Containment increases on the Crazy Creek Fire; Fire area inversion moderates fire behavior 

Daily Update August 8, 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 – 78,495; 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: 665 

Containment: Crazy Creek 28%; 498/Kitty Creek 100%                Fuels: Timber and short grass

Resources: 15 crews | 1 helicopter | 33 engines | 15 bulldozers | 14 water tenders | 3 masticators | 25 skid steers

Highlights: Containment increased on the western and southern perimeters of the Crazy Creek Fire. A heavy inversion remained across the fire area well into Wednesday afternoon, helping moderate fire activity. Pockets of unburned fuel will continue to ignite as hot, dry conditions and light winds persist and inversions lifts.

Fire Activity: On Wednesday, August 7, crews worked through the day and night, patrolling, monitoring and moping up hotspots along the western and northern perimeter of the Crazy Creek Fire. Further south, crews held containment lines fired by night shift. 

Today, ground and air resources remain at the ready as increased fire activity can occur where fuels, terrain and topography align amid the persistent hot, dry weather conditions. Lookouts will maintain a close eye on Forest Service Road 12 and constructed containment lines between Toggle Meadows and Cottonwood Pit Campground, securing firing operations that occurred overnight. Along the southern end of the fire, firefighters continue to secure Forest Service Road 5810 to protect the recreation infrastructure within the Sugar Creek Campground area and Salters Cabin.

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: The fire area will have hot, dry weather with light winds with temperatures in the high 80s-low 90s. 

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 

Paint Crossing Fire Daily Update

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

August 7, 2024

Size: 1,000 acres

Containment: 30%

Date Started: August 7, 2024

Cause: Under investigation

Structures: At this time crews have not identified any damaged structures.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place at this time.

The Paint Crossing Fire started on August 7, 2024, and initially was responded to by local fire departments from Throckmorton County. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested for assistance at 3:00 p.m. and responded with aviation resources, heavy equipment, and engines from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Texas A&M Forest Service is currently in unified command with Throckmorton County fire departments.

Closures: There are no road closures at this time. 

Today: Crews have been working throughout the afternoon and will continue until the night, using heavy equipment to construct containment lines around the edge of the fire. Equipment is pushing all grass, brush, and trees away from the fires edge to create a physical barrier for fire as well as creating a path for engines and other fire resources to patrol around the fire and put out areas of heat. Firefighters are making good progress, but it is taking time due to difficult terrain and high temperatures. Work will carry on into the night to take advantage of cooler temperatures and lower fire activity, allowing resources to construct additional containment lines.

Tomorrow: Additional resources will be back on in the morning, taking over for the current resources in constructing containment lines and putting out areas of heat along the fires edge. Crews will patrol and monitor the fire area after completing containment lines, searching for any threats to the line and opportunities to improve containment lines. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures are expected to remain extremely high again tomorrow. Winds and relative humidity will be very similar tomorrow as well creating continued fire danger throughout the area. This fire has been showing active fire behavior with rapid fire growth and occasional tree torching, fire behavior that can be difficult for firefighters to put out and contain. 

Fire Information 

Adam Turner                                                                                Information Officer

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service               Texas A&M Forest Service                 

Email: adam.turner@tfs.tamu.edu                                                 information@tfs.tamu.edu         

Phone: 940-328-9158                                                                979-255-0591

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-paint-crossing

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS

Evening of Wednesday, August 7, 2024 
For more information on the Park Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-fire  

Size: 422,924 acres with 34% containment | Personnel: 6,616  

Lassen National Forest: 

Today, the #ParkFire continued to experience heightened activity due to adverse weather conditions and dry fuels. Firefighters employed direct suppression tactics supported by aircraft wherever feasible. 

Crews and aircraft will continue their efforts overnight to hold the fire within the perimeter.  The fire continues to be fought with a strong and coordinated response from all our partners. The #ParkFire has burned 107,116 acres on the Lassen National Forest. 

CAL FIRE: 

The Park Fire is burning primarily in dry, thick timber with heavy dead and down fuels. Low relative humidity contributed to significant fire behavior today, including slope-aligned runs and frequent spotting. 

Poor humidity recovery will allow for active burning and possible extreme fire behavior throughout the night. 

Fire crews continue to battle steep drainages and high heat, working tirelessly to construct direct and indirect line in their firefighting efforts. 

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

Forest Order: 06-03-03-24-02 Williams Mine Area and Road Closure

GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST

Mount Adams Ranger District Trout Lake, Washington

WILLIAMS MINE AREA AND ROAD CLOSURE

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the area described in this order and depicted on Exhibit A, within and/or administered by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Adams Ranger District, until further notice:

1. Going into or being upon the area affected by the Williams Mine Fire (36 CFR 261.52(e))
2. Being on a road. [36 CFR § 261.54(e)].

Area Closure:

The following description serves as the exterior boundary and closes all lands encompassed within it as depicted in attached Exhibit A:

From a point of beginning, E. of the intersection of National Forest System (NFS) and Road 2300 (posted 23) with the south boundary of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF), in the SE corner of Section 33, T7N, R10E, then E about 5 ¼ miles along the south boundary of the GPNF to the SE corner of Section 32, T7N, R11E, then N about a half-mile along the E section line of Section 32, T7N, R11E, then again E through the middle of Section 33 of T7N, R11E to its E section line then approximately 19 miles N along the boundary of the GPNF to the NFS Road 5603 in Section PB47 T10N, R11E then approximately 2 miles NW along the S side of NFS Road 5603 to the junction with the NFS Road 2329, then approximately 2 miles S along the E side of NFS road 2329 to the junction with NFS Road 2329087 in the NE ¼ of Section 34 T10N, R10E, then west and south along the Mount Adams Wilderness boundary to the NFS Road 2300 in the NW ¼ of Section 30, T9N, R10E then S along the E side of NFS Road 2300 about 14 miles to point of beginning.

Road Closure: 

Travel is prohibited on the following National Forest System (NFS) Roads as described below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A).

• NFS Road No. 2300 from its origin at the southern boundary of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest SE corner of Section 33, T7N, R10E to its jun
• NFS Road No. 2309 from its origin off NFS Road No 2300 to its Junction with FS Road 5603.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or County officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this order.

3. Persons traveling for evacuation purposes.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or

$10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Exhibit A: MAP Closure Area

Update 8/7/24 2:30 pm: All Evacuation levels have been updated to Be Ready Status, after speaking to Incident Command this morning Washington County has put North Crane Rd. south of Big Flat Rd back to "Be Ready" as well as the area around Four Mile Rd. west to Paddock Reservoir. We have added another area west of Four Mile Rd. to South Crane Rd and Cove Rd intersection as the Paddock Fire continues to grow. Residents are encouraged to "be ready" having a plan prepared in the event of an evacuation.

The Homestead Complex includes seven fires totaling 2,851 acres with an overall containment of 14%. There are 455 personnel currently working on the fire. Fire managers continue directing resources to fires based on threats to property, infrastructure, industry, and areas with the highest probability of success while providing for firefighter and public safety. The fire is being managed by Northwest Incident Management Team #8. 

Yesterday, the No Man Fire (993 acres) remained active on the north and west flanks. Hotshot crews conducted strategic burnout operations in the evening along the western flank. A Type 1 helicopter (K-Max) provided bucket drops during burnout operations to reduce the potential for spot fires. Crews continued to prep and lay hose along roads serving as control lines. On the Horse Heaven Fire (740 ac.), firefighters have completed direct handline on most of the western flank. Crews continued strengthening indirect line along the 920 Road and building additional control lines. On the Fuller Lake (141 ac.) and Bullpup fires (258 ac.), firefighters conducted snag falling operations and installing hose lays along the 300 Road to serve as an indirect control line. Crews scouted for opportunities to establish additional direct and indirect lines. On the Reynolds Butte Fire (302 ac), crews completed handline and continued mop-up operations along the southeast flank. Crews also strengthened control lines along the north, and western flanks. On the Salmon 33 Fire (205 ac.), crews continued to construct and strengthen both direct and indirect control lines along the southern flank.   

Today, crews assigned to the No Man Fire will continue prepping and strengthening direct and indirect control lines along the northwest corner of the fire moving in an easterly direction along the northern flank ahead of potential strategic burnout operations. Other existing roads will continue to be prepped for use as control lines. On the Horse Heaven Creek Fire crews will continue work on handline between Forest Road 3831 and the 920 Road to the northeast, and strengthening indirect lines to the north, east and south. Crews are working on establishing additional contingency lines. The north side of Bullpup Fire (258 ac.) is expected to continue to be active today. Crews will work to maintain and improve the line on the 300 Road. On the Fuller Lake Fire, crews and heavy equipment will continue to prepare the 200 Road to serve as indirect control line. On the Reynolds Butte Fire, resources will continue to mop up along the western flank and improve the line on the southern flank of the fire. On the Salmon 33 Fire, crews are continuing to patrol and improve containment lines. The Lost Bucket Fire was contained on July 29 and continues to show minimal fire activity. The fire is in a patrol status. 

Today’s weather forecast will again include smoke and hazy conditions in the valley and sheltered drainages. Temperatures will be in the 70s to mid-80s in the higher elevations and mid-80s to lower 90s in the lower elevations. Winds will remain terrain driven until the afternoon when they become west-northwest 7 to 11 mph with gusts to 16 mph. 

Current forest fire restrictions and danger ratings are- Fire Danger Rating: Very High. Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPLs): 3. Public Use Fire Restrictions (PURs): 3. 

CLOSURES:  

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, has issued a closure order for portions of BLM land which border the Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure north of Steamboat. The closure order can be viewed here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf.  

The Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 remain in effect and can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. 

Firefighters are busy, you can help by remembering, “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires”! Check your chains on your trailer to make sure they are not dragging and don’t park or idle on dry grass. It only takes one spark to cause the next accidental wildfire. #onlyyoucanpreventwildfires