Incident Publication

Devil’s Knob Fire Update for Wednesday, September 18, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

The Devil’s Knob Fire’s total acreage remains unchanged. Containment did not increase yesterday but is expected to increase today as mop-up operations continue. All tethering operations on the south flank of the fire are complete. These tactics reduced risk to firefighters by mitigating the amount of time 20-person crews operate in steep, hazardous terrain. The 1610 Road has been completely graded. 

CURRENT STATUS: 

Resources: 632; Crews: 19; Engines: 10; Dozers: 4; Water Tenders: 8 

Aircraft: One Type 1 helicopter, one Type 3 helicopter, one unmanned aerial system 

The western flank of the fire is fully contained, and resources are being distributed to other divisions to bolster containment efforts. Personnel will continue to patrol the western and northern edges of the fire as crews repair roads following suppression actions. Tree fellers will reduce danger trees and fuels that could carry fire over dozer line. 

The goal today is to complete suppression actions in the Flat Creek drainage and continue containment efforts on the eastern flank of the fire near the 1610 Road. This area of the perimeter will require further gridding for mop-up as the spot fires from last week created a complex burn pattern, leaving pockets of unburned vegetation that could reignite in hot, windy conditions. 

WEATHER / FIRE BEHAVIOR: 

Relative humidity in the fire area remains extremely high, naturally decreasing fire activity. The chance of precipitation will reach 80% through Wednesday morning with less than a quarter inch of rain expected. The rest of the week will be dry with warmer temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s and light winds in the forecast. Dry, heavy fuels still exist within the fire perimeter, and crews will be working to identify these areas to prevent fire activity increasing as conditions dry. 

SAFETY AND CLOSURES:   

Closures on the Umpqua National Forest can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices.  

Umpqua National Forest restrictions can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/umpqua/fire.  

Fire Restrictions for Bureau of Land Management can be found on the Oregon-Washington blm.gov page. 

Douglas Forest Protective Association restrictions can be found at https://www.dfpa.net/public-fire-restrictions.  

Oregon Dept. of Forestry restrictions can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx. 

Cooler temperatures over the Line Fire are bringing up moisture levels in the vegetation. There was minimal fire growth overnight. It was mostly clear with brisk temperatures over the fire area. Partly cloudy conditions are expected to develop throughout Wednesday. Firefighters are strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots.

There have been multiple drone incursions over the Line Fire area. This impedes our firefighting operations and can have deadly consequences. Please be respectful of those fighting the fire and the community members who are impacted by fire. Never fly drones near wildfire. If you fly, we can't.
 

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Sept. 18, 2024) – Yesterday's weather tested the fire perimeter with gusty winds, but there was no growth in fire size. Pearl Fire remains estimated at 128 acres with 5% containment. 

Air resources continued to work the fire throughout the day yesterday until conditions became unsafe due to high winds. Roughly 260 ground personnel and multiple air resources are on scene today. Ground crews will focus efforts on structure protection along the eastern perimeter and use heavy equipment to secure the fire line. Crews will face steep terrain and downed trees as they work to contain the fire. Lower humidity levels, high winds and warmer temperatures are expected to throughout the day. In the afternoon, winds could gust up to 35 mph. 

Larimer County Sheriff's Office will continue to operate the Joint Information Center and provide information about evacuation notices, animal evacuations and road closures. For evacuation information visit https://www.nocoalert.org/ or text LCEVAC to 888777. The Joint Information Center can be reached at (970) 980-2500. 

The Forest Service remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions. Refer to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests website for more information. 

For more information on the Pearl Fire visit InciWeb and for the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To receive email updates on this fire, join our email list and select Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 14 to Wyoming Border (Red Feather Lakes).

September 18, 2024

The area closures surrounding the fires are still in effect. These closures are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighter and equipment operations and access. Fire managers are working in conjunction with Bitterroot National Forest officials to assess the need and potential boundary changes. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices

The fires saw significant precipitation over the last 24 hours and fuels are approaching “moisture of extinction,” meaning larger fuels are saturated to the point they no longer support burning or combustion. Sharrott Creek received 6/10 of an inch of rain, while Johnson got 1/3 of an inch and Daly and Railroad received an inch.

All fires are downsizing in personnel numbers, as firefighters complete suppression repair work and fire activity decreases. 

Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) remains closed from milepost 9.0 to 28.2. Visit Montana DOT for the most updated information: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5 will transfer command of all fires back to the Bitterroot National Forest on September 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Current Status 

Johnson (3 miles south of Springer Memorial Community, in the East Fork)

Cause: Lightning

Size: 6,687

Completion: 59%

Personnel: 50

Firefighters continue to make progress implementing suppression repair efforts using excavators and hand tools to pull back berms on constructed firelines. The excavators are working both the west and north flanks of the fire.

Sharrott (3 miles west of Stevensville)

Cause: Lightning

Size: 3,204

Completion: 83%

Personnel: 228

Firefighters are expected to complete suppression repair efforts on handlines on Wednesday, while excavators will continue to pull back berms on constructed firelines on the northern and southern firelines. Excavators are working downhill and are on schedule to complete repair work within a week. 

Daly and Railroad (Railroad and Skalkaho Creeks confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton)

Cause: Undetermined

Size: 6,813 (Daly), 1,007 (Railroad)

Completion: 59% (Daly), 35% (Railroad)

Personnel: 21

Minimal fire activity is present, with no expected spread on the Railroad and Daly Fires. Crews will continue with hazard mitigation along the Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38), Forest Service Road 711, and associated spur roads. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

High temperatures on Wednesday will be in the mid 60s in the valley and mid 50s across the higher elevations. Isolated showers will continue throughout the morning and dissipate in the afternoon. Skies will remain overcast over the course of the day, and winds will subside mid-day.

Fire behavior will be isolated smoldering, primarily in stump holes. 

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 1300 acres                       Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                   Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024      Total Personnel: 36

Fire Information: 360-208-8096

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire 
Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov

Current Status: Cooler weather and increased precipitation minimized activity on the Ruby Fire, though isolated pockets of heat continue to smolder within the perimeter. Based on the predicted weather conditions, minimal fire growth is expected over the next week. The Type 3 Incident Management Team leading the suppression efforts on the Ruby Fire will transition with a Type 4 Incident Management Team today. The Incident Command Post (ICP) will move from Newhalem to Marblemount due to the number of personnel and current needs. Firefighters will continue to work in the Ruby Mountain area assisted by a Type 3 helicopter and a helitack crew. Travelers should use extra caution when traveling on State Route 20 (SR20) near Colonial Creek Campground to avoid inhibiting active firefighting operations. 

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to support fire suppression efforts and be ready to protect critical infrastructure such as campgrounds, SR20, trails, and backcountry camps in preparation for possible fire growth. The Ruby Fire is a full suppression fire, and firefighters are using tactics with the highest chance for success, while reducing safety risks to themselves and the public. 

Weather: Cooler temperatures and a chance of precipitation continues. 

Closures: Multiple closures remain in place for public safety. Panther Creek Trail and Thunder Creek Trail north of Junction camps are closed. Go to the park website https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures for a complete list.

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Wednesday at https://www.airnow.gov.

Burning Restrictions: There are currently no fire restrictions in place: https://go.nps.gov/ban-lifted.

Drone Restrictions: If you fly, we can’t. Drones can jeopardize firefighting efforts, and operating drones within North Cascades National Park is prohibited, except with prior written approval from the superintendent. 

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: National Park Service, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Seattle City Light, Whatcom County, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Dept. of Transportation, Washington DNR.

To sign up for Ruby Fire updates, email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov Thank you.

Key Messages 

Fire managers will verify and ensure the fire is 100% contained and controlled by end of day Friday, September 20, through ongoing mop-up activities. The fire is currently 74% contained, with secure fire lines established around most of the perimeter. Extra resources have been demobilized or redirected to other priority incidents. 

Current Status 

Yesterday, firefighters patrolled and monitored the fire to ensure any remaining hot spots near the control lines were fully extinguished. These efforts are critical to preventing flare-ups and reinforcing containment. Crews continue to focus on mopping up— extinguishing embers, cooling down ash pits, and eliminating heat sources that could reignite under changing weather conditions. Their ongoing presence is key to ensuring that no heat lingers close to the control lines, reducing the risk of the fire spreading outside of the containment area. As part of these efforts, firefighters are also working to extend the control lines by 200 feet into the fire perimeter to further secure the area. 

Meanwhile, excavators, dozers, and road graders have begun the crucial process of repairing and rehabilitating previously constructed dozer contingency lines throughout the fire area. This work is aimed at minimizing further environmental impact and helping to restore the landscape to its natural state. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

On Tuesday afternoon and evening, the fire area sustained winds reaching up to 40 mph, followed by rainfall. Windy conditions are expected to persist from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, with gusts potentially reaching up to 45 mph. Additionally, steady rain is forecasted for Wednesday morning through the afternoon, which may offer some relief but also contribute to changing fire dynamics. 

Evacuations And Closures 

Please avoid the fire area as crews and aerial resources continue fire suppression efforts. The roads remain closed to non-local traffic. Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and preservation of grazing lands are most important. 

There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For firefighter safety, please do not fly unmanned aerial systems in the area. 

Middle Fork Complex Fire Update  

September 18, 2024 

Community Meeting Tonight  

There will be a community meeting today at 6 p.m. at the White Barn Building, near 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley.  

Today, Great Basin Incident Management Team 2 transitioned with Great Basin IMT 5 and Rocky Mountain IMT 3, assuming management of the Middle Fork fires, Nellie and Bulldog, and the West Mountain fires, Snag and Goat. Transition is a dynamic process involving critical coordination between all organizational functions within the team. The complexity involved with this transition is more involved because the team is now supporting four fire camps. The safety of firefighters, responders and the public remains the highest priority.   

Fall temperatures continue to support the reduction in fire behavior. Air quality and smoke outlooks have continued to improve, allowing relief for the surrounding communities and businesses. Beyond the added moisture the increase in cloud cover will continue to moderate areas that are still holding heat. These affects will diminish toward the end of the week as sunny days return and radiant heat will rebuild. 

The Middle Fork Complex is 61,482 acres with 32% completion.  

Yesterday thunderstorms continued to persist in the area through the evening across the fire between half an inch to an inch of rain. Debris slides continued to occur on the forest roads, including the 678 and 555 roads.  Due to ongoing weather, more debris slides are likely throughout the burn area and crews must wait until conditions improve and roadways dry to begin assessing and repairing roads.  

Fire activity remained minimal yesterday and some small growth was seen in the fire area in the afternoon as temperatures began to rise, fuels dried, and winds increased ahead of the storms. After the storms arrived, fire activity decreased and is expected to remain low in the coming days. The fire continues to smolder and creep through the heavy fuels in areas that are protected from the rain. 

Snag Fire is 33,300 acres with 33% completion.  

Warm Lake Road is open to the public, but the Forest Service 409 (Clear Creek Road) Road extending south into the fire area from the Warm Lake Road remains closed. Please drive with caution as firefighters are still working and patrolling in this area. There continues to be heat at the north end of Warm Lake Road; approximately 500 feet in from the fire’s perimeter. Rehabilitation and suppression repair continues along the Warm Lake Road in conjunction with guidance from Resource Advisors. 

Goat Fire is 26,456 acres with 0% contained. 

Crews have successfully constructed fireline along the northwestern edge of the Goat Fire, from the gap between the Goat and the Snag, running to the Forest Service boundary, continuing around to the 099 Trail. Today crews will assess the area from the past two days rain.  Firefighters will continue to work with Resource Advisors on suppression repair activities, in addition to the removal of hazard trees.  

Boise National Forest Closure Order Number 0402-06-64 remains in effect. An interactive forest closure map is available on the Boise National Forest Alerts & Closures website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. 

Hunters are not allowed access to these closed areas. The Boise National Forest is re-evaluating closure orders across the forest due to firefighting progress and recent precipitation. The public can expect to see changes later this week.  

In the meantime, we ask the public to adhere to the closures as they currently exist; in particular Trail Creek Hot Springs is currently within the closure area for the West Mountain Complex and is closed. 

Highway 21 is closed from the Sourdough Lodge in Lowman to Stanley Lake Road (MP 84 to 126) due to nearby wildfire activity. Only local traffic is allowed between the Sourdough Lodge and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Boundary Creek, Cape Horn, or Seafoam. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Transportation website, https://511.idaho.gov/ 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been rescinded for the Boise National Forest.  For more information on the restrictions visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. 

Take wildfire risk reduction steps to make your home safer during a wildfire: Visit the Firewise website for information: https://www.nfpa.org/en/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire 

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area.  Visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect in the fire area. 

Middle Fork Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov  

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-and-nellie 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Middle-Fork-Complex-Fire-Boise-National-Forest/61565022204468 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2024.middleforkcomplex 

Fire                Cause                     Size                Completion                Phone #                Personnel
Johnson            Lightning                    6,687                    59%                406-401-0286                  50
Sharrott Creek    Lightning                    3,204                   83%                406-403-7976                228
Daly                Undetermined            6,813                   59%                406-403-7971                   21
Railroad            Undetermined             1,007                   35%                406-403-7971         (shared with Daly)
        
The area closures surrounding the fires are still in effect. These closures are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighter and equipment operations and access. Fire managers are working in conjunction with Bitterroot National Forest officials to assess the need and potential boundary changes. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices

The fires saw significant precipitation over the last 24 hours and fuels are approaching “moisture of extinction,” meaning larger fuels are saturated to the point they no longer support burning or combustion. Sharrott Creek received 6/10 of an inch of rain, while Johnson got 1/3 of an inch and Daly and Railroad received an inch.

All fires are downsizing in personnel numbers, as firefighters complete suppression repair work and fire activity decreases.

Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) remains closed from milepost 9.0 to 28.2. Visit Montana DOT for the most updated information: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5 will transfer command of all fires back to the Bitterroot National Forest on September 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.

CURRENT STATUS 
Johnson (3 miles south of Springer Memorial Community, in the East Fork)
Firefighters continue to make progress implementing suppression repair efforts using excavators and hand tools to pull back berms on constructed firelines. The excavators are working both the west and north flanks of the fire.

Sharrott Creek (3 miles west of Stevensville)
Firefighters are expected to complete suppression repair efforts on handlines on Wednesday, while excavators will continue to pull back berms on constructed firelines on the northern and southern firelines. Excavators are working downhill and are on schedule to complete repair work within a week.

Daly and Railroad (Railroad and Skalkaho Creeks confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton)
Minimal fire activity is present, with no expected spread on the Railroad and Daly Fires. Crews will continue with hazard mitigation along the Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38), Forest Service Road 711, and associated spur roads.  

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR 
High temperatures on Wednesday will be in the mid 60s in the valley and mid 50s across the higher elevations. Isolated showers will continue throughout the morning and dissipate in the afternoon. Skies will remain overcast over the course of the day, and winds will subside mid-day.

Fire behavior will be isolated smoldering, primarily in stump holes. 
 

Sharrott Creek Fire:

Cause: Lightning

Size: 3,204

Completion: 83%

Total Personnel: 228

Phone Number: 406-403-7976

The area closures surrounding the fires are still in effect. These closures are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighter and equipment operations and access. Fire managers are working in conjunction with Bitterroot National Forest officials to assess the need and potential boundary changes. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices

The fires saw significant precipitation over the last 24 hours and fuels are approaching “moisture of extinction,” meaning larger fuels are saturated to the point they no longer support burning or combustion. Sharrott Creek received 6/10 of an inch of rain, while Johnson got 1/3 of an inch and Daly and Railroad received an inch.

All fires are downsizing in personnel numbers, as firefighters complete suppression repair work and fire activity decreases.

Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) remains closed from milepost 9.0 to 28.2. Visit Montana DOT for the most updated information: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 5 will transfer command of all fires back to the Bitterroot National Forest on September 20, 2024 at 6 p.m.

Current Status 

Sharrott Creek (3 miles west of Stevensville)

Firefighters are expected to complete suppression repair efforts on handlines on Wednesday, while excavators will continue to pull back berms on constructed firelines on the northern and southern firelines. Excavators are working downhill and are on schedule to complete repair work within a week.

Weather and Fire Behavior 

High temperatures on Wednesday will be in the mid 60s in the valley and mid 50s across the higher elevations. Isolated showers will continue throughout the morning and dissipate in the afternoon. Skies will remain overcast over the course of the day, and winds will subside mid-day.

Fire behavior will be isolated smoldering, primarily in stump holes.

Douglas, Wyo. – Yesterday, fire managers and crews were able to gain significant containment on the La Bonte Fire. Fire acreage remains at 3,482 acres, with 40% containment. 

The La Bonte Fire was first reported on Thursday, September 12, burning in steep, rugged terrain approximately 6 miles west of Esterbrook, WY, and 20 miles south of Douglas, WY, on Bureau of Land Management and private lands. Cause of the fire is undetermined. 

Light, but wetting rains, cooler temperatures and cloudy conditions moderated fire behavior and growth yesterday on the La Bonte Fire. Cooler weather and strong winds of 60-70 mph are expected Wednesday and will likely continue into the afternoon. Tonight, winds are predicted to turn westerly with gusts of 25-30 mph. 

Firefighting resources include 2 fire modules, 6 hand crews, 8 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers and 1 water tender assigned to the fire, with approximately 200 personnel. 

Fire crews will continue suppression efforts on the La Bonte Fire and hold and improve the progress made so far. Ground crews plan to mop up and patrol contained perimeter of the fire. The goal of mop up is to reduce the likelihood of the fire spreading into unburned areas. Crews will also continue construction of direct line on the western flank of the fire and air resources will be utilized to support firefighting efforts. Fire managers and crews use all available strategies and tools to suppress wildfires, and public and firefighter safety are the top priorities. 

Visit the La Bonte Fire InciWeb page for more information at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyhpd-la-bonte-fire.

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