Incident Publication

Special Statement

AIR QUALITY ADVISORIES in effect. See Idaho DEQ for current status. 

Fire

The Wapiti Fire is at 122,233 acres, the Middle Fork Complex is at 60,807 acres, and the Chimney Fire is 6,146 acres. A number of additional wildfires are impacting air quality in the area. With a chance for extremely high winds ahead of an approaching cold front, firefighters are reinforcing lines and taking no chances. Rain is expected this afternoon and tomorrow, but until then fuels remain extremely dry. See inciweb.wildfire.gov for updates on specific incidents. 

Smoke

A cold front and the accompanying storm system should bring much improved air quality by late in the day Wednesday. GOOD conditions should last for several days following. Still, smoke may briefly reach UNHEALTHY levels in the mountains today. Expect one last repeat of the inversion pattern we have seen in Garden Valley, Lowman, and Stanley: smoke building up over the morning hours and clearing out in early afternoon. Rain is likely Thursday for all areas, with GOOD conditions except in the immediate vicinity of fires. View interactive smoke outlook

Fish Creek Fire Update Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Schuster
Location: 7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass
Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: 24,904
Percent complete: 69%
Resources: 504 Total Personnel: 11 Hand Crews; 24 Engines; 17 Heavy Equipment; 3 Helicopters

KEY MESSAGES:
Air quality has improved with the incoming cold front. Smoke will continue to impact the Highway 26/287 corridor and the immediate area around the fire, including nearby communities and residents. Roadway visibility could be impacted by the smoke from the fire, so please use caution when driving Highway 26/287.

Fremont County has decreased the “GO – Level 3” Evacuation Order to the “SET – Level 2” Notice for the Brooks Lake, Pinnacle, and Breccia areas. Residents are advised to monitor the situation, as there is still the possibility evacuations may once again be ordered if conditions worsen. The Forest Closures are still in place; residents are encouraged to contact the US Forest Service to plan access to their property through the Forest closures.

CURRENT STATUS:
Fire personnel are monitoring fire behavior for any potential threats to Highway 26 and other critical values. They continue to execute mechanical and hand clean-up work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground. The moderating weather and fire behavior will allow resources to begin shaded fuel-break work on the 2-mile stretch of the Upper Flagstaff Road. This work will include clearing the understory vegetation and smaller trees for 100’ on each side of the road. Firewise work has begun around the Togwotee Lodge to ensure better fire protection from the Fish Creek Fire or future wildfires.

Structure protection work was conducted for the Wyoming Fish and Game cabin and outbuildings in the southern portion of the fire, leaving the buildings wrapped in fire resistant material. The Cottonwood Creek area continues to generate the largest fire growth and greatest fire behavior. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Scattered showers and thunderstorms moved into the area this afternoon. Outflow winds from the thunderstorms were gusty and erratic. The peak day for rainfall, with rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inch expected, is Thursday. A cold front will make its way through the area, dropping temperatures for Thursday and Friday, with freezing temperatures possible both Thursday and Friday nights. The moderating weather conditions will reduce active fire behavior.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Unhealthy air quality is possible in locations, especially in low-lying drainages and along the Highway 26/287 corridor. For up-to-date air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and ways to mitigate poor air quality, check out the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:
The joint Closure Order issued by both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for the fire area, remains in effect. Please do not enter the closure area or use any Forest Roads that are closed. For specific details regarding this closure, please reference the Fish Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) and the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/btnf/alerts-notices.

Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive have decreased to Level 2 “Set” Notice (indicated by yellow blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 2 “Set” Notice means residents should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. If the Level 2 Set notice changes back to a Level 3 “Go” notice, residents must evacuate until advised otherwise by Fremont County. See the alert notice on the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page.

The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go system for evacuation messaging, visit their website for additional details at https://www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO. (Indicated by green blocks on the PIO Incident Map.) They advise all residents to be in a “Ready” status by preparing for evacuations and becoming fire adapted.

US HWY 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic, but motorists may still experience smoke and sometimes limited visibility. A 45-mph speed restriction remains in effect for the fire area. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for fire personnel and fire vehicles and use caution when travelling through the area. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials for the safety of motorists and firefighters. Drivers are encouraged to visit https://www.wyoroad.info/ prior to traveling on US HWY 26/287 for road status and information, or download the Wyoming 511 app at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/WY511Mobile.html to monitor for any changes due to fire activity.

There have been three (3) new fires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest since the last update on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. To date, there have been 50 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. 39 of the fires have been declared out.

Duck (September 3): is located approximately five (5) miles southwest of Yellowjacket Guard Station. The 0.10 acre fire is out.

Shell (September 3): is located approximately 28 miles northwest of Challis on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The fire remains at 0.10 acre and is burning in fir.

Wheat (September 3): is located approximately 32 miles west of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District. The 0.10 acre fire is out.

Moyer (September 3) is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Salmon on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. The 0.10 acre fire is out.

Kinnikinic (September 3): is located approximately 13 miles southwest of Challis on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District. The 0.10 acre fire is out.

Vanity (September 3): is located approximately 42 miles west of Challis on the Middle Fork Ranger District. The 500 acre fire is burning in subalpine fir and is surrounded by the 2012 Halstead Fire. Fire managers are using a point protection strategy (a wildfire response strategy, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire) to minimize exposure to fire personnel while protecting identified values. Specific values potentially threatened with this fire include Forest Service infrastructure. 25 firefighters are assigned to the fire. The Beaver Creek Road #008 is closed for public safety due to the Vanity Fire. The closure can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1203351.pdf.

Silver (September 2): is located approximately 35 miles southwest of Salmon on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. The 0.25 acre fire which is 100% contained and controlled.

Phelan (September 2): is located west of the Ridge Road #020 approximately nine (9) miles west of Salmon on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. The fire is estimated at three (3) acres burning in lodgepole pine and is out.

Red Rock (September 2): is located approximately two (2) miles east of Yellowjacket Guard Station on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. A Type III Incident Management Team is managing the fire and information is being reported separately. The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idscf-red-rock-fire.

Reynolds (August 22): is located approximately 21 miles northwest of Indianola, approximately 5.5 miles northwest of Horse Creek Hot Springs Campground on the Idaho/Montana border. Fire is estimated to be approximately 2,030 acres burning in spruce and fir. The Bitterroot National Forest is lead on this fire.

Birch (August 17): is located on the west side of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on Norton Ridge on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The 202 acre fire is burning in subalpine fir. The fire is surrounded by the 2022 Norton Fire and fire scars from the fires of 2000.

Greyhound (August 11): is located approximately 46 miles northwest of Challis on the Middle Fork Ranger District. The 45 acre fire is burning in subalpine fir and lodgepole pine. The fire is backing down until Sulphur Creek at the edge 2021 Boundary Creek Fire. Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority for the Greyhound Fire. During initial size up for the fire, several safety concerns were identified including: the remote location of the fire, steep and inaccessible terrain, heavy dead and down fuels with a substantial snag component, private property and associated mining infrastructure, and lack of safe ingress and egress for firefighters. Fire managers will be monitoring the fire with reconnaissance flights and lookouts. NFS Road #011 is a one way in, one way out roadway and is is closed for public safety, closure can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1201939.pdf.

Black Eagle (August 5): is located approximately 12 miles west of Forney on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The fire is burning in lodgepole and subalpine fir. A Type III Incident Management Team is managing the fire and information is being reported separately. The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idscf-black-eagle-fire.

Wapiti (July 24): started on the Boise National Forest, burned onto the Sawtooth National, and around August 24th burned onto the Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Complex Incident Management Team is managing the fire. Information can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-wapiti-fire.

Deer (July 25): The lightning fire is located approximately 33 miles northwest of Challis, southeast of Pinyon Peak on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Loon Creek Guard Station is east of the fire. The fire, burning in grass and conifers is estimated at approximately 54 acres. The fire is burning on both side of Rabbit Creek, in the 2006 Trail Creek Fire. Fire managers are using a point protection strategy (a wildfire response strategy, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire) to minimize exposure to fire personnel while protecting identified values. The strategy takes into account exposure to firefighters, values at risk, and wilderness values. Specific values potentially threatened with this fire include private land and Forest Service infrastructure.

Thunder (July 24): The lightning fire is located approximately two (2) miles northwest of Williams Lake and approximately 12 miles southwest of Salmon. The fire is 100% contained and controlled, fire size is estimated to be 2,474 acres and is burning in timber, sagebrush, and grass.

Weather: A period of cooler weather is expected to hit the area Wednesday through Friday with isolated thunderstorms. These storms are not predicted to bring significant moisture to the area but will be accompanied by wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour.

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Ensure your campfire is dead out. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire. Since June 1, Forest employees have found and extinguished at least 13 abandoned campfires.

Nationally, there are 67 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 28 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf.

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Unified Command: CIIMT5, Los Angeles County Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriff, San Bernardino County Fire, CAL FIRE – San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit

Fire Size: 34,240 acres

Percent Contained: 0% 

Personnel: 471

Cause: Under investigation

Start Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 2:12 p.m.
 

CURRENT SITUATION: Today, the Bridge Fire exhibited extreme fire behavior and spread north and northeast, towards the communities of Wrightwood and Pinon Hills. New evacuation orders were issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department starting at approximately 4:57 p.m. for these communities. CAL FIRE – San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit entered into Unified Command this afternoon.

Structural protection and defense groups have been placed in the communities of Wrightwood and Mount Baldy, with more of these resources on order. Top priorities for suppression efforts remain on the north and east sides of the fire to protect communities and critical communication and power infrastructure. At this time, we cannot confirm damage to structures. Once it is safe for damage assessment teams to evaluate, information will be released.

 Evacuation Orders:

• Pinon Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 18 and Beekley Road west to Los Angeles County
• Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Hwy. 138/Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest
• Entire community of Wrightwood
• East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (café, mobile home park, campground) and River Community (near the resort) 
• Mt. Baldy Road, all residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort

 Evacuation Warnings: 

• San Antonio Heights and Upland from the foothills south to the I-210
• Pinon Hills from Wrightwood north to Hwy. 138 and Lebec Road west to Los Angeles County

 Evacuation Centers:

• San Bernardino County Fairgrounds: 14800 Seventh Street, Victorville, CA 92392
• Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center: 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336. Call (909) 854-5100 (can bring small animals in the company of owners).
• Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Avenue 
Pomona, CA 91768 (Enter Gate 3, corner of McKinley and White)
• Animals: 
  • Devore Animal Shelter (pets/livestock): 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407. Call (909) 386-9820, or after hours: (800) 472-5609.
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center (small animals): 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center (small animals): 5210 W. Avenue I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (large animals): 2551 W. Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536. Call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival.

           For more information on evacuation centers, visit:

• www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
• https://lacounty.gov/emergency/
• https://prepare.sbcounty.gov/line-fire

CLOSURES: 

• State Route 138 from Lone Pine to Beekley Road
• State Route 2 closed from Big Pine to SR-138
• San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River
• State Route 39
• East Fork Road
• Glendora Ridge Road
• Glendora Mountain Road
• Mt. Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection 

WEATHER: Excessive heat and Red Flag Warning until Wednesday afternoon due to hot, dry, and unstable conditions with gusty onshore winds. Winds will shift to the west and northwest on Wednesday, which may impact higher elevation areas. Temperatures will remain high, however humidity will improve and increase slightly. Large vertical plume growth and visible smoke columns will be expected again for this fire. For information on smoke impacts and an interactive map, visit fire.airnow.gov.

The Alexander Mountain post-fire BAER team has completed their burned area assessment report for the Roosevelt National Forest (attached below). The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment represents one part of the greater collaborative post-wildfire recovery efforts that occur with a coalition of local, state and federal agencies, scientists and natural resource managers after some fires. BAER teams focus solely on National Forest lands and values at risk in the immediate aftermath of an incident.

The Alexander Mountain Fire summary report found limited risks to human life and safety, infrastructure, natural and cultural resources on Forest Service lands within the burn area. The report found increased risk for flooding and debris flows following heavy rainstorms, primarily due to steep slopes throughout the burned area. This risk is pertinent not only for Forest Service lands but also for values downstream of the Roosevelt National Forest. The BAER team is therefore working closely with Larimer County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the agency leading the Larimer Recovery Collaborative, on their post-fire emergency response work. 

Everyone near and downstream from the burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scar. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events. Larimer County has a website with recovery resources for residents impacted by the Alexander Mountain Fire. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods and www.floodsmart.gov.

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland will continue to work and participate in interagency efforts address threats to public and private recovery needs following the fire. 

Devil’s Knob and Milepost 98 Fires Evening Update for Tuesday, September 10, 2024 

KEY MESSAGES: 

CIMT NW 13 will be holding a public meeting tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the South Umpqua Community Church; 27292 Tiller Trail Hwy, Days Creek, OR 97429. The community will be provided a briefing by the Incident Management Team and Agency Administrators from local units on the fire management strategy, objectives, and tactical operations. This meeting will be recorded and posted to Facebook for those unable to attend.  

All lanes on the Interstate-5 corridor near Milepost 98 Fire are open. 

The overall incident strategy is to minimize impacts to values at risk through direct line construction where possible and indirect actions when necessary. 

CURRENT STATUS:  

Devil’s Knob- Resources: 612 Crews: 17 Engines: 16 Water Tenders: 10 

The Devil’s Knob night group continued to strengthen lines and worked diligently on the spot from the night before. On the northeast flank near the 1610 road, crews continue to work on containment lines. Aviation worked buckets most of the shift keeping fire in check. On the southern edge, fire backed to the containment lines today giving crews a great opportunity to mop-up lines and deepen the lines to hold better for containment. On the northwest flank, crews were able to deepen control lines. For tomorrow, the goal is to continue to secure and hold containment lines, and mop-up where it is safe to minimize the impacts to the values at risk. Crews tonight will have additional challenges with the cold front coming in bringing stronger winds. This will make it harder for crews working due to the fire weakened trees. 

Milepost 98- Resources: 337 Crews: 13 Engines: 13 Water Tenders: 13 

Night shift on the MP 98 incident had another quiet evening with crews continuing to mop-up and patrol, strengthening the control lines for the day shift. On the southern edge, falling of overhead hazard trees is complete and crews continue to mop-up and deepen the control lines. Towards the I-5 corridor, hazard trees need to be removed to reduce threats to the highway. Crews were able to mop-up control lines to a depth of 50 feet.  Bucket work with the helicopters worked interior smokes to keep heat down and minimize threat to containment lines. On the northern edge, crews worked all day moping up and patrolling lines with no issues. Night shift will continue to work perimeters and strengthen lines in preparation for the incoming weather.  

Click the link to watch a video of Matt Krawczynski as he describes and shows the workings of and uses for their portable water purification plant.

THIS CLOSURE WAS TERMINATED ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Vanity Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐018. 

Description of #04-13-24-018: 

DESCRIBED ROADS

The closure shall include the following National Forest System Road:

•                NFSR # 40008 Beaver Creek Road from Vanity Summit to Josephus Lake

The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during the Vanity Fire.

This Order shall be in effect from September 5, 2024, at 18:00 (6:00 pm) through September 30, 2024, at 12:00 am unless rescinded.

The Vanity Fire was detected on September 3 and is located approximately 42 miles west of Challis on the Middle Fork Ranger District.  The fire is 113 acres burning in subalpine fir, surrounded by the 2012 Halstead Fire. Fire managers are using a point protection strategy (a wildfire response strategy, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire) to minimize exposure to fire personnel while protecting identified values. Specific values potentially threatened with this fire include Forest Service infrastructure.  27 firefighters are assigned to the fire. 

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf. 

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Incident Commander: Chris Hericks
Location: Southwest of Branham Lakes Campground
Start Date: 09/04/2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: estimated at 130 acres
Resources on Site: 3 Initial Attack Modules
Total Personnel: 14

The Pedro Mine Fire, located nine miles east of Sheridan in the Mill Creek area, is burning in steep, rocky terrain with little to no access for firefighters. The area contains a large concentration of standing dead trees (“snags”) that pose challenges to ensuring firefighter safety and in responding to potential medical emergencies, jeopardizing the well-being of firefighters and other responders.

Fire managers from the Forest, working in collaboration with local Madison County officials have identified and prioritized critical values at risk in the fire area. Firefighting efforts will focus available resources on the protection of structures on private inholdings, active mining claims, and Branham Lakes Campground. All these values are approximately .1-.6 miles from the fire.

There are several factors involved in making wildfire management decisions. These factors include, firefighter safety, resource availability and threats to public safety and property. As well as, terrain, fire behavior, fire season outlook and modeling, and past prescribed fire units and vegetation management projects in the area. Fire managers are strategic in their approach and continually reassess conditions and alter management strategies to protect critical values.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:
The spot fires that were north of the fire were active and grew together. Crews planned and completed a firing operation adjacent to Branham Lakes. This buffer will protect the infrastructure and vegetation in the campground. These actions also provide a place of refuge for recreationists and first responders for fires in the future. The cabin closest to the fire continued to have sprinklers operated around it all day. The barricade remains in place at the intersection of Mill Creek Road (FS RD 111) and the Middle Fork Mill Creek Road (FS RD 7313) to limit public access into the fire area and Branham Lakes Campground. An overnight mapping mission using infrared has been ordered again for tonight.

Tomorrow’s actions will continue with structure protection of the cabin closest to the fire and the campground by patrolling for spot fires and operating the sprinkler systems. Fire personnel will also assess and potentially finish, the burning around Branham Lakes Campground to bring it to the road system and secure it. The main fire will continue to be monitored for fire spread and threat to identified values.

These actions are designed to allow fire personnel to protect the identified values at risk while operating in areas that have much better access and egress to safety.

Agency representatives continue to compile contact information for affected landowners immediately adjacent to the fire area.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Today was another dry, warm, and windy day. This pattern will change starting tomorrow with slightly cooler temperatures, much higher relative humidity, and chance of rain by the evening. This system has approximately 0.5” of rain forecasted through Friday with snow levels dropping to 7,000’. If this forecast plays out it will be considered at least a season-moderating event and may be a fire-season ending event for the fire area.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:
The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

Click the link to watch a video of Tactical Camp Solutions owner explains his mobile ice-making plant that is being used on the Park Fire (first-of-its-kind wildfire use).