Badland Complex Fire Update  
Aug. 4, 2024 
 
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two 
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander 
 

Current Situation:  

• The Badland Complex remains at 54,563 acres with 80% contained and 258 personnel assigned. One type 3 and two type 1 helicopters continue to be available out of Baker City for water bucket work and reconnaissance work as needed. 
• The fires of the Badland Complex were tested by gusty outflow winds yesterday, as thunderstorm activity passed through the area, with no active fire behavior that threatened fire perimeters. There is potential for additional thunderstorm activity today. While substantial rain fell over Baker City last night, rain over the fire area was less significant. Expect to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel, as well as significant drift smoke from other fires in the region. 
• To respond to any potential new starts, an initial attack group consisting of engines, heavy equipment, skidgines, and water tenders is assigned in Division E, adjacent to the Powder Fire. The group is also improving degraded roads to facilitate access for initial attack and possibly to aid in future fire containment.  
• The Thompson Fire is holding at 31,557 acres and containment has increased to 65%. A type 2 hand crew, along with two engines, two skidgines, and two water tenders are patrolling to the west in Division A, securing the fire’s edge and mopping up any residual heat near the perimeter. The Gila Hotshots and a type 2 hand crew are securing handlines, supported by engines, skidgines, and water tenders to the south in Division W. Crews will continue to diligently check for heat in heavy fuels, extinguishing it in their efforts to extend containment.  
• Also on the Thompson Fire, in Division R to the east, three engines are staffed to patrol, identify, and suppress any fire activity that may threaten containment lines in that area. 
• The Coyote, Powder, Chalk, Sheep Mountain, Daly, and Crandall Fires are all 100% contained and remain in patrol status. 

Weather: Morning thunderstorms are expected to clear out by mid-day, with another round possible in late afternoon. Overall, less storm coverage is expected than yesterday, and more sunshine. Winds will be generally light, with stronger gusts in the vicinity of storms. Temperatures and humidity will remain moderated.  

Smoke Information: Air quality is expected to be worse tomorrow as smoke from local and regional fires increase and as the wind patterns become favorable for impacts from the Park Fire in California.  For current Oregon air quality conditions, please visit https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map.  

Evacuations: Evacuations have remained unchanged since 7/30/2024. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064434892363. Sign up for Baker County emergency alerts at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1357  

Closures: Check for highway closures at https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions. All BLM Vale District Recreation Sites along the Snake River between Oxbow and Huntington and on Lookout Mountain are closed. This includes Spring Recreation Site, Swedes Landing, and Bassar Diggins Campground.  

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Get details at https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-val-071024.pdf. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been updated. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_7614.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly. 

Fire Info Phone: 541-362-1507  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Email: 2024.badlandcomplex@firenet.gov  . 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadlandComplex/ Media Line: 541-249-5894 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orvad-badland-complex-2024  

Fire Update – Pyramid and Slate Fires (Willamette Complex)

Sunday, August 4, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander 

Information Phone: (541) 208-1264

Email: 2024.pyramid@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pyramid Fire (1,260 acres, 31% contained)

Divisions B and E: Yesterday, crews conducted strategic firing operations in several areas to slowly bring fire to indirect containment lines and ensure the fire is contained within the control line perimeter. Crews will continue to use strategic firing operations today as weather allows and will patrol and secure control lines. 

Division Y: Yesterday, firefighters focused on removing standing dead trees and constructing indirect control line around one of last week’s spot fires to secure the fire perimeter. They also constructed direct control line where it is safe to do so. Priorities will continue to be to construct direct and indirect control line and secure the fire’s perimeter.

Slate Fire (91 acres, 99% contained)

Crews have been patrolling the fire by walking the fire’s edge to ensure containment remains. They continue to focus on mopping up and adding control line depth. Resources are starting to be released from the Slate Fire to assist with other fires.

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

Yesterday, cloudy skies and light rain resulted in minimal fire behavior. Today, and over the next several days, conditions will be sunny, warm and dry, with increasing instability, which will increase fire behavior potential. Predicted maximum temperature is 80 to 90 °F with a minimum relative humidity of 35 to 45 percent. Smoke and air quality conditions are available on: AirNow.gov  

Evacuations: 

On July 17th, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Willamette National Forest, issued a Level 3: Go Now Evacuation Alert for the closure area affected. Please refer to the Linn County Fire Map https://tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap for full details of the issued evacuation area (which will appear in red). To sign up for evacuation alerts, visit https://www.linnsheriff.org/.

Closures and Fire Restrictions: 

Area, road, trail (including the PCT), and recreation site closures are in effect in the Willamette National Forest. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487.

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
 

Fire Location :

Wolf Creek: 5 miles W of Donnelly, ID 

Boulder: 9 miles SW of Cascade, ID 

Size: 

Wolf Creek: 1084 acres

Boulder: 841 acres 

Containment: 

Wolf Creek: 6%

Boulder: 5% 

Personnel: 

Wolf Creek: 245 

Boulder: 188 

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 31st 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. A full suppression strategy is being utilized on these lightning-caused fires. For firefighter safety, please avoid high traffic fire areas, slow down while driving and give the firefighters room to do their work. As we enter the busy weekend, be aware of aerial resources and give them plenty of space while recreating on Cascade Lake as they are using the reservoir as their water source for suppression.  

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: Weather will moderate today as monsoonal moisture from yesterday continues to impact the fire area. Temperatures will be lower than the previous days and relative humidity will be higher as a result. This weather brings a potential for lightning and winds from scattered thunderstorms which can increase fire behavior and may test existing control lines. 

Actions: Resources are identified and prepared for initial attack. Aircraft will be ready to support firefighters on the ground on any new fires.   

Boulder Fire: The fire continued to actively burn in pockets of Subalpine fir yesterday on the north and east sides of the fire. Crews continued reinforcing existing containment lines and the heavy equipment Task Force continues to construct indirect containment line.  

Wolf Creek Fire: An inversion kept the fire actively burning through Friday night and into the early morning hours on Saturday, as a result the fire spread to the south and west crossing into the Wolf Creek drainage. Crews will continue to construct containment lines with the support of heavy equipment and aerial resources today while reinforcing lines that are in place.   

 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 1st.  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 and #326 was issued on July 27, 2024. For a map and a 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. To check your specific area or for more detailed guidelines: https://tinyurl.com/56rmf7p6. 

The Boise National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management will begin Stage 1 fire restrictions on state, endowment, private and federal lands within the West Central Mountains Fire Restrictions Zone. The restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 5th. For more information on the restrictions and a map visit: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/   

InciWeb: 

• https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-wolf-creek-fire 
• https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-boulder-fire 

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/BoiseNationalForest   

https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest 

Payette National Forest                                                 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/payette 

Boise National Forest 

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/boise   

Idaho Department of Lands  

• https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/

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/ 

Sunday, August 4, 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. Yesterday, Big Bar Camping Area was evacuated and closed due to fire activity near the area.  

Note: A community meeting about the Limepoint/Oxbow and Cliff Mountain Fires will be held 7:00 p.m., tomorrow, Monday, August 5th at the Adams County Recreation Center at 104 S. Galena Street, Council, Idaho 83612. An operational briefing about the fires at the meeting will be presented via Facebook Live on the Payette National Forest’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/). 

Limepoint Fire 

The Limepoint Fire is north of Oxbow Dam 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 24,605 acres (increase of 2,228 acres) with 5 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.  

The fire remained active yesterday in three areas: southeastern, southern and northern flanks. Aircraft, including three helicopters, large air tankers, and single engine air tankers worked throughout the fire to support ground crews and equipment. Large air tankers dropped retardant on areas on the southeastern flank, including the Bear Creek/Wildhorse areas to help keep fire out of Wildhorse Canyon. Structure protection specialists continued to work throughout the fire yesterday and will continue work today in Bear, Cuprum, Paradise Flat, Ditch Creek, Wildhorse and Mill Creek.  

On the southeastern flank near Barber Flats, crews continued constructing bulldozer lines to the edge of Wildhorse Canyon along the fire’s northern and southern flanks. Airtankers dropped retardant along the edge of the canyon to keep the fire from moving east into the canyon. An approximately 40-acres spot fire burned in the Flat Creek Canyon in timber stringers, which has not been fully contained, but is a high priority today. 

On the eastern flank, fire activity was high around Boulder Creek. Crews continued to hold the fireline paralleling Boulder Creek and added fire hose to allow crews to use water to further secure the line. Firefighters improved fireline from Forest Road 071 to the Indian Creek/Huntley Gulch confluence. They also improved a contingency line west of Bear, and they mopped up along Forest Road 071 (Calf Pen Road).  

On the northern flank, the fire continued to move north down into Kinney Creek. Big Bar Camping Area was evacuated and closed due to fire backing down from Allison Creek towards the camping area. The fire is within a half mile of Horse Mountain Lookout, which has been protected by a hotshot crew clearing burnable vegetation around it.  

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 this flank were determined contained.  

Eleven hand crews, 21 engines, eight bulldozers, four helicopters and 524 people are working on the Limepoint Fire. Areas where structure protection specialists continue to assess and conduct structure protection include Bear, Cuprum, northeast of Cuprum, Paradise Flat, Ditch Creek and the OX Ranch.  

On the southeastern flank, south of Forest Road 071, crews will continue to construct and improve bulldozer lines to Wildhorse Canyon. They will construct direct firelines around a 40-acre spot fire within Flat Creek Canyon. Firefighters will improve firelines and mop up around an area of heat on the southern flank of fire north of Barber Flats. Helicopter drops will help ground crews, engines and heavy equipment in this area.  

On the eastern flank, crews continue to mop up and improve Forest Road 071. They will improve the fireline north of Boulder Creek and will use bulldozers to improve a fireline between Forest Road 071 and the confluence of Indian Creek/Huntley Gulch. If conditions are favorable, crews could conduct strategic burning to consume unburned vegetation south of firelines near Boulder Creek. Firefighters will continue to improve bulldozer line west of Bear and plan to continue the line north to Black Lake Road.  

On the northern flank, crews will continue assessing opportunities for indirect firelines along defensible ridges and natural barriers, and they will evaluate possible defensive firing opportunities around the lookout in the coming days.  

On the western flank, firefighters will continue to mop up and check for hot spots along the Snake River. 

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. Minimal fire activity was observed on the fire yesterday with only a few areas showing smoke on the northeast flank. One ground personnel is assigned to the fire. Firefighters are identifying values near the fire and planning future protection. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Minimal rainfall fell on the fire last night. Relative humidity is higher and temperatures are lower this morning compared to yesterday. Maximum temperatures today will reach 91 and minimal relative humidity will be 24 percent. Winds will be from the north-northwest 5 to 8 mph. 

Dead and down fuels will continue to dry, making all types of vegetation available to burn. In heavy grass, a new start could burn 350 acres in an hour if undetected. Unburned areas along the Snake River corridor could result in rapid uphill runs where fuels are available. As the fire continues to back down the north and west sides of Horse Mountain, there is potential for slope reversal on the north side of Kinney Creek and movement to the east toward Horse Mountain. Steep terrain and dense stands of understory brush and timber could send embers 0.25 mile into receptive fuels. Spotting across eastern and southeastern firelines is possible as conditions warm throughout the day. On the east side of the fire near Cuprum, areas that have held heat for several days will become active as the day goes on. Unburned fuel on the southern flank of the fire has potential to support rapid uphill spread if fire gets established. Steep and rugged terrain in the Cliff Mountain Fire pose challenges for firefighter access if the fire spots outside of its current footprint. 

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

Evacuations: Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations are still in effect for Cuprum, Bear, Wildhorse and Barber Flats per Adams County Sheriff’s Office. A Level 2 (Get Set - Be prepared to leave) evacuation notice is in effect for Ditch Creek and Paradise Flat, and a Level 1 (Get Ready) is in effect for Mill Creek. If you have evacuated areas under Level 3 evacuations, please do not go back. Fire operations personnel will work closely with the sheriff’s office wit 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 Campgrounds is also closed. For more information, see the full closure order and map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/payette/fire. 

Kleinschmidt Grade (Forest Road 050), Calf Pen Road and Landore Roads are closed. The Council-Cuprum Road is closed at the Forest boundary at the snowmobile parking lot. Forest Road 454, which runs along the river, is open, but please drive with caution. You may see active fire, rolling debris, firefighting equipment and firefighters on and along the road. For your safety and the safety of firefighters, do not stop on the road. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area.  

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. 

Retreat Fire

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

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

August 4, 2024

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location:  14 miles southwest of Naches, WA

Start Date: July 23, 2024

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 41,279 acres

Containment: 49%

Resources: 657 Total Personnel; 8 Dozers; 17 Hand Crews; 41 Engines

Key Messages:  

Smoke from numerous fires in the Pacific Northwest as well as the Retreat Fire is affecting air quality in the area. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for all of Yakima County, including the Yakama Reservation, in effect until further notice. Particulate matter (PM 2.5) may reach unhealthy or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups levels. 

The US Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. Fire activity remains 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 numerous days.

Current Status:

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

Ground crews made slow progress with firing operations along the northern fire edge of the fire yesterday. They attempted to continue to fire along the indirect line from east to west however the weather conditions were not favorable and only a small amount of progress was made. The unburnt areas located between the active fire edge and the north side indirect line continued to burn throughout the day which increased the overall size of the fire. Crews will attempt to conduct firing operations today on the northwest side of the fire as a part of the plan to work towards containment of this fire.

On the southwest corner crews focused on mopping up and extinguishing hot spots using tools and water delivery. Fire activity in this area was reported as quiet throughout the day. The Structure Protection crews continued to patrol the Highway 12 corridor, extinguished any hot spots or fire that was threatening structures, and provided support to the firefighters working on the southwestern control line. The structures at Camp Ghormley and along the Lost Lake Road continued to be patrolled and monitored.

Firefighters and equipment continued to mop up (seek out and extinguish hot spots), hold, and increase the containment line on the south and east sides of the fire area. Crews will continue to patrol and mop up to further secure the lines. A few more days of work is expected to be needed along these lines and will continue to ensure that they remain secure.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Yesterday, cloud cover that moved in during the morning cooled temperatures and raised humidity. Wind was consistently from the west to northwest. Clouds will move out this morning. Temperatures and afternoon humidity will change little with afternoon highs between 80 and 93 degrees and humidity levels from 18 to 25 percent. Overnight wind, when it is strongest, is only expected to gust up to 25 mph.

Cloud cover and a small increase in relative humidity yesterday has the fire danger holding near the same as Friday. Most fire activity is now in higher elevations with mixed conifer fuel types. Active fire was observed into the night with gusty west-northwest winds, until fire behavior decreased with good humidity recovery. Daytime fire behavior was smoldering until the afternoon, then moderate with side moving fire and single tree torching.

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. The Oak Creek Wildlife Area is scheduled to remain closed 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 forecasts can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/

Resident Resources Before, During, and After the Fire:

There are many online resources available for Washington residents who are affected by wildfire.

Support for residents being affected by wildfires: https://afterthefirewa.dreamhosters.com/ 

Washington DNR Homeowner programs:  https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/cost-share

Smoke Outlook 8/04 - 8/05 Eastern Oregon

Special Statement

Air Quality Alerts have been issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for Grant and Harney Counties until further notice. 

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 levels range from MODERATE to GOOD across the forecast region this morning. While the Crazy Creek and Battle Mountain Complex fires remain active, smoke production is less than in previous days due to increased humidity. Additionally, showers are possible across parts of the region today. Locations that will experience the most smoke today will be just north of the Crazy Creek fire near Dayville where UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS conditions are possible. The forecast is for MODERATE conditions of smoke to persist for the remainder of the day over most of the region, with GOOD conditions expected around Heppner.

Additional Smoke Outlooks

Smoke outlooks for adjacent areas are posted on the Fire and Smoke Map, see below.

Excessive heat tests the Sand Stone and Deer Fires

Daily Update – Sunday, August 4, 2024

Highlights: The acreage and percent containment of the Sand Stone and Deer Fires remain unchanged despite yesterday’srecord high temperatures and low relative humidities. During a reconnaissance flight, firefighters observed dark grey ash pits within the fire area, indicating some heat still remains in the interior. Drivers should expect to continue to see smoke within the burned area along the west side of State Route 87.

Total personnel on both incidents: 498   

Sand Stone Fire:   Acres: 27,390     Containment: 78%     Start Date: 7/25/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush                 

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters completed chipping activities on Old Highway 87 and in the southern portion of the Sand Stone Fire area. Crews also continued to use masticators to chip and shred vegetation to reduce fuels along Forest Road 201 towards the Mount Peeley Trailhead and along Old Highway 87. This mastication work will be ongoing for the next few days. Crews responded to a third new fire start along State Route 87 and contained the fire at less than one tenth of an acre. Firefighters are beginning to implement actions described in the suppression repair plan, including repairing any cut fences, removing flagging from fire lines, clearing vegetation impacted by fire along roadways, and installing water bars on handlines to minimize erosion. Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter and will remain available to provide initial attack to any new fire starts in the area.

Deer Fire:      Acres: 355     Containment: 18%      Start Date: 7/17/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush, timber                

Operations: Fire activity in the Deer Fire remains minimal with no new growth. Firefighters are identifying and assessing structures in Deer Creek, Rye, and Doll Baby Ranch to determine what protections may be needed in the future if wildfire were to move into these areas.

Weather: Very hot temperatures will continue today and Monday. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the area around the Sand Stone Fire through Monday evening. Scattered thunderstorms will again develop over the higher terrain in the afternoon. Outflow winds may trigger new storms near or over the fires where the biggest threats will be heavy rain, outflow winds, and cloud-to-ground lightning.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/. 

More Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-sand-stone /

480-409-9683 / https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest / 2024.sandstone@firenet.gov 

Fire Location 

• Wapiti: 2 miles SE of Grandjean 
• Bulltrout: 35 miles NE of Lowman 

Size 

• Wapiti: 86 acres  
• Bulltrout: 292 acres 

Containment 

• Wapiti: 0% 
• Bulltrout: 15% 

Personnel 

• Wapiti: 102 
• Bulltrout: 44 

Start Date 

• Wapiti: 7/24/2024 
• Bulltrout:7/25/2024 

Cause 

• Both: Lightning 

Incident Commander 

Mike Johnston, Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #7 

--

Park Fire Incident Update 

Morning of Sunday, August 4, 2024 

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

Acres: 401,279 Personnel: 6,518 Containment: 30% 

Lassen National Forest: 

The northeast corner of the fire continues to be the major focus for crews. The fire is well established in the Mill Creek drainage and firefighters have been taking advantage of favorable weather the past few days to go as direct as possible on the fire’s edge west of Tuner Mountain. Of the 401,279 acres total, 95,691 are burning on the Lassen National Forest and the remaining 305,588 acres are on state and private land.   

In addition to direct attack, Tamarack Road is being prepped for holding as crews work to build line above Mill Creek on both sides of the canyon. Because of the incredibly steep and rocky slopes along the creek drainage, crews are scouting for areas where they can more actively attack the fire. 

There are more than 1,000 firefighters on this corner of the Park Fire including five Interagency Hotshot Crews assigned to keeping the fire away from the communities of Mineral and Mill Creek. 

CAL FIRE: 

Today the fire was moderated by wet thunderstorms and cloud cover until the afternoon cleared up and allowed for some increase in activity. Into the night the main concern is the potential for any leftover thunderstorms, but these are expected to dissipate after sunset. 

The perimeter of the fire is still burning in very receptive fuel beds. Crews continue to engage directly where possible and continue to utilize control lines from previous fires. 

Fire suppression repair activity has begun in places where it is safe to do so. 

Some evacuation zones have been reduced from Orders to Warnings while others remain in place. These evacuations are dynamic and may change due to fire activity. 

For more information on the Park Fire please visit:  

• CALFIRE Park Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/24/park-fire  
• Butte County Sheriff: https://www.facebook.com/bcsonews 
• CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit/ Tehama County Fire Department: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRETGU 
• CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit/Shasta County Fire Department: https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESHU 
• Butte County, CA: https://www.facebook.com/ButteCounty