Please be advised that the Cave Creek and Mesa Ranger District offices are implementing an Emergency Closure Order. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Sand Stone Fire on the Tonto National Forest.

This Order shall be in effect from July 29, 2024, at 8 a.m. through August 31, 2024, at 6 p.m., unless rescinded.

For a PDF copy of the Emergency Closure Order, visit:https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/...

DESCRIBED ROAD AND TRAILS: The Described Area consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 204 and State Route (SR) 87, then following southwest along the northwest side of SR 87 approximately 1.75 miles to its intersection with the private land known as Goldfield Estates, then following north and west along the private land boundary approximately 4 miles to the intersection with the National Forest Boundary and Fort McDowell Reservation, then following the National Forest Boundary north and west approximately 8.25 miles to the intersection with the Verde River, then following north along the east side of the Verde River approximately 9.5 miles to the intersection with Motorized Trail (MT) 393, then following northeast along the northwest side of MT-393 approximately 4.5 miles to the intersection with NFSR 393, then following northeast along the southwest side of NFSR 393 approximately 11 miles to the intersection with MT-393, then following northeast along the northwest side of MT-393 approximately 3 miles to the intersection with NFSR 627, then following south along the east side of NFSR 627 approximately 1.75 miles to the intersection with the private land also known as the Sunflower Community, then following generally south along the private land boundary approximately 1.75 miles to the intersection with SR 87, then following generally south along the west side of SR 87 approximately 19 miles back to the point of beginning at the intersection with NFSR 204.

Forest Service News Release

Bluff Creek Complex Fires Prompt Closures on St. Joe

Roads Close in Bluff Creek Area, Gold Flat Camp Closes on St. Joe River Road

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho July 9, 2024—The Idaho Panhandle National Forests (IPNF) today announced the temporary closure of the Gold Flat undeveloped campsite 8.6 miles north of Red Ives Cabin on the St. Joe River Road and the temporary closure of segments of Forest Development Roads 509, 1258, 1956F, and 322 in the Bluff Creek area (see map for details). The closure will be in effect until 1 November unless it is rescinded sooner.

The closures were prompted by activity on the Bluff Creek Complex fires active along the ridge between the East and West Forks of Bluff Creek, about 22 miles upstream on the St. Joe River from Avery. As the first significant wildfires on the IPNF in the 2024 season, the Bluff Creek Complex offers a reminder that wildfires can necessitate emergency closures of roads and areas on short notice anywhere on the forest. 

The Forest Service asks the public to be informed of fire conditions before traveling on the forest during fire season. Check inciweb.wildfire.gov for nationwide information on larger fires, the forest alerts webpage for current closures, and the Coeur d’Alene Interagency Dispatch Center for the latest information about fires on the forest.

“As emergency closures can cause real inconvenience to the public, we only implement them where there’s a true need,” says Kary Maddox, Fire Public Information Officer for the IPNF. “Road and area closures for wildfire activity protect the safety of firefighters and the public and help maximize firefighting effectiveness by limiting traffic and occupancy to official vehicles and personnel. We thank the community for their cooperation with all closures and direction from Forest Service officials during fires.”

The official closure order and maps of the closed areas can be found on the IPNF alerts webpage.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service

 Payette and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests

 Area, Road, and Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails within the Payette and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area, Roads, and Trails”):
1. Going into or being on the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on the Described Roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
3. Being on the Described Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

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 fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Federal or State administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS, AND TRAILS
The Described Area is within Adams County, Idaho and Boise Meridian. It includes all NFS lands on the Payette and Wallowa Whitman National Forests within the following boundaries:
• Beginning on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Section 10, Township 22 North, Range 3 West at the Snake River and following the Adams/Idaho County boundary east until it is intersected by the Wilderness boundary in Section 12, Township 22 North, Range 2 West.

Continuing south along the Wilderness boundary until Section 36, Township 22 North, Range 2 West, where it enters the Payette National Forest, Council Ranger District, and continues south following the Adams/Idaho county boundary to its intersection with NFS Road (NFSR) 112, Black Lake Road.
• Continuing south along and including NFSR 112, Black Lake Road, to its junction with NFSR 105 in Section 5, Township 20 North, Range 3 West.
• Following and including NFSR 105 south to its junction private land in Section 7, Township 20 North, Range 3 West.
• Continuing south following the forest boundary until its junction with NFSR 070, Wildhorse Road, in Section 28, Township 19 North, Range 3 West.
• Following but excluding NFSR 070, Wildhorse Road, to the west/southwest until it intersects with the forest boundary in SE corner of Section 12, Township 18 North, Range 4 West, and continues along the forest boundary and ending in Section 10, Township 23 North, Ranger 3 West.

The Described Roads and Trails are all NFSR and NFST within and bordering the Described Area:
• NFSR 002, 022, 049, 071, 072, 073, 081,105, 106, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 118, 119, 145, 351, 358, 362, 399, 581, 636, 637, 638, 652, 1161, 1238, 1523, 1527, 1539, 1569, 1573, 1608, 1637.
• NFST 173B, 188, 189B, 191, 192B, 194B, 214B, 215, 216, 217, 217, 218B, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 227, 297, 320, 322, 514.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during the Oxbow, Limepoint, and Cliff Mountain wildfires.

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from July 29, 2024, at 0700 AM through September 30, 2024, at 06:00 PM, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area, Roads, and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. A copy of this Order and Exhibit A are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/payette/fire.
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.

Monday July 29, 2024 1:30PM The evacuation areas for the Swawilla Fire have changed. Please refer to the map. Please contact the Confederated Colville Tribes Emergency Operations Center for evacuation questions – (509) 634-7350

Information to accompany Swawilla Fire Information Map July 29, 2024

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 16:28

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Information to accompany Swawilla Fire Information Map July 29, 2024

Swawilla Fire Evacuation Areas July 29, 2024

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 16:27

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Swawilla Fire Evacuation Areas July 29, 2024

Very High PURS 3 IFPL 3-01.jpg

Mon, 07/29/2024 - 16:10

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Very High PURS 3 IFPL 3-01.jpg

ROSEBURG, OR – July 29, 2024 – The Umpqua National Forest is increasing Public Use Restrictions (PURs) to Level 3 across all ranger districts of the forest beginning at 12:01 am on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Across the Umpqua National Forest there is a fire danger rating of Very High and Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is at level 3.

PURs Level 3:

• Campfires are restricted to commercial campfires solely pressurized by liquid fuel or propane, within Forest Service developed recreation sites. 
• Campfires are not allowed in dispersed sites or in wilderness areas.
• Commercial stoves or campfires solely fueled by liquid fuel or propane. Not allowed are smudge pots, wood stoves, charcoal, and briquettes.
• Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, and watercraft.
• Generators, with approved spark arrestors, are restricted to designated recreation sites.
• Motorized vehicles are restricted to forest development roads, designated parking areas, roads, and trails, identified as open to motorized travel on the Motor Vehicle Use Map.
• Firewood cutting must be done in compliance with the terms of the 2024 Forest Removal Permit. Only electric chainsaw use is exempt from this order and allowed between the hours of 8PM and 10AM following a required one-hour fire watch. 

For more information on PURs, IFPLs, or other fire management information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire. To see the signed orders, visit our Alerts and Notices webpage.

Additionally, due to fire activity the forest has issued two closure orders, Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-24-03 and Emergency Fire Closure ORDER NO. 06-15-02-24-01. These closures 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. Please check closure maps and air quality at airnow.gov before visiting. 

For more information on current fire restrictions, call (541) 440-4930. 

The Willamette National Forest has issued a temporary emergency closure order for Ray Benson Sno Park, which will be utilized as an incident command post to effectively respond to nearby wildfires and station firefighters. The closure order is effective through October 15, 2024, unless rescinded or modified sooner. 

The closure is the Ray Benson Sno Park site (T13S, R7 ½ E, Section 35) located within the Santiam Pass Recreation Area and its associated access road FS Road 2690-902. All the facilities located there and within the park are closed. FS Road 2690-902 is closed with this order. Currently, the remainder of the Santiam Pass Recreation Area remains open to approved activities.

Actualización del incendioEasy       
28 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: 110             

Causa: rayos

Recursos asignados:  3 cuadrillas, 5 camiones de bomberos

SITUACIÓN ACTUAL: La carretera 20 permanece abierta para el tráfico. Un coche piloto escoltará 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 que los bomberos siguen removiendo árboles y escombros de la carretera y llevando a cabo tácticas 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.

Sigue ardiendo lentamente el extremo sur del Easy hacia el cortafuego indirecto, sin embargo, el fuego permanece al norte del conducto de avalanchas y el cortafuego que se construyó. Los bomberos trajeron mangueras a ambos lados del incendio Easy y utilizaron helicópteros para dejar materiales cerca de la huella del incendio Mebee del 2004. Las operaciones de quema estratégica se suspendieron el sábado debido a la acumulación de nubes cúmulas y la posibilidad de tormentas eléctricas. Las cuadrillas continuaron reforzando los cortafuegos indirectos y probaron los sistemas de rociadores en el sendero Easy Pass Trailhead. Los bomberos establecieron con éxito un punto de aterrizaje de helicópteros cerca de la torre de observación Mebee para poder proteger estructuras si surge la necesidad.

ACTIVIDADES DE HOY: Las cuadrillas continuarán vigilando la actividad del fuego en la carretera 20 e instalarán mangueras a ambos lados del incendio Easy. A la espera de las condiciones climáticas favorables, las cuadrillas pudieran realizar operaciones de quema estratégica en el extremo sureste del incendio Easy con aviones. El uso de las aeronaves durante las operaciones de quema reduce el riesgo para los bomberos en tierra que trabajan en terrenos escarpados y pueden cubrir más terreno del que puede cubrir un humano a pie. Las operaciones de quema estratégica crean un fuego lento que se puede controlar mejor al reducir los combustibles terrestres o la vegetación.

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: Hoy aumentarán ligeramente las temperaturas con máximas entre los 85 a 89 grados. El cielo está parcialmente nublado y habrá vientos del noroeste de 5 a 9 mph durante el día y de 9 a 13 mph por la noche. Existe la posibilidad de lluvia en la madrugada que resulte cantidades mínimas de precipitación sobre el incendio Easy.

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

Central Cascades Interagency Management Team

Incident Commander: Jeremy Goers

Information Phone: (541) 208-1744 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Email: 2024.microwavetower@firenet.gov

Current Stats: 1,306 acres, 53% contained, 126 personnel assigned to the incident.

Highlights

The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team, led by Incident Commander Jeremy Goers, assumed command of the Microwave Fire today. Yesterday, helicopters, scoopers, dozers, engines and crews worked on the north side of the fire to stop the fire’s growth to the east and west below the historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. On both the northeastern and northwestern sides of the fire, aircraft was utilized for water drops to help cool the fire as crews worked to complete fire line from the Columbia River Highway State Trail down to Interstate 84. 

Operations

Crews will install hose around the fire and utilize water to further secure the north side of the fire. Aircraft will be used to cool hotspots along the northeastern edge. On the southern edge of the fire, crews will continue to patrol the area.

Fire Behavior and Weather

The fire area is receiving light rain this morning. This will help moderate fire behavior today. There will still be a chance for low to moderate fire behavior. Expect smoke impacts to Interstate 84 and surroundings communities. The fire has reached the interstate. If driving through the area, please use extreme caution as firefighters and aircraft are still working in the area.

Road Conditions

To stay informed on the most up-to-date road conditions on Interstate 84, visit https://tripcheck.com/

Evacuations

Existing Level 3, 2 and 1 evacuations on the east side of the fire area remain in place. For updated information please follow https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff. Stay informed through official channels for the latest updates.

Existing Level 2 and 1 evacuations on the west side of the fire area remain in place. Please follow https://www.facebook.com/hrcso for additional information. The Red Cross center is available at the Hood River Middle School for anyone needing a place to go.

Additional Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024MicrowaveTowerFire/

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/or954s-microwave-tower

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Structures prioritized as containment and mop-up operations expand ahead of expected wind gusts 

UKIAH, Ore. – Firefighters on the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I expanded containment across multiple flanks overnight as control lines held and increased humidity in the air reduced fire activity. The northern flank near Tupper Butte, the northwestern flank near Turner Mountain and the southern flank near Steet Mountain all held while crews conducted mop-up operations to remove any residual heat left near control lines.

The southwestern flank, near Thorn Spring Butte, remained active as topography and heavy timber drove fire activity around Cupper Canyon. As a safety precaution, powerlines in the area were temporarily shut off while fire activity was high, and crews worked to construct contingency control lines while securing established lines. Power to affected areas was restored this morning as soon as the threat from wildfire was mitigated.

Four task forces from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) were assigned to the Battle Mountain Complex Zone I, and engines worked through the night on mop-up and point protection operations around structures threatened by wildfire. Protecting structures near the southwestern flank remains priority number one for OSFM resources assigned to Zone I.

Along the perimeter of Zone II, firefighters held lines and expanded mop-up operations. With an incoming cold front, incident officials expect west-northwest winds to gust up to 20-25 mph along the ridges. In anticipation of wind gusts, crews pushed farther from the fire’s edge to locate and extinguish hot spots. This is important to prevent embers from heating and traveling across the line. 

In addition to mop up, firefighters will patrol and grid the fire’s exterior to prevent new starts. Crews are using handheld infrared devices to locate hot spots along Forest Service Road 020. 

Firefighters continue to provide structure protection and mop up around homes and outbuildings. Along Hwy 395, firefighters and Oregon Department of Transportation will work to remove standing dead timber to minimize risk of falling hazards in the area. Crews continue to work on the Potamus drainage to connect lines.

The North Fork Owens Fire, to the north of Zone II, remains at 90% containment (the complex stands at 7% containment).

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: 172,334 acres
Monkey Creek Fire: 172,626
North Fork Owens:  4,484 acres
Total Containment:  8%
Cause:   Under Investigation              
Estimated Cost:   $27,300,000

All Resources 

Hand Crews: 53          
Engines:  104 
Water Tenders:  42     
Dozers:  21
Helicopters:   5
Total Personnel: 1,745