Incident Publication

Check out todays edition of KXGB Radio Interview for Middle Fork Complex Fire September 10, 2024

Huckleberry Ridge Fire

Daily Update
September 10, 2024
Reported: September 4th at 3:45 p.m. | Size: 293 | Cause: Under investigation
Total Personnel: 338| Engines/Tenders:30 | Hand Crews: 12

The Huckleberry Ridge Fire continues to burn eight miles from the nearest structure and eleven miles from the nearest community. No Infrastructure are at risk at this time.

Update: Crews have been successful in preventing additional fire growth over the last two days.  There is still considerable work to be done to finish securing the fire edge with containment lines due to the very steep terrain and heavy logging slash and timber fuel types.  However, more line is completed each day utilizing one type 1 hotshot crew, multiple type 2 initial attack crews, heavy equipment, and other critical resources. Containment is shown at 8% today and will slowly be increasing as the days go on while mop-up is done along containment lines.  A helicopter sling load mission is being done to fly in pumps, fuel, hose, sprinklers and other supplies to an area surrounding the spot fire located north of the main fire to aid in containment efforts. 

Safety: Hunting Season continues so please be aware there are both firefighters and hunters in the woods right now. Use cation and stay vigilant. For anyone hunting , please stay out of the fire area and aware there is substantial firefighting activity in the area with a lot of vehicle traffic.

Evacuations/Closures: There are no anticipated evacuations or road closures in the future for this fire, but we continue to ask that the community stay out of the area of the fire, be alert, and stay aware of the danger that exists in your area.

Weather: Tuesday will be mild and dry with increasing clouds and minimum relative humidity values between 45-50% Tuesday afternoon. Rain arrives with a cold front after 1800, becoming steady soaking rain Tuesday night. Steady rain will transition to on-off rain showers behind the cold front. The probability for rain amounts in excess of 0.25 inches is at 90%. Forecast rain amounts are high enough to put a significant damper on fire activity. Winds should stay under 10mph through Wednesday, aside from a brief wind gust up to 15mph possible Wednesday morning when winds will be blowing from south to north. 

Air Space Restrictions: We continue to have a Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) is in place over the fire. If you fly, We can’t.

Operational flight over the Chimney Fire from September 9, 2024.

For Volunteer and Donations, please visit https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/get_involved/index.php

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Boise National Forest and Payette National Forest described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area")

Closure Order Number: # 0402-06-63
 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Boise National Forest, Emmett Ranger District and Cascade
Ranger District
Payette National Forest, Council Ranger District
Lava Fire and Boulder Fire 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 are
prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Boise National
Forest and Payette National Forest described below and shown on the attached map
incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):
1. Going into or being upon 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 all NFS Lands within the following boundaries:
1. Beginning at the intersection of NFS Road #601 and the Forest Boundary
intersection in Section 20, Township 11 North, Range 2 East.
2. Following NFS Road #601 east to the junction with NFS Road #644 in Section 17,
Order Number: # 0402-06-63
Township 11 North, Range 3 East.
3. Following NFS Road #644 but excluding NFS Road #644 northeast to the junction
with the Boise Forest Boundary in Section 9, Township 11 North, Range 3 East.
4. Following the Boise Forest Boundary north to the intersection with Forest Road
#186 in Section 12, Township 16 North, Range 2 East.
5. Following Forest Road #186 west to junction with the Payette National Forest
Boundary in Section 2, Township 16 North, Range 2 East.
6. Following Forest Road #186 southwest to the junction of NFS Road #186 and NFS
Trail #210 in Section 16, Township 16 North, Range 2 East.
7. Following NFS Trail #210 south to the junction with NFS Trail #332 in Section 13,
Township 16 North, Range 1 East.
8. Following NFS Trail #332 south to the junction with Forest Road #186 in Section
9, Township 15 North, Range 1 East.
9. Following Forest Road #186 West to the Payette Forest Boundary in Section 9,
Township 15 North, Range 1 East.
10. Following the Payette National Forest Boundary south to the intersection with
Boise National Forest Boundary in Section 35, Township 13 North, Range 1 East.
11. Following the Boise Forest Boundary south to the intersection with NFS Road

#601, the beginning point.

The Described Roads are all NFS Roads within and bordering the Described Area: NFS
Roads #186, #422, #422A, #422B, #422M, #422N, #422R, #422R1, #435, #435R, #446,
#50206, #50210, #50211, #50214, #50218, #50245, #50317, #50718, #50835, #601,
#607, #609, #609A, #609A1, #614, #614A, #614A1, #614B, #614C, #614C1, #614D,
#614E, #614E1, #614E2, #614F, #614G, #618, #625, #626, #644, #653, and #685.
The Described Trails are all NFS Trails within the Described Area: NFS Trail #133, #198,
#198B, #201, #203, #209, #210, #331, #332, #515, #518, #396, #560, and #1763.
The following NFS Roads bordering the Described Area are open: Forest Roads #422
and #644.
 

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during the Lava and Boulder Fires.
Order Number: # 0402-06-63
IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from September 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM through
December 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area, Roads, and Trails is attached and made
part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go
to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/Boise/alerts-notices.
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.
5. Contact the Emmett Ranger District in Emmett, ID at (208) 365-7000, Cascade
Ranger District in Cascade, ID at (208) 382-7400, and Boise National Forest
Supervisor’s Office in Boise, ID at (208) 373-4100, or the Council Ranger District
in Council, ID at (208) 253-0100, and Payette National Forest Supervisor’s Office
in McCall, ID at (208) 634-0700 for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes Orders #0402-06-62, #0402-04-98 and any previous
Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in or on the same Described Area,
Road, or Trail.
Signed and issued on ____________.
_______________________
Brant Petersen
Forest Supervisor, Boise National Forest
_______________________
Kevin Knesek
Deputy Forest Supervisor, Payette National Forest

(Silver Lake, Ore.) – The Buck Creek Fire is burning in heavy timber on the Fremont-Winema National Forest about 12 miles southwest of Silver Lake in a semi-primitive area of the Forest with limited road access.  The Bowman Well Fire is burning in sage brush, grass and juniper on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management about 3 miles northwest of Christmas Valley, Ore. Local resources aggressively worked day and night to suppress the fires while a national incident management team mobilized. More accurate estimates of the fires’ acreage are the result of better data from overnight infrared flights. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority on the incidents. 

Members of Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10, under the leadership of Incident Commander Steve North, received a detailed briefing from local incident managers and assumed command of the Buck Creek and Bowman Well Fires at 6 a.m. today. Fire managers are continuing with current suppression plans while assessing both incidents. Additional resources continue to arrive. 

Buck Creek: Shortly after the fire was reported, crews were deployed by helicopter to the more inaccessible portions of the fire and have been able to build control line directly along the fire’s southern edge. However, recent warm and dry weather has led to more active fire behavior and an increase in acres burned. Firefighters to the north of the fire are working closely with heavy equipment operators to improve existing roadbeds for access as well as for control lines. Poor visibility due to smoke limited the use of aviation resources to helicopter bucket drops until yesterday when improved conditions allowed for the use of air tankers. 

Bowman Well: Due to the efforts of local resources, containment on the Bowman Well Fire is steadily increasing and the fire is nearly surrounded by control lines. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation level around the incident. Some areas remain within Level 2 “Be Set” to evacuate and Level 1 “Be Ready” for potential evacuation. For more information, see the attached map or visit the Lake County website at www.lakecountyor.org. Firefighters will continue to reinforce control lines around the fire’s perimeter and patrol the area overnight.

Weather: Increasing cloud cover is forecast throughout the day as a system moves into the area which is expected to bring the chance for widespread rainfall and thunderstorms tomorrow. 

Safety: For everyone’s safety, fire managers ask the public to drive attentively and to remain clear of the fire areas. The public also plays an important role in preventing the next wildfire by using caution with all ignition sources. For prevention tips visit https://keeporegongreen.org. Current fire danger is extreme and restrictions are in place within the Fremont-Winema National Forest. More information can be found at:  

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fremont-winema/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1188568 

Smoke:  Smoke from multiple fires around the region is affecting the area. For more information on smoke conditions and strategies on limiting exposure, go to: www.oregonsmoke.org or www.AirNow.gov. 

Due to the potential for inclement weather Wednesday evening, the Middle Fork Complex Community Meeting for Friday, September 11, 2024 has been rescheduled for Friday September 13, 2024

Click the link to watch a video of sawyers David Coffey and Todd Janowiak explain and show the process of mitigating roadside hazard trees.

Willamette Complex North Update

Boulder Creek, Ore, Linton Creek, Pyramid, 374, and Roundtop fires
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024

New Willamette Complex North Facebook Page

Email: 2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov Information line: 541-208-1262 Hours: 8 am to 8 pm
 

Overview: Firefighters continue to focus on the new Boulder Creek Fire. Because of successful containment efforts on the Pyramid Fire, crews there have transitioned to other fires in the complex. A road closure continues for a section of OR 242, and a portion of OR 126 is now fully closed. Aircraft will continue to be visible as water is dropped over the fires to support ground crews. Life, property, and resources are top priority in fire suppression efforts. 

Weather: Increasing clouds and temperatures in the mid-70s today with northwest winds picking up. Boulder Creek could have wind gusts up to 15 miles per hour. Rain is expected by early Wednesday. The rain is not expected to significantly decrease fire activity because the fire is burning in heavy timber.

Boulder Creek: 307 acres, 0% contained
The fire is located 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. The fire was active overnight as the fire crossed the 765 Road with fire spotting. Existing shaded fuel breaks will help firefighting efforts. Dozer lines are holding the northwest side. The following area is under a Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation notice: North of Highway 126 East from the east end of Drury Lane to Old Clear Lake Cutoff Loop. Updates: https://www.lanecountyor.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3585881&pageId=20392052 

Ore: 3461 acres, 43.5% contained
Located 7 miles northeast of Blue River, firefighters continue work near the 1509 Road to secure and clean up below the Ore Creek drainage. Material from fuels reduction will be hauled away to improve and secure fire lines. Tactical firing operations have been successful and still in progress.

Linton Creek: 1131 acres, 0% contained

Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness northeast of Eileen Lake. Firefighters have scouted access points and are gathering intelligence on using existing trail systems to contain the fire. Falling trees are a safety issue for crews. 

Pyramid Fire: 1,312 Acres, 98% contained

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness, the Pyramid Fire is holding steady, with plans to continue chipping operations to reinforce containment lines. Much of that material will be hauled away. 

374: 47 acres, 0% contained

This fire is also in the Three Sisters Wilderness northwest of Packsaddle Mountain. Both direct and indirect strategies are being initiated due to increased fire activity.

Roundtop: Near the 374 Fire and Little Roundtop Mountain. It is a quarter acre and 98% contained.

Road Closures: Due to increasing activity on the Boulder Fire, OR 126 is closed between mileposts 13 and 19.5 (intersection with OR 242). OR 242 remains closed to all traffic indefinitely between the intersection with OR 126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (mileposts 55 to 75), in the area of the Linton Creek Fire. Use an alternate route; do not divert onto forest roads to avoid closures. Check for updates at: https://tripcheck.com/ 

Willamette National Forest Area Closures: Due to increased fire activity in the McKenzie River Ranger District over the last several days the Linton Creek closure area will be expanded to include Boulder Creek, 374, Roundtop, as well as other fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District including Young Grasshopper and Lowell Creek fires. Look for updates at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029.