Badland Complex Fire Update 
Aug. 3, 2024

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Current Situation: 

• The Badland Complex remains at 54,563 acres with 79% contained and 264 personnel assigned. 
• Temperatures will be cooler today, with scattered thunderstorms in the area and potential for strong outflow winds and lightning this evening. Extreme heat conditions from the past few days have parched fuels, making vegetation above 5,000 feet more susceptible to igniting. As a result, resources are prepared for initial attack and aircraft will be ready to launch on any new fires. 
• Coyote and Powder fires remain staffed, and resources are available for initial attack support to respond to any potential new fire starts from lightning throughout the weekend. Water bucket support from a type one helicopter in Baker City will also be available as needed.
• The Thompson Fire is now 31,557 acres and 62% contained with 23 miles remaining of uncontained line. Yesterday, crews gained more containment on the heel of the fire on the southern end. The Alaska crew, Gila hotshots, and skidgines continue to secure handlines. Crews have been methodically working while prioritizing crew safety during extreme heat. Expect to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel, as well as significant drift smoke from other fires in the area. 
• The Coyote, Powder, Chalk, Sheep Mountain, Daly, and Crandall Fires are all 100% contained and are in patrol status.

Weather: Temperatures are expected to be cooler then recent days and a fire weather watch remains in place. The warming trend continues throughout the day with temperatures in the 90s in the valleys and upper 80s in the higher elevations. Scattered thunderstorms are possible with heavy cloud cover and brief periods of heavy, monsoon rains. Gusts up to 20mph in the afternoon are possible. Tonight, scattered thunderstorms are expected, which are likely to bring lightning and strong outflow winds gusting up to 50 mph, with a possibility of rain. 

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: Facebook Badland Complex Fires 2024  Media Line: 541-249-5894

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

Saturday Morning Update for the Park Fire,  

The total Forest Service acres involved in the Park Fire is 95,353. The remaining 305,603 acres are onstate and private lands for a total of 400,956 acres with 27% containment.

Lassen National Forest: 

Fire activity in Deer Creek cast smoke to the north which helped to shade the sun and decrease activity in Mill Creek and Antelope Creek Canyons. While some areas of the fire received light precipitation, cloud cover and increased humidity over the entire fire area helped to moderate fire behavior. This helped crews continue to work towards keeping the fire away from the communities of Mill Creek and Mineral. 

CAL FIRE: 

The Park Fire remained active overnight. The smoke provided shade and cloud cover, and moisture moderated fire behavior compared to the previous night. 

The fire is being carried primarily by grass and brush, mixed timber and dead and downed vegetation. The fuels are heavy, dry, and very receptive to fire. The first few days of this fire saw significant fire behavior and unprecedented fire spread. A few days of moderated weather allowed plans to be put in place to construct containment lines. Now that hot and dry weather has returned, those lines are being tested. Spot fires and active fire behavior are expected to present challenges for fire crews the next several days. 

Thunderstorms are expected to continue today and could be more widespread in coverage. Higher temperatures, lower relative humidity and gusty winds could lead to critical fire behavior and plume development. 

Fire continues to persist near communities, challenging crews in the wildland urban interface (WUI). Firefighters will continue working to open control lines from previous fires, as well as building new ones. 

Firefighters are removing hazardous trees from populated areas, and utility crews are working to replace damaged infrastructure in order to allow the public to return home safely. There are many narrow roads across the fire area so please, give first responders and utility workers plenty of room to work and mind all traffic laws and public safety communications. 

For more information on the #ParkFire 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 

-OR- 

• https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park 

Alexander Fire Update Daily Update on August 3, 2024 by Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1

Acres: 9,530 

Start Date: 07/29/24

Location: Larimer County, Colorado 

Personnel: 389

Containment: 5%

Highlights: There were no additional structures damaged by the fire overnight and the fire has still not crossed Highway 34. Last night fire crews focused on installing pumps and other water equipment near values at risk along Highway 34. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol fire line in and around Cedar Park and extinguish hotspots. Over 5 miles of handline have been completed along the east side. Please remember the use of unauthorized, uncrewed/unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, in a fire area endangers the lives of pilots and firefighters. Never fly uncrewed aircraft over or near a fire.

Fire Activity: The fire continued to be active overnight, slowly flanking to the west. Elevated fire behavior is expected once again with the dry condition of fuels. Crews have completed work on a critical portion of the fire line near Storm Mountain Road in preparation for a burnout.

Weather: Saturday is expected to remain hot and dry. Beginning Sunday, August 4, rising humidity and passing disturbances will increase the chance for thunderstorm development. Incoming storms could bring dry, gusty, and erratic winds. Any of these storms may produce heavy winds and rainfall.

Smoke: Heavy smoke has impacted communities in the immediate vicinity of active fire, including Glen Haven and other high elevation neighborhoods north of Estes Park. An Air Quality Advisory for Multiple Pollutants has been issued for southeastern Larimer and northeastern Boulder counties.

Closures, Evacuations and Structure Assessment: The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Joint Information Center is providing information about evacuation notices, animal evacuations and road closures. For evacuation information visit nocoalert.org or text LCEVAC to 888777. The Joint Information Center can be reached at 970-980-2500. If you believe your property may be impacted by the Alexander Mountain Fire, please call the Damage Assessment Center at 970-980-2800 to provide current contact information to the Office of Emergency Management.

The Forest Service implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions. Refer to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests website for more information.

Fire Cause: The cause of the Alexander Mountain Fire is under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the cause and origin of the Alexander Mountain fire is asked to call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line at 303-275-5266. Photographs and videos can be submitted via https://fs.us.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/amountainfire.

More Information: Email: To receive email updates on this fire, join our email list and select Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 34 to Hwy 14 (Buckhorn Canyon, Glen Haven, Cedar Park). 

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

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coarf-alexander-mtn-fire

Fire 
Yesterday the Limepoint fire grew over 2500 acres. Expected continued growth with high temperatures and low humidity. There are multiple fires affecting the forecast area, including smoke transport from SW Oregon and N California. For more information on Limepoint/Cliff Mountain wildfire incidents, please visit Inciweb
(https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-limepoint-fire).

Smoke 
Early AM Smoke off the Limestone fire will move down drain to the NW then shift upslope from the SW for the rest of the day. Winds will shift again from the north around 6 PM moving smoke south from the fire. Smoke continues to accumulate within this high pressure system so MODERATE with some USG can be expected within the Smoke Outlook area. The Boulder fire south of Cascade was active yesterday and registered USG. Expected USG today for this community.

Friday, August 2 Evening Update for the Park Fire 

The total Forest Service acres involved in the Park Fire is 93,437. The remaining 306,178 acres are on state and private lands for a total of 399,615 acres with 25% containment. 

Lassen National Forest: 

The rivers that run in the valleys below often start at the highest hills within the Lassen National Forest. What happens on the ridges has a direct impact on the streams below. Our fire crews know that the water we utilize on a daily basis is impacted by wildfire and are working to protect our water supply by fighting this fire aggressively. 

CAL FIRE: 

The Park Fire has been extremely active over the last 24-hours. Hot and dry weather has reduced moisture levels in vegetation across the fire area. Atmospheric instability has caused the fire to remain active, even during the overnight hours. 

Tonight, while abundant lightning is not expected directly over the fire, there is the potential for thunderstorms in the region into Saturday. Overnight temperatures will drop to the 70s, and then will climb again during the day to between 98 to 104 degrees. 

Crews are making good progress building containment lines. However, firefighters are still actively engaging in fire suppression to an area spanning 175-miles. Steep, remote terrain continues to hamper control efforts. 

Hot temperatures are expected through the weekend and into Sunday, increasing the chance for active fire behavior and long-range spotting. 

Firefighters continue to fall hazard trees, mop-up hot spots, and patrol. 

When returning home after wildfire, it is important to always maintain situational awareness. Stay tuned to official channels of public safety communications. There is heavy equipment operating throughout the fire area. Please give emergency and utility crews plenty of room to work. 

For more information on the #ParkFire 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 

-OR- 

• https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park 

LAKE & APACHE POST-FIRE BAER ASSESSMENT UPDATE

August 2, 2024

Forest Service BAER Team Begins Post-Fire Assessment of Lake and Apache Fires

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Los Padres National Forest (NF) to begin a post-fire burned area assessment of the Lake and Apache Fires that recently burned on National Forest, state (Sedgwick Reserve), and private lands. The BAER team leader is Emily Fudge, Forest Service Hydrologist. Forest Service BAER team assessments typically take approximately two weeks to complete.

BAER teams coordinate with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Weather Service (NWS), US Geological Survey (USGS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other federal, state, and local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds.

BAER surveys are rapid assessments that evaluate the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, sediment flows and rockslides, and assist land managers to prepare the burned area for seasonal thunder cell storms. The team focus is on potential emergency impacts to life and safety on federal land. They also model hydrologic response throughout the burned area and share the team’s findings with the affected downstream agencies.

BAER teams may consist of scientists and specialists including hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists, and geographic information specialists. BAER teams collect field data during their burned area surveys to analyze through GIS and computer models and present their findings along with recommended BAER emergency stabilization treatments in a BAER assessment report. 

BAER teams utilize satellite imagery and specialist data to analyze fire effects, produce erosion potential and debris-flow maps, and model post-fire flows. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to any federal values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows, and rockslides. BAER teams produce a report that describes potential threats associated with the burned area’s post-fire conditions and sometimes include recommended emergency stabilization measures and actions. BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety, and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resource values such as the water quality of streams and wetlands on federal lands.

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators such as California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), NRCS, California State Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT), and counties who work with downstream private home and landowners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts. The WERT (CalFire is the lead agency and WERT works with communities) and Forest Service BAER teams coordinate the assessment of the burned area to ensure post-fire threats are identified. Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that result from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, or www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

Additional information on understanding the BAER program, process and other post-fire information is posted on the Lake and Apache Post-Fire BAER InciWeb page found at: Calpf Lake And Apache Postfire Baer Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov).

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events--be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/lox/.

###

Northern Rockies Team 8, a Type III Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Brad Bergman assumed command of the fire at 6:00 AM on August 2, 2024.

CURRENT STATUS
Additional resources, in the form of 20-person crews, engines, heavy equipment, and various overhead positions arrived yesterday and today to aid in ongoing suppression efforts on the Black Mountain Fire. The increased manpower focused on improving fireline, clearing fuel from indirect lines previously constructed with dozers and feller bunchers. Aircraft delivered water to cool edges of the fire where and when requested by firefighters on the ground allowing crews and heavy equipment to safely work along the firelines. Due to the large amount of heavy fuels in the area, an abundance of water is needed to extinguish pockets of heat. Firefighters installed 4 miles of hose and will continue to add to water systems in the coming days.

The fire was estimated at 120 acres; however, more accurate mapping will occur over the next couple of days. 
 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
Hot and dry weather is predicted for the next two days. A disturbance entering the fire area on Sunday evening will produce the potential for dry thunderstorms with gusty outflow winds.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES
Evacuations: Per the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office, an Evacuation Warning remains in effect. The following area is open to RESIDENTS ONLY: North of Lone Point Dr and Tamarack. North of North Lincoln Gulch/Morris Dr. North of the intersection of Beaver Creek Rd and Stonewall Creek and all feeder roads north of that intersection.

Closures: The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest issued a road, trail, and area closure order. The closure order and map is posted on Inciweb, Black Mountain Fire.

###
 

Alexander Fire Daily Update August 2, 2024 by Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1

Acres: 9,375 

Start Date: 07/29/24

Location:  Larimer County, Colorado

Personnel: 389

Containment: 5%          

Highlights: Temperatures and topography challenged crews as they continued work to secure the perimeter of the fire today. Fire crews completed a successful burnout near Cedar Springs Reservoir and focused efforts along Highway 34 and the eastern perimeter of the fire to ensure the line is holding. Aircraft continued to drop water and retardant on the western flank of the fire to slow the spread. The public is asked to avoid the fire area and abide by any posted signage and restrictions. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire Activity: Fire activity increased in the northwest portion of the fire today and south of Snowtop Drive, above Highway 34. Smoke visibility increased in the afternoon. 

Weather: Saturday is expected to remain hot and dry. Rising humidity and passing disturbances will increase the chance for thunderstorm development. Incoming storms could bring dry, gusty, and erratic winds. Thunderstorm potential decreases Saturday with hit or miss rain returning Sunday. Any of these storms may produce heavy winds and rainfall. 

Smoke: Heavy smoke has impacted communities in the immediate vicinity of active fire, including Glen Haven and other high elevation neighborhoods north of Estes Park. Overnight, heaviest impacts will be in western Loveland and areas immediately downstream of the fire. An Air Quality Advisory for Multiple Pollutants has been issued for southeastern Larimer and northeastern Boulder counties.

Closures, Evacuations and Structure Assessment: The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Joint Information Center is providing information about evacuation notices, animal evacuations and road closures. For evacuation information visit nocoalert.org or text LCEVAC to 888777. The Joint Information Center can be reached at 
970-980-2500. If you believe your property may be impacted by the Alexander Mountain Fire, please call the Damage Assessment Center at 970-980-2800 to provide current contact information to the Office of Emergency Management.

The Forest Service implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions today. Refer to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests website for more information. 

Fire Cause: The cause of the Alexander Mountain Fire is under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the cause and origin of the Alexander Mountain fire is asked to call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line at 303-275-5266. Photographs and videos can be submitted via https://fs.us.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/amountainfire.

More Information:

Email: To receive email updates on this fire, join our email list and select Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 34 to Hwy 14 (Buckhorn Canyon, Glen Haven, Cedar Park).

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

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coarf-alexander-mtn-fire  

Bluff Creek Complex

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Fire Information 208-557-8813 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-bluff-creek-complex 

August 2, 2024

Idaho Panhandle Type 3 Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Brian Hicks and Incident Commander Trainee Bryce Barth

Location:  The fires are burning along both sides of the Bluff Divide, approximately 13 1/2 miles southeast of Avery, ID; five and a half miles west of Gold Creek Campground; and approximately two miles northwest of Junction Ridge.

Start Date: 7/25/2024                                   Cause: Lightning                          Size: 432 acres 

193 Total Personnel:   

5 Engines

4 Type 2 Hand Crews

2 Interagency Hotshot Crews

6 Heavy Equipment

4 Water Tenders

Key Message:  

Updates will occur when conditions warrant, such as changes in acreage or containment.  

Current Status: 

The Bluff Creek Complex consists of four different fires: Junction Fire, East Fork Fire, Dominion Point Fire, and Buffalo Fire. The Dominion Point Fire held at 275 acres; the Junction Fire is 60% contained and 130 acres; the East Fork Fire is 80% contained and 25 acres; and the Buffalo Fire is 100% contained at 2 acres. An infrared flight in the early hours of August 1st resulted in a reduction in acreage due to more precise mapping. All available resources are engaged in suppression, working on these fires based on priority order. Due to the threat to values at risk, including private industry timberlands, active logging sales, and equipment, the Junction Fire and the East Fork Fire remain priority, but work continues on Dominion Point as well. 

Approximately 1” of rain was received across the Fire Complex on July 30th, greatly moderating fire behavior and providing an opportunity for firefighters to increase containment. Much of the fireline (constructed with hand tools, heavy equipment, or reinforced roads) is now plumbed, meaning hoses are set up to aid firefighters in holding these lines. 

WEATHER

Temperatures have increased again with 96-104 degrees in the valleys and 87-97 in the mountains. Relative Humidity decreased, ranging from 16%-26%. Temperatures will stay elevated through the weekend, with possible thunderstorms on Sunday. 

Closures and Special Messages

Closure orders are in place to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idipf-bluff-creek-complex and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices as they are implemented. 

The Bluff Creek Complex closures include the following roads and area:

• CLOSED:
  • Order Number: # 01-04-04-24-005 (Bluff Creek Fire Road Closure)
    • Forest Development Road 509 beginning at its junction with County Highway 50 and concluding at its intersection with Forest Development Road 201.
    • Forest Development Road 1258 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 509 concluding at its intersection with Forest Development Road 201. 
    • Forest Service Development Road 1956F beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 509 and concluding at its unction with Forest Development Road 3338.
    • Forest Development Road 322 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 201 concluding at Conrad Peak.
  • Order Number: # 01-04-04-24-006 (Gold Flat Area Closure): Gold Flat undeveloped campsite located 8.6 miles North on Forest Development Road 218 from Red Ives Cabin. Gold Flat undeveloped campsite is located within Section 23 and 24 in T16N, R30W. The area Gold Flat undeveloped campsite  comprises approximately 6.2 acres bordered by the St. Joe River on the West and Forest Development Road 218 on the East.

At this time, a TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION is in place for 27NM SE KELLOGG, Idaho near MULLAN PASS VOR/DME (MLP). No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered, including drone pilots.