Incident Publication

Location: 8 miles east of Helmville, MT, 0.5 miles north of Nevada Lake

Start Date: 10/14/2024

Cause: Escaped Prescribed Burn   

Size: 208 acres

Containment: 0%

124 Total Personnel;        11 Engines;         2 Helicopters;     3 Hand Crews;   5 Heavy Equipment

CURRENT STATUS

The Nevada Lake Fire is currently 208 acres and actively burning in open grass and heavy timber on the Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Nevada Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and private land east of Helmville, Montana. The wildfire is the result of a FWP escaped prescribed burn ignited on Monday, October 14, north of Nevada Lake on the WMA. The burn was declared a wildfire at approximately 4 p.m. when attempts to control areas where the prescribed fire escaped containment lines were unsuccessful. The DNRC is managing the wildfire response. 

On Tuesday, October 15, an air attack platform, four Type 2 helicopters and seven Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) retardant drops were utilized to establish a safe aviation environment and help check the fire’s growth. Ground resources completed fire perimeter construction on private property with a combination of hand and equipment line. Hand and equipment line was also initiated on the fire perimeter on the FWP property.

Today, ground resources will focus on extending and securing control line around the perimeter of the fire as well as mopping up the fire’s interior while helicopters drop water on hot spots. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

There is a 40-60% chance of wetting rains on the fire today as a cold front passes through, with less chance of wetting rain in the valleys. Daytime temperatures will be 10-15 degrees cooler than yesterday with higher minimum relative humidities. Westerly winds will increase up to 25 mph towards the evening. Cool and showery conditions will continue Thursday with snow level around 4,000 feet.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

There are no evacuations or closures, but the public is asked to avoid the area. Area residents should be vigilant and remain prepared. For updates, visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-nevada-lake-fireand monitor the Powell County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. 

For tips on being prepared for wildfire, please visit https://www.mtfireinfo.org/pages/preparedness.   

PACK TRAIL FIRE

Thursday, October 17, 2024
Fire Information Phone: 307-395-2351 | Email: 2024.Packtrail @firenet.gov

Total Acres: 89,186        Confined: 62%     Total Personnel: 61

Operations – Yesterday, on the north side, firefighters continued cleanup from a previous tactical firing operation. Helicopters continue to cool hotspots south of the 645 road. On the east side, crews continued to improve defensible space near structures in the Union Pass Subdivision. Near the 540 Road, the fire is holding within containment lines, but the abundant dead and down within the interior continues to burn with isolated torching. On the south side, fire was active and moved through mixed conifer stands along Union Pass Road near Buffalo Meadow. On the west flank, the fire continues to be active at upper elevations within the dry and dead timber. The wet, grassy meadows at lower elevation are providing a natural barrier where the fire moves slower. Due to the incoming winter weather, and safety hazards associated with driving at on icy roads, staffing a nightshift will be suspended going forward. 

Safety – Teton Interagency Fire managers are maintaining the  Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Shoshone National Forest , and the National Elk Refuge. Please use caution while driving these areas, especially on narrow secondary roads. Always expect to encounter fire vehicles and heavy equipment in and around the fire area. Check with WY-DOT for possible closures due to fire activity, especially if you are planning to travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide. Closures are not expected, but with active fire in the area checking status before travel is recommended.

Due to excessively dry fuels, any spark can ignite fire which can grow rapidly into a major incident. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fires or other possible ignition sources. Always build campfires away from dry grass, leaves, and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of spreading wildfire. Clear at least a 10-foot perimeter around your fire, removing any flammable material, and have enough water on hand to ensure your fire is dead out and cool to the touch before you go to sleep or leave the area. 

“If you fly, we can’t.” Remember that flying a personal drone over a fire area during a temporary flight restriction is illegal and can be an extremely dangerous threat to both our aviators and firefighters on the ground.

Weather – Today’s departing cold front will bring a moderate to heavy amount of rain and snowfall over the fire area for the next two days. Today’s temperature will be 34-47 degrees with relative humidity’s between 43% and 60%. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov.

Evacuations – Brooks Lake Lodge, Pinnacle Cabins, Falls Camp, and Long Creek have been reduced to a Level 2 “Set” Evacuation Warning. Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders remain in effect for Lava Mountain Lodge and McKenzie Highland Ranch. The Dunoir Road Corridor has been reduced to a Level 1 “Ready” Evacuation Warning. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.

Road Closures – The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale Ranger District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the Moon Lake Road on the Wind River District (SHO). Moon Lake Road is also closed. 

Forest Closures - Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from October 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. through November 15, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-316, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area. 

For more information, visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest  Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire

USDA FOREST SERVICE
SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST
FOREST ORDER NO. 14-24-23
SHOE FIRE CLOSURE
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following
acts are prohibited within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This Order is effective from October 17, 2024,
through January 31, 2025.
1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System lands within the Shoe Fire Closure Area, as
described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B.
36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on the National Forest System roads below, as shown on Exhibit B and listed in Exhibit D.
a. Any National Forest System road within the Shoe Fire Closure Area
b. Fender’s Ferry Road, from a point 3.5 miles west of its intersection with Highway 299,
then west to the boundary of the Closure Area.
36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System trails within the Shoe Fire Closure Area, as listed in Exhibit D
and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
4. Entering or using the following developed recreation sites, as shown on Exhibit C:
a. Dekkas Rock Picnic Area
b. Dekkas Rock Campground
c. Pine Point Campground
d. All Hirz Bay Campgrounds
e. Ellery Creek Campground
f. Moore Creek Campground
36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b).
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.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire- fighting
force in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000
for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§
3559, 3571, and 3581.
Executed in Redding, California this 16th day of October, 2024.

October 16:  Winds increased across the fire area at approximately 3:00 pm, the winds did not increase fire behavior.  The winds blew the smoke into the drainage bottoms.  Precipitation began across the fire area at 4:30 pm, temperatures began to drop but winds persisted.  Rain continued into the evening hours.  

Incident Commander: Jim King
Location: Meridian Creek. Approximately 40 miles south of Ennis, MT and approximately 10 miles southwest of Lyons Bridge on HWY 287. 
Start Date: 10/08/2024
Cause: Undetermined
Size: Estimated at 4,005 acres as of 6:00 PM 10/16/2024
Resources on Site: 2 Type 1 helicopters, 2 20-person hand crews, 6 Type 6 engines.
Total Personnel: 74

The Meridian Fire was reported late in the day on October 8th and is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Lyons Bridge on HWY 287 in the Meridian Creek Drainage. Fire managers from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest have identified and prioritized critical values at risk in the fire area. Firefighting efforts will focus available resources on the protection of prioritized critical values at risk that are currently nearest the fire’s edge. 

There are several factors involved in making wildfire management decisions. These factors include firefighter safety, resource availability, threats to public safety and property, 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 fire was active today, burning in timber between FS 209 road (West Fork of the Madison Road) and FS 1209 road (the Cliff Lake Bench Road). Fire progression was to the north-northeast, given the southerly winds. The fire spotted across FS 1209 road. The northern and eastern flanks of the fire exhibited active fire behavior, with group torching and short-range spotting. The southeast flank burned into the Goose Fire footprint from 2021. The western and southern flanks did not exhibit significant growth today.

Ground resources utilized two large helicopters and two VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers) to aid in slowing the fire’s progression to the north. Firefighting personnel continued to secure and protect the West Fork Cabins.

Fire managers coordinated with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, who issued an evacuation warning to homeowners on Sundance Bench and in Madison River Ranches at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Fire managers also coordinated with range permittees to move cattle from the affected fire area.

Tomorrow’s plan is to reassess the fire perimeter location, weather conditions, and critical values at risk, focusing the main suppression efforts on the northeast flank nearest the private land and structures. Private landowners affected by the fire are encouraged to pay close attention to forecasted weather conditions, as they may affect changes in evacuation status.

“Do Not Report” signs remain in place at Raynolds Pass and the junction of HWY 87 and HWY 287 by Three Dollar Bridge to minimize 911 calls impacting Madison County Dispatch. Information boards are still in place at the MT DOT Rest Area at Lyons Bridge and Cliff/Wade Lake Campground. The smoke from this fire along with other fires west of here will pool in low areas along the Madison and West Fork Madison tonight.  

Barriers are in place at the junction of FS RD 209 and 1209 (West Fork and Jack Pine) to limit vehicle traffic to Miller Flat and onto Cliff Lake Bench. Another barrier is in place at Cliff and Wade Lake Campground to limit traffic into the campground. Additional barriers are in place at Hoodoo Pass and Miller Flat to reduce ATV/UTV traffic in the fire area. Fire resources will be focused on protecting critical values at risk, scouting the fire, locating and assessing values, finding viable features to reduce fire spread, and working available aircraft in areas where they can be successful.

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. 
 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
The weather forecast calls for a chance of rain Wednesday evening followed by rain and snow Thursday and Friday. A winter weather storm warning is in effect from Thursday morning into Friday morning. Overnight temperatures will bottom out in the low 20s, with daytime high temperatures only reaching into the mid-30s.

If forecasted conditions materialize, fire behavior will be moderated significantly.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:
There are no fire restrictions on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest or any area closures pertaining to the Meridian Fire.

RED ROCK FIRE CLOSURE

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is reducing the Red Rock/Garden Fires closure. 

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a separate and reduced Red Rock Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐027, effective as of 8:00 pm, today, Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 

Description of #04-13-24-027 (effective as of 8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2024): 

DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS AND TRAILS:

Beginning at the junction of Iron Creek Road 045 and Ridge Road 020 and following Ridge Road 020, Williams Creek Road 021, and Deep Creek Road 101, and Morgan-Panther Creek Road 055 to where it meets Big Deer Creek, the following Big Deer Creek to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Boundary, then following the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Boundary and Hoodoo Creek to Yellowjacket Road 112, then following Yellowjacket Road 112 to Little Yellowjacket Creek, to Duck Peak Road 021, to Cabin Creek and along the Prairie Basin Trail 035, Moyer Basin Trail 036, Moyer Creek Road 103, and Thunder Mountain Historic Trail 040 to Ridge Road 020, then following Ridge Road 020 to the junction with Iron Creek Road 045.

Panther Creek Road #055 to the junction with Deep Creek Road #101, Deep Creek Road #101, and Williams Creek Road #021 at Williams Summit traveling west are subject to closure depending on fire behavior.  The Ridge Road #020 from Williams Summit to Iron Creek Road #045 is closed. 

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Red Rock Fire.

This Order shall be in effect from October 16, 2024, at 8:00 pm until October 31, 2024, or until rescinded.

The Salmon-Challis will continue to reevaluate the Red Rock Fire closure.  Future changes to the closure will be posted on our website and shared on our social media pages. 

GARDEN FIRE CLOSURE

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is reducing the Red Rock/Garden Fires closure. 

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a separate and reduced Garden Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐028, effective as of 8:00 pm, today, Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 

 Description of #04-13-24-028 (effective as of 8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2024):

 DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS AND TRAILS:

 Beginning at Ebenezer Bar on the Salmon River Road 030 then following south to Dome Lake and Dome Mountain, then following south and east to Mud Lick and the intersection with the Gant Ridge Trail 028, then following the Gant Ridge Trail 028, the Indian Creek Trail 026, and Birch Creek Trail 023 to where it intersects the Morgan-Panther Road 055, then following the Morgan-Panther Road 055 north to where it intersects the Salmon River Road 030, the following the Salmon River Road 030 to the Ebenezer Bar.

 The Salmon River Road #030 is open.  The Panther Creek Road #055 is open from the confluence of Panther Creek and the Salmon River to the junction with the Deep Creek Road #101. 

 The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Garden Fire.

 This Order shall be in effect from October 16, 2024, at 8:00 pm until October 31, 2024, or until rescinded.

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: 530-338-0317

Media Line: 909-855-4233

Hours: 08:00am to 8:00pm

Location: Shasta County, CA                                            

Start Date:  Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:57 p.m.       

Cause: Human caused                                                      

Size: 3,937 acres                                                         

Percent Contained:  7%                                                   

Vegetation: Timber, Chapparal

Number of Personnel Assigned: 901

The Shoe Fire has burned 3,937 acres as of October 16, 2024 and remains at 7% containment. Last night, crews made significant improvement with control lines and firing operations.

Ground crews carried out defensive firing operations, which entailed burning unburned vegetation between the fire’s edge and control lines. Dozer teams continue to make access towards contingency lines removing fuel that can increase fire behavior. With incoming moisture today, crews have opportunity to hold and improve control lines in preparation for this week’s wind event. Minor fire growth was reported in the north end of the fire which will be a priority for the remainder of the day.

A pacific storm moves through today bringing cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels with possible showers and thunderstorms. Gusty and drying northerly wind develops Thursday and persists into Saturday leading to critical fire weather conditions, with the strongest winds expected Thursday and Friday night reaching wind gusts up to 35mph.

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for zone LKH-1448-B. Residents who have not evacuated are encouraged to do so. Evacuation information and alerts can be found by visiting protect.genasys.com

Information staff for the Shoe Fire are working diligently to provide timely and accurate information to the public. Fire updates can be found on the Shoe Fire 2024 Facebook page: www.facebook.com/2024ShoeFire/

The Shoe fire was named after Shoeinhorse Mountain, which is in close proximity to this incident.

WEATHER: The forecast for the area indicates a warming trend over the next few days with increased winds.

EVACUATIONS:  Zone LKH-1448-B 

ROAD CLOSURES:

• 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.

Rail Ridge Fire Update
October 16, 2024
Central Oregon Wildfire Information: centraloregonfire.org
Email: 2024.railridge@firenet.gov – Phone: 541-208-7111
Social Media, Evacuation and Closure Information: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire
Acres: 175,961 – Containment: 89% – Detection: 09/02/24 – Cause: Lightning – Personnel: 576

Northwest Team 2 assumed command of the fire last night at 8pm. Team 2 is looking forward to working with the local landowners, community, and agency administrators during their two-week assignment on the Rail Ridge Fire.

Operational Update: Yesterday, most of the fire area was shaded by the smoke inversion until it lifted around 1:30pm. This prevented fire activity from increasing throughout the morning and early afternoon. Winds flowed into the area from the southwest throughout the morning and shifted to flow from the northwest around 4pm. This caused fire activity to increase slightly. However, the northwesterly winds allowed for the fire to push back toward the main fire footprint. On the northwest section of the fire, crews are continuing to build containment lines above Cougar Ridge. Fire managers are continuing to explore contingency lines farther north of FS Road 3850, which is tied in with dozer lines. There was a small spot in the northwest that the Salmon River Hotshots quickly addressed and prevented from spreading. Around contained areas of the fire, crews continued suppression repair including extensive hazard tree removal, fence repair, and other clean up. Air resources included two Type 1 helicopters and one Type 3 helicopter.

Moderate rains began after midnight. The most active areas of the fire in the Black Canyon Wilderness and Cougar Ridge received up to 0.29” of precipitation. The increased humidity and significant wetting rainfall is expected to curb most of the fire activity that we have been seeing over the last few days. Expect to see on and off mist showers and cloudy skies throughout the day. Winds will pick up from the northwest this afternoon with gusts up to 25mph expected on some higher elevation ridges.

Today, crews in the northwest will continue to use heavy machinery to build containment lines, utilizing Forest Service Road 3850. Firefighters are diligently to seeking out hotspots and responding accordingly to changing or unexpected weather conditions. Crews on the northeast area of the fire are wrapping up suppression repair and will be ready to relocate if additional fire resources are needed on more active fire perimeters. Firefighters will continue to work extensively on FS Road 2150 and 24 to remove hazard trees and increase the safety of these roadways. Fire crews will continue to patrol the contained perimeter of the fire. Air resources will continue to be available and utilized. With the rain comes slick roads, so fire personnel will be assessing the fire conditions and engaging where it is safe to do so.

Weather: Much cooler and wetter conditions are expected over the next few days. Temperatures will likely dip below freezing later tonight and snow showers will be possible above 4,500 feet. Winds will be gusty out of the northwest, but with all the moisture this weather system brings, there should be little impacts to the fire. Rainfall amounts through Thursday will likely exceed 0.1", and higher elevations may see a dusting to an inch of snow through Thursday.

USFS & BLM Closures / Evacuation Information / Fire Restrictions for the Rail Ridge Fire area can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.

Incident Activity: Fire crews and aircraft continue to focus on hot spots on the north/northeast portion of the fire closest to Robie Creek. This hard work has resulted in the lifting of the “Ready” evacuation status for the Robie Creek community and a boost to 90% containment. Rain in the forecast for this afternoon could impact suppression repair work due to potentially muddy conditions.

Repair of Fire Suppression Activity: Crews are shifting from fire suppression to suppression repair. There are now 33 miles of dozer line identified that were put in place to prevent the Valley Fire from reaching homes near the Boise Foothills, as well as handline built by firefighters. Suppression repair includes using excavators to bring containment lines back to a more natural ground surface that is ready for vegetation regrowth. Several miles of progress have been made.

Closures Still in Effect for Public and Firefighter Safety: All roads and trails on the Boise Front segment of the Boise River WMA west of Highway 21 and north of Warm Springs Avenue remain closed to all entry until further notice. This closure also extends to all travel off roads and trails. The public is asked to please honor closure signs at trailheads even if fire activity is not visible. Members of the public have been recreating in closed areas near the Harris Ranch community. This poses a safety risk to the public and fire crews. Fire operations including the use of heavy equipment are ongoing with a focus on the repair of containment line to a more natural state with erosion control.

Closure Order Lifted: The Boise National Forest Valley Fire Area closure was lifted October 15.

Evacuation Status Change: The Robie Creek community is released from evacuation readiness. There are no further areas in Boise County that are under evacuation readiness recommendations.

No Fly Zone: Please remember, flying drones in the fire area is NOT ALLOWED. Drones pose a safety risk for firefighting aircraft and medical rescues that require an airlift.

Weather: Rain is expected in the afternoon. High temperatures will average 60 degrees in the Valley Fire area.

Valley Fire Overview: The fire was reported Friday, October 4, 2024, about 1 mile east of Boise on the north side of Idaho State Highway 21. The fire was very visible from East Boise as it burned in mostly grassy fuels in the Boise Foothills. Quick work on initial attack stopped the fire from reaching nearby homes. No injuries have been reported or primary residences lost. The current fire cost estimate is $3.3 million.