Incident Publication

SUSANVILLE, CA, October 16, 2024 — This will be the final update for the Park Fire. The Forest Service’s National Incident Management Organization Team 3 departed at the end of September, transferring incident management to the Lassen National Forest. 

The Park Fire is now 100% contained and controlled. The Lassen National Forest continues to work to address threats to public safety resulting from the Park Fire. Through the next few months, the fire will remain in patrol status, resource protection and hazard tree mitigation work will be ongoing as well.

Over the last few months, the Lassen National Forest has completed various suppression repair activities, including hazard trees mitigation and removal, erosion control, watershed repairs, culvert repair and replacement, road blading and repair, and chipping of small materials to clear up woody debris. 

There are multiple phases of post-fire actions after a wildfire, from suppression repair through long-term recovery. The Park Fire BAER Assessment Report Summary, completed on September 27, 2024, provided recommendations for the next steps in post fire recovery for your public lands. “As we work through these next phases, we look forward to working with our partners and communities to get the best results for these public lands we manage. Being a good steward is my primary focus as we tackle the difficult work ahead,” said Agency Administrator and Almanor District Ranger, Russell Nickerson.

Lassen National Forest lands, roads, and trails within the Park Fire Closure Area remain temporarily closed for the safety of the public and crews. Prior to recreating on your public lands, check Forest Order No. 06-24-07 and the closure map at fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.

For more information about the Park Fire BAER Assessment visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calnf-park-postfire-baer. You can access the latest news and information about the Lassen National Forest at fs.usda.gov/lassen, or by  following us on Facebook @LassenNationalForest or X @LassenNF.

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October 15: The fire was active as the inversion lifted around 1:00 pm.  The fire continued to burn along the ridge between Mowitch Creek and East Fork Indian Creek, mostly burning in brush and heavies with some torching.  Fire is now established on the slopes above Indian Creek, little progression in the direction of the mouth of Indian Creek.  The fire has crossed over Indian Creek in the vicinity of Mowitch Creek and is burning in the low elevation timber.  Fire is burning up drainage from the Middle Fork of Indian Creek and is held up in the rocky slopes.

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: Unknown
Size: Estimated at 2,797 acres as of 06:00 PM 10/15/2024
Resources on Site: 2-Type 1 helicopters, 1-20-person hand crew, 6-Type 6 engines.
Total Personnel: 54

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 structures that are currently in close proximity to the fires edge.

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 fire increased by 1,372 acres today after it got established in timber across FS Trail 6019 and moved to the
east/northeast to the top of Cliff Lake Bench. Resources conducted a successful firing operation around structures
to reduce available fuel and increase depth between the fires edge and the structures. Two Type 1 helicopters
were used to drop water during the firing operation and provided aerial views and information of the fires spread.
The rest of the fire showed moderate fire activity throughout the day. Madison County Sheriff’s office spoke to
homeowners on Sundance Bench and Madison Valley Ranches and updated them on the fire situation. An
additional Type 1 helicopter was ordered and will be on scene for tomorrow’s shift.

“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 fire was very active from 02:00 PM until dark burning approximately 1,372 acres in those four hours. This was
the most activity witnessed on the fire since it started. It is expected to remain active tomorrow on the Cliff Lake
Bench, especially in patches of mature timber while the young lodgepole stands will have reduced fire behavior.
The west aspect between the West Fork Madison and Cliff Lake Bench had the most activity and will have active
fire behavior through the afternoon as well.

Tomorrow’s forecast will be similar to today’s weather until the evening where the next significant weather change
is forecasted. This will bring the potential for strong, gusty winds up to 35 mph during the day followed by a
chance of rain in the evening followed by rain and snow Thursday and Friday. After that it is forecasted to remain
cold with low temperatures in the teens and low 20s into 10/26.

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

Rail Ridge Fire Update
October 15, 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: 175,060 – Containment: 89% – Detection: 09/02/24 – Cause: Lightning – Personnel: 609

Forest visitors near the Rail Ridge Fire should be aware that Forest and BLM closures as well as fire restrictions around the Rail Ridge Fire remain in place.
NWCIMT8 will be transitioning with NWCIMT2 today at 8pm. Team 8 has appreciated the support of the local landowners, community and agency administrators during their two week assignment on the Rail Ridge Fire. Team 2 personnel arrived yesterday to begin the transition process.

Operational Update: Yesterday, winds and dry conditions caused the fire near Cougar Ridge to increase in activity, causing significant increase of smoke throughout the day. Strong winds with gusts up to 20mph were flowing from the southwest, before shifting from the northwest in the late afternoon. Cloud coverage over the area shaded the fire until about noon, causing temperatures to increase, humidity to drop, and overall fire activity to increase in the northwest. An IR flight over night shows the fire increased by 900 acres. Air resources included four Type 1 helicopters, three air tankers, and an air attack. These resources were utilized to protect the values at risk north of Cougar Ridge where an increase of fire activity was observed by dropping water buckets and retardant. Heavy machinery and crews continued to establish containment line on the northwest section of the fire. Crews continued to patrol the contained perimeter of the fire to locate hot spots, remove debris, and take down hazard trees. While some crews have been moved to the northwest of the fire to assist in containment, fire personnel continued to diligently work on repairing roads throughout the burn area, including FS Road 2150 and 24.

Today, expect to see similar fire activity as yesterday. Fire behavior is expected to increase once the smoke inversion lifts early in the day. Winds will flow in from the southwest in the morning and shift to come from the northwest by this evening. Firefighters are expecting to see an increase of torching and spotting in the heat of the day in the northwest. A change of weather, meteorologists are expecting a 70% chance of wetting rain tonight after midnight. In the highest elevations, this precipitation may appear as snow! Heavy machinery is still being used on the northwest perimeter to establish containment line along FS Road 3850. Fire managers are evaluating the terrain and infrastructure north of the containment lines on the active piece of the fire to install contingency lines. Crews will continue mop and suppression repair along contained edges of the fire. Air resources will continue to be used as needed.

Weather: High pressure will push east later today as low pressure pushed in from the west. Expect increasing clouds by later this afternoon through this evening and a chance of rain after midnight. There will be a few hours of dry conditions this afternoon with min RH down to 25%, and then quickly rise this evening. Winds will be out of the southwest this afternoon and turn west-northwest this evening and tonight with gusts of 12-15 mph. Temperatures will likely dip below freezing Wednesday night into Thursday and light snow will be possible above 4,500 ft elevation.

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

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

Start Date: 10/14/2024

Cause: Escaped Prescribed Burn   

Size: 207 acres

Containment: 0%

CURRENT STATUS

The Nevada Lake Fire is currently 207 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. Current resources on scene include 11 engines, two dozers, two skidgines, one excavator, and two Type 2 helicopters plus helitack personnel. A Type 3 Incident Commander is enroute, as well as additional helicopters and a Type 2 hand crew. 

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. Initial response efforts to the wildfire included 12 local government engines from four fire departments, four DNRC engines, and one USFS engine. A Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) dropped two loads of retardant to help slow its progress.

Today, firefighters will focus on protecting values at risk and halting the fire’s forward progress. Ground crews will work on establishing and securing containment lines around the fire’s perimeter, while helicopters drop water on hot spots. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today will be warm and dry ahead of a cold front passing through Wednesday. The front will bring a chance of wetting rains but also an increase in southwest to westerly winds, which could elevate fire behavior. Cooler and showery conditions will continue Thursday, with a chance of snow at 4000 feet.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

There are no evacuations or closures at this time, 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.   

Fire Information: 530-338-0317

Media Line: 909-855-4233

Hours: 08:00am to 7:00pm

Location: Shasta County, CA                                             Start Date:  Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 6:57 p.m.     

Cause: Human caused                                                       Size: 3,559 acres                                                  

Percent Contained:  7%                                                   Vegetation: Timber, Chapparal

Number of Personnel Assigned: 786

As of October 15, 2024, the Shoe Fire has burned 3,559 acres and remains at 7% containment. Last night, fire activity continued to increase in the South and East sides.

With a forecasted wind event approaching, our team has continued to bring in additional resources in preparation of expected fire growth due to the alignment of topography and weather. Strong winds and steep terrain alignment pose a risk for increased fire activity. Ground crews are working diligently to reinforce control lines along the fires edge utilizing a variety of heavy equipment, aircraft, hand crews, engines and hotshot crews. Additionally, Hirz Bay campground is currently closed to the public and is being used as a base camp for our crews.

Fire weather watch in effect from Thursday through Saturday evening for gusty north to east wind and low humidity. A Pacific storm moves through tonight into Wednesday bringing cooling with increased onshore flow and some precipitation. Gusty and drying northerly wind develops Thursday night into Saturday leading to critical weather conditions.

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/

Additionally, 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

@ShastaTrinityNF                                                                                                                            @ shastatrinitynf

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

Last night, during the evening shift on October 13, activity continues to increase in the Beartrap area.

Additional resources have arrived and been put into place to bolster existing equipment and personnel. Fire fighters have reported successful firing operations along with the utilization of dozer lines in the north and west sides of the fire to create containment lines. The south and east sides of the fire, primarily in the Beartrap creek continue to have an increase in fire behavior. Dozers have had some limited capabilities due to road access. Aircraft and dozer operations will remain a key priority to create access to the south and east sides of the fire. Dozers continue to work to gain better access for direct fire line attack. The safety of our firefighters is priority and they will continue to make progress in a safe manner.

Fire is progressing northward fueled by down slope and down valley winds. Constant changes in wind direction will be observed today along with wind gusts, gusting between 10 to 15 miles per hour.

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/

Additionally, 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

Incident Commander: Derek Wittenberg
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: Unknown
Size: Estimated at 1425 acres as of 07:00 PM 10/14/2024
Resources on Site: 1-Type 1 helicopter, 1-20-person hand crew, 4-Type 6 engines.
Total Personnel: 44

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 structures approximately ½ mile 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 fire doubled in size today after it spotted across FS Trail 6019 and moved to the east/northeast to the top of
Cliff Lake Bench. Resources remained in a safety zone until fire behavior allowed for re-engagement to scout where
the fire had moved to and potential containment features. One Type 1 helicopter was used to drop water were
effective and provided aerial views and information of the fires spread. The rest of the fire showed minimal fire
activity throughout the day. Contact was made with Cliff and Wade Lake Resort in the evening and an assessment
of people in the campground was completed. Madison County Sheriff’s office was updated on the fire situation. A
higher-level Incident Commander, one Air Attack, two Type 1 helicopters, and two engines were ordered.

“Do Not Report” signs remain in place 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 were updated are still in place
at the MT DOT Rest Area at Lyons Bridge and Cliff/Wade Lake Campground. Barriers remain in place at Hoodoo
Pass and at Miller Flat to reduce ATV/UTV traffic in the fire area. 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.

Tomorrow’s actions will involve placing barriers 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 will be placed at Cliff and Wade Lake
Campground to limit traffic into the campground. Fire resources will be focused on 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 fire was very active from 03:00 PM until dark burning approximately 700 acres in those four hours. This was
the most activity witnessed on the fire since it started. It is expected to remain active tomorrow on the Cliff Lake
Bench, especially in patches of mature timber while the young lodgepole stands will have reduced fire behavior.
The west aspect between the West Fork Madison and Cliff Lake Bench will have active fire behavior through the
afternoon as well.

Tomorrow’s forecast will be similar to todays weather. Wednesday, 10/16 is when the next significant weather
change is forecasted. This will bring the potential for strong, gusty winds up to 35 mph followed by a chance of
rain and snow Thursday and Friday. After that it is forecasted to remain cold with low temperatures in the teens
and low 20s into 10/26.

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

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Bighorn National Forest
Tongue and Medicine Wheel Ranger Districts
Fire Area 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 in the Tongue and Medicine Wheel Ranger Districts, Bighorn 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. § 261.53(e).
 

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 firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
 

DESCRIBED AREA
The Described Area starts at the northeastern boundary of the Bighorn National Forest where Forest Road 111, Red Springs Road leaves the Forest. It follows the Forest Boundary east then south-southeast to the location Forest System Road 319 enters the Forest. Then following and including Forest System Road 319 to its end where it meets Forest System Trail 200. Then following and including Forest System Trail 200 south along Willow Park Reservoir to Forest System Trail 038. Then following Forest System Trail 038 west-northwest to the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary. Then following the northern wilderness boundary to the Sheridan County/Big Horn County line near Woodchuck Pass. Then following the county line northwest to where it crosses Forest System Road 226. Then following and including Forest System Road 226 north to where it meets Forest System Road 26. Then following and including Forest System Road 26 west-northwest to Highway 14. Then turning north following Highway 14 to
 

Order Number: 02-02-06-24-08
Burgess Junction. Then to the west following Highway 14A to Forest System Road 14. Then turns north following and including Forest Road 14 north to Forest System Road 11. Then following and including Forest System Road 11 north-northwest to Forest System Road 111. Then following and including Forest System Road 111 northeast to the Forest Boundary.
This closure includes all National Forest System Roads and Trails within the Described Area.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect firefighter and public safety during the response to the Elk Fire.
 

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from October 14, 2024 at 08:00 a.m. through December 31, 2024, at 12:00 a.m., 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/detail/bighorn/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd1090225.
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 Bighorn National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Sheridan, Wyoming, (307) 674-2600, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.
 

Signed and issued on October 14, 2024.
____________________________________________
Andrew K. Johnson, Forest Supervisor
Bighorn National Forest

Yellow Lake Fire 
Incident Update October 15, 2024

Size at time of update: 31,193
Containment: 29%
Personnel: 889
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Undetermined
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

The most active part of the fire occurred in the northwest finger as burning snags continued to glow overnight.  Jackpot fuels occasionally flared in the Iron Mine Lake area. Fire managers praised the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on previously completed fuel thinning projects. The fuel breaks slowed fire progression and currently have it in a backing alignment. The multi-year project was implemented to reduce fuels along both sides of Mirror Lake Highway. Water-scooping airplanes and helicopters will continue operations today, dropping water to further cool the fire’s northern edge.  Dozers are also reinforcing lines in the area in addition to hand crews. 

Some flanking was observed on the east side of the Fire.  Along the North Fork of the Duchesne River, the fire continued to slowly back down the slope toward the river. One finger of the fire reached the bottom of the slope near the river, forming an anchor point for fire crews to work from while protecting nearby properties. Crews are employing a point-protection strategy, setting up pumps, hoses, and sprinklers on structures along the North Fork.  

On the southeast edge of the fire, dozer and hand crews are constructing a secondary control line away from the fire’s edge running from the West Fork of the Duchesne to the Lookout Mountain area. Dozers are pushing additional fire breaks along Wolf Creek Road while avoiding hazard trees.

Patrol continues on the western flank of the fire, from East Fork Mill Hollow up to Soapstone Mountain, although there has been no recent fire activity. Chipping and fuel removal along the control line is progressing in this area.

All control lines will continue to be strengthened today anticipation of stronger winds on Wednesday followed by a cold front and predicted rain and snow starting Thursday.

All evacuation orders and closures remain in effect.

Forest Closures:

• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure was increased on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This Order shall remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208350.pdf
• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure was increased on the Ashley National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This closure will remain in place through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded, for public safety.

Evacuation Areas: The North and West Forks of the Duchesne River, and Granddaddy Lakes area are under a mandatory GO evacuation meaning all residents, hunters, and recreationists must leave and stay out of the area. Hanna is under a SET order, advising residents to have bags packed and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

For updated evacuation zones, please visit:

The most active part of the fire occurred in the northwest finger as burning snags continued to glow overnight.  Jackpot fuels occasionally flared in the Iron Mine Lake area. Fire managers praised the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest on previously completed fuel thinning projects. The fuel breaks slowed fire progression and currently have it in a backing alignment. The multi-year project was implemented to reduce fuels along both sides of Mirror Lake Highway. Water-scooping airplanes and helicopters will continue operations today, dropping water to further cool the fire’s northern edge.  Dozers are also reinforcing lines in the area in addition to hand crews. 

Some flanking was observed on the east side of the Fire.  Along the North Fork of the Duchesne River, the fire continued to slowly back down the slope toward the river. One finger of the fire reached the bottom of the slope near the river, forming an anchor point for fire crews to work from while protecting nearby properties. Crews are employing a point-protection strategy, setting up pumps, hoses, and sprinklers on structures along the North Fork.  

On the southeast edge of the fire, dozer and hand crews are constructing a secondary control line away from the fire’s edge running from the West Fork of the Duchesne to the Lookout Mountain area. Dozers are pushing additional fire breaks along Wolf Creek Road while avoiding hazard trees.

Patrol continues on the western flank of the fire, from East Fork Mill Hollow up to Soapstone Mountain, although there has been no recent fire activity. Chipping and fuel removal along the control line is progressing in this area.

All control lines will continue to be strengthened today anticipation of stronger winds on Wednesday followed by a cold front and predicted rain and snow starting Thursday.

All evacuation orders and closures remain in effect.

Forest Closures:

• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure was increased on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This Order shall remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208350.pdf
• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure was increased on the Ashley National Forest due to the Yellow Lake Fire. This closure will remain in place through December 31, 2024, or until rescinded, for public safety.

Evacuation Areas: The North and West Forks of the Duchesne River, and Granddaddy Lakes area are under a mandatory GO evacuation meaning all residents, hunters, and recreationists must leave and stay out of the area. Hanna is under a SET order, advising residents to have bags packed and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

For updated evacuation zones, please visit:

https://emergency-management-operations-wasatch.hub.arcgis.com/ 
https://tricountyemergencyalert.genasys.com/portal/en 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1208878.pdf

Incident Activity: There are still hot spots on the north/northeast portion of the fire closest to Robie Creek. Helicopter water drops Monday helped ground crews address areas of remaining burning fuels. Crews continue with mop up and are monitoring containment lines. Fire activity remains a safe distance from the community. Crews continue to monitor the south and west portions of the fire burn area visible from Boise.

Repair of Fire Suppression Activity: Crews are shifting from fire suppression to suppression repair. There are 22 miles of dozer line that were put in place to prevent the Valley Fire from reaching homes near the Boise Foothills as well as handline built by firefighters on the ground. Suppression repair includes using excavators to bring containment lines back to a more natural ground surface that is ready for vegetation regrowth. About 2 miles have been completed so far.

No Fly Zone: Helicopter water drops may still be needed for the Valley Fire. 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.

Recreation Message: The public is asked to be aware of closures prior to being in the area and honor closures. Closures are in place for public safety. Even if there is no visible fire activity, there could be hot spots, damaged trees that could fall, fire traffic on narrow dirt roads, and other safety concerns.

Closures and Evacuation Status: All roads and trails on the Boise Front segment of the Boise River WMA west of Highway 21 and north of Warm Springs Avenue are closed to all entry until further notice. This closure also extends to all travel off roads and trails. The Robie Creek area is still in a "Ready" or Stage 1 evacuation status. 

Weather: Warmer today with highs averaging 75 degrees in the Valley Fire area. Winds will be at 8 mph potentially reaching 12 mph in the afternoon.

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 million.