an evacuation order should be aware that visibility in the area can be reduced and roads may become blocked

Click on the link below for health and safety information for safely returning home: https://kernpublichealth.com/returning-home-after-a.../

Access points will open at 2:00pm for residents of Havilah only. Please be prepared to show identification to law enforcement.

735B,736,738,740B,741A:

This is an update to the Borel Fire in the areas North and South of Havilah.

Genasys Zones KRN-735-B, 736, 738,740-B and 741-A have been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning.

Those that are now under an evacuation warning should stay prepared to LEAVE. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in the area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.

Click on the link below for health and safety information for safely returning home: https://kernpublichealth.com/returning-home-after-a.../

Access points will open at 2:00pm to residents of the area, only. Please be prepared to show identification to law enforcement.

Follow the link to view a map of the updated area: https://go.genasys.com/d8zclc

For the most updated information, please continue to monitor local media or visit Facebook.com/ReadyKern

If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Retreat Fire

Fire Information: 509-213-4890    Email: 2024.retreat@firenet.gov

inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-retreat
 

Location:  14 miles southwest of Naches, WA

Start Date: July 23, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 45,588 acres

Containment: 64%

Resources: 536 Total Personnel; 4 Dozers; 14 Hand Crews; 37 Engines

Key Messages:  

On August 8, 2024, California Complex Incident Management Team 14 took command of the Retreat Fire at 6:00am and will continue to work on containing and suppressing the fire. 

The Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. The fire remains very active along the highway and fire affected large trees continue to fall across the highway at unexpected times. The highway is expected to remain closed for several days.

Current Status:

The Retreat Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy prioritizing public and firefighter safety.

Yesterday, mop up work continued along the northeast, east, and south sides of the fire within the containment lines. Firefighters will continue to patrol the south, east, and northeast sides of the fire to ensure that no heat or fire threatens the line. Crews will also continue to extinguish hot spots where needed during today’s work shift. Patrol and mop up work will also continue on the west side and along the line north of the 2012 Wild Rose Fire scar. Tree falling modules are working on cutting hazard trees along the northern control lines and will be cutting additional hazard trees in the Highway 12 corridor.

In the southwest corner of the fire crews continue to mop up along the containment line and patrol the structures at Camp Ghormley, Lost Lake Road and along the Highway 12 corridor. The heavy equipment group continues to construct the shaded fuels break along an interior road that runs parallel to Forest Roads 1200 and 1201. The fuel break is being constructed as an alternate line.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Yesterday, cooler temperatures with highs from 70 to 86 degrees across the incident and slightly higher afternoon humidity levels around 30 percent came from a moderate to strong northwest wind pattern. Today is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures from 80 to 87 degrees and minimum humidity levels of 20%. Winds will be from the northwest at 7 to 11 mph.

Winds caused active fire in mixed conifer and initiated some single tree torching and short-range spotting. Sage/grass fuels at approximately 4200-foot elevation and below are mostly cured and carry active fire spread. At higher elevations sage and grass are partially cured and burn in patches within the dead fuel component. Timber litter above 5000-foot elevation is dry and contributing to active fire behavior with group torching. At higher elevations, large diameter fuels are not burning fully and will likely continue to smolder and burn.

Closures and Evacuations:

For the most up-to-date information on evacuations, please visit Yakima County Emergency Management located at this link: Yakima Emergency Management website.

- US Hwy 12 remains closed between the Y at Hwy 410 and the summit of the Pass at milepost 151.

- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Retreat Fire Closure: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.

- The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region has temporarily closed the Ahtanum State Forest due to increased activity from the adjacent Retreat Fire burning near Rimrock Lake. The public can access the most up-to-date closure information at www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.

- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the majority of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area to public access due to the Retreat Fire until Aug. 23 to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts. More information can be found at Wildlife Areas | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Air quality and smoke conditions and smoke outlooks can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/

Retreat Fire

Fire Information: 509-213-4890    Email: 2024.retreat@firenet.gov

inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-retreat

Ubicación: 14 millas al suroeste de Naches, WA

Fecha de inicio: 23 de julio de 2024

Causa: Bajo investigación

Tamaño: 45,588 acres

Contención: 64%

Recursos: 536 efectivos en total; 4 topadoras; 14 equipos manuales; 37 motores

MENSAJES CLAVE:

El 8 de agosto de 2024, el Equipo 14 de Gestión de Incidentes Complejos de California tomó el mando del incendio Retreat a las 6:00 a. m. y continuará trabajando para contener y extinguir el incendio.

El corredor de la autopista 12 permanece cerrado al tránsito público tanto por motivos de seguridad de los bomberos como del público. El incendio sigue muy activo a lo largo de la autopista y los árboles grandes afectados por el fuego continúan cayendo sobre la autopista en momentos inesperados. Se espera que la carretera permanezca cerrada durante varios días.

ESTADO ACTUAL:

El incendio Retreat se está controlando bajo una estrategia de extinción total que prioriza la seguridad del público y de los bomberos.

Ayer, el trabajo de extinción continuó a lo largo de los lados noreste, este y sur del incendio dentro de las líneas de contención. Los bomberos seguirán patrullando los lados sur, este y noreste del incendio para asegurarse de que ningún calor o fuego amenace la línea. Las cuadrillas también seguirán extinguiendo los puntos calientes donde sea necesario durante el turno de trabajo de hoy. El trabajo de patrullaje y extinción también continuará en el lado oeste y a lo largo de la línea al norte de la cicatriz del incendio Wild Rose de 2012. Los módulos de tala de árboles están trabajando en la tala de árboles peligrosos a lo largo de las líneas de control del norte y talarán árboles peligrosos adicionales en el corredor de la autopista 12.

En la esquina suroeste de los bomberos, las cuadrillas continúan con la limpieza a lo largo de la línea de contención y patrullan las estructuras en Camp Ghormley, Lost Lake Road y a lo largo del corredor de la autopista 12. El grupo de maquinaria pesada continúa construyendo el cortafuegos sombreado a lo largo de un camino interior que corre paralelo a los caminos forestales 1200 y 1201. El cortafuegos se está construyendo como una línea alternativa.

CLIMA Y COMPORTAMIENTO DEL INCENDIO:

Ayer, las temperaturas más frías con máximas de 70 a 86 grados en el incidente y niveles de humedad ligeramente más altos por la tarde de alrededor del 30 por ciento provinieron de un patrón de viento del noroeste de moderado a fuerte. Se espera que hoy esté mayormente soleado con temperaturas de 80 a 87 grados y niveles mínimos de humedad del 20%. Los vientos soplarán del noroeste a 7 a 11 mph.

Los vientos provocaron un incendio activo en coníferas mixtas e iniciaron la quema de algunos árboles individuales y la detección de incendios de corto alcance. Los combustibles de salvia/pasto a aproximadamente 4200 pies de altura y por debajo están en su mayoría curados y llevan a la propagación activa del fuego. En elevaciones más altas, la salvia y el pasto están parcialmente curados y arden en parches dentro del componente de combustible muerto. Los restos de madera por encima de los 5000 pies de altura están secos y contribuyen al comportamiento activo del fuego con quema en grupo. En elevaciones más altas, los combustibles de gran diámetro no se están quemando por completo y probablemente seguirán ardiendo sin llama.

CIERRES Y EVACUACIONES:

Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre las evacuaciones, visite el sitio web de Gestión de Emergencias del Condado de Yakima en este enlace: Sitio web de Gestión de Emergencias de Yakima.

- La US Hwy 12 permanece cerrada entre la Y en la Hwy 410 y la cima del Paso en el poste de la milla 151.

- Cierre del incendio Retreat del Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.

- La Región Sudeste del Departamento de Recursos Naturales (DNR) del Estado de Washington ha cerrado temporalmente el Bosque Estatal Ahtanum debido al aumento de la actividad del incendio Retreat adyacente que arde cerca del lago Rimrock. El público puede acceder a la información más actualizada sobre el cierre en www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.

- El Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington ha cerrado la mayor parte del Área de Vida Silvestre de Oak Creek al acceso público debido al incendio Retreat hasta el 23 de agosto para garantizar la seguridad pública y facilitar los esfuerzos de extinción del incendio. Puede encontrar más información en Áreas de Vida Silvestre | Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington.

CALIDAD DEL AIRE Y HUMO

Las condiciones del humo y la calidad del aire y las perspectivas de humo se pueden encontrar en https://www.airnow.gov/