Badland Complex Fire Update 
Aug. 2, 2024

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

Current Situation: 

The Badland Complex remains at 54,563 acres with 75% contained and 271 personnel assigned. 

Today, temperatures on the fire will be even hotter, with humidity in the single digits.  This will cause vegetation above 5,000 feet to dry further and be more susceptible to igniting.

In Division E (Powder Fire), north of the Thompson fire, an initial attack group is now in place to respond to any new fire starts from dry lightning over the weekend. The group includes skidgines, a dozer, and a type 3 engine.  Skidgines carry up to 1300 gallons of water and the type 3 engine has a 300-400 gallon capacity.  The engine also carries thousands of feet of hose to lay around a burning area. Bucket support from a type one helicopter in Baker City will also be available.

The Thompson Fire is now 31,556 acres and 51% contained. Yesterday, crews gained more containment on the northern perimeter near Durkee Creek. The Alaska crew, Gila hotshots, and skidgines continue to secure handline along a six-mile area on the east side of fire, between Manning Creek Road and Lookout Mountain Road. They are checking for any heat under the juniper. Expect to see smoke from interior pockets of unburned fuel, which may be visible from I-84. 

The Coyote Fire is now 100% contained with the completion of containment line to the Snake River to the east along the southern perimeter. The fire will now move into patrol status, supported by two staffed engines. Expect to see dust devils on this fire which can be mistaken for smoke.

The Powder, Chalk, Sheep Mountain, Daly, and Crandall Fires are all 100% contained and are in patrol status.

Weather: Yesterday was the first in a series of hot, dry conditions. A fire weather watch is in place for Saturday. The warming trend continues throughout the day with temperatures in the 100s in the valleys and 90s in the lower elevations. Today will also bring very little wind and an occasional gust of up to 15 mph.

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: Multiple areas have been reuced to a Level 2 (BE SET) or are no longer under any evacuations. 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) is in effect over the fire area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations. 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 

Cougar Creek Fire Update for August 2, 2024

Incident Commander Jeff Dimke

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 12

509-210-2928, staffed 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

2024.cougarcreek@firenet.gov 

Quick Facts

Size: 18,615  Acres               

Start Date: July 15, 2024        

Cause: Under investigation

Location: SW of Clarkston, 1 mile west of Hwy 129 and Grand Ronde River intersection

Containment: 29%              

Personnel: 510                       

Fire Strategy: Full suppression                       

Resources Assigned: 10 crews, 3 helicopters, 39 engines, 14 water tenders, 30 heavy equipment

The Cougar Creek Fire is burning within a mountainous and remote area on the Umatilla National Forest bordering the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. 

Operations: Due to the increased risks posed by the excessive heat advisory/warning and unstable atmosphere, firefighters and engines are patrolling the western and northern fire areas with increased vigilance. Firefighters are mopping up and securing fire control lines in the southwest portion of the fire perimeter, as well as grading roads in the Grouse Flats area. Preparation of indirect line from Grouse Flat to the west towards Saddle Springs Trail head continues, and firefighters are tying together contingency lines as they work to complete indirect line to the south on the west side of Grouse Flat.

Firefighters are continuing tactical firing operations on the western fire perimeter, along FSR 40, 43 and 44, as conditions warrant to strengthen and deepen fire control lines. These firing operations are often conducted at night with lower fire intensity to remove fuels in advance of the wildfire and create more secure and defensible fire control lines. Heavy and medium helicopters dropped about 40,000 gallons of water yesterday to slow and cool fire activity to support firefighters working on the ground in the area.

Firefighters used the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) with IR sensors to map the western fire perimeter yesterday; it has been several days since an overnight IR flight has been available to map the entire fire. Firefighters and engine crews are mopping up and securing small spot fires along Hansen Ridge while preparing secondary contingency line on Mallory Ridge. 

Evacuations and Closures: Forest closure descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest closure website. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff website and Asotin County Emergency Management Facebook website. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon, to the Highway 129 junction in Washington. In Oregon, a level 2 evacuation is in effect for Wallowa County, including all of Grouse Flat from Bear Creek Road, north to the State boundary and the Garfield County line to Grande Ronde River. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been slightly reduced in size: https://bit.ly/4duptei. Drone activity is prohibited under the TFR as firefighting aircraft cannot fly with unauthorized drones present.

Weather and Smoke:  An incoming pattern of weak weather disturbances may support afternoon and evening thunderstorms through the weekend. The NWS Excessive Heat Warning and a Heat Advisory are expected to continue through August 3. These factors combine to cause poor overnight recoveries and a higher probability of increased fire behavior. Learn more about smoke at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. 

Easy Fire Update  
August 2, 2024

Quick Facts 

Size: 751 acres  

Start Date: July 17, 2024 

Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA 
Containment: 0%  

Personnel Assigned: 193 

Cause: Lightning 

Resources Assigned:  4 crews     8 engines 

Northwest Team 3 is preparing to transition management of the Pioneer and Easy Fires to California Team 15 on Saturday at 6:00 am. The incoming team was briefed yesterday on the current situation and operational objectives and today will “shadow” Team 3 to ensure a smooth transition. 

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, hotter temperatures led to increased fire activity with isolated flare ups and continued smoldering in the fire area. Easy Fire is burning in extremely steep terrain where burning logs can roll downhill, further spreading the fire downslope. There was active fire burning near State Route 20; however, crews successfully cooled fire activity near the highway with assistance from water bucket drops from helicopters. Crews continued to prepare areas for future strategic firing operations and improved handlines in the higher elevation areas on both the south and the north side of the Easy Fire. 

On State Route 20, please be advised there are ongoing firefighting activities along milepost 148-157.  The highway remains open to through traffic with a pilot car escorting vehicles through mileposts 148-157 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Yesterday, traffic was temporarily paused while fire activity picked up and fire suppression efforts were underway. Expect delays as firefighters continue removing trees and debris from the roadway and conduct full suppression tactics on the Easy Fire. Please do not stop or pull over between mileposts 148-157. With wildfire and firefighting operations still active, the highway may need to close again on short notice. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: With continued warming and drying trends fire activity is expected to increase. Expect to see isolated torching, surface and uphill fire spread, and a possible increase in fire behavior along the Mt. Hardy ridgeline. Firefighters will continue work implementing and improving handline along the ridge. Crews will continue utilizing helicopter transportation to access higher elevation areas of the Easy Fire. Night shift operations begin today as crews consider opportunities for strategic firing operations along the north side of the Easy Fire from the ridge to the main fire. Further securing fire spread upslope and preventing addition fire from crossing the ridgeline.  

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for all aircrafts not involved in wildfire suppression operations. Do not fly a personal drone over or near the Easy Fire. Any incursions create a safety hazard to fire aircraft and require air operations to stop and would be a violation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations. 

WEATHER: Temperatures will continue to climb today and through the weekend reaching the low to mid 100s. Forecasts predict mostly sunny skies in the morning and then partly cloudy with a 10% chance of thunderstorms by the late afternoon and into the evening. Winds will be west to northwest 1-4 mph and increase to 5-10 mph after 10:00 am.  

CLOSURES: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closures in place for trails within the fire area: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. This closure includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR. 

EVACUATIONS:  There are no evacuations in place for the Easy Fire. Anyone recreating in the area should be vigilant of surroundings and stay out of closed areas.  

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waowf-easy-fire  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080  

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM 

Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov 

HOMESTEAD COMPLEX 

 FIRE UPDATE 

Fire Information          Friday, August 2, 2024 

Phone: 541-208-7100 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) 

Email: 2024.homesteadcomplex@firenet.gov  

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HomesteadComplexFireInfo 

Inciweb: http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-homestead-complex 

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d393fd74 

Firefighters Prepare for Fire Weather Watch Saturday 

The Homestead Complex includes seven fires that total 2,043 acres and are currently 5% contained. There are 488 personnel currently working on the fire. Fire managers are directing resources to fires based on threats to property, infrastructure, industry, and areas with the highest probability of success. 

While several of the Homestead Complex fires experienced increased fire activity yesterday, the warm temperatures were moderated by the heavy smoke across the region. Crews and heavy equipment have been working hard to create and strengthen indirect lines in anticipation of continuing hot, dry weather and the possibility of thunderstorms on Friday night into Saturday afternoon. While smoke is expected to continue through today, air operations will be looking for opportunities to drop water when visibility is clear.   

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Saturday, which means that the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger. 

• No Man Fire (770 acres): The fire has approached and is holding at the recently finished section of fireline on the western perimeter. Douglas Forest Protective Association crew responded to spot fires overnight. Crews will continue to hold the western flank. 
• Salmon 33 Fire (187 acres): Fire activity is expected to be minimal under the heavy layer of smoke. Crews are monitoring the fire as it backs down the hill on the south side.  
• Horse Heaven Creek Fire (571 acres): Crews completed the line on the northwest side and are laying hose along it. They continue to prep FR 3831 and its 100 and 015 spurs as indirect lines to hep protect forest timber lands.   
• Reynolds Butte (253 acres): Crews are checking on spot fires from yesterday and prepping indirect lines to minimize the fire’s footprint. 
• Bullpup Lake Fire (144 acres): The fire is most active along the south edge, near FR 3850.  Crews continue road prep on FR 3850-300 on the north side of the fire. 
• Fuller Lake Fire (82 acres): The fire in the Bradley Lake Basin will continue to burn back towards the 1534 ridge. Firefighters will be assigned to this fire when resources are available. 
• Lost Bucket Fire (34 acres): The fire was contained on July 29.  

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

CLOSURES: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Roseburg District, has issued a closure order for portions of BLM land which border the Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure north of Steamboat. The closure order can be viewed here: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-rbg-072624.pdf. Umpqua National Forest Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 remain in effect and can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. 

The daily infrared mapping flight was not completed yesterday so acreages have not been updated. The Diamond Complex on the Umpqua National Forest is still estimated at 5,622 acres and 11% contained, with 506 people assigned. The Middle Fork fire within Crater Lake National Park is still estimated at 728 acres and 1% contained with 19 people assigned. The park remains open. There are fire personnel in the area, so visitors should use caution when traveling within the park. 

The Umpqua National Forest increased Public Use Restrictions to Level 3 across all ranger districts of the forest in response to the drying conditions and increased fire activity. More information can be found at bit.ly/3xIZZdK. Broken Arrow, Diamond Lake, and Thielsen View Campgrounds are open and taking reservations through www.recreation.gov 

The Trail fire, east of Hwy 138 on the west slope of Mt. Thielsen, is 839 acres and 40% contained. The fire will be monitored from the air and firefighters will respond as needed.

The Lemolo fire, north of Lemolo Lake on Bunker Hill, is 873 acres and 10% contained. Firefighters continued strategic burning operations to strengthen containment on the north edge and made good progress to tie the containment line on the western flank to the Lemolo Lake Road. 

The Pine Bench fire, north of Hwy 138 near Dry Creek, is 2,117 acres and 10% contained. Crews continue to hold and mop up along the FS 4775 Road and patrol the 900 Road and Hwy 138. Work is underway to build indirect contingency fire line by opening and brushing roads to the east and north of the fire, to be used if the fire were to move out of the Boulder Creek Wilderness.

Crews on both the Watson fire, 236 acres and 50% contained, and Loafer fire, 37 acres and 50% contained, will continue their successful containment and mop up on these fires.

Bear Trap, 64 acres and 50% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138 near Bear Trap Mountain now has a control line around the entire fire and crews are mopping up.

Ooya, 190 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 1 mile northeast of Bird Point. Work is underway to remove hazardous snags (standing dead trees) to establish safe access to begin active work on the fire. There is significant power infrastructure to the south of this fire, making it a high priority as firefighters are reassigned from other fires. 

Potter, 747 acres and 0% contained, north of Hwy 138 about 2 miles southeast of Potter Mountain. Crews are assessing access points to work on containing this fire, to protect critical hydropower infrastructure below the fire.

Brodie, 121 acres and 0% contained, about 5 miles south of Hwy 138 and south of Devils Canyon. Teams of fallers and a roadside chipping operation are underway to establish safe and effective access for firefighters, who are employing a mix of direct and indirect line to contain the fire.

Trep, 133 acres and 0% contained, about 4 miles south of Hwy 138. This fire became active in yesterday’s hotter and drier weather, burning about 1.5 miles eastward toward the Lost fire, 25 acres and 0% contained. These fires may require containment as a single perimeter.

Other fires within the complex consist of:  Pig Iron near Pig Iron Mountain north of Hwy 138, is 27 acres and 95% contained;  Rough, 11 acres and 25% contained,  Garwood, 5 acres and 95% contained, about 3 miles southwest of Mt. Bailey; Slide, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, northeast of Pine Bench;; Clearwater, 0.7 acre and 100% contained, south of Hwy 138 about 5 miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Elephant, 0.7 acres and 95% contained, 2 miles southwest of Lemolo Lake;   Sheep, 0.3 acres and 95% contained, 3 miles north of Diamond Lake; Thin, 0.6  acre and 95% contained, four miles northwest of Diamond Lake; Trap, 15 acres and 0% contained, 1 mile south of Hwy 138 near Trap Mountain; Campwood, 20 acres and 25% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138;  Birds, 0.1 acres and 100% contained; Wood, 23 acres and 25% contained, 2 miles south of Hwy 138, Mowich, 0.4 acre and 95% contained, 1 mile north of Hwy 138,  Toolbox, 0.1 acres and 95% contained, New 19,  0.1 acres and 0% contained; and Canal, 1 acre and 75% contained.

The Middle Fork fire is in the northwest corner of Crater Lake National Park. This fire has been primarily burning in the scars of previous fires but became very active yesterday when it reached an area of green timber that had not burned recently. The fire remains within the park and did not burn toward critical infrastructure. Firefighters withdrew to a safe distance and will assess the current perimeter today for opportunities to create a new containment strategy. The Pacific Crest Trail from the Dutton Ridge Intersection to Hwy 138, Lightning Springs, Bald Crater Loop, Bert Creek and Boundary Springs Trails (within the park) are closed until further notice due to potentially hazardous conditions.   

Weather: A warming and drying trend is underway, with temperature forecasted to reach the low 90s and relative humidity around 20%. Winds will be from the northwest at 5-8 mph with gusts to 15 mph. There is a chance for scattered thunderstorms with dry lightning and gusty winds, beginning this evening and extending through Saturday.

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has been largely limited to surface fire with slow spread. With hotter and drier weather, the fire will become more active, with isolated group torching, short and scattered crown runs, and increased spotting distance.

Smoke Outlook: Smoke production will increase with increased fire behavior. Smoke will remain in the area and may reduce visibility and hinder air operations.  For the most up to date information, please visit fire.airnow.gov/ 

Fire prevention: As the weather warms and dries, the potential for rapid fire growth will increase in this area for the foreseeable future. Please be very careful with any potential ignition sources. Don’t park in dry grass, and make sure tow chains do not drag. Please be mindful of campfire restrictions and appropriate use of liquid fuel stoves. 

Closures and Evacuations: Umpqua National Forest has issued two closures across the forest in response to fire activity to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01 impact all of the Cottage Grove Ranger District, most of the Diamond Lake Ranger District, and parts of the Tiller and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. The closure orders can be found here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices. Fire danger is set at Very High and Public Use Restrictions are set at Level 3: bit.ly/3xIZZdK.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded the evacuation order for the Trail fire from a Level 2: BE SET to a Level 1: Get Ready, but the Level 3: GO NOW remains in effect for the Trail fire east of Hwy 138. The Level 2: BE SET and Level 3: GO NOW evacuations for the Lemolo fire remain in place. There is still a Level 2: BE SET for the Pine Bench Fire. For more information visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website: www.dcso.com/evacuations

Pioneer Fire Daily Update  

August 2, 2024 

Quick Facts 

Size:  33,761 (No updated IR) 

Start Date: June 8, 2024 

Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA 

Containment: 12%  

Personnel: 644  

Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 

Resources Assigned:  11 crews,  4 helicopters,  26 engines,  28 water tenders,  17 heavy equipment 

Northwest Team 3 is preparing to transition management of the Pioneer and Easy Fires to California Team 15 on Saturday at 6 AM.  The incoming team was briefed yesterday on the current situation and operational objectives and today will “shadow” Team 3 to ensure a smooth transition. 

CURRENT SITUATION:  The fire was active on the southern edge of Hazard Creek, where a log holding heat rolled into a small side drainage and ignited unburned fuels in an area of about 10 acres.  Helicopters water drops and scooper planes were used to hold the fire in place. Hot, dry conditions provoked smoldering areas in the Upper Fish Creek and Fourmile drainages to become active and send up a column of smoke.  Increase in fire activity is expected on the north flank of the fire with the hot and dry weather anticipated for the next few days  

In Stehekin, crews continue to test hoselays and sprinklers along the community protection line and around homes. Structure preparation and community protection lines are being expanded up valley. On the south flank of the fire, heavy equipment continued to work on the shaded fuelbreak on Cooper Ridge. Crews chipped trees removed from the shaded fuel break and hauled it offsite. Road work in Gold Creek and Black Canyon continues to mitigate impacts from heavy equipment use and to ensure ingress and egress for firefighters.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES:  Crews will continue to mop-up and patrol along the lakeshore from Fourmile Creek down lake and conduct strategic burning operations if needed north of Fourmile Creek to protect structures along the lakeshore.  Aviation resources will continue to support firefighters through crew transport and water drops to slow the fire’s progression north.  In Stehekin, firefighters will continue with structure protection measures including extending community protection line up valley past the Rainbow Falls area.  An additional Interagency Hot Shot crew arrived yesterday to assist with suppression activities in Stehekin and burn operations. 

WEATHER AND SMOKE: Temperatures reached 101 degrees in Stehekin yesterday. The Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for increasingly hot, dry, and unstable weather conditions Friday through Sunday.  There is a 20% chance of thunderstorms later this afternoon or in the early evening. An Excessive Heat Watch has also been issued for Friday and Saturday. See Current Smoke Outlook for North Central Washington (airfire.org) for information about smoke and air quality. 

EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information. 

FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm 

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR. 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wases-pioneer  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080  

Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM 

Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov  

Crews continue building depth on fire lines in preparation for today’s fire weather watch

MONUMENT, Ore. – The Courtrock Fire is under an excessive heat warning today, with a red-flag warning and fire weather watch starting this afternoon.

Information: (541) 321-0369    

Email: imt2.fireinfo@odf.oregon.gov

Incident Links: https://linktr.ee/WindingWatersComplex2024

Hotter and drier weather arrives over the Winding Waters Complex

WALLOWA, Ore. – Night shift crews continue to find hot spots inside the fire’s perimeter on the Courtney Creek and Charlie Brown fires. By using handheld infrared cameras and drones with infrared cameras, crews can find smoldering fuels that aren’t visible to the human eye.

A Fire Weather Watch for hot, dry, and unstable conditions that could lead to extreme fire behavior is in effect this morning through this evening. Today’s efforts, across all fires in the complex, will continue with the removal of snags and hazard trees, mopping up deeper into the interior, and patrolling where heat has been significantly removed. Air support is available to assist firefighters on the ground, and patrol for any fire spreading beyond the containment lines.

Chances of thunderstorms, while low overall, enter the forecast on Saturday and Sunday, mainly over the mountains.

The Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2 would like to thank community members and partners for joining us during the Community Meeting last night. Due to decreased fire activity, there will be no more evening updates.

The Winding Waters Complex is comprised of the following fires, listed by name and Acres:

Big Canyon: 288 Acres                    Mountain View: 318 Acres

Charlie Brown: 69 Acres                 Water: 18.5 Acres

Courtney Creek: 59 Acres

Public use and industrial restrictions remain in effect on both ODF and USFS jurisdictions.

Contact Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center at (541) 963- 7171 or dial 9-1-1 to report a fire or smoke. Find Blue Mountains fire-updates at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Estimated Size: 752 Acres

Containment: 29%

Cause: Lightning

Estimated Cost: $3.6 Million

Evacuations: None

Resources

Total Resources: 491

Hand Crews:  18

Engines:                22

Dozers:                   4

Water Tenders:  9

Masticators:        2

Skidgens:              2

Excavator:            1

Helicopters:

Type 1 -  2

Type 2 -  2

Type 3 -  2

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/

Friday, August 2, 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. A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for the hot, dry and unstable conditions. Residents of Bear who have not yet evacuated are encouraged to do so. Please use extra caution with any fires; even a small spark could burn hundreds of acres in an hour. 

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 19,359 acres with no containment. The area of the fire in the Indian Creek drainage threatens the communities of Cuprum and Bear, both of which remain evacuated per Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Idaho power transmission lines are threatened on the south side of the fire near Oxbow dam and throughout the fire area.  

The fire was much more active yesterday due to hotter and drier conditions. Short uphill runs were observed in the northwestern edge of the fire along Allison Creek. Firefighters mopped up along the perimeter of the tactical burn north of Cuprum and fortified structure protection. Bulldozer line was completed from the Forest Road 071 (Flat Creek/Barbour Road) north to Indian Creek. A hotshot crew constructed handline from a bulldozer line north to Indian Creek near the confluence with Huntley Gulch. Crews also worked on constructing bulldozer lines along a ridge line near Boulder Creek between Forest Road 071 and Indian Creek. The fire spotted across Forest Service 071 in several locations west of Summit Gulch and crews successfully contained the spots. Overnight, crews conducted tactical burning along Forest Road 071. Structure protection continued yesterday in Bear. Crews improved contingency fire line north of Barber Flats and west of Bear using excavators. The west flank of the fire adjacent to the Snake River is not burning actively and mop up has nearly been completed; however, potential hazards are rocks and debris rolling down onto Forest Road 454 (Hells Canyon Road). Helicopter bucket drops and air tankers retardant drops helped firefighter reduce fire spread near Allison Creek and along Forest Road 071 near Boulder Creek. Heavy air tankers dropped a retardant line along open grassy ridges from the fire’s edge to Horse Mountain Lookout Tower and near the southeastern edge of the fire north of Salt Creek. 

 
Six hand crews, 13 engines, seven bulldozers, three large helicopters and 337 people are working on the Limepoint Fire. “It’s going to be active today” said Safety Officer, Ed Bratcher. Therefore, firefighters will vigilantly work to hold firelines and seek to quickly control any new fire starts. Large airtankers will continue to support efforts. Any retardant application will be at least 300 feet from the Snake River and its tributaries to protect water quality. Crews plan to improve the recently completed fireline between Forest Road 071 and Indian Creek with anticipation of conducting a burning operation in the next few days when conditions are right. With hotter and drier conditions today, firefighters will work to hold and improve firelines. They will continue mop up north of Cuprum and continue to protect, prepare and test sprinklers and other equipment around threatened structures in Cuprum and Bear. Firefighters will also mop up along Forest Road 071 where crews conducted tactical burning last night. Near Salt Creek, crews will look for opportunities to construct bulldozer and hand lines closer to the southeastern flank. Crews will continue to scout areas along the northern flank from Allison Creek to Horse Mountain to identify where the fire can be held directly at its edge or indirectly with firelines along defensible ridges and natural barriers. A night shift will work throughout the night to ensure point protection of structures at risk and may conduct tactical burning operations, if needed.  

Cliff Mountain Fire

The Cliff Mountain Fire started 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 no 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. A reconnaissance flight was flown yesterday, and firefighters will fly one again today. Minimal fire activity was observed on the fire yesterday with only a few areas showing smoke. One ground personnel is assigned to the fire, and two field observers have been ordered.

Firefighters are identifying values near the fire and planning future protection.

Weather/Fire Behavior: A Red Flag Warning is in effect today due to the hot, dry and unstable conditions. Maximum temperatures will exceed 100 and minimal relative humity will be near 10 percent. Winds will be southwest 1-5 mph. Relatively humidities will stay relatively low overnight, maxing out at 30 percent.

Dead and down will continue to dry, making all types of vegetation available for burning. In heavy grass, a new start could burn over 500 acres in an hour if undetected. Roll out of burning debris down slope along the west and northern flanks of the fire could cause fire spread into unburned fuels and result in rapid uphill runs. Structure protection and mop up around homes in Cuprum have been successful. Areas retaining heat in outlying areas near Cuprum could become extremely active later in the day. Spotting across eastern and southeastern firelines is possible as conditions warm throughout the day. For Cliff Mountain Fire, any fire spots into unburned vegetation will remain unchecked until resources are able to reach the fire.

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

Evacuations: The communities of Cuprum and Bear have been evacuated per Adams County Sheriff’s Department and remain under a “GO” evacuation.

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: Black Lake, Sheep Rock, Kinney Point and Horse Mountain Lookout. Big Bar is open. Huckleberry Campground is also closed. For more information, see the full closure orderand map at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/payette/fire.

Kleinschmidt Grade (Forest Road 050), Calf Pen Road and Lundore 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.

The temporary flight restriction was expanded to the north to include the Cliff Mountain Fire and narrowed on the west to exclude some area in Oregon west of the Snake River.

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.

THUNDER FIRE CLOSURE TERMINATED

AUGUST 2, 2024

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger

CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idscf-thunder-fire

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has terminated the Thunder Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐014.  

The following is now open: (Description of #04-13-24-014):  

Described Area/Roads/Trails: The Described Areas includes all NFS lands, roads, and trails within the following boundaries: Starting at the junction of National Forest System Road (NFSR) #60021 Williams Creek Road and the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary (Forest Boundary), then following the Forest Boundary south to its junction with NFSR #60028 Lake Creek Road, then following NFSR #60028 Lake Creek Road to the west and north to its junction with NFSR #60021 Williams Creek Road, then following NFSR #60021 Williams Creek Road to the east to the point of origin at the junction of NFSR #60021 Williams Creek Road and the Forest Boundary. 

Additional Described Roads and Trails: This closure shall include the following National Forest System Roads and Trails outside of the designated area described above:

• That portion of NFSR #60028 Lake Creek Road that is east of the Forest Boundary.
• That portion of NFST #6040 Thunder Mountain Historic Trail that is east of NFSR #60045 Iron Creek Road.
• NFST #6080 Lake Mountain Trail. 
• NFST #6128 Henry Creek Trail.

The Bureau of Land Management has also terminated their closure order.  Additional information can be found at https://www.blm.gov/office/salmon-field-office under Latest News.  

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the VERY HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) and that portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf.  

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