Milder weather allows for gains, much work left across Battle Mountain Complex

UKIAH, Ore. – After battling days of critical weather conditions and historically dry fuels, rain and increased humidity were a welcome sight for firefighters on the Battle Mountain Complex. On Zone I, an estimated quarter inch of rain fell on the northern end of the fire near Turner Mountain and Tupper Butte. The southwestern end of the fire near Cupper Canyon, an area of repeatedly high fire activity, saw less rain but still received precipitation and recorded-high humidities.

This combination of humidity and moisture served as an opportunity for firefighters to capitalize on after completing what was already a successful operational period the day before. The reduced fire behavior allowed firefighters to extend control lines farther, fight the fire more aggressively and finish mopping up areas that could have the potential to reignite once hotter, drier conditions return. As of Tuesday Morning, over 200 miles of fire line entered the mop-up phase of suppressing the fire.

For Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) resources assigned to Zone I, firefighters will lead mop-up operations around structures that were threatened by fire activity and ensuring a safe perimeter around homes has been established.

Overnight in Zone II, nightshift crews expanded mop up, even pushing into 125 feet along Forest Service Road 020 and along portions of the northern edges. Along the south and southeast, crews continued mop up, looked for new starts through “gridding,” and investigated a report of smoke. Firefighters will continue patrolling actively investigating smoke and new starts to ensure fire doesn’t escape the perimeter.

While the milder weather and lower relative humidity helps blunt fire behavior, precipitation in Zone II was well below a quarter of an inch, and fire officials expect a warming trend to begin on Wednesday.

“We have two days of milder weather to put in good work,” said ODF Team 3 Incident Commander Tyler McCarty. “The rain helps, but we’re only able to take advantage of it because our firefighters have put in tight line to get us to a place where we could make these gains. Make no mistake about it, firefighters have been putting this out and keeping it out.” 

The Potamus drainage continues to be a focus as crews continue to work within the canyon to try and connect lines and stop the fire’s forward progress. 

Evacuations: Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in effect. For updated information, visit:

• For Umatilla County, follow www.facebook.com/UmatillaCountySheriff or sign up for Umatilla County Emergency Alert System at https://member.everbridge.net/index/2590041373147145.
• For Grant County, visit the RAPTOR arcgis site or sign up for alerts at: https://member.everbridge.net/index/825462649520134.
• For Morrow County, visit https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/de78333b0d2544f7a320142174aa20ae

Public Land Closures:

The Bureau of Land Management has closed public lands along the John Day River from Kimberly to Dale, and from Kimberly to Service Creek. More information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions.

The Umatilla National Forest has implemented a closure for public lands within the Heppner Ranger District and the North Fork John Day Ranger District. More information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1194462 and https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.

FIRE AT A GLANCE

Total Estimated Complex Size: 178,171 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 173,687
North Fork Owens:  4,484 acres
Total Containment 10%
Cause:   Under Investigation    
Estimated Cost:   $30,544,160

All Resources 

Hand Crews:  65            
Engines:  88       
Water Tenders:  37
Dozers:  29
Helicopters:  4
Total Personnel: 1,990

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires Update – Monday, July 29, 2024

On Sunday July 28, the Clark 900, Puddin, Adam Mountain, Mineral, Quartz, and Jack Saddle fires merged and are now combined as the Adam Mountain Fire. The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires consist of the following fires for a total of 9959 acres: Lane 1 (1932 acres) and Adam Mountain (8027 acres) fires. The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 and the Adam Mountain fires are considered 7% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 715 personnel assigned to the incident. Scooper Planes may be operating out of Dorena Lake to support fire operations.

Today, fires experienced moderate intensity fire behavior. Crews on the Lane 1 fire continue to install and improve established fire lines on the North side of the fire. Adam Mountain, continue to construct direct fireline and mop-up and establish operational and contingency lines the east while providing for safety. Smoke impacts delayed the use of aviation resources. Available resources and safety hazards continue to be challenges. 

Closures: Due to the wildfires, the Umpqua National Forest has issued Forest Order No. 06-15-24-03 and Forest Order No. 06-15-02-24-01 that can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/aler/umpqua/alerts-notices.

The Bureau of Land Management has issued the following emergency closure for Lane County: https://blm.gov/announcement/bureau-land-management-issues-emergency-fire-closure-lane-county

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads: Brice Creek Road east of Umpqua National Forest Boundary, all of Sharps Creek Road. 

Evacuations: A “Level 1” Evacuation notice has been issued by the Lane County Sheriff’s Department for areas east of Disston, starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south, as well as Bohemia Mining District and Fairview Peak. An evacuation map is available at: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 8500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_4814.html. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below:

Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1 

Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or770s-clark-900 

Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-quartz 

Jack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-jack-saddle 

Adam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-adam-mountain

Mineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-mineral 

Puddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-puddin 

Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM   E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires Update – Monday, July 29, 2024

On Sunday July 28, the Clark 900, Puddin, Adam Mountain, Mineral, Quartz, and Jack Saddle fires merged and are now combined as the Adam Mountain Fire. The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires consist of the following fires for a total of 9959 acres: Lane 1 (1932 acres) and Adam Mountain (8027 acres) fires. The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 and the Adam Mountain fires are considered 7% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 715 personnel assigned to the incident. Scooper Planes may be operating out of Dorena Lake to support fire operations.

Today, fires experienced moderate intensity fire behavior. Crews on the Lane 1 fire continue to install and improve established fire lines on the North side of the fire. Adam Mountain, continue to construct direct fireline and mop-up and establish operational and contingency lines the east while providing for safety. Smoke impacts delayed the use of aviation resources. Available resources and safety hazards continue to be challenges. 

Closures: Due to the wildfires, the Umpqua National Forest has issued Forest Order No. 06-15-24-03 and Forest Order No. 06-15-02-24-01 that can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/aler/umpqua/alerts-notices.

The Bureau of Land Management has issued the following emergency closure for Lane County: https://blm.gov/announcement/bureau-land-management-issues-emergency-fire-closure-lane-county

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads: Brice Creek Road east of Umpqua National Forest Boundary, all of Sharps Creek Road. 

Evacuations: A “Level 1” Evacuation notice has been issued by the Lane County Sheriff’s Department for areas east of Disston, starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south, as well as Bohemia Mining District and Fairview Peak. An evacuation map is available at: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 8500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_4814.html. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below:

Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1 

Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or770s-clark-900 

Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-quartz 

Jack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-jack-saddle 

Adam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-adam-mountain

Mineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-mineral 

Puddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-puddin 

Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM   E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires Update – Monday, July 29, 2024

On Sunday July 28, the Clark 900, Puddin, Adam Mountain, Mineral, Quartz, and Jack Saddle fires merged and are now combined as the Adam Mountain Fire. The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires consist of the following fires for a total of 9959 acres: Lane 1 (1932 acres) and Adam Mountain (8027 acres) fires. The Cottage Grove – Lane 1 and the Adam Mountain fires are considered 7% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. There are currently 715 personnel assigned to the incident. Scooper Planes may be operating out of Dorena Lake to support fire operations.

Today, fires experienced moderate intensity fire behavior. Crews on the Lane 1 fire continue to install and improve established fire lines on the North side of the fire. Adam Mountain, continue to construct direct fireline and mop-up and establish operational and contingency lines the east while providing for safety. Smoke impacts delayed the use of aviation resources. Available resources and safety hazards continue to be challenges. 

Closures: Due to the wildfires, the Umpqua National Forest has issued Forest Order No. 06-15-24-03 and Forest Order No. 06-15-02-24-01 that can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/aler/umpqua/alerts-notices.

The Bureau of Land Management has issued the following emergency closure for Lane County: https://blm.gov/announcement/bureau-land-management-issues-emergency-fire-closure-lane-county

The following County roads are closed except to owners of private lands accessed from these roads: Brice Creek Road east of Umpqua National Forest Boundary, all of Sharps Creek Road. 

Evacuations: A “Level 1” Evacuation notice has been issued by the Lane County Sheriff’s Department for areas east of Disston, starting at Brice Creek Road milepost 0.7 and following Brice Creek Road south, as well as Bohemia Mining District and Fairview Peak. An evacuation map is available at: www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Lane1Fire.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A “TFR” is in place at an altitude from the surface up to and including 8500 feet, daily (24 hours) until further notice. Complete information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_4814.html. Flying a drone near or around a wildfire compromises the safety of pilots and interferes with firefighting efforts.

For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below:

Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1 

Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or770s-clark-900 

Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-quartz 

Jack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-jack-saddle 

Adam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-adam-mountain

Mineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-mineral 

Puddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-puddin 

Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM   E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024

Bluff Creek Complex

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Fire Information 208-557-8813 

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

July 30, 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 from Gold Creek Campground; and approximately two miles northwest of Junction Ridge.

Start Date: 7/25/2024                                   Cause: Lightning                          Size: 573 acres 

Completion/Containment: 0% 

140 Total Personnel:

1 Engine

3 Type 2 Hand Crew

2 Interagency Hotshot Crews

6 Heavy Equipment

1 Water Tender

2 Falling Modules

Key Message:  

Last night, the fire area received approximately a quarter of an inch of rain, which will greatly help firefighters by moderating fire behavior today.

Current Status: 

The Bluff Creek Complex consists of four different fires: Junction Fire, East Fork Fire, Dominion Point Fire, and Buffalo Fire. As of last night, the Junction Fire slightly increased to 276 acres; the East Fork Fire remained at 25 acres; the Dominion Point Fire increased to 270 acres; and the Buffalo Fire increased to approximately two acres. All available resources are engaged in suppression, working on these fires based on priority order. Due to the immediate threat to values at risk, including private industry timberlands, active logging sales, and equipment, the Junction Fire and the East Fork Fire remain priority. 

Yesterday, fire growth was minimal for both the Junction Fire and East Fork Fire. Today, resources will continue to directly engage in suppression actions on each of these fires. 

The Dominion Point Fire saw the most growth yesterday, increasing 40 acres to the northern and western portions of the fire. Four large air tankers slowed fire progression on the eastern portion of the fire that is on the ridge. Fire burned down to Forest Service Road 509. Masticators and felling teams (small groups of highly skilled lawyers) are prepping FSR 509, to improve the road’s fire holding ability. Additionally, two Type 6 engines are working along the FSR 509 to reinforce holding efforts, if the fire were to increase in intensity. Today, heavy equipment and two hotshot crews will be working alongside each other to construct both direct and indirect fireline.

WEATHER

Temperatures today will be slightly cooler, ranging from 71-79 in the valleys and 61-71 in mountains. Relative Humidity is slightly increased, ranging from 50%-65% in the valleys and 60%-75% in the mountains. Winds will remain breezy, coming from the Southwest, three to seven miles per hour. Today will be partly sunny, with rain showers in the morning and a chance of thunderstorms through the day.

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, where defined on the map, comprises of 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. 

Actualización diaria del incendio Pioneer                               

30 de julio de 2024

Datos clave

Tamaño: 33,277 acres *                    

Fecha de inicio: 8 de junio de 2024          

Ubicación: 31 millas al NO de Chelan, WA

Contención: 15%                              

Personal: 732                          

Causa: De orígen humano, a ser determinada

Recursos asignados: 11 cuadrillas, 4 helicópteros, 29 camiones de bomberos, 27 tanques de agua, 17 máquinarias pesadas

*No hubo un mapeo infrarrojo actualizado debido a las condiciones climáticas.

El miércoles a las 5:30 p.m. habrá una reunión comunitaria en Manson en la Manson High School. La reunión se transmitirá en vivo en la página de Facebook sobre información del incendio Pioneer. Envíe sus preguntas con anticipación a 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov o a través de Facebook Messenger.

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: Ayer el clima más fresco y húmedo, moderó la actividad del fuego. Los bomberos están aprovechando la actividad reducida del fuego para continuar preparando el cortafuego y realizando otras medidas de protección comunitaria a lo largo de la orilla del lago y en Stehekin. Los helicópteros vertieron agua para enfriar los focos de calor dispersos y se desplazó fuego lento alrededor de Hazard Creek. Las cuadrillas continuaron extinguiendo material combustible y patrullando alrededor de las estructuras a lo largo de la orilla del lago en Fourmile Creek. En Stehekin, el Grupo de Protección de Estructuras continuó progresando en ampliar el cortafuego. Hubo una actividad mínima de incendios en el área de Prince Creek. Al sur del incendio, continuo el trabajo en los caminos para mejorar el acceso de los vehículos de respuesta a emergencias. No hubo nuevos fuegos, sin embargo, las cuadrillas permanecen listas para responder cuando sea necesario.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Las aeronaves continuarán trabajando en la cresta al sur de Hazard Creek, y vertiendo agua para minimizar la propagación del fuego. Los bomberos continuarán protegiendo estructuras a lo largo de la orilla del lago, extinguiendo material combustible y patrullando para asegurarse de que no queden rastros de calor donde se realizaron las operaciones de quema. En el área de Stehekin, continuarán ampliando y mejorando las líneas de protección comunitaria. En el extremo suroeste, los bomberos continuarán vigilando el desague de Lone Fir para detectar cualquier actividad de incendio y estarán disponibles para extinguirlo en caso de que comience un fuego nuevo. Las cuadrillas continuarán con la trituración y trabajando en las carreteras y preparando la línea de contingencia a lo largo de Cooper Ridge y otras áreas al oeste de Manson.

CLIMA Y HUMO: Hoy las temperaturas máximas estarán como a los 75 grados. Como resultado de la humedad relativa por la noche, aumentó la humedad entre los pequeños combustibles forestales (agujas de pino, hojas y ramitas pequeñas), lo que reducirá la posibilidad de actividad y propagación del fuego, sin embargo, permanecen muy secos los combustibles más grandes. Mañana comienza una tendencia de calentamiento y se prevé una sequía debido a las temperaturas significativamente más cálidas para el final de la semana. Consulte el Pronóstico actual del humo para el centro norte de Washington (airfire.org) para más información sobre el humo y la calidad del aire.

EVACUACIONES:  Los niveles 1, 2 y 3 de evacuación siguen vigentes alrededor del incendio Pioneer. Visite https://t.ly/QoH9w para tener más información.

CIERRE DEL BOSQUE: Cierres vigentes del Parque nacional North Cascades: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee ha emitido una orden de cierre sobre gran parte del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR.

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

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

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Actualización del incendio Easy       
30 de julio de 2024

Datos clave

Tamaño: 528 acres*                     

Fecha de inicio: 17 de julio de 2024      

Ubicación: 17 millas al oeste de Mazama, WA
Contención: 0%                             

Personal asignado: 145              

Causa: Rayo

Recursos asignados:  3 cuadrillas      5 camiones de bomberso

*no hay datos infrarrojos actualizados debido a las condiciones climáticas

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: La propagación del fuego ayer fue mínima con pequeñas cantidades de precipitación sobre el incendio Easy. La actividad del fuego permanece en el interior de la zona del incendio, ardiendo lentamente y con secciones de vegetación que se están quemando. En el extremo sur del incendio Easy, las cuadrillas instalaron y probaron 55 rociadores que ayudarán en futuras operaciones de quema estratégica. A lo largo de las orillas de la carretera 20, los bomberos extinguieron los escombros y el material de árboles que ha ido cayendo por la actividad de extinción. Además, trabajaron para mejorar las líneas de mano indirectas, al unirlas con la huella del incendio Mebee de 2004 en el extremo norte y con los conductos de avalanchas en el lado sur del incendio Easy.

Permanece abierto al tráfico la carretera 20 y un vehículo piloto escolta a los vehículos a través de los postes de millas 148-157 de 7 a.m. a 8:30 p.m. todos los días. Espere retrasos de 30 minutos mientras los bomberos continúan removiendo árboles y escombros de la carretera y llevan a cabo el trabajo de extinción completa en el incendio Easy. Por favor, no se detenga entre los postes de millas 148-157. Debido a que los incendios y las operaciones de extinción siguen activos, tal vez tenga que cerrarse la carretera nuevamente con poco aviso. Asegúrese de consultar https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ para obtener la información más reciente sobre la carretera 20.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Hoy se espera que la actividad del fuego se mantendrá moderada, con secciones ardientes de vegetación dentro del área del incendio. Las cuadrillas revisarán el progreso de las operaciones de quema estratégica del sábado en el extremo sureste del incendio Easy para determinar la posibilidad de oportunidades para futuras igniciones aéreas para controlar aún más el fuego en la cresta. Los bomberos evaluarán y removerán los peligros, tal como los árboles muertos a lo largo de los cortafuegos indirectos en los extremos norte y sur del incendio. Las cuadrillas continuarán retirando los escombros y el material de los árboles de las orillas de la carretera 20.

Existe una restricción de vuelo temporal por el incendio Easy para todas las aeronaves que no participan en la extinción de los incendios forestales. No vuele un dron personal sobre o cerca del incendio Easy. Cualquier incursión crea un peligro para la seguridad de las aeronaves y requiere que se suspendan las operaciones aéreas.

CLIMA: Las temperaturas de hoy aumentarán entre los 80 a 85 grados. El cielo estará nublado mayormente con una lluvia ligera por la mañana y luego condiciones parcialmente soleadas por la tarde. Los vientos soplarán del noroeste de 2 a 6 mph por la mañana y aumentarán a 8 a 10 mph por la tarde.

CIERRES: El Bosque Nacional Okanogan-Wenatchee tiene órdenes de cierre en los senderos dentro del área afectada por el incendio: https://bit.ly/EasyFireClosures. Este cierre incluye una parte del sendero Pacific Crest Trail. Las fogatas están prohibidas. Hay una restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR, en inglés) sobre el área del incendio: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. La actividad de drones no autorizados está prohibida por la TFR. 

EVACUACIONES:  No existen órdenes de evacuación para el incendio Easy. Cualquiera que utilice la zona para recrearse debe estar atento a su entorno y permanecer fuera de las áreas cerradas. 

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

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

Línea de información sobre el incendio: 541-861-5808, de 8 AM a 8 PM

Correo electrónico: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 will hold a Community Meeting in the Oakridge High School auditorium on Wednesday, July 31 at 6 p.m. Fire managers will provide updated information on the fires. The meeting will also be streamed on the Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 Facebook page. 

Tuesday, July 30 at 3 pm, at the Drewsey School Gymnasium, 78882 Drewsey Rd, Drewsey, OR 

Leaders of the Alaska Incident Management Team will be in Drewsey for a community meeting to provide an update on the Telephone Fire, Falls Fire and several other fires we are working to suppress in the area. The meeting will also be shared on the Malheur National Forest Facebook page, as well as the Falls and Telephone Fires Facebook page.

Falls and Telephone Fires Update for July 30, 2024

Telephone Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 31,721              Start Date: July 22, 2024                         Location: 12 miles NE of Burns, OR

Containment: 15%.  Total Personnel: 364 personnel          Cause: Lightning/Natural

Resources Assigned: 12 hand crews, 14 engines, 5 bulldozers, 7 water tenders, 1 skidder

*Resource numbers are changing rapidly as crews are re-allocated to this Fire.

Falls Fire Quick Facts: 

Size: 142,307               Start Date: July 10, 2024                    Location: 13 Miles NW of Burns, OR

Containment: 69%     Total Personnel: 769   Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Structures Triaged: Residences: 386; Commercial: 119 Outbuildings: 760

Resources Assigned: 34 hand crews, 44 engines, 21 bulldozers, 24 water tenders, 6 masticators, 8 skidders

Sand Mountain Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 4,204                Start Date: July 25, 2024                        Location: 17 miles SW of Seneca, OR

Containment: 0%   Total Personnel: Staffed by Falls Fire personnel   Cause: Undetermined

Ritter Fire Quick Facts:

Size: 459                   Start Date: July 23, 2024                        Location: Stinking Water Mountain NE of Crane, OR

Containment: 52%.  Total Personnel: 41 personnel            Cause: Lightning/Natural

Resources Assigned: 1 hand crew, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 1 skidder

Aerial resources available: 2 Type 1 Helicopters assigned and available to all fires in the area. 4 Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) available for initial attack. SEATs can deliver up to 800 gallons of fire retardant to support firefighters on the ground. These small airplanes can reload and operate in areas where larger airtankers cannot. 

New Fire Activity Quick Facts:

Whiskey Mountain: 3,402 acres; Cow Creek: 86 acres; Parasol: 485 acres; Poison: 593 acres. 

Total Personnel: Staffed by Falls Fire personnel.      

Community Meetings Scheduled:

Tuesday, July 30 at 3 pm, at the Drewsey School Gymnasium, 78882 Drewsey Rd, Drewsey, OR 

Leaders of the Alaska Incident Management Team will be in Drewsey for a community meeting to provide an update on the Telephone Fire, Falls Fire and several other fires we are working to suppress in the area. The meeting will also be shared on the Malheur National Forest Facebook page, as well as the Falls and Telephone Fires Facebook page.

Priorities for Tuesday, July 30: 

1. Initial Attack: The potential for new fire starts in the area remains significant at this time, and firefighters remain vigilant and focused on initial attack (IA) and are ready to respond to any new threats.
2. Telephone Fire:  Firefighters will work in the vicinity of the 243 road, and in the Rattlesnake area.  In the northeast portion of the fire, crews will work on dozer line, and along will local partners. 
3. Perisol and Poison Fires: Perisol will continue to hold and mop up. On Poison, continuing firing operations to hold the fire where it is along the west and south sides of the fire.
4. Continue direct suppression and prepping on the northeast corner of the Falls Fire in the Gold Hill area.
5. Crews will continue creating dozer lines to hold the 3160 road on the south side of the Sand Fire. 

Fire Summaries:

Telephone Fire:  The Telephone Fire continues to be a top priority. Monday afternoon, the Telephone Fire was the most active on the northeast side and moved about 1.5 to 2 miles out to Elephant Butte. Firefighters took actions along the eastern edge of the fire on Monday where safe to do so, but fuels were extremely dry and volatile. Overnight, crews worked in the Rattlesnake area, which is now looking good. Crews worked to hold the line on the east and south sides of the fire where there is dozer line near Robertson Draw and Davis Gulch. Line on the western side of the 28 road is holding and was reinforced. In Poujade Field, crews were successful in conducting small scale burnout around dozer line to protect structures. Burning operations were done to tie 28 to the Upper Pine footprint, and the west side of the 28 has held.

Additional ground and air resources were deployed to the area on Monday. The day started with more than 270 personnel working the Telephone Fire, many of them local and regional, including Burns BLM District firefighting engines. Also, local members of the Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) have joined the effort, working with our Operations leadership to provide more people, local knowledge, and equipment to the firefighting effort. We are working closely with local partners and resources to develop strategies on the ground for managing the eastern progression of the Telephone Fire. 

Crews, dozers, and engines are positioned in the Rattlesnake area to continue work. On Tuesday crews will work to address any spots that may occur on the north and west sides of the fire and will continue to look for opportunities on the east side to hold the fire. Work is also being done on the southeast side of the fire to connect the 28 road to dozer line and will look for opportunities to conduct firing operations. On the east side of the fire, resources are engaged in structure protection. They plan to engage the fire directly if safe to do so, or secure indirect line in order to protect values along Pine Creek Road.

Firefighters may engage a fire directly (using treatment applied directly to burning fuel such as wetting, smothering, or chemically quenching the fire or by physically separating the burning fuel from unburned fuel). In other cases,  when it is unsafe to fight fire directly at its edge due to factors such as fast-spreading or high-intensity fire, firefighters may use indirect attack. Indirect attack is a method of suppression in which the control line is located some distance away from the fire's active edge, using natural or constructed firebreaks or fuel breaks and favorable breaks in the topography. The intervening fuel is usually backfired; but occasionally the main fire is allowed to burn to the line, depending on conditions.

Falls Fire: 

On Monday the nearby Whiskey Mountain Fire was active, and crews continued firing operations to try to tie it back into the Falls Fire. The Falls Fire was bumping against the 655/684 junction. Crews patrolled the northwest side of the fire, improved dozer line along the 3170 road, and created fuel breaks in the area. Dozer line was completed to hold the fire along the 3160 road on the south side of the Sand Mountain Fire. Crews have dealt with frequent spot fires in the northeast corner of the fire in the Gold Hill area and have engaged the fire directly with success. On the Whiskey Mountain Fire, crews have had good success in keeping the fire footprint small and have been able to do firing operations to hold line. Monitoring continues around Gilbert Ridge to keep the fire in check. The line closest to Izee has held, with no fire movement in the last couple of days. Tuesday, crews will patrol the southern portion of the Falls Fire, work on holding line created yesterday in the Whiskey Mountain area (along with patrol and mop up in this area), and work on a fuel break along the 31 road.

Sand Mountain Fire:

On Monday a spot fire occurred on the southeast corner of the fire, within the planned perimeter; crews were added to this spot. Crews will work Tuesday on holding line around Smokey Creek on the northwest side of the fire. Crews will work to tie the fire into the 31 road.

Parasol and Poison Fires: The Parasol is now completely surrounded with either handline, dozer line, or road, and crews are working to reinforce the containment 5-10 ft inside the line. Infrared imagery collected Monday did not show any growth on the Parasol Fire. 

The Poison Fire was most active on Monday in the northeast corner. Fire activity was moderate along the south and southeast sides where crews were conducting burning operations along the 17 road.  Crews continued firing operations to hold the fire where it is along the west and south sides of the fire; they will continue this work on Tuesday.

Ritter Fire: Line is completed around 100% of the fire; crews continue to grid, mop up, and hold line. We will see additional containment objectives today.

Weather: Monday’s cold front brought some showers to portions of the fire areas, along with solid humidity recovery, and helped to push smoke away. Further cooling is expected today behind the cold front, and any lingering showers around the region will quickly diminish. Moderate northwesterly winds will prevail with afternoon gusts of up to 20 mph. A high pressure will begin to build over the region midweek bringing higher temperatures.

Evacuations: Due to the continued growth east of the Telephone Fire, evacuations have expanded. For the most accurate evacuation information, please visit the Harney County Sheriff’s evacuation map here: https://tinyurl.com/3zst4sjy, or the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068819321423.

Closures: Due to active wildfires compounded by extremely unfavorable weather conditions, limited firefighting resources and County Resources, Malheur National Forest officials have temporarily closed lands within the Malheur National Forest.

Investigation: U.S. Forest Service fire investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any tips or information pertinent to the start of the Falls Fire on the Malheur National Forest. Please submit any information that could assist fire investigation efforts to SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov.  

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): TFRs in the area have been changing; pilots should check the latest information on the Federal Aviation Administration TFR website prior to flying: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Falls-Fire-2024-61562126623985/

Falls Fire InciWeb:  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-falls-fire

Telephone Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ormaf-telephone-fire

Fire Information Line: 541-208-4370, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Email: 2024.Falls@firenet.gov

Harney County non-emergency evacuation questions: 541-589-5579

Air quality questions: 541-573-2271

Smoke Outlooks: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook