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New Pack Trail Fire Area Road and Trail Closure Order Effective Wednesday October 9 2024 10 09 2024

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Closures

A new  Pack Trail Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure Order (order # 04-03-24-316) was issued by the Forest Service this afternoon, Wednesday, October 9. This order is in effect from October 9, 2024, at 12:00 P.M. through November 1, 2024, at 6:00 A.M., unless rescinded.


Wapiti and Frog Fires Daily Update 10 07 2024

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

Wapiti Fire: Location: near Grandjean, ID. Reported: July 24, 2024, Cause: Lightning. Size: 126,817 acres, Completion: 80%, Total Personnel: 186. 

Frog Fire: Location: east of Clayton, ID. Reported: September 7, 2024, Cause: Lightning. Size: 3,020 acres, Containment: 87%, Total Personnel: 34.   

Weather:  Today’s winds are expected to be lighter than they were yesterday, with gusts around 10 -15 mph in exposed terrain. It will be a little drier, and temperatures will be a few degrees warmer. (60s and 70s in the fire areas.) Clouds and winds will increase a bit tonight and tomorrow, but little rain is expected. 

Current Situation:  Yesterday, increased fire activity was apparent on both the Wapiti and the Frog Fires, producing smoke in several interior areas, but not threatening containment lines. Increased smoke also showed an uptick in fire activity in the Sawtooth Wilderness, the southeast corner of the Wapiti Fire, where the fire is burning through isolated timber stringers in very rugged and inaccessible terrain.  

While firefighters have completed most suppression and repair activities, today crews will be working in several areas on both the Wapiti and the Frog Fires. Engine and hand crews will patrol containment lines and use helicopters to monitor internal fire activity. A Wildland Fire module will work on the Frog Fire, maintaining containment lines in the northeast part of the fire, and searching for the heat signature found by an infrared flight in the Red Ridge area. On the Wapiti Fire, a task force will be in the Grandjean area to remove hazardous trees and debris, restore access to the Sourdough area, and monitor the area. Firefighters will continue to remove fire-weakened hazard trees, or “snags” and clearing debris in the fire area on several closed Forest Service roads including Stanely Lake road and along Hwy 21. 

Evacuations:  Evacuation status for Stanley Zone 1 is currently at READY. Sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications:  text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF. You can sign up for Boise County Alert Sense emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1163. For more evacuation information on the Wapiti Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/, and the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff/. 

Closures:  Please reference the map and description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idbof-wapiti-fire. Many trails remain closed for public safety. The Wapiti Fire area closure, which covers portions of the Sawtooth, Boise, and Salmon-Challis National Forests was reduced on the southern end, excluding the Lowman, Ten Ax, Two Raven, and Sourdough communities. An interactive map for all closures on the Boise National Forest is found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/642380b0eb124c8cab6bd9ad3d7146ad/page/Overview/#data_s=id%3AdataSource_5-1888bd00a2c-layer-13-1888bd00b53-layer-16%3A82. The area closure in place around the Frog Fire includes FS 667 (Big Boulder Creek Road) and Trail 047 where it is adjacent to the closure boundary. The closure excludes FS Roads 669 and 670 and Trail 682. Please reference the map and read the full closure description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idstf-frog. 


Frog Fire Daily Update 10 07 2024

Related Incident: Frog
Publication Type: News

Frog Fire: Location: east of Clayton, ID. Reported: September 7, 2024, Cause: Lightning. Size: 3,020 acres, Containment: 87%, Total Personnel: 34.   

Weather:  Today’s winds are expected to be lighter than they were yesterday, with gusts around 10 -15 mph in exposed terrain. It will be a little drier, and temperatures will be a few degrees warmer. (60s and 70s in the fire areas.) Clouds and winds will increase a bit tonight and tomorrow, but little rain is expected. 

Current Situation:  Yesterday, increased fire activity was apparent on both the Wapiti and the Frog Fires, producing smoke in several interior areas, but not threatening containment lines. Increased smoke also showed an uptick in fire activity in the Sawtooth Wilderness, the southeast corner of the Wapiti Fire, where the fire is burning through isolated timber stringers in very rugged and inaccessible terrain.  

While firefighters have completed most suppression and repair activities, today crews will be working in several areas on both the Wapiti and the Frog Fires. Engine and hand crews will patrol containment lines and use helicopters to monitor internal fire activity. A Wildland Fire module will work on the Frog Fire, maintaining containment lines in the northeast part of the fire, and searching for the heat signature found by an infrared flight in the Red Ridge area. On the Wapiti Fire, a task force will be in the Grandjean area to remove hazardous trees and debris, restore access to the Sourdough area, and monitor the area. Firefighters will continue to remove fire-weakened hazard trees, or “snags” and clearing debris in the fire area on several closed Forest Service roads including Stanely Lake road and along Hwy 21. 

Evacuations:  Evacuation status for Stanley Zone 1 is currently at READY. Sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications:  text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF. You can sign up for Boise County Alert Sense emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1163. For more evacuation information on the Wapiti Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/, and the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff/. 

Closures:  Please reference the map and description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idbof-wapiti-fire. Many trails remain closed for public safety. The Wapiti Fire area closure, which covers portions of the Sawtooth, Boise, and Salmon-Challis National Forests was reduced on the southern end, excluding the Lowman, Ten Ax, Two Raven, and Sourdough communities. An interactive map for all closures on the Boise National Forest is found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/642380b0eb124c8cab6bd9ad3d7146ad/page/Overview/#data_s=id%3AdataSource_5-1888bd00a2c-layer-13-1888bd00b53-layer-16%3A82. The area closure in place around the Frog Fire includes FS 667 (Big Boulder Creek Road) and Trail 047 where it is adjacent to the closure boundary. The closure excludes FS Roads 669 and 670 and Trail 682. Please reference the map and read the full closure description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idstf-frog. 


Lava Fire Daily Update 10 07 2024

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

Persistent heat exists within the fire interior. Increased fire activity has been observed inside containment lines. The fire will continue to smolder and creep within the existing perimeter, consuming available fuels. With this slightly increased fire behavior, increased smoke production has been observed west of Lake Cascade. Smoke production will continue within the fire perimeter until significant winter snows fully extinguish remaining heat. 

Current Situation: 

  • The Type 3 Nevada Team 1 will assume command of the fire tonight at 8:00 p.m.
  • Crews continue to work on constructing direct line and mopping up heat along the fire’s northeast edge.
  • Helicopters delivered 35,000 gallons of water to those crews.
  • Work there is in very steep terrain, and crews are building cup trenches to catch burning, rolling debris to prevent the fire from spreading downslope. 
  • More crews are arriving to join the effort on the northeast area of the fire.
  • A UAS was used to identify areas of heat in the Anderson Creek area yesterday. Engine crews will continue to work in this area to mop up hot spots.
  • Along the western edge of the fire, crews continued to patrol lines and conduct suppression repair on dozer lines. Road graders are wrapping up road repairs. 
  • The Utah Type 2 Initial Attack crew will move back to the southeast line today to continue extinguishing areas of heat, working toward Gabes Peak. 

Weather: Temperatures will be higher over the fire today, with light winds gusting 10-15 mph. Southwest winds increasing on ridgetops overnight up to 20 mph. Yesterday, the inversion kept smoke low in the Cascade valley until noon.  Today the inversion is expected to break around 1:00 p.m. 

Evacuations: In Gem County, a Level 1 “READY” notice remains for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, north of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. Learn more at Gem County Sheriff's Office. In Valley County, Zones 4 – 6 remain in a LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Learn more at Valley County Sheriff's Office.

Closures: The Boise and Payette National Forests adjusted the Lava Fire area closure on September 30, increasing access for the public to access areas north and south of the fire perimeter. For updated map and closure information visit Closure areas | Boise National Forest | Facebook.

Road Closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. Check out updated Gem County closure information at Gem County Sheriff's Office.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8199.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if unauthorized aircrafts, including drones, enter the TFR. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.

Fire Info Phone: 208-780-5003  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Email: 2024.Lava@firenet.gov  

Facebook: @LavaFire Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-lava-fire


Tiger Creek Fire Daily Update 10 06 2024

Related Incident: Tiger Creek Fire
Publication Type: News

Current Situation: The Tiger Creek Fire is currently 475 acres and five percent contained. California Complex Incident Management Team 15, under the leadership of Incident Commander Tom Clemo, has assumed command of the Tiger Creek Fire. Firefighters continue to make good progress constructing handline paying special attention to minimize firefighting impacts on the watershed. Throughout the days crews will continue reinforcing that line while also beginning mop-up operations where appropriate.

On the northern and northeast flank, crews are working to contain several spot fires with the main emphasis of work focusing on the large spot fire east and above Low Creek.

Aviation resources are available and will aid in slowing the fire’s spread with three Type-1 aircraft, one Type-2 aircraft and one Type-3 aircraft assigned to the incident.

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: Weather over the next few days will remain mostly sunny and dry with occasional light wind gusts ranging from 3 to 7 mph on the ridgetops and temperatures topping out in the lower to mid-70s. In the upper elevations, relative humidity will remain unseasonably low ranging from the lower teens to mid-20 percent.

Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good and remains steady, 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.

Elkhorn Fire Evening Update 10 07 2024

Related Incident: Elkhorn Fire
Publication Type: News

Elkhorn Fire Evening Update - 10/6/2026

Acres: 22,430

Containment: 20%

Update: 

Today, the Civil Air Patrol was able to fly the fire and mapped the burn area at 22,430 acres. The North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) utilized a Blackhawk helicopter to perform bucket drops in rugged areas that are difficult to access by vehicle, both on the north side of the fire and at the east end. Additionally, two air tanker fire retardant drops took place on the north side of the fire. Some mop up work was started as well. 

Crews assigned to the south side of the fire were able to keep the fire north of County Road 34 and stopped much of the fire’s movement toward the east. 

Tomorrow, the NDNG will be back with the Blackhawk. Work will continue on the north side of the fire in the Rough Creek drainage along Road 8562. “Favorable weather conditions over the next couple of days will aid firefighters in continuing progress with containment of the fire,” said Dave Uhlich, Fire Chief of the Watford City Fire Department.  

The Little Missouri National Grassland would like to say Thank You to the all the cooperators and knowledgeable landowners who have been working alongside us in this endeavor. 

Available Resources:

  • If you are missing livestock in the aftermath of this or other recent fires in western ND, please contact the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association at (701) 595-2421 (chief brand inspector), (701) 214-7709 (executive vice president) or (701) 223-2522 (office) or by emailing cward@ndstockmen.org or jellingson@ndstockmen.org to file a missing livestock report.
  • Stress and Mental Health Resources: https://www.ndsu.edu/.../farm-safety-health/managing-stress
  • Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – www.hhs.nd.gov/988

Yellow Lake Fire Evening Post 10 06 2024

Related Incident: Yellow Lake Fire
Publication Type: News

The Yellow Lake Fire continues to burn and is now mapped at 15,891 acres with 7% containment. No contained perimeter has been lost in the past few days, but the containment percentage decreased due to the increase in acreage. Currently, 459 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Clear skies allowed for a more accurate infrared reading, helping gauge the fire's growth over the past two days of strong winds. The fire has expanded along most of the uncontained perimeter. Slightly reduced winds in the morning allowed smoke to settle in the valley, temporarily slowing the fire's spread. However, by the afternoon, winds picked up, increasing fire activity.

Crews focused on structure protection and strengthening infrastructure where conditions allowed. Controlled burns were used to reduce fuel between the fire and containment lines, helping lower the fire's intensity and making it more manageable. Crews are working on containment, particularly at the fire's heel and flanks.

The fire spotted into Heart Lake, and continues to move in a southeastern direction. Today crews were able to get into the region, and use helicopters to cool the spots but the spots continue to remain active. Crews are holding the line at Mill Hollow Road, continuing controlled burns to limit fuel.

With improved weather, aircraft were able to drop water and retardant on hot spots. The number of aircraft resources has been increased to six.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for the North and West Forks of the Duchesne River. Those in the Granddaddy Lakes region of the Ashley National Forest and Hanna remain in READY status, meaning they should be packed and ready to evacuate if necessary.

We remind residents, hunters, and recreationists to stay out of evacuated areas for the safety of everyone, including firefighters and first responders. Thank you to everyone who has followed the evacuation orders.

Public Should Expect an Increase in Smoke From the Rail Ridge Fire Officials Say 10624 10 06 2024

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

Tactical firing operations over the next several days in the Black Canyon Wilderness will produce a short-term increase in smoke.  

The operations, which will start October 7, will allow fire crews to focus suppression activities on the last actively burning section of the Rail Ridge Fire. Without these actions the uncontained fire in the Black Canyon Wilderness will continue to burn until a fire-season ending weather event occurs. Current weather predictions show no such event forecasted in the next two weeks. With consideration of wind patterns and weather, an increase in smoke is expected to the northeast of the fire, potentially impacting Dayville and Mount Vernon and possibly John Day.  

Firefighters have been using small firing operations to stay ahead of the fire growth as the fire moves out of the steep canyons west of the South Fork John Day River. Fire personnel have determined the best course of action at this time is to perform further tactical firing operations, much like a prescribed burn would be implemented this time of year. The prescribed firing operations provide for an opportunity for mild, healthy fire effects throughout the wilderness and shorten the duration of having uncontained fire on the landscape.  

The plan will create additional smoke in the area but for a reduced amount of time. The shorter timeline will also help limit costs of the firefighting effort, keep firefighters safer and require less resources when the fire is returned back to the local unit to manage. “We want to help local communities and land owners get back to normal.” says Rail Ridge Incident Commander Brian Ebert. “Extreme fire behavior is unlikely this time of year, and weather conditions are favorable to complete the remaining five miles of open line along the Northwest edge of the fire. The intent is to provide some much-anticipated relief to those who live nearby.” 

In areas very close to the fire, there will likely be a higher smoke impact at night and in the morning due to inversion. Forest visitors should be keeping their distance from the fire area by following forest closures. For more information about the closures, including a map with the ODFW hunting management unit areas overlaid with the closure area and fire footprint can be found at: https://linktr.ee/RailRidgeFire. Visitors coming to hunt in the area should be sure to check closures to know where camping and hunting is allowed. 

Temporary Flight Restriction 10 06 2024

Related Incident: Elkhorn Fire
Publication Type: Closures

Temporary Flight Restriction:

To provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place from 12:00 pm, October 6, 2024 through 10:00 pm October 7, 2024. This TFR is located 10 miles southeast of Watford City, ND and encompasses and area of 5 nautical miles from surface to 5,500 feet MSL. No pilots may operate an aircraft (including drones) within this area. For more detailed information regarding this TRF including a map, please visit the following link. 

https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_5289.html

Firewood is available in Iron Creek 10 06 2024

Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement

The area is open to firewood gatherer's with a valid U.S. Forest Service-Sawtooth National Forest permit AND an exemption letter. For questions on firewood collection on the Sawtooth National Forest, please contact the Stanley Ranger Station at 208.774.3000.


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