Incident Publication

Start Date: October 28, 2024
Cause: Unknown
Size: 323 acres
Location: 4 miles west of Alto, 9 miles northwest of Ruidoso, located in the Blue 2 wildfire footprint in the White Mountain Wilderness.
Resources: Smokey Bear Hotshot module, 2 Type 1 Hand Crews, 1 helicopter, 3 engines
Personnel: 79 
Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Grass, shrubs, dead/down fuel
Containment: 50%
Strategy: Full Suppression with direct and indirect tactics    Road Closures: None
Smoke: Light smoke may be visible from the surrounding areas. 

Update: Firefighters continue to clear South Fork and Blue Front trails for improved access. A good portion of the work has been completed in the South Fork area. Crews will secure the fire perimeter and interior heat with the goal of preventing any further growth.
The majority of fire activity consists of scattered heat sources within the fire perimeter that will continue to the extinguished by firefighters. 

Weather: Weather conditions continue to be monitored. Gusty, erratic winds are expected as a disturbance approaches from the southwest.

Evacuations: None currently. Bonito Corridor remains in “Ready” status
 

SHOE FIRE 

DAILY UPDATE 

November 2, 2024 

Email: 2024.shoe@firenet.gov 

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cashf-shoe-fire 

Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf 

Fire Weather Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/wrh/CAFW?area=ECC005 

Fire Information Line: 530-338-0317 (Staffed 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)

Quick Facts:

Location: Shasta County, CA │ Start Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:57 PM │ Cause: Human 

Size: 5,124 │ Containment: 95%│ Vegetation: Timber, Chapparal │ Total Personnel Assigned: 344 

Numerous areas around the fire perimeter remain saturated and muddy from rainfall yesterday; approximately an inch and a half of rain fell over the past 24 hours. Firefighters were successful in reaching some work sites yesterday but avoided travelling on roads that were too muddy to safely traverse. Work continued yesterday morning in areas that were accessible, but afternoon efforts were hampered due to heavy rain showers. An excavator was relocated to the north side of the fire to clean up and repair mechanically constructed containment lines. Fire suppression repair work along Garden Ridge was completed yesterday and chipping operations continue nearby. Excess fire resources, especially hand crews and engines, continue to be released from the fire as their tasks are completed. At this stage of suppression repairs, most of the remaining work requires the use of specialized heavy equipment. Suppression repair along Curl Ridge is ongoing and mastication work continues on the northwestern fire perimeter. Two road graders will be working along Fenders Ferry Road east of McCloud Bridge today. Heavy fuels far into the interior of the fire will continue to smolder, especially as weather warms and fuels dry over the next few days. However, there is no threat of the fire escaping from established containment lines. 

WEATHER: The low-pressure system that brough rain to the region will slowly move out this afternoon and be replaced by a strengthening ridge of high pressure. Widespread showers will linger through a majority of the day today, then weaken and end tonight. Afternoon temperatures will warm up 5-10 degrees from Friday with highs mainly in the low to mid 50s. Winds will be variable but light. High pressure will strengthen on Sunday and will shift the winds to north-northeast. This will continue the warming trend with high temperatures up another 3-5 degrees with highs in the upper 50s accompanied by a drying trend. Winds will be northwest in the morning and will shift to the northeast by Sunday afternoon.

CLOSURES AND SAFETY: 

• Fenders Ferry Road at Pit River 7 Bridge: West-Bound Fenders Ferry Road (Also known as 34N17 - Forest Service Road 27) at the Pit River Bridge/Pit 7 
• Ferry Road is closed at McCloud Bridge: East-Bound Fenders Ferry Road at the McCloud River Bridge 
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2632.html. Drones are prohibited from flying in fire areas. 
• A temporary Forest closure is in effect https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/stnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5392380

Rush Fire

Fire Information - 580-257-7839        2024.Rush@FireNet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/okwmr-rush-fire 
Facebook: @WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge

Saturday November 2, 2024

This will be the last Daily Update for the Rush Fire. For additional information on the Rush Fire, email wmr_visitorservices@fws.gov or call 580-215-1858.

Overview: The Rush Fire is primarily on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The Rush Fire is currently 12,488 acres and 87% contained.  

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters used maps from an overnight infrared flight to pinpoint heat close to the fire perimeter to ensure complete mop up of all hot spots. Along the northeastern fire perimeter, firefighters cleared vegetation and trees from around the refuge perimeter fence in anticipation of fence repairs. Engines and firefighters were released at the end of the shift due to the forecast weather over the weekend. 

As of this morning, the Southern Area Red Team has transferred command of the Rush Fire back to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The refuge will continue monitoring the fire and suppression repair after the storms pass and conditions allow. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Heavy rain and severe weather is forecast across the central and southern Plains this weekend. Large hail and strong winds will be the primary threats. A Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms has been issued. Consecutive days of heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding across the area on Sunday. A Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall has been issued.

Air Quality: Communities around the Rush Fire will experience Good Air Quality today. Current Smoke Outlook

Closures and Restrictions: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is currently closed due to smoke impacts from the Rush Fire and to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public. This closure is for all public use areas, including Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, Dog Run Hollow Trail System, Boulder Cabin and Picnic Areas, Lost Lake, Doris Campground, the Environmental Education Center, the Visitor Center, Holy City, the Parallel Forest, and Mount Scott.  

All entrance points to the refuge are closed. There are road closures on Highway 115 at the Cache and Meers Gates, on Highway 49 at the West Gate located Northwest of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area and at the Medicine Park Refuge entrance. Indiahoma Road is also closed South of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. Entering a closed National Wildlife Refuge is a violation of federal law and is cause for fine or arrest.

Comanche County has a countywide burn ban in effect.

Rush Fire Smoke OUtlook for 11/2-3/2024

FIRE The Rush Fire fire is currently estimated at 12488 acres and is 87% contained. Fire activity for the Rush Fire fire is expected to remain low. 

SMOKE GOOD air quality to continue in the fire area on the refuge. Rain today with southwest winds. No smoke in the area for the weekend. Thunderstorms and rain to continue in the forecast area. 

HEALTH STATEMENT Smoke can be harmful to your health. Check with your doctor if there are any health concerns and monitor your local air quality conditions using the Fire and Smoke Map.

November 1:
4:30 p.m. Crews have stopped ignitions on the Front Country Prescribed Fire for today after successfully completing approximately 50 acres of the Headquarters Unit. Crews will be in the field into the evening to ensure that areas completed today remain within the unit boundaries. Firefighters will also be staffing overnight to monitor the fire area. 

Smoke may continue to rise from the units burned today and flames may be visible as fuels inside the units consume. With cooler temperatures in the evening, smoke may linger and accumulate in low-lying areas. Firefighters are planning to continue with the prescribed fire tomorrow, if conditions allow. Stay tuned to Rocky's social media and Inciweb tomorrow for additional updates in the morning.  

3:00 p.m. Fire crews are beginning working on a smaller section of the Headquarters Unit southwest of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Firefighters will continue patrolling the areas that have been completed already today to mop up and ensure that fire remains within the unit boundaries.

12:36 p.m. Ignitions are continuing and fire behavior is ideal for completing project objectives. Smoke has been light to moderate in the Beaver Meadows area during ignitions.

11:20 a.m. Test fire was successful and crews will be continuing ignitions just west and south of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and progressing west south of Highway 36 within the park.

11:03 a.m. Firefighter have started the test fire to verify conditions and ensure fire is achieving objectives.

10:00 a.m. Crews have been briefed and will be ready for the test fire at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Start Date: October 28, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 323 acres

Location: 4 miles west of Alto, 9 miles northwest of Ruidoso, located in the Blue 2 wildfire footprint in the White Mountain Wilderness.

Resources: Smokey Bear Hotshot module, 2 Type 1 Hand Crews, 2 helicopters, 3 engines

Personnel:  79 

Types of vegetation in the area (aka fuels): Grass, shrubs, dead/down fuels

Containment: 0%

Strategy: Full Suppression with direct and indirect tactics   Road Closures: None

Smoke: Light

Update: With the winds moderating, no new growth was detected. Fire activity is comprised of scattered heat and is most intense where the fire perimeter intersects the South Fork Trail in the drainage bottom.

Yesterday resources cleared 3.8 miles of the South Fork Trail to be used as an egress to the fire’s edge. The fire perimeter was checked for hot spots and “cold trailed” a method where firefighters feel for heat. Helicopters were utilized by ground resources to extinguish heat in the interior and along the perimeter. According to the IC, “It was a very productive day.”

Today’s plan is to secure the southern edge of the fire perimeter utilizing natural features and existing trail systems with the intent to prevent any further growth on either side of the South Fork Trail. 

Weather: Very dry conditions continue with seasonal temperatures. Higher humidity is expected to start on Friday. 

Evacuations: None currently. The Bonito corridor remains in “Ready” status. 

More Information:

Blue Front Fire Information: 575 323-8990                                                                                          Blue Front Fire E-mail:  2024.BlueFront@Firenet.gov 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568076357114

NM Fire Info: www.NMFireInfo.com

InciWeb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmlnf-blue-front-fire

SHOE FIRE 

DAILY UPDATE 

November 1, 2024 

Email: 2024.shoe@firenet.gov 

Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cashf-shoe-fire 

Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf 

Fire Weather Forecast: https://www.weather.gov/wrh/CAFW?area=ECC005 

Fire Information Line: 530-338-0317 (Staffed 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)

Quick Facts:

Location: Shasta County, CA │ Start Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:57 PM │ Cause: Human 

Size: 5,124 │ Containment: 90%│ Vegetation: Timber, Chapparal │ Total Personnel Assigned: 353 

Yesterday, crews were able to access work areas, although intermittent heavy showers slowed repair work at times. Firefighters patrolled and monitored along the west and north sides of the fire, where repairs are complete. Firefighters continue to make progress working along Curl Ridge up to Curl Point. A dozer worked on improving drainage features along indirect control line on the eastern side of the fire perimeter, and repair work along Garden Ridge is nearing completion. An excavator continued to construct water bars to improve drainage along Wheeler Nursery Road. Fire crews hiked in to install water bars in areas too steep for equipment to operate. Firefighters completed mastication work along the East Fork of Sulanharas Creek. Along the southern fire perimeter, heavy equipment was challenged by the wet conditions the majority of the day which prevented access to worksites. A grader attempted to continue operations on Fenders Ferry Road but was also hampered by the extremely wet conditions. That grader will move to the west side of Fenders Ferry Road today to work on road repairs. Fire managers continue to meet with personnel from the local forest to plan the transition for incident management back to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, which is scheduled to take place on November 5. Incident-related equipment and infrastructure located in a remote fire camp at Hirz Bay Campground is being removed and crews and heavy equipment are being released from the incident as they complete their tasks.

WEATHER: Cool and unsettled weather will continue into Saturday as the upper-level low lingers over the region. Showers will decrease in intensity early this morning, but will pick up in intensity with moderate to heavy precipitation late in the day and into Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon the low will push east of the area and high pressure will move into the region. The flow will turn northerly, for the beginning of a drying and warming trend with temperatures into the 50s.

CLOSURES AND SAFETY: 

• Fenders Ferry Road at Pit River 7 Bridge: West-Bound Fenders Ferry Road (Also known as 34N17 - Forest Service Road 27) at the Pit River Bridge/Pit 7 
• Ferry Road is closed at McCloud Bridge: East-Bound Fenders Ferry Road at the McCloud River Bridge 
• A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire area https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2632.html. Drones are prohibited from flying in fire areas. 
• A temporary Forest closure is in effect https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/stnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5392380

Elk Fire Update, November 01, 2024

Special Notes:  This will be the Final Daily Update for the Elk Fire. The incident management team will continue to share future announcements related to the fire on the Bighorn National Forest Facebook Page and on the Elk Fire’s Inciweb page, at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybhf-elk-fire-2024\

Red Grade Road from the eastern Forest boundary up to its intersection with Big Goose Road 296 will reopen Saturday, November 2 at 7am. Red Grade Road west of Big Goose Road will remain closed for the near future while heavy equipment operators continue working to create indirect fireline. For more details on the reduced Forest Closure Order, go to the Bighorn National Forest website at  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bighorn/alerts-notices.

Current Situation: Logging trucks in the new Deck Haul Group will begin transporting log decks along Dayton Gulch Road 15 to a staging area south of Fool Creek Basin today. This operation will continue for several days Motorists should use extreme caution on the 15 road, or avoid using it, if possible. The trees were cleared earlier in the fire as part to create fire control line. The log decks are spread out over several miles on the 15 road, from its intersection with Forest Service Road 167 road on the east to the junction with Forest Service Road 144 road on the west.  The logs are being moved to a staging area south of Fool Creek Basin. The Forest plans to put the logs up for sale at a later date. 

The Equipment Group continues to work westward on Red Grade Road, using feller bunchers, processors, skidders and other logging equipment to create fire control lines to protect the Sheridan Municipal watershed and nearby structures. This fuel break along Red Grade Road is being established to stop future fire spread, whether it is this year or in decades to come.

The Repair Group has been completing suppression repair projects on properties along the face of the Bighorns, where conditions allow. Some of the dozer lines they plan to repair are still covered in snow, so firefighters have been taking advantage of other opportunities.  Yesterday, they completed repairs on a number of fences that had been cut to allow implementation of dozer line.  Today, the Repair Group plans to be working along the eastern edge of the fire on similar projects.

Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior:  Mostly sunny Friday with high temperatures Friday will be in the mid-30’s over much of the fire area. Humidity levels stay above 40 percent and winds will be out of the southwest at 7-12 mph, with gusts to 15. Overnight low temperatures will drop into the mid-teens, with continued light southwest winds.

Closures and Advisories: The modified Bighorn National Forest Closure reduces the closure area to a smaller footprint. Forest Closure Order No. 02-02-06-24-08 and the related map can be viewed here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bighorn/alerts-notices. Wyoming State Game and Fish is also re-opening several locations, including Amsden Creek Wildlife Habitat Management Area and the Kerns Wildlife Habitat Management Area, which will be open to non-motorized use only. This link provides more information: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/news-events/wyoming-game-and-fish-department-reopens-most-properties-sheridan-county

Elk Fire Statistics: Size: 98,352 acres   |   Containment: 88%   |   Total Personnel: 165|   Location: West of Sheridan, WY

Reported: September 27, 2024   |   Cause: lightning

Rush Fire

Fire Information - 580-257-7839        2024.Rush@FireNet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/okwmr-rush-fire 
Facebook: @WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge

Friday November 1, 2024

Overview: The Rush Fire is primarily on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and lands administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Forestry Services. The Rush Fire is currently 12,488 acres and 76% contained. There are currently 24 engines, 2 dozers, 2 helicopters, 3 water tenders and 215 people assigned to the fire. 

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters used maps from an overnight infrared flight to pinpoint heat close to the fire perimeter to ensure complete mop up of all hot spots. Comanche county conducted roadwork along the western portion of Chosen Road. The utility company repaired utility poles along Hwy 115 that were damaged by the fire. Smoke was reported late in the afternoon yesterday and firefighters found the location was south of Black Bear Springs well interior of the containment line. Engines and firefighters continued to patrol and monitor all areas of the fire perimeter along Hwy 115 and Hwy 49 along the eastern and southern fire perimeter.

Today, all divisions will be using the latest infrared imagery to locate isolated heat sources along all control lines to meet mop up objectives. With the drier conditions today, there may still be pockets of vegetation burning, well interior from the fire perimeter. Along the northeastern fire perimeter, firefighters will be assisting the refuge with scouting and clearing the refuge perimeter fence in anticipation of fence repairs. Engines and helicopters are being released throughout the day due to the increased containment and the forecast weather. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: This morning starts off chilly with lows in the 40s under clear skies with light winds. Winds will return to a southerly direction by this afternoon with increasing clouds and temperatures warming into the 70s. By Saturday morning, showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage across the area. Heavy rainfall will be possible with 1-2 inches likely by Saturday night.

Air Quality: Communities around the Rush Fire will experience Good Air Quality today. Current Smoke Outlook

Evacuations: There are no evacuations in place for the Rush Fire. Residents close to the fire area should stay alert and informed on the current fire situation. Changes to evacuations will be made in consultation between fire managers and the Comanche County Emergency Management. Residents can sign up for the Comanche County Emergency Notifications and Alerts through their website at https://www.comanchecounty.us/emergency-notifications-systems

Closures and Restrictions: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is currently closed due to smoke impacts from the Rush Fire and to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public. This closure is for all public use areas, including Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, Dog Run Hollow Trail System, Boulder Cabin and Picnic Areas, Lost Lake, Doris Campground, the Environmental Education Center, the Visitor Center, Holy City, the Parallel Forest, and Mount Scott.  

All entrance points to the refuge are closed. There are road closures on Highway 115 at the Cache and Meers Gates, on Highway 49 at the West Gate located Northwest of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area and at the Medicine Park Refuge entrance. Indiahoma Road is also closed South of Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. Entering a closed National Wildlife Refuge is a violation of federal law and is cause for fine or arrest.

Comanche County has a countywide burn ban in effect.

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. The use of personal drones is always prohibited on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. If you fly, we cannot fly.

Fire Quick Facts

Size: 167 acres         Containment: 100%

Location: Pine City, MN                  

Cause: Under investigation

Start Date: 10/17/2024 

Final Update

Current Status: The Evergreen Forest Fire has reached 100 % containment. In additional to the incredible work firefighter accomplished to bring the Evergreen Forest Fire to full containment, beneficial rain and snow fell over the burn area on October 31. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Closures: The emergency closure order has been lifted and all of the Chengwatana State Forest is now open as of 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 - including the Chengwatana State Forest Road and all trails. Due to the fire suppression activities, access roads may be in rough conditions. The Minnesota DNR will be working to improve road conditions over the next couple of weeks. 

Thank you to everyone for respecting the closure. We appreciate your cooperation. 

Thank you to local community businesses, resources, and contractors that responded and supported firefighters, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Pine County Sheriff’s Department, Pine County Emergency Management, Pine City Fire Department, and Chengwatana Township.

This is the final update that will be issued for the Evergreen Forest Fire.