Incident Publication

Yellow Lake Fire 
Incident Update October 16, 2024

Size at time of update: 32,919
Containment: 29%
Personnel: 779
Start: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Cause: Undetermined
Location: 10 miles southeast of Francis, Utah

An “incident specific” Red Flag Warning is in effect over the Yellow Lake Fire from noon-6:00 p.m. today due to critically dry fuels and weather conditions.  Wind, rain, snow, freezing temperatures and thunderstorms with dynamic downburst winds will test the fire perimeter. 

Fire managers say the biggest concern is the northwest corner of the fire. Aircraft equipped with infrared technology flew the fire last night and detected intense heat around the “nose” of the fire that extends toward Iron Mine Road. Heat was also detected near Iron Mine Lake and may have crept around rock formations above the lake. 

Owners of the Soapstone Summer Homes near Mirror Lake Highway, SR 150 were escorted into the fire closure area early yesterday.  Homeowners were able to retrieve personal items and prepare private property for expected freezing temperatures. 

Moderate fire behavior was observed overnight within the fire perimeter on the northeast corner near the Wasatch/Duchesne County line.  Night crews responded to the central unburned portion of the fire perimeter referred to as the “donut hole.”  Three engines and a crew responded to fire activity in this area containing slash piles and logging decks (piles of cut trees that have been stacked). Crews were able to save most of the logging decks, however, one was consumed by flames. 

The southern perimeter remains intact with direct and indirect lines, where winds have been favorable this week. Crews observed a few “glows” on the west side last night as interior fuels burned. 

Fire impact on watersheds and water quality is being prioritized and mitigated across the entire burn area.  Drainage control measures will be implemented to help offset erosion and sedimentation that could originate from the burn scar during periods of heavy precipitation. 

A Red Flag Warning will also be in effect across western Utah today. 

Forest Closures: All evacuation orders and closures remain in effect. 

• Updated October 11, 2024, a closure has been 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 This Order shall remain in effect until October 31, 2024, unless rescinded.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 has been 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 

**This is the last Inciweb update unless significant fire activity occurs.** 

For all future information on the Tiger Creek Fire, please visit the Umatilla National Forest Service Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF or the Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog at https://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/   

Current Situation:  **This is the last update unless significant fire activity occurs. ** For all future information on the Tiger Creek Fire, please visit the Umatilla National Forest Service Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF or the Blue Mountain Fire Information Blog at https://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/ 

The Tiger Creek fire remains at 534 acres, containment has increased to 89%, and personnel assigned to the fire now stands at 250. Crews continue to patrol and repair areas within the fire footprint. Due to the containment and weather predicted, many resources will be released this afternoon. California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 will be transferring command of the Tiger Creek Fire at 6pm on October 16, 2024, back to the Umatilla National Forest.

California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team 15 wishes to thank the Umatilla National Forest, Oregon Department of Forestry and Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days for their friendliness, professionalism, and courtesy during our time on the incident. The team would also like to extend many thanks to the residents affected by the Tiger Creek Fire for their patience, understanding and hospitality over the last two weeks.

Closures and Restrictions: Access through Forest Service Road (FSR) 65 up through FSR 64 to the junction with Indian Camp is closed. Government Mountain Road/FSR 6511 is closed from North Fork Walla Walla trailhead to the junction with FSR 65 at Tiger Saddle. Government Mountain Rd/FSR 6511 is open from the west to North Fork Walla Walla trailhead. The current fire danger rating is MODERATE and public use restrictions phase A for Umatilla National Forest are in effect. For more information regarding restrictions, please contact Umatilla National Forest Toll-free Information Hotline: 1.877.958.9663. 

Weather: The weather shifted last night into this morning with 100 percent chance of precipitation continuing into this afternoon. The relative humidity yesterday reached 71 percent and higher winds were recorded. The rain coming in will make for excellent recovery overnight into Thursday. Snow is possible about 3500 feet Wednesday into Thursday.

Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good, some residents along Mill Creek may experience smoke as the fire continues to burn. Check out https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1 for more information.  

Logan Fire Statistics:

Size: 15,836 acres

Completion: 10%

Total Personnel: 249

Weather: The high for today will be around 50-degrees with winds out of the southwest around 8-mph with gusts up to 15-20mph. A strong cold front will pass through the area with increasing cloud cover around noon and winds changing to northwest. Rain is expected on the fire this afternoon and overnight, with snow likely to develop tomorrow.

Current Situation:  Yesterday, crews and helicopters used water to cool the fire and keep it away from the structures in the Logan Creek drainage when fire activity in the afternoon. Crews also worked to cool hot areas on the Hogback near the north end of the Big Creek Airstrip. A helicopter carried several loads of equipment from Monumental Airstrip back to the supply area in advance of the approaching storm. Crews wrapped bridges in the Smith Creek area and unwrapped Rabbit Lookout. Today, firefighters will continue to secure and strengthen their containment lines protecting Edwardsburg, and a large contingent will move out of the Big Creek area this afternoon before the storm hits. A hand crew, an engine crew, overhead and others will remain and continue to protect structures in the Edwardsburg and Big Creek Areas.

Evacuations:  Logan Fire Edwardsburg Area - The Valley County Sheriff’s Office has placed a "GO" evacuation notice for the Edwardsburg area due to the movement of the Logan Fire. Evacuation orders will be sent out via, CodeRED. Please download the mobile app and sign up. Information is available via the Valley County Idaho website at https://www.co.valley.id.us/WildfireEvacuation  or the Valley County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064415776390

Closures:  The Logan Fire has a closure around the fire on the Krassel Ranger District and the map and description are located at  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/payette/alerts-notices  The Sherrif has closed the Warren-Profile Gap Road between Elk Summit and Profile Creek intersection just north of Yellow Pine (this is a County Road). The Big Creek Airstrip is closed.

Elkhorn Fire Update: 10/16/2024

Thanks to the successful work of all the firefighters who responded to the Elkhorn fire we can announce that the fire is 100% contained as of today. 

While the fire is contained, that doesn’t mean that the work is done. Firefighters will continue doing suppression repair work through the coming days. 

We would like to thank the Community of Watford City, including businesses and area residents for their heartfelt support throughout the incident. 

Cold front likely to bring precipitation tonight

Red Rock Fire

Operations: Yesterday crews checked for hotspots along the handline built off Blackbird Road (FR 115) around the mine. In and around Cobalt, crews built line around some more structures near the Panther Creek Road (FR 055). Uncrewed aircraft applied fire to the interior of the perimeter on the northeast side to remove fuels ahead of the cold front which could bring increased winds. Across the rest of the east and south sides of the fire, heavy equipment and crews strengthened containment lines and mopped up the fire’s edge. Mop up continued on the spot fire in Napias Creek where downed trees have made the task challenging, but there are no concerns for fire growth.

Today, much of the focus will be on the Williams Creek Summit, down the Ridge Road toward Lake Mountain and the dozer line construction off Moyer Peak. With the passage of the cold front, higher west winds will try to push the fire towards the east, making the Ridge Road preparation the focus. Elsewhere across the fire crews are backhauling unnecessary pumps, hose and supplies and preparing other equipment for below freezing temperatures. Firefighters continue to look for and extinguish any remaining heat.

Garden Fire

Operations: Crews continued to monitor, mop up and secure lines particularly in Panther Creek and the Salmon River corridor. There are no additional ignitions planned at this time. Today crews will continue to make sure fire doesn’t spot across the river or move towards the west.

Additional Information

Weather: A vigorous cold front is forecast to travel across the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday. Skies will become mostly cloudy, allowing temperatures to be 5-10 degrees cooler than yesterday with highs in the mid-50s to lower 60s. The relative humidity will be around 10-15 percent higher and around 50 to 35% in the afternoon. Southwest winds will increase during the day with gusts to 20-25 mph along the higher ridges. Rain is forecast to spread across north central Idaho and will develop over Lemhi County in the afternoon. Cold air behind the front will lower snow levels to near 6000 feet Wednesday night down to 5000 feet on Thursday. 

Smoke: Information about protecting your health from wildfire smoke is available. A smoke outlook is also available. 

Closures: Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a reduced Red Rock and Garden Fires Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐026. Please refer to the link below to see further information regarding the closure reduction. 

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Red Rock and Garden fire areas, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Reminder that if you fly we can’t, unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. 

Please stay out of the fire area. There is still active fire behavior in the fire area, including group torching and crown runs. There are multiple roads and bridges that have been destroyed or are impassable. Entry into evacuation zones that are in “Go” status is prohibited. The updated forest closure notice that encompasses both the Red Rock Fire and Garden Fire areas includes multiple road and area closures. Barricade closures will be posted at road intersections and forest boundaries. 

Evacuations: For evacuation information in Lemhi County regarding both the Red Rock and Garden fires please go to: https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/emergency-management-department.

FOREST SERVICE: BRIDGE POST-FIRE BAER ASSESSMENT TECHNICAL-WATERSHED RESPONSE REPORT RELEASED

The Forest Service—Angeles National Forest completed a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) post-fire assessment and technical watershed response report for the Bridge burned area and affected watersheds to determine their response, soil conditions, potential threats. The report summarizes the post-fire watershed assessment and expected response.

NOTE: Attached below as “Related Information” is a PDF documents called “BridgeBAER_PostFireTechnicalReport_10222024”.

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events--be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/lox/.

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.