Incident Publication

PER LEMHI COUNTY RED ROCK FIRE UPDATE 10/10/24 1300 HOURS

There has been a change to zone 6 it has been divided to read Zone 6A and 6B so please look at the new zone descriptions and map

Zone 1: Yellowjacket drainage

Zone 2: Cobalt to Forney

Zone 3: Forney to road #252 to road #103 and back to Moyer

Zone 4: Silver Creek, Rams Creek, and Camas Creek from Hammer

Creek to White Goat Creek

Zone 5: Cobalt to Blackbird and Leesburg.

Zone 6A: Perreau Creek to Rattlesnake Drainage

Zone 6B: Rattlesnake Drainage to include all of Elk Bend and the 93 S Corridor

ZONE 1- Remains in "GO" status

ZONE 2- Remains in "GO" status

ZONE 3- Remains in "GO" status

ZONE 4- has been moved back to "SET" status

ZONE 5- Remains in "GO" status

ZONE 6A- Remains in "READY" status

ZONE 6B- Remains in "READY" status

Containment lines withstand first sustained wind shift

Daily Update: October 11, 2024

Fire Information Phone: 503-854-3366 (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) 

Email: 2024.Bingham@firenet.gov 

Acres: 199      Containment: 75%

Location: Areas of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, east of Marion Forks.

Start Date: September 30,2024             Personnel:   354                 

Resources: 10 crews | 1 engine | 1 bulldozer | 3 water tenders | 2 masticators

Highlights: Since the Bingham Fire’s start Sept. 30, it has mostly experienced westerly winds, pushing the fire eastward and away from the nearby Marion Forks community and fish hatchery. Firefighters’ efforts were tested Thursday, Oct. 10, with the first sustained winds coming out of the east.

Containment lines held, and the fire stayed within its 199-acre footprint. Meanwhile, overall containment of the fire grew to 75 percent.

Easterly winds are again forecast today between 5 to 10 miles an hour, with gusts up to 20 miles an hour. Crews will patrol containment lines and continue extinguishing isolated hot spots within the interior. 

Firefighters completed contingency containment lines around the community of Marion Forks. Motorists are advised to be mindful of increased traffic in the area as firefighters begin removing equipment. 

Evacuations: The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has reduced the size of LEVEL 3: GO NOW! evacuation areas Oct. 10, converting them to LEVEL 2: GET SET evacuation alerts. The Level 2 evacuation area extends along Highway 22 to a ½-mile west of Highway 22, from Pamelia Road (NFS Road 2246) south to Parrish Lake Road (NFS Road 2266). Please refer to the Linn County Wildfire Map for more information: https://tinyurl.com/LinnCoFireMap. Highway 22 remains open. 

The Willamette National Forest also reduced its closure area Oct. 10 within the same footprint as the county’s Level 3 evacuation zone. Details of the closure order can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/2y4sacl8. The Pacific Crest Trail through the Mount Jefferson Wilderness remains open. Impacted trails include Bingham Ridge Trail, Independence Rock Trail, Marion Lake Trail and Lake of the Woods Trail. With hunting season started, Forest Service staff will work with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office to reduce closure areas as soon as it is safe to do so.

Weather: Drier winds out of the east continue today and possibly into Saturday. Temperatures are expected to rise into the lower to mid-60s, with a 20 percent chance of light rain Saturday.

Garden and Red Rock Fire Update   

Highlights: In addition to the Red Rock Fire, the Southwest Incident Management Team will assume command of the Garden Fire today.

Special Notes: The Salmon River Road and the Salmon River to float boating will remain open. NO stopping from SPRING CREEK to LONG TOM PICNIC AREA. Expect delays from the confluence of the Main Salmon River and Panther Creek and Cove Creek due to firefighting activity to allow the firefighters to do their job safely and efficiently. The Salmon River could be closed due to fire behavior at any time. Be prepared to stay downriver.

Red Rock Fire

Operations: Fire managers assessed the powerline corridor south of Williams Creek Peak to potentially use it as a containment line. Firefighters initiated ignitions off the FR 020 road and along the FR 231 road on the east side to remove fuels and slow fire spread. Dozer line construction along the FS 020 continued towards the south. Dozers also constructed line towards the west from Forney. Crews burned around the Forest Service Guard Station in Yellowjacket Creek to protect the structures. Sawyers also began cutting trees out around the Napias fire, which was estimated to be about 65 acres.

Today, dozer line construction will continue towards the south along the FR 020 road and west from Forney. Crews will continue to extinguish hotspots around Moyer and in Fourth of July Creek. Firefighters will also continue to mop up the dozer line near the cobalt mine on the northwest side. On the Napias fire, crews will begin direct line construction.

Garden Fire

Operations: Crews continued ignitions into the night along Panther Creek to remove fuels and use the creek as a holding feature. The operation is focused on preventing the fire from crossing the Salmon River on the north end of the fire. Today firefighters will secure the burnout in Panther Creek and assess if additional firing is needed along the Salmon River to prevent the fire from spotting across the drainage.

Weather: Very little changes in the temperatures, humidity, and wind can be expected on Friday. It is forecast to be mostly cloudy with temperatures in the lower to mid-60s and the relative humidity at 20%. Winds remain from the west-southwest gusting to 20-25 mph along the ridges. A slight warming and drying trend continue through the weekend.

Smoke: A smoke outlook is available. Additional information about how to protect yourself from smoke. 

Closures: The forest closure order was updated and expanded October 5, 2024.  

Evacuations: Evacuation information in Lemhi County regarding the Red Rock, Napias, and Garden fires. 

Safety: 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. 

Middle Fork Complex Fire Update

October 11, 2024

Middle Fork Complex Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov

Middle Fork Complex: 61,495 acres, 90% completed, 137 personnel

Snag Fire: 33,437 acres, 90% completed, 24 personnel

Goat Fire: 34,920 acres, 20% completion, 225 personnel

Weather: Today the weather will be stable again with partly cloudy skies and smoke hanging around the fire. Temperatures will trend up slightly and be in the mid to upper 60s on the fire with humidity in the mid to upper 20s. Light winds are expected across most of the fire again.

Goat Fire: Crews are focusing on prepping Bear Creek Road south of Warm Lake in the event of spread. Minimal

fire spread expected until inversion breaks mid-day then low to moderate spread rates are expected.

Please be aware there will be increased traffic in the Warm Lake area from firefighters traveling to the Logan Fire near Edwardsburg.

On the southeast side of the fire, firefighters successfully completed the burnout operation yesterday and are now focusing on finishing up prepping trail 099 from East Mountain Trail Head northward. 

Snag Fire: The Snag Fire saw no significant activity in the past couple days. Crews are continuing to patrol and monitor looking for hot spots. 

Middle Fork Complex: Fire behavior on the Nellie and Bulldog is limited to creeping and smoldering with no expected growth. Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor fire lines and mop-up as necessary as well as continue suppression repair. There is a small patch of intense heat on Nellie, southeast of Scott Mountain that had minimal growth. There is no intense or scattered heat on Bulldog near the perimeter. There is potential for some areas that still hold heat to become more active with surface fire and isolated torching. Also, the temporary flight restriction over the Nellie and Bulldog fires has been lifted.

Notice: General deer hunting season started yesterday. Please be aware of additional fire traffic in the area. 

Closures: The Boise National Forest has issued a revised Area, Road, and Trail Closure Order for the Middle Fork Complex, and Snag and Goat fires. The newly revised closure order and map can be found at the following link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.

Please check the Valley County Idaho Facebook page for any updates on evacuation readiness level changes. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Code Red Emergency Alerts to stay informed. For any questions or updates on evacuation readiness, please contact the Valley County Dispatch Center at 208-382-5160. Currently, Warm Lake Road remains open for travel without restrictions.

###

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3

Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander 

Size: 79,280 acres (2,902-acre increase)

Total Personnel: 929

Containment: 14 percent

Cause: Lightning

Resources: 10 helicopters | 1 UAS | 4 air tankers | 20 crews | 66 engines | 8 dozers | 16 water tenders | 5 masticators | 7 skidders | 5 feller bunchers | 1 processor

Key Messages: Public information officers will be at the post office in Story today from 11 am to 1 pm to talk to community members and answer questions. They will also staff an information board at the Tongue River High School homecoming parade in Dayton this morning.

Another slight decrease in containment—from 15 percent to 14 percent—is due to an increase in overall acreage. Firefighters are making progress, however, as they work on all sides of the fire perimeter.

Current Situation: Throughout Thursday and Thursday night, a significant portion of the firefighting effort was focused on the southern end of the fire. Working from the Sheridan Water Treatment Plant and intake facility, hand crews progressed southeastward, completing two miles of containment line through firing operations. Ground crews received support from an unmanned aerial system (UAS, aka drone) and piloted aircraft. Two hotshot crews and a UAS working the night shift completed firing operations around the water intake facility. These operations are being conducted with the goal of minimizing damage to the watershed, infrastructure, and communities and preventing the fire’s eastward spread. Simultaneously, firefighters and heavy equipment are working along the Red Grade Road, clearing brush and preparing the road to serve as a control feature should the fire continue to advance southward. 

On the west side of the fire, numerous firefighters are spiked out at a second camp near Burgess Junction, giving them quicker access to the fire each day. They have prepared all structures and are ready to conduct defensive firing operations should that side of the fire become more active and advance westward.

To the north, crews are making significant progress, working their way east to west along the 144 Road. They are constructing and securing fireline and are nearing the fire’s northwest corner near Broderick Flat. They are also chipping woody debris and slash that accumulated during the road-preparation project. Aircraft have been assisting ground crews in that area by conducting water and retardant drops. Night-shift crews did not observe any flames or areas of heat near the firelines they patrolled. 

Firefighters are monitoring containment lines on the eastern edge of the fire, ensuring no lingering areas of heat remain within several feet of the perimeter. Crews have progressed southeastward to Crystal Springs, constructing and securing containment lines directly on the fire’s edge. They are starting to backhaul excess equipment and supplies to be used elsewhere around the fire. 

Weather & Fire Behavior: Lower temperatures and higher humidity levels yesterday somewhat moderated fire behavior and provided crews with conditions conducive for firing operations. High humidity levels last night, combined with cloud cover and cooler, moister air today, should reduce the amount of time during the day that the fire will be most active, especially in grassy areas. However, forested areas are still very dry, and fire behavior will remain active. The fire itself and the tactical firing operations could produce abundant smoke. For air-quality and smoke information, go to airnow.gov.

Evacuations and Closures: Sheridan County evacuation levels did not change Thursday. Several county roads in the fire area remain closed. View road-closure and evacuation news releases and the evacuation map on the Sheridan County Emergency Management website: tinyurl.com/2s38bcc5 or call either the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office (307-672-3455) or Sheridan County Emergency Management (307-752-2174). An emergency shelter has been established at the fairgrounds in Sheridan to accommodate people, campers, and animals. Call 307-752-2174 or 307-683-6965 to make arrangements. Bighorn National Forest lands around the Elk Fire are closed under Order 02-02-06-24-08. The order and map can be viewed here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/bighorn/alerts-notices. US Highway 14 is closed at Granite Pass/Hunt Mountain Road/FS 10 (milepost 38.3). US Highway 14A is closed at Hunt Mountain Road/FS10 (milepost 85.6). View the Wyoming Department of Transportation road-closure map here: wyoroad.info. 

Location: San Bernardino County, CA                                                         Start Date: September 5, 2024

Size: 43,978 acres                                                                                         Percent Contained: 94%

Cause: Human                                                                                               Personnel: 926

CURRENT SITUATION:

Yesterday, crews continued mop-up and suppression repair operations. Strong wind gusts limited aircraft activity and forced heavy equipment to pause operations to prevent any sparks from igniting new fires. Early in the day a tree fell across Highway 38 from the El Dorado Fire burn scar in the Angelus Oaks area, and CalTrans crews were successful in clearing the roadway. 

Today brings a continuation of dry weather and gusty winds, creating potential for increased activity. Siberia Creek and Bear Creeks will be closely monitored as the weather patterns and terrain are conducive to potential fire activity. The heat signatures in the Mile Creek and Cold Creek areas are well within the fire perimeter. Smoke is expected to be visible from islands of heat well within the fire perimeter. Suppression repair, mop-up, patrol, and backhaul operations will continue. Aircraft will be monitoring the fire area and provide water drops as long conditions allow. Heavy traffic is expected in the area this weekend, and we ask the public to please drive with caution as firefighters and heavy equipment will be on or near roadways. 

WEATHER:

Winds will not be as strong this afternnoon; however, gusts near 14 to 23 mph can still be expected over the higher exposed ridges and along southwest to northeast aligned valleys. Our diminishing wind trend will continue through early next week. High temperatures will also be diminishing, with temperatures returning to near normal values by Thursday of next week. Poor to moderate relative humidity recoveries will continue through Sunday morning, before slowly increasing through the middle of next week. 

CLOSURES:

San Bernadino National Forest has issued closures for areas surrounding the Line Fire. For more information and to see the map use this link -  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/?cid=FSEPRD1181411. 

Highway 330 remains closed from Highland Avenue to Highway 18 as CalTrans performs repairs to the road and guardrails. 

EVACUATIONS: 

Evacuation warnings remain in place for the Barton Flats, Pinezanita, and Seven Oaks communities. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/sbcountysheriff. 

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST
DUCHESNE/ROOSEVELT RANGER DISTRICT
ROAD AND AREA CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads in the Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District, Ashley National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area, Campgrounds, and Roads”):
1. Going into or being upon the Described Areas. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on the Described Roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR 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 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.
3. Federal or state administrative personnel in performance of an official duty.

AREA CLOSURE DESCRIBED:
1. The area described as follows, beginning near Rhoades Canyon at the west Ashley National Forest boundary with the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, thence north and then east along boundary to the intersection of the Highline Trail (FST 025) at Rocky Sea Pass, then following the Highline Trail to Dead Horse Pass, then southeast along the ridgetop to Explorer Peak, continuing along ridgeline south to Kweewahgut Peak, then southeast following ridgeline to Cleveland Peak, then southeast to Brown Duck Mountain, proceeding across Tworoose Pass southeast to Rock Creek Peak, then south along Miners Gulch road to the Rock Creek Road, then following Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) to Forest boundary, and continuing west to Forest west boundary near Rhoades Canyon.

ROAD CLOSURES DESCRIBED
1. FSR 144 (North Fork of the Duchesne Road) from the forest boundary to its terminus.
2. Rhoades Canyon Road (FSR 174) starting at the forest service boundary to its terminus.
3. Blind Stream Road (FSR 135) starting at the forest service boundary to its terminus.
4. Burnt Ridge Road (FSR 416) starting at the forest service boundary to intersection with FSR 197.
5. Log Hollow Road (FSR 197) starting at the forest service boundary to its terminus.
6. Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) starting at the forest service boundary to its terminus.
7. Miners Gulch Road (FSR 222) starting at intersection of Rock Creek Road to its terminus.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety due to Yellow Lake Fire. Wildfire behavior can be unpredictable and due to the close proximity of this fire it is in the publics best interest to remain out of this area.

IMPLEMENTATION:
1. This Order shall be in effect from October 10, 2024, at 12:00 pm through December 31, 2024, at 12:00 am.
2. A map identifying the Described Area and Roads is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.
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. For more information about this Order, contact the Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District located in Duchesne, Utah, telephone (435) 738‐2482 or the Ashley National Forest Supervisor’s Office located in Vernal, Utah, telephone (435) 789-1181.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Order(s) prohibiting the same, or similar acts, in/on the Described Area and Roads.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests
Heber-Kamas Ranger District
Yellow Lake Fire Area and Road Closures

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System Yellow Lake Fire Area and Roads in the Heber-Kamas Ranger District, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests. Described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A. This Order will be in effect October 10, 2024, and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
1. Being in or upon the Area, including all Campgrounds, Trails, Trailheads and Parking Area/Lots as described below and shown on the attached map. This includes all pedestrian, hikers, equestrian, bicycles, and any type of motorized vehicle. [36 CFR 261.52 (e)] and [36 CFR 261.53(e)]
2. Being in or upon the roads as described below and shown on the attached map. This includes all pedestrian, hikers, equestrian, bicycles, and any type of motorized vehicle. [36 CFR 261.54 (e)] and [36 CFR 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 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 resource in the performance of an official duty.
3. Federal or state administrative personnel in performance of an official duty.
 

DESCRIBED The Yellow Lake Fire area closure includes all roads, trails, trailhead, parking area/lots, and campgrounds. Starting at the Pine Valley campground going West on the north side of Highway 150 to the Yellow Pine trailhead (Forest Service Trail #240) north along the trail past Castle Peak to Box Canyon (Forest Service ATV Trail #305) continuing north along Mud Lake Flats Road (Forest Service Road #030) to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir (Forest Service Road #033) to the forest service boundary east along the forest boundary to the district boundary between the Heber-Kamas Ranger District and the Evanston Ranger District east along the boundary to the Highline Trailhead continuing east along the ridge line to the forest boundary at Rocky Sea Pass south along the forest boundary across Highway 35 to the West Fork of the Duchesne River Road (Forest Service Road #050) going west along the West Fork of the Duchesne River Road (Forest Service Road #050) to the intersection with the Mill Hollow Road (Forest Service Road #054) then going north along the Mill Hollow Road (forest Service Road #054) to Highway 35 then going northwest on the north side of Highway 35 following the forest boundary for approx. 3 miles then north along the Forest Boundary to Pine Valley group campground located in Township 1 North, Range 7 East, Section 36; Township 1 North, Range 8 East, Sections 26-35; Township 1 North, Range 9 East, Sections 19-21, 27-34; Township 1 South, Range 10 East, Sections 19-21, 28; Township 1 South, Range 7 East, Sections 1, 12-13, 24-25, 35-36; Township 1 South, Range 8 East, Sections 1-36; Township 1 South, Range 9 East, Sections 3-10, 13-24, 26-35; Township 2 South, Range 7 East, Sections 1-3, 10-17, 20-27, 35-36; Township 2 South, Range 8 East, Sections 1-36; Township 2 South, Range 9 East, Sections 2-10, 15-21, 28-33; Township 3 North, Range 8 West, Sections 2-11, 17-19, 30-3; Township 3 North, Range 9 West, Sections 1-4, 9-16, 20-30, 32-36; Township 3 South, Range 7 East, Sections 1-2, 11-14, 24-25, 36; Township 3 South, Range 8 East, Sections 1-36; Township 3 South, Range 9 East, Sections 4-8, 17-21, 27-34; Township 4 North, Range 8 West, Sections 19, 21-22, 27-35; Township 4 North, Range 9 West, Sections 22-27, 34-36; Township 4 South, Range 7 East, Sections 1, 11-14, 22-24; Township 4 South, Range 8 East, Sections 2-10, 15-19; Township 4 South, Range 8 East, Sections 4-6 all within the Salt Lake Meridian as shown on the attached map and Township 1 North, Range 10 West, Sections 1-2, 9-17, 19-30; Township 1 North, Range 11 West, Sections 21-29, 32-36; Township 1 North, Range 9 West, Sections 5-10, 15-21, 30; Township 2 North, Range 10 West, Sections 13, 24; Township 2 North, Range 8 West, Section 6; Township 2 North, Range 9 West, Sections 1-10, 15-19, 29-30, 32-33 all within the Uintah Based Meridian as shown on the attached map
PURPOSE To Provide for public and firefighter safety during the suppression of the Yellow Lake Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order will be in effect when signed October 10, 2024, and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2024, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the road is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov).
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 Heber-Kamas Ranger District, Kamas office in Kamas, Utah (435) 783-4338, Heber office in Heber, Utah (435) 654-0470 and National Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Jordan, Utah (801) 999-2103, for more information about this Order.
Order Number: 04-19-24-661
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the Area, and Roads.

Here’s the latest for prescribed fires on the Carson National Forest:

• Fire crews conducted another day of ignitions on the La Jara and Apache Prescribed Fire, treating 544 acres near Forest Road 5 in La Jara Canyon. More ignitions are planned for tomorrow. The public should expect to see smoke throughout the day.
• Managers are looking at the possibility of beginning the Powderhouse Prescribed Fire in Valle Vidal as early as Oct. 13. More details are below.
• Crews continue to patrol and monitor the Sotano and American Creek prescribed fires, which were completed yesterday and last week, respectively. This work includes the use of an uncrewed aerial system, or drone, outfitted with infrared to detect heat.

Powderhouse Prescribed Fire

The prescribed fire unit is 8,288 acres and located on the western side of Valle Vidal near Costilla Dam to the north and Holman Creek to the south. It is bounded by forest roads 1900, 1950, old logging roads and built control line (map).

Regular fire helps restore many of the forest’s ecosystems and can reduce the threat of a catastrophic wildfire severely affecting the recently restored population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a project over 20 years in the making. It also helps maintain productive rangelands that support local grazers.

The project is an effort of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, a national initiative to reduce the threat of wildfire to communities, infrastructure (e.g. Costilla Dam), and natural resources (e.g. Rio Costilla Watershed). The Enchanted Circle Landscape is one of the strategy’s priorities.

Stay Updated 

Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep updated with prescribed fire and other Carson National Forest news by joining the forest news release list, among other options like checking InciWeb, following on social media and using NMFireInfo.com.

More information about prescribed fires, including smoke-readiness tips, are available online.

Media Release
October 10, 2024

Forest Closures, Fire Restrictions and Evacuation Levels Remain in Place Near the Rail Ridge Fire
For public and firefighter safety please respect the current closure areas, fire restrictions and evacuation levels.
Forest & BLM Closures / Fire Restrictions / Evacuation Levels / Map of ODFW hunting management unit areas overlayed with forest closures and the fire footprint can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire.
 

Visitors looking to hunt or recreate on public lands over the holiday weekend should be aware that Forest and BLM closures around the Rail Ridge Fire remain in place. These closures are in place to protect members of the public from hazards such as damaged roads, hazard trees, burning stumpholes and unstable ground. Fire crews and heavy equipment remain present on all sides of this fire. Although the weather forecast is more favorable for fire suppression than it has been in several days, the area has not had any measurable precipitation and the potential for fire activity to increase remains a factor.
 

Check for current fire regulations before visiting public lands. You will be helping our firefighters by doing your part, and remember it only takes one spark! The majority of human starts are accidental, be prepared with a fire extinguisher, water and a shovel when out recreating. Campfires in some areas are restricted, although a propane camp stove may be an acceptable alternative.
 

Evacuation levels remain in place for Grant, Wheeler and Crook Counties, due to the uncontained active fire on the landscape. Know Before You Go and check for changes in levels.
Rail Ridge Fire Information:
 

Orocf Rail Ridge Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)
Contact
Rail Ridge Public Information
Email: 2024.railridge@firenet.gov
Phone: 541-208-7111
Central Oregon Wildfire Information can be found at centraloregonfire.org.

WILL AMETTE NATIONAL FOREST 
DETROIT RANGER STATION 
ORDER# 06-18-04-24-50 
FOREST ORDER 
BINGHAM FIRE EMERGENCY AREA CLOSURE 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System ("NFS") areas, roads, and trails described below within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. Refer to Exhibit A for the map and Exhibit B for trails and recreation sites that are closed. This Order supersedes Order# 06-18-04-24-50 and is effective on October 10th, 2024, through May 31, 2025, unless otherwise rescinded sooner. 

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Being on the road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e)
2. Being on a trail. 36 CFR § 261.SS(a)
3. Entering into or being upon National Forest System Lands closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)

CLOSURE AREA:

The closure area is located within the State of Oregon, Linn County, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closure applies to the NFS areas, roads, and trails and trailheads described below. The closure area is depicted on the attached map, which is incorporated into this order as "Exhibit A." All areas, roads, trails, campgrounds, and recreation sites in this closure area are closed. Recreation sites, trails, campgrounds and roads closed by this order are depicted in "Exhibit B." 

AREA CLOSURE DESCRIPTION: 

The closure boundary starts at the junction of Highway 22 and Forest Service Road 2253 (Minto). It includes the entirety of FSR 2253 (Minto) and proceeds East along the North bank of Minto Creek, South of Bingham Lake, and continues east to the junction of Forest Service Trail 3493 (Lake of the Woods) and FST 3440 (Hunts Creek). From there it continues south on the east side of Lake of the Woods, and continues southwest, following the eastern side of FST3493 (Lake of the Woods) until the intersection of FST 3437 (Minto Pass Trail). From there it follows and includes FST3436 (Marion Lake). From the FST3436 (Marion Lake) Trailhead it then follows and includes Forest Service Road 2255 in its entirety until it intersects with Highway 22. From there it follows Highway 22 until it intersects with FSR 2253 (Minto), but does not include Highway 22. 
 

EXEMPTIONS: 
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1) and (4), 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 for this Order.
(2)    Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A 

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3551, 3571, and 3581. 

Executed in Springfield, Oregon on this 10th day of October 2024. 

Donna Mickley 
Acting Forest Supervisor 
Willamette National Forest