Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three  

Bill Waln, Incident Commander  

COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT AT 6 PM FOR THE GWEN FIRE AT THE LAPWAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – 170 AGENCY ROAD, LAPWAI 

Location: 5 miles east Lapwai, Idaho    Date Reported: July 24, 2024 Cause: Lightning 

Size: 28,805 acres Containment: 0% Total Personnel: 204 

Current Situation:  

• Firefighters were able to make good progress on the northwest corner of the fire. Crews will continue to extinguish hotspots along the fire perimeter to secure that line today.  
• Dozer line was completed on the northwestern portion of the fire yesterday. Today, hotshots will secure this line by reducing the fuel loading between the dozer line and the active fire. This action will increase the probability of the fire staying west of Pine Creek drainage.  
• As fields are harvested, farmers are discing along the edge of their fields creating a very effective fireline. This is aiding in the fire suppression efforts on the south and west portions of the fire.  
• The structure protection group is securing structures within the fire perimeter by extinguishing any residual heat in the unburned pockets of fuel that have the potential to reburn and threaten values at risk.  
• The night shift engines will be patrolling and monitoring the fire area for any threats to the values at risk.  
• Team Three continues to work with the local law enforcement agencies in evaluating road closures and evacuations. All closures and evacuations are in place for the safety and well-being of the public and the firefighters. As soon as it is safe to do so the roads will be opened, and the evacuations levels will be reduced.   

Evacuations: Level 1 Get Ready; Level 2 Get Set; Level 3 Go. For the safety of responders please Go if asked to leave. The fire behavior is very unpredictable and life threatening.  

• Latah County Sheriff’s Office Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders for multiple areas of the fire. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO  and call: (208) 882-2216 
• Nez Perce County Sheriff’s office has issued level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations orders for their county. Those are posted on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NezPerceCountySheriffsOffice. 
• Nez Perce County Emergency Management Interactive Evacuation Map: https://bit.ly/3yewVv0  

Air Quality Information: Please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for resources on smoke and air quality. Air quality monitors indicate unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Lapwai area.  

Weather and Fire Behavior: Temperatures over the fire will reach up to 90 degrees with humidities ranging from 22-27 percent. Northwest winds from 2-7 mph in the morning, shifting west to northwest this afternoon at 10-18 mph with gusts to 25 mph in the upper slopes/ridges, and 5-10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph mid-slope/valley. Rain showers in the late evening continuing overnight with a slight chance of thunderstorms that could bring 30-40 mph wind gusts. 

Closures: The Idaho Transportation Department opened Highway 3 last night - EXISTING EVACUATIONS REMAIN IN PLACE. Highway 12 corridor is closed between Spalding and Lenore.  

GWEN FIRE INFORMATION 

Fire Information Phoneline: (208) 843-3534 (Time: 7am-7pm)  Email: 2024.Gwen@firenet.gov  

Facebook: @IdahoDepartmentofLands InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-2024-gwen-fire  

Daily Operational Update Video for the Sandstone, Deer, and Davenport Fires

Facebook Link: https://fb.watch/tDwtaESaRn/

Easy Fire Update for July 29, 2024  
Incident Commander Lonnie Click  
Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 3   
(541) 861-5808, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov  

Quick Facts   
Size: 528 acres*   
Start Date: July 17, 2024  
Location: 17 miles west of Mazama, WA
Containment: 0%   
Personnel Assigned: 113   
Cause: Lightning  
Resources Assigned:  3 crews     5 engines
*Acreage estimate is pending updated infrared mapping.

CURRENT SITUATION: Crews continued to improve indirect firelines and set up hoses and sprinklers along the north side of the Easy Fire. Afternoon weather conditions on Sunday allowed firefighters to conduct strategic firing operations with helicopters on the southeast side of the Easy Fire. With the extremely steep terrain, aerial ignitions reduce risk to firefighters on the ground and can be more efficient and effective. The firing operations reduce ground fuels, or vegetation, between the fireline and active fire, reducing fire intensity and improving firefighter ability to stop or slow fire spread.  

State Route 20 remains open to through traffic with a pilot car escorting vehicles through mileposts 148-157 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Expect 30 minutes delays as firefighters continue removing trees and debris from the roadway and conduct full suppression tactics on the Easy Fire. Please do not stop or pull over between mileposts 148-157. With wildfire and firefighting operations still active, the highway may need to close again on short notice. Be sure to check https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/ for the latest information on State Route 20.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: With the expected rain today, crews will hold off on continued strategic firing operations. Firefighters will further improve indirect firelines on both the north and south side of the Easy Fire working up to the Mt. Hardy ridge. Crews will also work to enhance helicopter landing zones in higher elevation areas of the Easy Fire. Firefighters are currently hiking over 3,400 ft of elevation gain to access areas of the Easy Fire. Constructing higher elevation helicopter landing zones will reduce hazards to firefighters, allowing firefighters to more safely and efficiently access and work along Mt. Hardy ridge. Additional helicopter access also improves safety for firefighters in case of a medical emergency.  

The Easy Fire has a Temporary Flight Restriction in place for all aircrafts not involved in wildfire suppression operations. Do not fly a personal drone over or near the Easy Fire. Any incursions create a safety hazard to fire aircraft and require air operations to stop.  

WEATHER: Temperatures today will in the mid to upper 70s. Sky weather is partly cloudy with occasional light rain and northwest winds 6-10 mph. There is a 60-70% chance of precipitation in the morning turning to steady light rain in the afternoon with about a 10% chance of lightening. Forecasts show precipitation amounting to a 1/10th of an inch of rain.   

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080   
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM  
Email: 2024.easy@firenet.gov

Trout Fire: 23,369 acres - 33% containment

Long Fire: 9,204 acres - 95% containment

Borel Fire:  53,010 acres | 0% contained

Total Personnel: 1,059

For more information on the Borel Fire, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-borel-fire

For more information on the SQF Lightning Fires, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning

Current Situation: Red flag weather conditions continue today as the Borel Fire has burned over 53,000 acres in less than four days. Firefighters are actively engaging the fire using both direct and indirect tactics, while law enforcement continues evacuation efforts as the fire moves to the east and south. Ensuring the safety of residents and protecting property remain top priorities. KRN-100-B, 102-B, 419 and 744 have been placed under an Evacuation Warning. Evacuation warnings and orders enhance safety for residents and allow emergency personnel to concentrate on controlling the fire. Residents can check the status of their zone using Genasys Protect's interactive map at tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9. The Borel fire is under a unified command led by the California Interagency Incident Management Team (CIIMT) 11, and the Kern County Fire Department.

Borel Fire: The Borel Fire advanced rapidly through sections of dry vegetation in hot, humid, and windy conditions, spreading north, east, and south. The fire continues to spread east down the ridgeline of Libel Peak. The southeastern edge is north of Walker Basin, where dozers constructed line to hold the fire in its current footprint. In the northern section, crews used both direct and indirect tactics to establish a contingency line off of Kern Canyon Road. Aerial resources, including helicopters and air tankers, are supporting ground crews in slowing the fire's progression. Firefighters are focusing on protecting structures and establishing containment lines around the most active fire fronts. Today, fire behavior is expected to be severe again due to long-term red-flag-warning weather conditions. 

Trout Fire: Fire growth was minimal on Sunday despite consistent warm, dry, and windy conditions, allowing crews to make progress in suppressing hot spots along the fire’s edge. On the southern perimeter, crews set up camp near the fireline in the Domeland Wilderness to extinguish lingering areas of heat and construct fireline with hand tools from Sirretta Pass toward Smith Meadow. 

Long Fire: Fire activity remains minimal with containment at 95 percent.

Weather & Air Quality: A Red Flag Warning is in effect through 11 p.m. Monday for low relative humidity and elevated winds. Fire behavior on new and existing fires is expected to be extreme. Hot, dry conditions are expected today with wind gusts up to 35 mph. Westerly winds will remain elevated on ridgetops throughout Sunday night. A daily smoke outlook is produced for communities affected by wildfire smoke: tinyurl.com/452x2uzr.  

Sequoia National Forest & BLM Closures & Restrictions: Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout and Long Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-12.  Lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Borel Fire are closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-14. Fire restrictions are in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. All orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k. The Bureau of Land Management’s Bakersfield Field Office has temporarily closed Long Valley Campground, Chimney Creek Campground, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). View the emergency closure order here: tinyurl.com/4mprcb9b. The PCT is closed between Hwy 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge (mile 717.7).

Evacuation Center: Residents under an evacuation warning or order can go to either the Tehachapi Education Center (126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi) or Burroughs High School (500 E French Ave, Ridgecrest). Animal services are available to assist in sheltering companion animals at the center.

Large-Animal Assistance: The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) are available for residents who need to move large animals or livestock. For more information, contact Orion, Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 661-340-0026.

Road Closures: State Route 178 is closed from 4.1 mi east of the junction of SR 184 to Democrat Springs. View the interactive Caltrans map for the most current road closure information: quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Portions of Caliente Bodfish Road are also closed. Visit the Kern County Public Works Department website for the most up to date information on county road closures (tinyurl.com/z6crvp6t)

Evacuations: Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in.

• Kern County has multiple evacuation orders and warnings in effect due to the Borel Fire. The following zones are under an evacuation order: KRN-403-A, KRN-403B, KRN-734, KRN-735, KRN-736, KRN-737, KRN-738, KRN-739, KRN-740, KRN-741, KRN-742, KRN-743, KRN-747-A, KRN747-B and KRN-748. 

• The following zones are under an evacuation warning: KRN-100-B, KRN-102-B, KRN- 419, KRN- 729, KRN-730, KRN-731, KRN-732, KRN-733, KRN-744, KRN-749, KRN-750 and KRN-752

• Tulare County has evacuation warnings and advisories in effect due to the Trout and Long Fires. The following zones are under an evacuation warning: TLC-E274-B and TLC-E261-B. The following zones are under an evacuation advisory: TLC-E297-A, TLC-E250, TLC-E274-A, and TLC-E261-A.

Pioneer Fire Update for July 29, 2024  
Incident Commander Lonnie Click  
Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 3   
(541) 861-5808, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov  

Quick Facts  
Size: 33,277 acres*  
Start Date: June 8, 2024   
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA  
Containment: 15%   
Personnel: 698  
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation 
Resources Assigned: 10 crews, 4 helicopters, 28 engines, 27 water tenders, 17 heavy equipment  
*Acreage estimate is pending updated infrared mapping.  

CURRENT SITUATION: There was minimal fire spread along the lakeshore beyond Fourmile Creek yesterday, however, the fire was active further up the drainage, crossing into Hazard Creek. Along the lakeshore, crews have been successful protecting structures as the fire spreads northward. They continued to mop up and patrol yesterday while preparing for additional strategic firing that may be needed to protect homes and other values at risk. Firefighters worked to widen the fireline and remove vegetation around power poles in the Boulder Creek area of Stehekin Valley. Sawyers continued felling trees that pose a danger to firefighters working in the area near Rainbow Bridge and Boulder Creek in preparation for strategic firing actions.   

Lone Fir Creek continues to not show any heat along the southern flank of the fire. Crews will continue to monitor the area for any potential fire activity. Mastication and other vegetation removal to clear the contingency line on Nelson Ridge continued. Road improvements in Black Canyon, Gold Creek, and near Antilon Lake also continued.  

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Fire spread is expected to moderate today with cooler temperatures and higher humidity in the fire area. Along the lakeshore, crews will continue to mop up and patrol around structures and will conduct strategic firing where necessary to protect homes. Firefighters will continue to work further into Stehekin Valley, removing vegetation to widen and improve the fireline, and felling snags or trees that pose a danger to firefighters working in the area. A specialized wildland fire module that provides additional capabilities has been deployed to Stehekin to support strategic firing operations. Crews will continue mastication and other contingency line work, along with road preparations in the Oss Peak, Gold Creek, and Antilon Lake area.  

WEATHER AND SMOKE: Cooler weather is expected today with widespread clouds and a chance of rain. Hot and dry conditions will return by the end of the week and persist into next week. An air quality alert remains in effect for Chelan County. See Current Smoke Outlook for North Central Washington (airfire.org) for more information about smoke and air quality.  

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080   
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM  
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Ore Fire Update
Monday, July 29, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.

Size: 1452 acres | Reported Date: July 16, 2024 | Cause: Under Investigation | Containment: 29%
Total Assigned Personnel: 329 | 6 engines | 5 hand crews | 3 dozers | 20 water tenders | 7 masticators | 4 feller bunchers

(Blue River, Ore.) – Fire suppression efforts continue on the Ore Fire, which is burning 7 miles northeast of Blue River, Oregon. Challenges include steep and rugged terrain, rolling rocks and debris, and fire-weakened trees. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority on the incident. Fire managers are focusing on activities with a high probability of success while minimizing risk to firefighters and protecting values such as communities, infrastructure and forest, recreation and cultural resources. While evaluating potential firefighting strategies, carefully defining objectives and understanding the challenges are essential when determining which actions have the highest probability of success with minimal risk to responders.

Yesterday, crews increased containment along the FS 15 and 1509 Roads with the assistance of favorable weather conditions and minimal fire activity. Specialized felling modules above Ore Creek on the FS 1509 Road removed hazardous trees, while chippers followed closely behind to reduce larger woody debris into finer material. Access roads were cleared using heavy equipment to scout potential containment lines to the north.

Today, firefighters will use explosives to remove fire-damaged trees in the southwest corner that have hindered progress on the incident. Due to the trees’ size and condition, these hazards cannot be safely removed by fallers. Fire managers continue to evaluate areas where containment lines can be constructed to stop fire spread to the north. Firefighters will patrol the contained areas of the fire to the south, extinguishing hot spots and protecting identified values at risk. A night crew will be on site to patrol the fires perimeter. 

The fourth pillar of the Incident Strategic Alignment Process (ISAP) involves evaluating the probability or likelihood of success of specific actions. It is important to consider the potential obstacles and factors that will contribute to successful implementation of a chosen strategy. This process ensures management actions are discussed and coordinated among agency administrators and incident management team personnel throughout the incident. Visit the incident’s Facebook page to learn more about ISAP at https://www.facebook.com/OreFireInformation2024.

Weather: Cloudy skies this morning will limit heating and keep the inversion intact, resulting in smoky conditions and poor visibility. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and spotty showers are expected today, with the potential for rain this afternoon into tomorrow. A period of warmer-than-average temperatures and lower humidities will return Wednesday and continue into the weekend.

Safety: Firefighters are reporting an increasing number of motorists traveling into the closure area where crews are actively working to contain the fire. Forest closures are in place for the safety of everyone.  Fire restrictions are in effect. For additional information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/willamette/fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS or drones) are prohibited within the TFR. Find out more at: If You Fly, We Can't | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

Smoke: Smoke from numerous wildfires burning throughout the region will affect air quality in many areas over the coming days. A daily smoke outlook can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net. Being prepared for smoke is important. For more information, go to: www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready.org. 

Forest Closures: Closures on the Willamette National Forest have been established around fire-impacted areas, including the following sites: Buck Mountain Trail, Tidbits South and West Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Mona Campground, Lookout Campground, and Saddle Dam Boat Launch. For a complete list of recreation and roads in the Ore Fire closure order, visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices.

Fire Update – Oakridge Lightning Fires

Chalk, Coffeepot, McKinley, Moss Mountain, Tire Mountain, 208, and 217 Fires

Monday, July 29, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email:2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Note: A community meeting is being planned for this week. Details will be communicated as soon as they are available.

Current Situation: Firefighters continue to construct and reinforce line across high priority areas on the Oakridge Lightning Fires. Light northwest winds are expected today with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. A change in weather later today could bring slight precipitation, though not enough to significantly impact fire activity. Higher temperatures are expected for later this week. Fire activity remains low to moderate across all seven fires.

The total acreage of the seven fires is 6,824 acres with 641 personnel assigned.

Information for each of the seven Oakridge Lightning Fires is provided below. Firefighting activities and suppression actions are described in detail for each double-lettered division on each fire.

Chalk Fire (3,616 acres, 7% contained)

Division AA: Line construction and felling continues in the southwest area of the Chalk Fire. There are significant hazards in steep terrain that require mitigation as firefighters steadily work to connect Division AA with the other Chalk Fire divisions. Firing operations are planned for later this week once the line preparation is complete.

Division KK: Low intensity firing operations were completed to tie Division KK to Division TT. Today firefighters will secure and mop up to reinforce the newly completed line.

Division TT: Firefighters in Division TT are strengthening existing line from previous fires where possible and scouting for other locations where there is as high probability of holding the north section of the Chalk Fire.

Coffeepot Fire (2,761 acres, 0% contained) and Moss Mountain Fire (224 acres, 0% contained)

Division PP: Work continues on the southwest section of the Coffeepot Fire to build line where there is a high probability of success in protecting highly valued resources on privately held land. Spot fires that were previously identified have been lined and will be further secured by firefighters today.

Division RR: Firefighters have constructed line in Division RR and are prepping it for future strategic operations. Other areas in this division are being scouted and analyzed to hold the Coffeepot Fire to the south of the 2307 Road.

Division SS: Heavy equipment continues to open existing roads and is pushing west toward Division PP.

Division WW: Firefighters are working on strengthening the line from the division break to the 23 Road; and from the 23 Road down toward Division SS.

Division YY: The Division Supervisor that previously supervised the fires in the Diamond Peak Wilderness has been moved to support operations on the Coffeepot and Moss Mountain Fires. Today fire managers will be scouting the area south of these fires to look for secondary containment lines in the event they are needed.

208 Fire (141 acres, 0% contained) – Branch XII: Fire is holding. There has been no growth over the past several days.

217 Fire (38 acres, 0% contained) – Branch XII: Smokejumpers assigned to the 217 Fire are patrolling and mopping up the 217 Fire in very challenging terrain.

Tire Mountain Fire (20 acres) – Division TT: The Tire Mountain Fire remains under mop up and patrol status. The fire has not grown in several days.

McKinley Fire (24 acres) – Division AA: Firefighters assigned to mop up and patrol the McKinley fire were able to quickly respond to some small spot fires over the weekend. Containment lines are expected to hold. Spot fires in areas of heavy dead and down fuel can be expected.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Clouds and smoke haze in the morning, mostly cloudy in the afternoon. Max temperatures in upper 70s. Daytime relative humidity approximately 40-50%. Winds will be light from the northwest at 5-10 mph. Good to excellent overnight humidity recovery ranging from 80-100%. Inversion may not lift. Chance of showers later today.

Heavy dead and down fuel concentrations from winter ice storms and blowdown events is also abundant. Live and dead fuel moisture will be on a downward trend, becoming more combustible. Fire danger indices are at high fire danger, and slightly above average for this time of year.

Evacuations: For evacuation information please visit: https://www.LaneCountyOR.gov/2024wildfires
To sign up for evacuation alerts please visit: https://www.LaneAlerts.org

Closures and Fire Restrictions: Area, road, trail, and recreation site closures are in place on the Willamette National Forest in the vicinity of many active fires. Temporary road barricades are in use to restrict traffic in the areas near High Prairie and Chalk Mountain.

For specific closure information follow this link:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029

Fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest may be found at this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices/?aid=81487

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Chalk and Moss Fires.

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For More Information:

Phone: (541) 208-1742

Email: 2024.mossmountain@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-oakridge-lightning-fires-2024

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakridgeLightningFires2024/

Total Fire Personnel: 641

Fire Cause: Lightning

Location: North & South of Oakridge, OR

Email: 2024.whiskycreek@firenet.gov

Incident Information Phone Line: 541-208-1743 – daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Whisky Creek Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024WhiskyCreekFire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/ormhf-whisky-creek-fire

Smoke Report: https://www.airnow.gov/

Whisky Creek Fire

0% Contained

891 Acres

6 miles SE of Cascade Locks, OR

Burning in scrub oak, timber and grass 

Highlights

The Central Cascades Interagency Management Team assumed command of the Whisky Creek Fire as of 6 A.M. today. Cloud cover, increased humidity, and the chance of light precipitation today will continue to limit the growth of the fire and minimize smoke production. 

Operations

Crews continue to prepare containment lines and clear roads and trails to the south along the Rainy-Wahtum Trail #409 from Rainy Lake to Wahtum Lake and continuing to the PCT approximately one mile to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burn area. Crews are clearing thick brush along roads with the assistance of masticators to create fire breaks. To the east of the fire, crews continue to strengthen contingency lines working towards the Hood River County Forestry Kingsley area. 

Fire Behavior and Weather

Increasing cloud cover and humidity, paired with lower temperatures and a chance of light precipitation through Tuesday, are expected to minimize fire activity and smoke production. Forecasted rain is not expected to impact the fire. 

Road and Trail Closures

The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area have expanded a joint emergency closure for the fire area to include the Pacific Crest Trail and areas south of I-84. Closure information can be found at: Whisky Creek Fire Closures in Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Hood River County has closures in effect for Kingsley Campground, Kingsley Road, Dead Point Road, and Green Point Road viewable on their website.

Total Fire Resources Assigned

• Approx. 284 personnel, 6 hand crews, 4 water tenders, 3 dozers, 5 masticators and 2 helicopters.

Cougar Creek Fire Update for Monday July 29, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES:  

The First Creek Fire has been contained. Rappellers on the First Creek Fire completed suppression operations with assistance from aerial support providing water. These resources will now be available to assist other firefighting priorities.  A few aerial resources were loaned to assist incidents affecting communities in Idaho. 

CURRENT STATUS:  

The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and hand crews coordinated tactical firing operations in the northeast flank of the Cougar Creek Fire. Mop-up continues in southern areas of Wenatchee Creek and through Grouse Flats where there was minimal to no advancement of the fire.  Heavy equipment, including dozers, are focusing efforts on the southwestern corner to complete line further to the north and west where crews have been prepping containment features for the last week. 

FIRE BEHAVIOR AND WEATHER: 

There was minimal fire progression within live vegetation, though heavy dead and down, dry fuels that exist on the landscape were available for consumption contributing to fire growth. The fire perimeter continues to expand west in areas where slope and fuels align. 

The cold front that brought 20 mph gusts yesterday on ridgetops will continue through today.  A west-southwest wind will develop as the day progresses. Yesterday’s cloud cover kept temperatures lower than in previous days and relative humidity up. Today, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms and precipitation to be followed by warmer and drier conditions.  

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:  

Forest closure descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest Closure page. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff webpage and Asotin County Emergency Management  Facebook page. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon to Highway 129 junction in Washington.  In Oregon, a level 2 evacuation is in effect for Wallowa County, including all of Grouse Flat from Bear Creek Rd north to the State boundary and the Garfield County line to Grande Ronde River.