Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires Daily Update – Saturday, August 3, 2024 The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires are a total of 12,629 acres and is considered 7% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 1221 personnel assigned to the incident. Firefighters have initiated and will continue conducting burnout operations over the next several days utilizing existing and incoming surge resources as weather conditions allow. Firefighters are conducting the burnouts during the swing shift and will hold during the day and night shifts. Scooper Planes may be operating out of Dorena Lake to support fire operations. A community meeting held at the Cottage Grove Faith Center yesterday evening was well attended by 100 local residents who expressed their appreciation for the firefighting efforts. Senator Wyden’s office and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle’s office was in attendance at the meeting, as were agency administrators from the Oregon Department of Forestry-South Cascades/Umpqua Units, the Bureau of Land Management-Northwest Oregon District, the Umpqua National Forest, the Row River Fire Department, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. 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/alertsnotices. 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-duecottage-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 Adam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-adam-mountain Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov Facebook:http://www.Facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires.com

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires Daily Update – Saturday, August 3, 2024 The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires are a total of 12,629 acres and is considered 7% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 1221 personnel assigned to the incident. Firefighters have initiated and will continue conducting burnout operations over the next several days utilizing existing and incoming surge resources as weather conditions allow. Firefighters are conducting the burnouts during the swing shift and will hold during the day and night shifts. Scooper Planes may be operating out of Dorena Lake to support fire operations. A community meeting held at the Cottage Grove Faith Center yesterday evening was well attended by 100 local residents who expressed their appreciation for the firefighting efforts. Senator Wyden’s office and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle’s office was in attendance at the meeting, as were agency administrators from the Oregon Department of Forestry-South Cascades/Umpqua Units, the Bureau of Land Management-Northwest Oregon District, the Umpqua National Forest, the Row River Fire Department, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. 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/alertsnotices. 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-duecottage-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 Adam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-adam-mountain Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.comCottageGroveLane1Fires2024 

Sand Stone and Deer Fire acreage remains unchanged

Daily Update – Saturday, August 3, 2024

Highlights: Despite higher temperatures and afternoon winds, firefighters have successfully increased
containment of the Sand Stone Fire to 78 percent. Minimal smoke and fire activity were observed on both the
Sand Stone and Deer Fires again yesterday. The “set” status for the community of Sunflower has been
downgraded to “ready”.

Total personnel on both incidents: 569

Sand Stone Fire: 
Acres: 27,390 
Containment: 78% 
Start Date: 7/25/2024 
Fuels: Grass, brush
Operations: Yesterday, crews continued to use masticators to chip and shred vegetation to reduce fuels along
Forest Road 201 towards the Mount Peeley Trailhead. Firefighters are also masticating and chipping along Old
Highway 87 and Mesquite Wash. Yesterday morning, firefighters responded to a new fire start near Red
Mountain on the west side of State Route 87. Crews successfully contained the new start at less than 10 acres.
Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor containment lines on the east, south, and west sides of the fire
today. A reconnaissance flight is planned for this morning to better assess fire activity and growth. Firefighters
remain available to respond to any changes in fire activity, including possible new fire starts on the Tonto
National Forest. As the percent containment continues to increase, crews are developing a suppression repair
plan to reduce evidence of suppression actions in the area. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team
will be arriving this weekend to identify and address any emergency stabilization issues related to wildfire.

Deer Fire: 
Acres: 355 
Containment: 18% 
Start Date: 7/17/2024 
Fuels: Grass, brush, timber
Operations: The Deer Fire acreage and containment remains unchanged from yesterday. Between ½ and 1 inch
of rain fell across the fire yesterday afternoon. Fire activity has decreased to creeping and smoldering in downed
logs, resulting in minimal smoke. Today, crews will continue to scout primary and secondary holding lines that
could be used if the fire becomes active in the future.

Weather: An Excessive Heat Warning remains in place for the area around the Sand Stone Fire today through
Monday. High temperatures combined with chances of afternoon thunderstorms and associated outflow winds
may increase potential fire spread today.

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/.
A daily smoke forecast for the Sand Stone Fire is available at www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/sandstonefire.

Evacuations: The “set” status for the community of Sunflower has been downgraded to “ready” status. “Ready”
means residents should register for local emergency alerts, have a plan and prepare an emergency kit, and follow
local officials on social media. The Ready, Set, Go! program is a nationwide program to educate residents about
steps to take during an emergency. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.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
 

Retreat Fire

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

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

August 3, 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: 34,759 acres

Containment: 37%

Resources: 676 Total Personnel; 6 Dozers; 17 Hand Crews; 42 Engines

Key Messages:  

The US Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. Fire activity on interior pockets of unburnt areas has increased 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 more days.

Hot and dry conditions have settled in over the region this weekend and fire activity has increased in several interior areas of the fire. The combination of firing operations to secure indirect control lines along the north side of the fire and an increase in interior burning has increased the amount of smoke from the fire.

Current Status:

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

Containment lines on the south and east side of the fires continue to hold. Firefighters are patrolling and mopping up hot spots to further secure these lines. There were some areas of heat along the southern side of the fire that were cooled with helicopter bucket drops and Single engine air tankers.  Firefighters utilized the aerially delivered water to help secure the area. This work will continue today to make sure that these lines remain secure. 

On the southwest corner crews were able to complete firing operations along the previously constructed control line.  Pumps and hose lines are in place along this control lie to aid firefighters in securing and mopping up hot spots.  The structure protection crews pre-positioned pumps, hoses, and sprinklers around the structures at Camp Ghormley and along the Lost Lake Road as a precaution. Structure protection personnel also continued to patrol and extinguish hot spots near the structures along the Highway 12 corridor and cleared fallen trees and rocks from the highway as needed.

On the north side of the fire crews continued to utilize firing operations to secure the indirect control line continuing to work from east to west along the line. As ground crews progressed with firing operations to the west, aerial ignition was used to fill in the area between the active northern fire edge and the indirect line. This work will continue for several more days as a part of the plan to work towards containment of the fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Hot and dry conditions were observed over the fire area on Friday with mainly terrain driven winds. Gusty west to northwest winds developed in the evening and persisted overnight. Cooler temperatures are expected today in the 80 to 92 degrees range with increased cloud cover and a 10% chance of a shower or thunderstorm in the area. Winds today will primarily be out of the west at 6 to 12 mph with gusts up to 18 mph.

Peak temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, and breezy winds could contribute to active fire behavior including short crown runs and short-range spotting. Unburned sparse fuels in sagebrush/grass fuel types picked up in fire behavior with creeping and single tree torching. Most fire activity is now in higher elevations with mixed conifer fuel types where fire activity increased from the previous day with group torching and short-range spotting. Active fire has been observed into the night and in early morning.

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

KEY MESSAGE

Yesterday there was an uptick in fire activity located in the interior of the fire due to the rising temperatures and wind drying the fuels. A helicopter was brought in to drop buckets of water onto the affected area. The eastern edge of the fire is still spotty with unburned and burned fuels.

CURRENT STATUS

The fire is 65% contained as the crews work through the difficult and steep terrain to continue mop up and patrol. As temperatures rise into the 100’s, crews are working to make sure any remaining heat is caught early to keep unburned fuels from igniting and spreading outside the control lines.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

A high pressure ridge will keep hot and dry conditions in place through Saturday. Mid-level atmospheric moisture and instability will increase Saturday afternoon, with the threat of isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1700. Thunderstorms will be capable of producing gusty winds, with a probability for gusts over 40mph. Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected Sunday into Monday, with localized areas of moderate to heavy rainfall. 

CLOSURES

The temporary flight restriction is still in effect over the fire area. The temporary flight restriction will no longer be effective during night hours. An area and road closure around the fire is in effect due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activity. Stage II fire restrictions are in effect in the area. Specific closure information and maps are posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtlnf-miller-peak-fire and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices as they are implemented. 

Summary: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) hereby provides notice that effective
immediately, the public lands described below are closed to all forms of public access. This action is in response to a fire currently active in the area. The BLM is closing public lands to reduce conflicts with emergency crews and allow for fire suppression and to ensure public safety, land health, and resource integrity.

AFFECTED AREA: The following BLM-managed lands in Crook and Grant Counties are affected by this closure area: All BLM-administered lands from the intersection of lzee Ranch to County Line Road and South Fork John Day Road, thence northerly along South Fork John Day Road to the intersection with State Highway 26 in Dayville, thence westerly along Highway 26 to the intersection with Upper Bridge Creek Road, thence southerly turning into Forest Road 22, continuing on Forest Road 22 to Forest Road 4210, thence southerly on Forest Road 4210 to Forest Road 42. Then south easterly on Forest Road 42 to Forest Road 4215, thence southerly on Forest Road 4215 to Forest Road 4225-070, thence southerly on Forest Road 4225-070 to Williams Prairie Road. Southerly on Williams Prairie Road to Telephone Springs Road, continuing on Telephone Springs Road southerly to Teaters Road, then southwesterly on Teaters Road to State Highway 380. Thence easterly on State Highway 380 to Paulina, where it becomes Paulina-Suplee Highway. Continuing on Paulina-Suplee Highway to Suplee, where it becomes lzee Ranch to County Line Road. Continuing on lzee Ranch to County Line Road to intersection with South Fork John Day Road, and the point of beginning.

Firefighters hold northern containment lines, but extreme fire conditions continue to challenge suppression efforts. 

Daily Update August 3, 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 – 48,208; 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: 622 total for both fires

Containment: Crazy Creek 5%; 498/Kitty Creek 94%                    Fuels: Timber and short grass

Resources: 15 crews  | 29 engines  |  9 bulldozers |  12 water tenders  |  3 masticator  |  13 skid steer

Highlights: Friday’s critically hot and dry conditions resulted in heavy smoke and increased fire activity in the afternoon, primarily on the north and east edges of the Crazy Creek Fire. A red flag warning has been put into effect for today, Saturday, August 3. 

Fire Activity: On Friday, extreme fire behavior was observed on the north and east flanks of the Crazy Creek, including crown fires, significant flame lengths and long-range spotting, fueled by a strong south/southwest wind. While number of spot fires were successfully contained by ground resources on the north side of Forest Road 30, fire behavior was too intense for crews to engage on the east flank near Forest Road 42, and the fire made a long run to Wolf Creek Campground in the afternoon. Ground resources were supported by helicopter bucket drops when possible on Friday, however heavy smoke largely stalled helicopter operations later in the afternoon. Night resources continued to make gains where possible while holding high priority areas.

Today, firefighters will continue to hold lines to the north and east while improving existing lines where possible. Keeping the fire south of Forest Road 30 and west of Wolf Creek Campground remain high priorities. Firefighters will also continue to improve and patrol firelines on the south and east flanks of the fire. 

Evacuations: Mandatory 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. 

Weather: A red flag warning is in effect today, August 3, for the 498/Kitty Creek and Crazy Creek Fires. Critically warm/dry conditions will persist with low humidity and temperatures in the upper 90s. The potential for afternoon thunderstorms could bring high, variable winds over the fire area, and potential for lightning.

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. 

Smoke: Smoke from multiple fires in Central Oregon are impacting the region. Additional details available via https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/079f0f73.
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. The 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 

Fire Location 

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

Size 

• Wapiti: 86 acres  
• Bulltrout: 292acres 

Containment 

• Wapiti: 0% 
• Bulltrout: 15% 

Personnel 

• Wapiti: 77 
• Bulltrout: 96 

Start Date 

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

Cause 

• Both: Lightning 

Incident Commander 

Mike Johnston, Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team #7 

--

Summary: The Wapiti and Bulltrout fires resulted from a lightning storm on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.On July 31st an incident management team was delegated the West Mountain Complex which includes the 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. Due to the tireless work of crews and the arrival of some moisture, the Bulltrout Fire has reached 15% containment. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority for fire managers. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: Red Flag Warnings are being issued for the area from midnight tonight till 9:00 am on Sunday for expected lightning in the area. Record highs were reached in both fire areas and relative humidity percentages reached the low teens. Today we expect the arrival of monsoonal moisture with a 20% chance of wetting rains, this system will also produce thunderstorms in the area. Both fires continue to burn in both subalpine fir and spruce which are experiencing isolated torching of grouped trees. Heavy fuels in the area continue to dry out with higher temperatures and low humidities and are becoming more receptive to ignition from embers. 

Actions: Firefighting crews are actively engaged in suppression activities on both fires. Aerial resources are assisting through crew transportation, water drops, and logistical missions aiding in communications set-up, suppression and burnout operations. 

Wapiti Fire: On the east flank of the fire, crews are working on constructing a handline. Once this line is established it can be used to go direct on the fire’s edge on the east side. On the north side of the fire, a saw line through the vegetation was completed and tied into an existing road. Both lines will help protect the values at risk around the summer homes. 

Bulltrout Fire: Yesterday, crews completed a 10-acre firing operation on the north side to further secure the fire footprint within the completed handline. On the ground, this reduces burnable fuels to minimize the risk of the fire escaping. Work on this fire has been very successful and there is no anticipated change in footprint, operations staff are hopeful that the fire will move into a mop-up and patrol operation.

Important Information: For the Wapiti Fire, the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests have issued a closure order effective immediately for roads, trails and lands encompassing the Wapiti Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. The closure affects interior travel on several National Forest System roads such as NFS Grandjean Road #524 and the Warm Springs Air Strip. Additional information about these closures can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7

For the Bulltrout Fire, the Boise and Salmon‐Challis National Forests have issued a closure order effective immediately for roads, trails and lands encompassing the Bulltrout Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. This closure includes National Forest System (NFS) Roads #579, #582 and several others. There are no disruptions in access to the Boundary Creek Boat Launch.  NFS Road #579 is open in its entirety from Highway 21 to NFS Road #568 to the Boundary Creek Boat Launch. Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. Additional information about these closures can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7 

The evacuation of the Grandjean area and the Sawtooth Lodge remains in place and the incident management team is in close coordination with the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.

For timely information on evacuations, check out your county’s emergency alert system.  For Boise County, sign up for notifications from Alert Sense at: https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?regionid=1163.

Both fires are adjacent to Highway 21 which is a popular travel route in Central Idaho. With the influx of vehicles in the area from fire and support personnel, please use extreme caution when traveling along Highway 21 between Stanley and Lowman, to help ensure fire crews safety while working. 

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/ 

Fire Location 

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

Size 

• Wolf Creek: 954 acres 
• Boulder: 620 acres 

Containment 

• Wolf Creek: 10% 
• Boulder: 7% 

Personnel 

• Wolf Creek: 210 
• Boulder: 192 

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:  Hot and dry weather conditions continue to cure both live and dead fuels across the landscape. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flad Warning for Saturday night into Sunday morning. Critical fire weather conditions are possible, this weather brings a potential for lightning and winds from scattered thunderstorms. This weather can increase fire behavior and will test existing control lines. 

Actions: Crews are working towards achieving greater containment on both Boulder and Wolf Creek Fires. The potential for new fire starts in the area remains significant, and firefighters remain vigilant and focused on initial attack (IA) and are ready to respond to any new threats.  

Boulder Fire: Fire activity increased on the northeast portion of the fire yesterday and a column formed in the early afternoon. Improvements to anchor points will continue on the south end of the fire.  Road 421 is being secured on the east of the fire heading north to Fawn Creek.  Mechanical line in this zone will help fire managers increase their probability of success. 

Wolf Creek Fire: Fire activity also picked up yesterday in the Little Weiser drainage as was expected. Contingency lines have been established north of this drainage.  On the southern division, firefighters were able to achieve more containment. Crews continue to patrol and monitor this anchor point. Mop up is ongoing moving north. 

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://adcogov.org/adams-county-emergency-notification-system-codered .  

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/