Operations Section Chief for Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team 2, Patrick Moore, provides a final daily operations video update for the Lone Rock Fire. To view he video, go over to the fire's Facebook page (see below for link). Go there now to get our final video update.   

UPDATE 08/02/2024:

READY status: The SET Alert for the Sunflower area is LIFTED. All residents are returned to a READY status.

Please continue to use caution and follow emergency personnel instructions.

Alert information: Maricopa.gov

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

READY: Prepare Now. Be aware of all hazards that affect your community.

Muir Creek Fire Update
August 2, 2024 10:00 am

National Park Service
Glacier National Park
Mike West, Incident Commander; NW Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team

Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099 / Media: 406-206-5272

Muir Creek Fire benefits from recent precipitation

Current Situation: The Muir Creek Fire, burning in the southern portion of Glacier National Park, remains at 30 acres. The Type 3 Incident Management Team is preparing to transition the fire back to management by the park as a Type 4 incident. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority. Firefighters are working to protect historic patrol cabins and a fire lookout to be prepared if fire reaches these areas later in the season. With current and expected fire behavior, along with the firefighters assigned to the incident and plan in place, a smaller organization can manage the fire for now.

Wednesday, a module of seven firefighters arrived from Saguaro National Park to assist on the incident. They are helping Glacier National Park fire staff conduct fuel reduction around backcountry structures. Personnel continue to monitor the fire from the ground and from fire lookouts. Ninety-four uncontained large wildfires are actively burning across the country, and over 29,000 personnel are assigned to those fires. This very high level of activity limits the availability of personnel and equipment.

The Muir Creek Fire area received 0.2” of precipitation earlier this week. The rainfall, higher humidity, and lower temperatures combined to decrease fire behavior. There is still heat producing light smoke within the fire perimeter, and fire activity will continue to fluctuate with the forecasted heat this weekend and potential for cooler, wetter weather next week. Historically the Northern Rockies fire season continues through mid-September or beyond.

Weather: The forecast for Friday and Saturday is for high temperatures and low humidity. There is potential for scattered showers on Sunday and continuing into next week, which could bring strong thunderstorms, including isolated heavy rain and gusty winds. Any lightning that comes with these storms could lead to new fire starts.

Closures: There continues to be an Area Closure Order in place for the area northeast of the Fielding Trail, southeast of the Coal Creek Trail, and northwest of the Park Creek Trail, including Mount Saint Nicholas climbing routes and the Fielding Trail between Park Creek and Coal Creek. The Coal Creek and Park Creek Trails, as well as the Coal Creek and Park Creek Wilderness Campgrounds, remain open.

Fire Restrictions: Fire danger is currently Very High, which means that wildfires that start have a high potential for rapid growth. Beginning Saturday August 2, Glacier National Park and surrounding areas are entering Stage 1 fire restrictions. Campfires and wood or charcoal grills are prohibited, but gas stoves with an on/off switch are permitted. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle or areas free of flammable materials. See www.mtfireinfo.org/ for more details and up-to-date fire information for the whole state.

Smoke: Current smoke and air quality information can be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

This is the final Muir Fire update unless changes in fire activity occur.

Muir Fire Statistics:
Size:  Approximately 30 acres
Containment:  0%
Total Personnel:  Projected to be 11 starting August 3rd
Cause:  Lightning/Natural
Fire was detected:  Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Location:  20 miles southeast of West Glacier, MT and east of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River

Contact Information:
InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnp-muir-creek-fire
Fire Information Office:  Recording: 406-206-6099 / Media Inquiries: 406-206-5272
Fire Information Email: 2024.muircreek@firenet.gov
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlacierNPS

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LONE ROCK FIRE UPDATE August 2, 2024

Location: Lonerock, OR to west of Highway 207 | Size: 137,222 acres | Containment: 83% 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Start Date: July 13, 2024 | Total Personnel: 392

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4369, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.   

Email: 2024.0404rvlonerock@firenet.gov

Red Flag Warning Forecasted for Today, Hot and Dry this Weekend 

Condon, Ore. — A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 AM to 9 PM PDT Friday. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. Though these conditions are unlikely to affect current containment lines, the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and above normal temperatures will ring an increased potential for new fire starts. A crew dedicated to attacking new fire starts will be standing by and is ready to respond if needed. 

Yesterday's Activities: Despite yesterday’s increase in temperature, fire behavior on the Lone Rock Fire remained favorable for crews continuing to extinguish hotspots, perform mop-up, and reduce remaining hazards. Crews continued to patrol and monitor the containment line and focused the bulk of suppression work in the more active, middle section of the fire’s perimeter. 

Today’s Activities:  There is no change in operational objectives planned for today. The public is recommended to remain cautious today and through the weekend with the existing critical fire weather conditions. Taking individual responsibility to reduce wildfire risk while working or recreating around homes and communities before a fire occurs can help keep property, the public, and firefighters safe.

Weather: The hot and dry conditions will allow remaining heat sources to either burn out and self-extinguish or begin active creeping, potentially resulting in isolated torching within the mixed conifer. Over the weekend, moisture moving into the area should result in increased cloud cover and moderate humidity values, but with only a slight chance of precipitation and a potential for dry lightning.

Evacuations: There are no Level 3 evacuations in place for the Lone Rock Fire.  For up-to-date information, checkout the Real-Time Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon (RAPTOR) public information map, see link below. Additional information is also available from:  

• For Gilliam County evacuation information, visit Gilliam County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
• For Wheeler County evacuation information, visit Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
• For Morrow County evacuation information, visit Morrow County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

Closures:
•  For updated road closure information, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.

• Umatilla National Forest Order Number 06-14-02-24-02 includes prohibitions within the Heppner Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Prineville District Office issued an Emergency Public Land Closure on BLM-managed lands along the main stem John Day River and along the North Fork John Day River from Kimberly, Ore. to Dale, Ore.

Smoke Information: Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for local air quality information.
 

###

Sand Stone Fire reaches 60 percent containment

Daily Update – Friday, August 2, 2024

Highlights: Due to successful firefighting efforts, the Sand Stone Fire has now reached 60 percent containment. Although State Route 87 has been reopened in both directions, travelers should be mindful on the roadways as firefighting operations are still occurring in this area.

Total personnel on all incidents: 562   

Sand Stone Fire:          Acres: 27,390     Containment: 60%     Start Date: 7/25/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush       

Operations: Minimal fire activity was observed on the Sand Stone Fire yesterday. Containment increased on the southern end of the fire, resulting in the Sand Stone Fire reaching 60% total containment. The northeast portions of the fire near Indian Springs and Quartz Creek, along with the east side near Dos S Ranch, are all holding within these areas. A structure protection group assigned to the Sunflower area continues to focus their efforts on protecting values in the community while also securing the eastern flank of the fire. Crews have prepped one mile of road along with a half-mile of chipping to reduce fuel loads near the entrance of Forest Road 201 to protect nearby communities and infrastructure. Preparation activities continue today around the Sugarloaf area and Old Highway 87. New suppression repair needs are being identified daily, including repairs to range fencing and a damaged water line. Firefighters are patrolling the northern perimeter and the area near Bartlett Lake to respond to any changes in fire activity.

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

Operations: Yesterday, the Deer Fire grew slightly to the northeast, smoldering along the forest floor within the wilderness area. Firefighters continue to perform reconnaissance flights to record any changes in fire activity. Today, crews are scouting out possible holding features from past wildfires around the Deer Fire area. 

Davenport Fire:           Acres: 447         Containment: 100%      Start Date: 7/19/2024      Fuels: Grass, brush       

Operations: No smoke or fire activity have been observed for over two weeks. The Davenport Fire has now reached 100% containment. As such, this will be the last update for the Davenport Fire. 

Weather: Temperatures will become hotter today and into the weekend with chances of afternoon thunderstorms that may impact the fires. An Excessive Heat Warning was issued for the area around the Sand Stone Fire from Saturday through Monday.

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 community of Sunflower remains in “set” status. “Set” means residents should identify the closest shelter or safe space, prepare an emergency kit, listen to public health officials, and be ready to leave the area. 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 

Order Number: # 24-018-Lolo-D3
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Lolo National Forest
Missoula Ranger District
Area and Road Closure

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are
prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and roads in the Missoula Ranger
District, Lolo National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map
incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area and Roads”):
1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). It is prohibited to go into the area closed for public safety.
2. 36 CFR § 261.54(e). Being on the described roads.
 

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads,
Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them
from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer
that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or
firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
 

DESCRIBED AREA
The area encompassed by a line beginning on the Bitterroot Divide Road, National Forest
System Road (NFSR) 4243 at Eightmile Saddle (T10N, R18W, Sect 2) and following and
including NFSR 4243 east to its junction with Schwartz Creek Road, NFSR 502 (T11N,
R17W, Sect 19). Following and including NFSR 502 east to its junction with Hollowman-
Schwartz Road, NFSR 4245 (T11N, R17W, Sect 4). Continue following but not including
the Schwartz Creek Road to its junction with the Lolo National Forest System Boundary
(T12N, R17W, Sect 33). Follow the Lolo National Forest Boundary north and west to Deer
Creek Road No 533 (T13N, R18W, Sect 32). Following but not including Deer Creek Road
533 south to its junction with Skyline Drive (North), NFSR 2127-1 (T12N, R18W, Sect 7). Following and but not including NFSR 2127-1 to its junction with the Lolo National Forest System Boundary on the southern section line of Section 7 (T12N, R18W, Sect 7). Following the Lolo National Forest Boundary south to its junction with CTY-37. Following but not including CTY-37 to where it turns into Miller Creek Road NFSR 464 (T11N, R18W, Sect 7). Following and including Miller Creek Road NFSR 464 southeast to the East section line of Section 29, T11N, R18W. Following the East section line south to the Lolo National Forest Boundary. Following the Lolo National Forest Boundary southeast back to its intersection with NFSR 4243 at Eightmile Saddle (T10N, R18W, Sect 2).
 

DESCRIBED ROADS
Schwartz Creek, NFSR #502, from its junction with Hollowman-Schwartz Road, NFSR 4245 (T11N, R17W, Sect 4) to its intersection with the Bitterroot Divide Road, NFSR 4243 (T11N, R17W, Sect 19).
Miller Creek Road, NFSR 464, from its intersection with CTY-37 (T11N, R18W, Sect 7) to the end of the road.
Skyline Drive (North), NFSR 2127-1, from its intersection with Lower Skyline Road No 19075 (T12N, R19W, Sect 13) to the Forest Service Boundary (T12N, R18W, Sect 18).
Bitterroot Divide Road, NFSR 4243, from its intersection with Schwartz Creek Road 502 (T11N, R17W, Sect 19) to Eightmile Saddle (T10N, R18W, Sect 2).
Lower Skyline, NFSR 19075, from its intersection with Skyline Drive (North) Road No 2127-1 (T12N, R19W, Sect 13) to the Forest Service Boundary (T12N, R18W, Sect 18).
 

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activities.
 

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from 0001 on August 2, 2024, through 2359 on October 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area and Roads is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Missoula Ranger District in Missoula, MT, (406) 329-3814, and Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Missoula, MT, (406) 329-3750, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Area and Roads.

Signed and issued on 08/01/2024.
_______________________
Carolyn Upton

Retreat Fire

Información sobre incendios: 509-213-4890 Correo electrónico: 2024.retreat@firenet.gov

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

2 de Agosto de 2024

Equipo 1 de Northern Rockies , Comandante del Incidente Brent Olson

Ubicación: 14 millas al suroeste de Naches, WA

Fecha de inicio: 23 de Julio de 2024

Causa: Bajo investigación

Superficie: 34.759 acres

Contención: 37%

Recursos: 614 personas en total; 10 excavadoras; 14 equipos de bomberos manuales; 38 camiones de bomberos.

Mensajes Clave: 

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ha emitido un Aviso de Calor Excesivo vigente para hoy sobre la zona del incendio. Se esperan condiciones peligrosamente calurosas con temperaturas posibles de 102 a 108 grados . La actividad del fuego ha aumentado en algunas zonas interiores del incendio debido a las condiciones cálidas y secas. El aumento de del fuego en el interior, así como el uso de algunas operaciones de fuego para asegurar las líneas de control indirecto en el lado norte del incendio, ha aumentado la cantidad de humo visible desde las comunidades adyacentes al incendio.

El corredor de la autopista 12 permanece cerrado a la circulación pública tanto para los bomberos como para la seguridad pública. Árboles de gran tamaño afectados por el fuego han estado cayendo sobre la autopista en momentos inesperados. Los equipos y cuadrillas de bomberos siguen trabajando en varios lugares. Se espera que la autopista permanezca cerrada varios días más.

Situación Actual:

El Retreat Fire está siendo completamente administrado con arreglo a una estrategia de supresión total que da prioridad a la seguridad pública y de los bomberos.

Ayer, los equipos de bomberos patrullaron y extinguieron puntos calientes a lo largo de la línea de fuego en los lados sur, este y noreste de la zona del incendio. Los bomberos que patrullaron la línea de fuego pudieron sofocar y asegurar un incendio encontrado cerca del lado este. Los vientos del suroeste fueron beneficiosos para los equipos de extinción de los puntos calientes a lo largo del lado sur del incendio, pero causaron algunos problemas a los bomberos que trabajaban a lo largo del lado norte. Las operaciones de fuego a lo largo de la línea norte se vieron ralentizadas por los vientos del sureste que hacían retroceder el humo hacia la línea y las tripulaciones. Se han hecho algunos progresos hacia el oeste, pero podría tardar más tiempo en asegurar esta línea si la dirección del viento y las condiciones meteorológicas siguen siendo las mismas. En la esquina suroeste del incendio las cuadrillas de bomberos continuaron trabajando en una combinación de línea indirecta y directa y se prepararon para futuras operaciones de fuego cuando las condiciones lo permitan. Se siguieron vigilando y asegurando los focos de incendio encontrados anteriormente cerca de la esquina suroeste.

Los equipos de protección de estructuras y los camiones de bomberos continuaron patrullando y extinguiendo puntos calientes, así como retirando árboles caídos y rocas a lo largo del corredor de la autopista 12 afectado por el incendio. Los equipos de estructuras también probaron y reforzaron las bombas y los aspersores de agua instalados alrededor de las estructuras de Camp Ghormley y a lo largo de la carretera de Lost Lake, al oeste del incendio. Estas cuadrillas de bomberos han estado proporcionando apoyo adicional a los bomberos que trabajan en la esquina suroeste del incendio con el aumento del del fuego.

Meteorología y Comportamiento del Fuego:

Ayer se observaron temperaturas cálidas y condiciones secas sobre la zona del incendio con vientos localmente ventosos impulsados por el terreno. Para hoy se esperan condiciones similares, ya que las altas presiones siguen aumentando en la región. Las temperaturas rondarán los 90º y la humedad relativa los 20º. Se espera un aumento de los vientos del oeste al noroeste en las últimas horas de esta tarde y hasta el sábado.

El comportamiento de los incendios está aumentando como consecuencia de las condiciones muy cálidas y secas. En las elevaciones más bajas con combustibles de artemisa y hierba, el fuego se propagó por la superficie con incendios de árboles aislados y en grupos. La mayoría de la actividad del fuego se encuentra ahora en elevaciones más altas con tipos de combustible de coníferas mixtas donde la actividad del fuego aumentó ayer con el movimiento de tierra, la quema de grupo, y localización de corto alcance. Se ha observado fuego activo durante la noche y la madrugada.

Cierres y Evacuaciones:

Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre evacuaciones, visite la Administración de Emergencias del Condado de Yakima en este enlace: Sitio web de la Administración de Emergencias de Yakima.

-La autopista US 12 permanece cerrada entre la Y de la autopista 410 y la cumbre del puerto en el punto kilométrico 151.

-Cierre de incendios en el Bosque Nacional de  Okanogan-Wenatchee: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=89192.

-La Región Sureste del Departamento de Recursos Naturales del Estado de Washington (DNR) ha cerrado temporalmente el Bosque Estatal de Ahtanum debido al aumento de la actividad del incendio adyacente Retreat Fire que arde cerca de Rimrock Lake. El público puede acceder a la información más actualizada sobre cierres en www.dnr.wa.gov/ahtanum.

El Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington ha cerrado al público la mayor parte de la zona de Oak Creek debido al incendio de Retreat Fire. Está previsto que la zona natural de Oak Creek permanezca cerrada hasta el 23 de Agosto para garantizar la seguridad pública y facilitar las labores de extinción. Encontrará más información en Áreas silvestres | Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Washington.

CALIDAD DEL AIRE Y HUMO

Las condiciones y previsiones sobre la calidad del aire y el humo pueden consultarse en https://www.airnow.gov/.

Recursos para los residentes antes, durante y después del incendio:

Hay muchos recursos en línea disponibles para los residentes de Washington afectados por incendios forestales.

Apoyo a los residentes afectados por los incendios forestales: https://afterthefirewa.dreamhosters.com/ 

Programas para propietarios de viviendas del DNR de Washington:https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/

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

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM TRANSITION:

On Saturday at 6:00 a.m., command of the Pyramid and Slate Fires transitions to Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 1 (Rocky Mountain 1). Due to the limited availability of additional incident management teams, all fires on the Willamette National Forest will be combined under a central command structure. A dedicated group of fire managers will remain focused on directing operations on the Pyramid and Slate Fires. Incident Commander Dustan Mueller and the entire California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 extend their gratitude to our cooperators and partners for their collaboration and assistance. The team also thanks the local residents, business owners, and visitors for their appreciation and support.

PYRAMID FIRE:

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, 1,193 Acres, 21 Percent Contained, Total Personnel, 448, Lightning Caused

Yesterday, firefighters continued to hold the fire within control lines with help from water-dropping aircraft. Today, hand crews will continue to widen and improve control lines, construct control lines closer to the fire’s edge where it is safe to do so, install pumps and hoses, and extinguish hot spots. 

SLATE FIRE:

5 miles SW of Detroit, OR, 91 Acres, 81 Percent Contained, Total Personnel, 55, Under Investigation

Despite hotter and drier weather, fire crews increased containment on the Slate Fire yesterday and will continue to widen and improve control lines around the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters will be focusing on the southern flank of the fire perimeter, transitioning from indirect to direct control lines. The primary objective is to keep the fire within the existing footprint.

WEATHER: Conditions will continue to be hot, dry, and unstable today with a high temperature of 88 to 95 °F and a minimum relative humidity of 22 to 24 percent. A slight chance of dry thunderstorms is predicted this evening and early tomorrow morning. Increased fire behavior will continue to be a concern over the next several days.

SMOKE IMPACTS: Smoke and air quality conditions are available on: AirNow.gov

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

NEW AREA CLOSURES: For increased public and firefighter safety, area, road, and trail (including the PCT) closures were expanded in the Willamette National Forest. Specific information is posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=61574. 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions are in effect for Willamette National Forest, including the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Waldo Lake, and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas. Read the complete restrictions at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487.