Fire

Yesterday, interior fuels consumed on the Trout fire and the Borel Fire was active, mostly on the eastern edge, in the south fork of Erskine creek. The Borel fire has not moved significantly up the eastern side of Erskine creek. Expected fire behavior on the Borel includes possible crown fire runs and spotting. 

Smoke

Yesterday, smoke transport was influenced by southerly winds and tracked to the north/northwest. The lower Owens Valley experienced less impact and evening pooling in Lone Pine was reduced. Today, southerly flow will continue with an increased chance of convective thunderstorms. Erratic outflow winds can cause unpredictable smoke movement during storms. Western foothill communities will see generally MODERATE conditions as smoke generally tracks north. The Owens Valley can expect slightly better conditions with GOOD to MODERATE air quality. Lake Isabella and Kernville can expect generally MODERATE conditions with periods of USG in the AM through early afternoon as smoke mixes down.

Smoke Outlook 8/02- 8/03 Eastern Oregon

Special Statement

Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings have been issued for the forecast area for the next few days. Air Quality Alerts have been issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for Grant and Harney Counties until further notice. Red Flag Warning is in place today for hot, dry, and unstable fire weather conditions.

Fire

There are multiple fires affecting the forecast area. For more information on these incidents, please visit each fire's Inciweb page.

Smoke

Air quality will remain an issue in Central Oregon today as weather conditions continue to be conducive to smoke production from local fires. Additionally, smoke is being transported into the southern part of region from fires in California. Smoke levels will be highest at locations close to the most active fires. UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS conditions are expected from Mitchell to Spray to Monument. MODERATE conditions are expected for locations in the northern part of the region, as northerly winds bring in cleaner air. Similar conditions are expected to prevail over the region Saturday.

Additional Smoke Outlooks

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

KEY MESSAGE

The burned and unburned fuels creating the mosaic pattern near the fire’s edge creates unique complexities when managing the fire. The heat left smoldering in portions of the fire pose a risk of igniting the unburned fuels within the already burned area and spreading to fuels outside containment lines.

CURRENT STATUS

The crews continue to patrol the edges of the fire checking for any remaining heat. When they find a hot spot in places such as logs, stumps, or organic material in the soil, tactics are used to contain and cool these areas to keep them from reigniting. When smoke is spotted, a crew engages to contain the fire before it spreads through the fuels that are available throughout the spotty burn zone. Crews are beginning to look at suppression repair options for lines that were put in the first few days of the fire to help reduce the footprint on the environment and erosion.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

The warming trend continues with hot and dry conditions expected today and smoke is forecast to increase in coverage from the southwest. Saturday remains hot with haze and smoke. There is around a 20% chance for thunderstorms late in the day on Saturday. Thunderstorms chances increase on Sunday.

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. 

Speirs Fire Update
August 2, 2024

Current Status - The Speirs Fire remains at 715 acres and 97 percent contained. The Speirs Fire was caused by lightning. There are currently 80 people working on the fire.

Updates

Management of the Spiers Fire will transition to a Type 4 management team led by local resources by Saturday, August 3. Fire activity remains minimal. 

Firefighters continue to closely monitor the fire and perform mop up operations. This includes extinguishing hot spots along containment lines and working within the interior of the fire around areas of heat and unburned fuels to secure these areas and reduce the potential for future fire spread.

Smoke may be visible as interior green pockets of fuel burn within the fire’s perimeter. 

Progress continues with the construction of contingency lines within the Greens Draw area. These lines will assist with not only the Speirs Fire but provide an important fuel break for any future fire starts.

As conditions on the fire remain somewhat static, updates on the Speirs Fire may no longer be daily. Periodic updates will be provided, and releases made as the fire situation changes. 

Closures 

The following roads and trails are still closed to public access.

• Forest Service Road (FSR) 610, FSR 689, FSR049 (Greens Draw Road), Lowline trail FST103 its junction with the Pipe Creek Trail, FST 003. Forest Service Trail 003 from the beginning at the junction with FST 103 to the junction of Forest Service Trail 004 and Forest Service Trail 004 to Greens Draw Road 049.
• For more information on existing closures, please visit the Ashley National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ashley/alerts-notices

For more information about the Speirs Fire visit the QR-Code. Fire information is also available at 435-709-8209 (8am to 8pm).

Quick Facts 

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: 2% 

Boulder: 7% 

Personnel 

Wolf Creek: 173 

Boulder: 162 

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. All fires are using a full suppression strategy to manage these lightning-caused fires. For firefighter safety, please avoid high traffic fire areas and give the firefighters room to do their work. Please be aware of aerial resources while recreating on Cascade Lake as they are using the reservoir as their water source for suppression.  

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior:  Today and tomorrow Central and Eastern Idaho will see record high temperatures as well as low relative humidities – this is expected to increase fire behavior across both fires. The relative humidity will be less than 20% tonight into Saturday with overnight recovery temps staying in the 60’s. Temperatures over both fires will be in the 80-90° range. We expect to see more torching of standing tress as the vegetation dries out and spotting distances increase.  

Actions: Crews continue to complete safe operations on all fires. The use of heavy equipment has been essential in operations. Dozers, feller bunchers and masticators have been working to create wide swaths of cleared vegetation in order to contain the fire at strategic locations. Additional crews, engines and equipment continue to arrive each day.  

Boulder Fire: The fire has reached 7% containment on the southwest end. For the next two shifts, crews will be working on completing firing operations on the northwest side of the fire to burn out pockets of live vegetation, ensuring that the perimeter is secured. On the east side of the fire heavy equipment has completed a dozer line which will aid in containment. Air operations continue to support on-the-ground efforts and get out in front of any spotting.  

Wolf Creek Fire: The fire has reached 2% containment. On the east side of the fire dozers and scoopers have been out in front of the hand crews cooling off hotspots, allowing the crews to put in handline safely. They have also completed in-direct line on the west side tying into existing roads. On the east side crews continue to hold and improve already established direct line along the fire’s edge. Fire activity picked up in the afternoon on Thursday, but there was no large acreage growth observed.  

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, another 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. Valley County Sheriff Kevin Copperi said, “Our goal is to ensure that our impacted residents have the time they need to make arrangements to move large animals and agricultural assets as well as secure their homes in the case the fire moves quickly.” Maps and additional information on the evacuation status can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbuy6  

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. 

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/    

Red flag warning and heat advisory issued; Active to extreme fire behavior expected

Daily Update August 2, 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 - 35,360; 498/Kitty Creek - 73 

Acreage changes may occur due to overnight operations and infrared mapping.

Location: Crazy Creek:16 miles north of Paulina, OR                     Start Date: July 22, 2024 

           498/Kitty Creek: 7 miles south of Mitchell, OR                     Personnel: 541 total for both fires

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

Resources: 12 crews  | 27 engines  |  8 bulldozers |  12 water tenders  |  3 masticator  |  11 skid steer

Highlights: Thursday’s extreme heat and dry conditions resulted in heavy smoke and increased fire activity in areas within the Crazy Creek fire. A red flag warning and heat advisory are in effect today, Friday, August 2. 

Fire Activity: On Thursday, extreme fire behavior was observed along the east flank of the Crazy Creek, including crown fires, significant flame lengths and long-range spotting. Near triple-digit temperatures, 10% relative humidity and west/southwest winds pushed fire several miles to the east/northeast from the central part of the fire, resulting in an unburned pocket of timber southeast of Little Summit Prairie being consumed.

On the northern end of the Crazy Creek fire, ground and air resources conducted firing operations and retardant drops to keep fire south of Forest Road 30. Firefighters along the northern perimeter also responded to and extinguished several spot fires. 

Today, ground and aerial resources on the northern end of the Crazy Creek fire will work in tandem to further secure containment lines. Firefighters will conduct firing operations as needed to hold the fire west of Forest Road 12 and 42. Firefighters on the western perimeter and southern perimeter near Roba Ranch will patrol and hold constructed lines, conducting mop-up where needed. 

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 heat advisory and red flag warning are in effect today, Friday August 2, for the 498/Kitty Creek and Crazy Creek fires. Extremely warm and dry conditions will persist today with low humidity, temperatures in the 100s and variable winds. This weekend, thunderstorms are expected across the fire area.

Importance of Fire Prevention: All public lands in Central Oregon, to include the Ochoco National Forest are in 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 are 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.

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 

Retreat Fire 

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

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

August 2, 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: 614 Total Personnel; 10 Dozers; 14 Hand Crews; 38 Engines

Key Messages:  

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning in effect for today over the fire area. Dangerously hot conditions are expected with temperatures of 102 to 108 degrees possible. Fire activity has increased in some interior areas of the fire due to the hot and dry conditions. The increase in interior burning as well as the use of some firing operations to secure indirect control lines on the north side of the fire has increased the amount of smoke visible from communities adjacent to the fire.

The Highway 12 corridor remains closed to public travel for both firefighter and public safety. Fire affected large trees have been falling across the highway at unexpected times and firefighting crews and equipment continue to work in several locations. The highway is expected to remain closed for several more days.

Current Status:

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

Yesterday, crews patrolled and extinguished hot spots along the fire line on the south, east and northeast sides of the fire area. Firefighters patrolling the line were able to suppress and secure a spot fire found near the east side. Southwest winds were beneficial to crews extinguishing hot spots along the south side of the fire but caused some challenges for the firefighters working along the north side. Firing operations along the north line were slowed down by the southeast winds blowing smoke back towards the line and crews. Some progress was made working towards the west however, it could take longer to secure this line if the wind direction and weather conditions remain the same. On the southwest corner of the fire crews continued to work on a combination of indirect and direct line and prepared for future firing operations when the conditions allow. The spot fires previously found near the southwest corner continued to be monitored and secured.

Structure protection crews and engines continued to patrol and extinguish hotspots as well as clear fallen trees and rocks along the fire impacted Highway 12 corridor. Structure crews also tested and reinforced pumps and sprinkler set ups around the structures at Camp Ghormley and along the Lost Lake Road west of the fire. These crews have also been providing additional support to firefighters working on the southwestern corner of the fire with the increase in fire behavior.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Hot temperatures and dry conditions were observed over the fire area yesterday with locally breezy terrain driven winds. Similar conditions are expected today as high pressure continues to build across the region. Temperatures will be in the 90s and relative humidity levels around the low 20s. Increased west to northwest winds are expected late this afternoon into Saturday.

Fire behavior is increasing as a result of very hot and dry conditions. Lower elevations with sagebrush/grass fuels had surface fire spread with single tree and group torching. Most fire activity is now in higher elevations with mixed conifer fuel types where fire activity increased from yesterday with ground moving fire, 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

Friday, August 2, 2024 Morning Update for the Park Fire 

The Park Fire has burned 397,629 acres total and is 24% contained.

Of the total acreage reported, 93,714 acres are within the Lassen National Forest. 

Lassen National Forest: In the northeastern section of the Park Fire, crews have built a direct fire line just north of Howard Creek. Additionally, they have installed a secondary dozer line from Viola Mineral Road through the Lassen National Forest leading to Highway 89. This secondary line has a been established to intercept any fires that could escape the direct line. Its purpose is to minimize potential fire spread and safeguard Lassen National Park. The fire is still active in the drainage areas of Deer Creek, Mill Creek, and Antelope Creek. Efforts are ongoing to protect federal and private assets at risk in the Mill Creek community.

CAL FIRE: Changes in the weather may bring instability over the Park Fire. Fire activity is expected to be moderated in the morning due to cloud cover, but as the day progresses and clouds lift, incoming thunderstorms in the region could cause fire behavior to become erratic.

Critical weather is expected in the region through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to range from 98 to 103 degrees today.

Expected higher temperatures, lower humidity, and strong winds could lead to extreme fire behavior and cause the fire to grow in multiple directions.

While containment is growing and crews are making progress strengthening control lines, firefighters are actively engaged in fire suppression on more than 200-miles of active fire front.  Fire continues to burn actively in areas with thick, dry vegetation that is receptive to burning.

Steep, remote terrain continues to hamper control efforts. The topography has posed challenges for radio communications.

Fire crews continue to fall hazard trees, mop up hot spots, and patrol.

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  

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. All fires are using a full suppression strategy 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: Today and tomorrow Central and Western Idaho will see a high-pressure ridge move in with terrain driven winds. Record high temperatures as well as low relative humidities will further dry fuels. This is expected to increase fire behavior across both fires and throughout the weekend. Burns periods will start earlier and last longer. Spotting potential will also increase.

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

Wapiti Fire: Sprinklers and pumps have been installed and tested around the summer homes north of the fire area. Handlines are completed up to the 525 Road. A helispot was established on the ridge on the eastern side of the fire so crews can be shuttled into the steep terrain.

Bulltrout Fire: On the western flank of the fire, firefighters have completed a containment line. They will continue cutting out dead and standing trees. Once these dangers are mitigated, crews will be able to safely access the interior part of the fire to complete mop up, a critical phase of the suppression process. Mop up describes the physical labor process of extinguishing and removing burning material near control lines.

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

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 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 

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.