Forest Service News Release

Boise National Forest

Contact: Brian Lawatch, Public Information Officer, 208-384-3266, brian.lawatch@usda.gov

Road and area closures announced for Boise NF fires- 

BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 7, 2024 – The Boise National Forest has seen growth on several fires and have begun implementing additional road and area Closure Orders for public and firefighter safety. These areas will cover significant portions of the north half of the Forest and include numerous recreation sites. Orders and their related maps will be posted to our website as they become finalized later this evening and early tomorrow morning.

Firefighting resources continued to be stretched, with priority being given to fires posing a risk to private property and those with a high probability of success. However, new firefighting resources have been arriving throughout the day today and quickly being assigned to priority fires.

A second Incident Management Team is expected to be in place by Aug. 9 and will take command of the Bulldog, Wapiti, Bulltrout, Nellie and Anderson fires. The current Incident Management Team fighting the Boulder and Wolf Creek fires west of Cascade will be taking over command of the Snag and Dollar Fire beginning Aug. 8 at 6 a.m.

All fires are being approached with a full suppression strategy, with firefighter and public safety being the highest priority.

The Bulldog Fire, eight miles north of Crouch, is now estimated at 800 acres. The Boise County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 2 Evacuation alert along portions of the Middle Fork Road in Garden Valley. Residents are encouraged to follow the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page for updates. The Forest has evacuated Tie Creek Campground and have issued a Closure Order for surrounding Forest Service lands.

The Snag Fire, 11 miles east of Cascade, has grown to about 4,000 acres and burning northeast towards the Warm Lake Highway. The Valley County Sheriff’s Office as issued a ‘READY’ stage evacuation order Warm Lake residents and the North Shore Lodge. In addition, they have closed eastbound traffic on the Warm Lake Highway. Follow the Valley County Sheriff's Facebook page for more details. 

The Dollar Fire, 18 miles northeast of Cascade. is estimated at 1,065 acres and is largely surrounded by previously burned areas for the areas around the Snag and Dollar fires.

The Nellie Fire is about four miles southeast of Scott Mountain and adjacent to Deadwood Road (#555). Currently at about 600 acres and burning in high elevation subalpine fir, which can contribute to spotting potential. About 3.5 miles to the southwest of the Nellie Fire is the Anderson Fire at 10 acres. The Forest has issued a Closure Order for the area around the Nellie and Anderson fires that includes closing of the Scott Mountain Road (#555) beginning at its junction with Hwy. 21, northward to the Deadwood Reservoir Dam.

The Flat Fire, 1.5 miles northeast of Pioneerville, is estimated at 50 acres. The Forest expects to close the Summit Flat Road (#380) between Pioneerville and Coulter Summit for public and firefighter safety.

Note:  The closure order states the area, trail, and road closure is for the Dollar and Oro Fire area.  This closure includes the Snag Fire.

The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest consists of 27 lightning-caused fires totaling approximately 7,629 acres, with 702 people assigned. The Middle Fork Fire in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park has 28 people assigned, but the Diamond Complex is sharing resources as needed. The park remains open.

KEY MESSAGES: Lakes and rivers may be used as a water source for firefighting aircraft, which pick up water when hovering or flying across the surface. When aircraft approach at low altitudes, please clear the area and stay away. Several aircraft may be using the water. This incident now has several scooper planes and helicopters assigned and will be dipping from various water sources.

OPERATIONS:

Middle Fork Fire (3,165 acres, 1% contained): Fire growth to the northeast occurred yesterday as anticipated, although there were no big runs. The fire is burning in the old National Fire burn scar, getting into unburned pockets of vegetation as well as burning through big, heavy dead logs that hold heat and generate a lot of smoke. Firefighters continue working on indirect line using masticators and dozers, constructing lines and opening road systems. Crews are laying hoses and pumps along many of these lines. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek, and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed.  

Diamond Complex Fires 

Pine Bench Fire (North of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, 2,160 acres, 15% contained): The fire has crossed Boulder Creek in some areas. Helicopters have been dropping water to slow the fire's spread and buy time to get in control lines. Masticator operators are working up the 4760 road on the edge of the west side of the Wilderness to clear vegetation and create control lines. Crews cleared vegetation along a dozer line on the south edge of the Wilderness to the fire's edge. Hand crews are piecing together some of this line with handline. Masticator and dozer operators are constructing an indirect line northeast of the fire, and crews have installed hoses and pumps along a portion of this line. Additional road systems are being prepped on the east as a contingency line to protect infrastructure at Toketee Falls if needed. The south portion of the eastern fire perimeter is looking secure.

Potter Fire (North of Hwy 138, two miles southeast of Potter Mountain, 2060 acres, 0% contained): Crews are putting structure protection wrap around wooden trestles and other Pacificorp infrastructure south of the fire. Fire managers are scouting ridges and road systems for fireline opportunities.

Trep Fire (About four miles south of Hwy 138, 374 acres, 0% contained): The fire pushed south into the Bear Creek drainage yesterday. Firefighters utilized helicopters conducting water drops to cool the fire’s edge and slow spread. Fire managers are now looking at road systems further south as potential control features.

Lost Fire (Northeast of the Trep Fire, 51 acres, 0% contained): Six rappelers (firefighters inserted by helicopter) were assigned to this fire. They will work on it in the coming days.

Ooya Fire (North of Hwy 138, one mile northeast of Bird Point, 276 acres, 0% contained): Firefighters continue mopping up where the fire slopped over the road to the south. Crews are opening roads to the northeast. Sawyers are cutting down hazard trees ahead of additional firefighters arriving so they can access and fight the fire directly.

Brodie Fire (Five miles south of Hwy 138, south of Devils Canyon, 165 acres, 0% contained): Firefighters are having success on this fire. Masticators are opening road systems to allow direct access to the fire. A combination of handline and dozer line will be used to control this fire.

Lemolo Fire (North of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, 1247 acres, 20% contained): Firefighters were finally able to begin firing operations on the south piece. They have about 150 feet left to burn, so they can start mopping up and securing that edge. The rest of the fire is holding and looking good. 

Trail Fire (East of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, 843 acres, 40% contained): This fire is currently being patrolled by air. Yesterday, there was some heat on the eastern perimeter in the Wilderness.

Other fires within the Diamond Complex:  

Watson Fire (237 acres, 50% contained)

Loafer Fire (42 acres, 50% contained)

Bear Trap Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain, 64 acres, 50% contained)

Trap Fire (One mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain, 16 acres, 0% contained)  

Rough Fire (11 acres, 25% contained)

Campwood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 138, 20 acres, 25% contained) 

Wood Fire (Two miles south of Hwy 139, 23 acres, 25% contained) 

Canal Fire (1 acre, 75% contained)

Slide Fire (Northeast of Pine Bench, 0.1 acres, 95% contained)

Elephant Fire (Two miles southwest of Lemolo Lake, 0.7 acres, 95% contained)

Sheep Fire (Three miles north of Diamond Lake, 0.3 acres, 95% contained) 

Thin Fire (Four miles northwest of Diamond Lake, 0.6 acre, 95% contained) 

Pig Iron Fire (Near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, 27 acres, 95% contained)

Garwood Fire (About three miles southwest of Mt. Bailey, 5 acres, 95% contained)

Mowich Fire (One mile north of Hwy 138, 0.4 acre, 95% contained) 

Toolbox Fire (0.1 acres, 95% contained) 

Fires 100% contained: Clearwater (0.7 acre), Birds (0.1 acres), Dog (0.1 acres)

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today is another day of low humidity and temperatures in the 80’s, although they will be slightly improved from yesterday. Fire behavior analysts still expect an uptick in fire activity. By Friday and into the weekend, humidity should increase, and temperatures will cool off, reducing fire behavior again.

SMOKE OUTLOOK:  Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations. For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/

CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, EVACUATIONS: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impacts all the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at VERY HIGH, and Public Use Restrictions Level 3 ORDER NO. 06-15-24-04 is in effect: https://tinyurl.com/PublicUseRestrictions

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office evacuation order for the Trail Fire west of Hwy 138 is set at Level 1: Get Ready and east of Hwy 138 is set at Level 3: GO NOW. The evacuation order for the Lemolo Fire south of Lemolo Lake is set at Level 1: Be Ready and northeast of Lemolo Lake is set at Level 3: GO NOW. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For an interactive map of evacuations, visit the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations

Fire Location 

• Snag: 11 miles East of Cascade, Idaho
• Dollar: 18 mi. NE of Cascade, Idaho

Size 

• Snag: 1,451 acres 
• Dollar: 1060 acres 

Containment 

• Snag: 0% 
• Dollar: 0% 

Personnel 

• Snag/Dollar: 75 (personnel shared)
•  

Start Date 

• Both Fires:  08/05/2024

Cause 

• Both Fires: lightning 

Incident Commander:Mike Johnston, IC CIMT GBT7, Jeff Knudson, Deputy IC

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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 already 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. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: High clouds and temperatures in the 70s with light western winds during the day, switching to the east at night are expected tomorrow. These warm and dry conditions coupled with low humidities will continue to cure both live and dead fuels across the landscape.

Actions: Limited resources were available yesterday to address these fires, however significant preplanning was accomplished. Today, firefighters will be assigned to both the Dollar and Snag Fires.  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 fire is burning to the northeast towards high elevation peaks where there are less fuels. Fire growth is being pushed by upslope winds. To the east, a fire scar from 2007 has a significant change in fuel type and may moderate fire behavior and spread potential.  Fire managers will continue to capture information and develop a plan for this fire.

Snag Fire: The Snag Fire is burning is an area containing dead, down and standing dead fuels. It has the potential to spot out ½ mile in front of the fire’s edge. The fire continues to move to the north and east. The fire crossed the 433 Road yesterday and is headed in the direction of the 409 Road. Firefighters will be on the fire ground today to fully assess the situation.

Important Information: The Valley County Sheriff’s Office has issued a “ready” evacuation order for Warm Lake residents and the North Shore Lodge at Warm Lake due to increased fire activity on the Snag Fire.  The ready order was released yesterday so residents have adequate time to pre-plan. 

For timely information on evacuations, sign up for Valley County’s emergency alert: https://www.co.valley.id.us/CompleteEmergencyNotificationandAlerting. The public can review the READY, SET, GO evacuation procedure for Valley County at https://www.co.valley.id.us/ReadySetGo

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.  Note:  The closure order states the area, trail, and road closure is for the Dollar and Oro Fire area.  This closure includes the Snag Fire. 

 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.

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: 1,153 acres 
• Boulder: 1366 acres 

Containment 

• Wolf Creek :21% 
• Boulder: 6% 

Personnel 

• Wolf Creek: 136 
• Boulder: 495 

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. Be aware of aerial resources and give them plenty of space while recreating on Lake Cascade if they pull water from the reservoir. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: 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 remain in the 70-75° range and winds will decrease slightly. Looking ahead to Saturday, more dry thunderstorms are expected in the vicinity of both fires with a minimal chance of wetting rains. Incident Meteorologist are retrieving site specific forecasts daily to ensure crews have the best data available to them.  

Actions: The Cascade area received several new fire starts on Monday evening on both the Boise and Payette National Forests. Alongside the local unit, the Incident Management Team is coordinating shared resources to staff those new starts. Great Basin Team 7 assumed command of two of those new starts, the Dollar and Snag fires at 6:00 AM today. 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: Crews began firing operations yesterday on the north side of the planned unit and are utilizing the winds out of the northwest to guide the fire back into itself. During burning operations expect to see an increase in acreage daily due to intentional ignitions that will aid fire suppression efforts. Overnight crews continued to assist in firing and are staged along road systems and natural features in the northeast corner to hold the fire. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) task force has been flying the south end of the fire to detect hotspots, this added technology will help in the decision-making process when adding additional containment on the map.  

Wolf Creek Fire: Yesterday minimal growth was observed on the fire and heavy equipment worked to create solid lines on the southeast flank to hold the fire through the northwest wind event. Dozer lines have been constructed around the larger spot fires on the northeast side, this is to protect the values at risk on that side of the fire.  On the south, hand crews are mopping up and putting out hotspots which will help to reach additional containment on that side of the fire. On the west side along the Little Weiser River, crews continue to work that flank and secure containment lines. UAS are also being used on this fire for the detection of hotspots.  

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  

Es posible que se vea humo cerca de Merrill Springs, no hay amenaza para la línea de fuego

Acres: 20,019 acres | Fecha de inicio: 21 de Julio 2024 | Causa: Rayo | Combustibles: Madera, hierba, arbustos.

Contención: 77% | Recursos: 406

Jueves, 8 de Agosto de 2024

Puntos Sobresalientes: Los bomberos trabajan las 24 horas del día para apagar el fuego; están extinguiendo y retirando el material en llamas cerca de las líneas de control en el lado este superior del incendio Courtrock y avanzando a buen ritmo hacia una contención adicional en el extremo sur. El grupo de ataque inicial está listo para ofrecer apoyo si se produce algún nuevo incendio.
Descripción general: Durante el turno de noche, un helicóptero Tipo 1 estaba ayudando a los bomberos con tiradas de agua en el lado superior este del perímetro del incendio, donde las cuadrillas están atacando los puntos calientes dentro del interior del incendio. Tenga en cuenta, que es posible que se vea humo desde las carreteras cercanas a Merrill Springs; sin embargo, eso no es un indicador de riesgo para la línea de contención. Los materiales se están quemando a más de 500 pies internamente de la línea de fuego. Los bomberos y varias unidades asignadas al extremo sur del incendio estaban creando más profundidad en la línea y las comunidades circundantes pueden esperar una contención adicional. Los recursos todavía están apoyando los siguientes incendios:
 

• El incendio Bennett, un incendio de 400 acres, al noroeste de Antelope en el condado de Wasco, está 100% contenido y se han regresado los recursos asignados a este incendio.
• Los incendios de Indian Hollow y Wildhorse, que ahora forman parte del complejo Parrish Creek, todavía se está trabajando en este incendio combinado de 200 acres al sur de Spray, cerca de Steamboat Mountain, en el condado de Wheeler.
• El incendio Service Creek, un incendio de aproximadamente cinco acres al suroeste del incendio Lone Rock, al sur del río John Day, en el condado de Wheeler; todavía se está trabajando.
   

Clima: Humo irregular hoy y mayormente nublado, con una máxima cercana a los 88 grados. Viento tranquilo que llegará al este-noreste alrededor de 5 mph por la tarde. Más tarde hoy existe la posibilidad de tormentas eléctricas. Esta noche la mínima será de alrededor de 59. El viento del norte será de alrededor de 6 mph y se calmará por la noche. La probabilidad de precipitaciones es del 20 por ciento.

 

Evacuaciones: No hay evacuaciones de Nivel 3 (¡Vayase ahora!) en vigor.

• Para obtener información sobre la evacuación del Condado de Grant, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Grant o regístrese en el Sistema de Alerta de Emergencias del Condado de Grant.
• Para obtener información sobre la evacuación del Condado de Morrow, visite la página de Facebook de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Morrow.

Refugios: 

• El centro de evacuación está establecido en Grant Union High School, 911 S Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.

Cierres:

• El Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. ha emitido cierres para el Bosque Nacional Malheur. Para obtener información sobre los cierres del Bosque Nacional Malheur, visite https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/malheur/news-events

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The Daily Operational Video Update is now available on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page at: https://fb.watch/tQD3jlJ6Cs/. 

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fire Daily Update – Thursday, August 8, 2024 

The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fire is a total of 17,830 acres and considered 9% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 1293 personnel assigned to the incident.   

With help from favorable weather conditions over the last several days, firefighters have successfully conducted burnout operations, tying together the Lane 1 and Adam Mountain Fire. Firefighters continue to work on a variety of operational tasks, including prepping, chipping, firing, holding and mopping up.  

New personnel are arriving to relieve resources timing out and Oregon Department of Forestry Team I (Joe Hessel) will be transitioning with the North Carolina team to take over management of the fire at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. 

Closures: Due to the wildfires, the Umpqua National Forest has issued Forest Order No. 06-15-24-03 and Forest Order No. 06-15-02-24-01 that can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/aler/umpqua/alerts-notices. 

The Bureau of Land Management has issued the following emergency closure for Lane County: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/bureau-land-management-expands-emergency-fire-closure-due-cottage-grove-lane-1-fire 

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads: Brice Creek Road east of Umpqua National Forest Boundary, all of Sharps Creek Road.  

Evacuations: A “Level 2” evacuation notice is in effect for the Bohemia Mining District and Fairview Peak. Additionally, a “Level 1” evacuation notice has been issued by the Lane County Sheriff’s Department for areas east of Disston, starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south. An evacuation map is available at: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire. 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 8500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_4814.html. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts. 

For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below: 

Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1  

Morning of Thursday, August 8, 2024 
For more information on the Park Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-fire  

Size: 426,528 acres with 34% containment | Personnel: 6,592 

Lassen National Forest: 

The #ParkFire experienced adverse weather conditions and dry fuels with poor humidity recovery overnight. Firefighters employed direct suppression tactics supported by night capable aircraft wherever feasible. 

Today crews and aircraft continue aggressive efforts to hold the fire within the perimeter and protect values at risk. Slight incremental improvement in the weather is predicted over the area. 

The fire continues to be fought with a strong and coordinated response from all our partners. 

The #ParkFire has burned 109,253 acres on the Lassen National Forest. 

CAL FIRE: 

Fire was active over night with spot fires in several areas. Significant fire activity is expected today. Ground and air resources continue to fight fire aggressively in the Mill Creek area.  

Fire behavior is expected to be similar to previous days with slope aligned runs, and midrange spotting. Low humidity values will be present across the fire. Smoke will be present in the morning. This afternoon a large column is expected to develop similar to past days.  

Repopulation is occurring in the lower portion of the fire. Please remain diligent of crews and equipment working in the fire area.  

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