East Fork Fire: 85,232 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

Update: Nevada Interagency Team 3, Brock Uhlig, Incident Commander, took over management of the fire this morning.

Hunting season started October 15 and will run through October 25. The public and firefighters will be sharing some of the same roads outside of the closure area. Continue to drive with caution on area roads and remain out of closed areas.  If an area is closed, it is closed to all traffic, foot traffic as well as ATV. Even if you have a hunting permit, you are not allowed within closed areas and citations have been and will be issued.  Remember, hunter safety includes being sure of what you are shooting at.

Yesterday, the fire continued to move southeast in the Lake Fork drainage towards Moon Lake adding a slight increase to perimeter growth.  Around Granddaddy Lake the fire continued to fill in, burning pockets of fuel, but not adding to perimeter growth.

The priority for firefighters will be protecting structures around Moon Lake and monitoring the fire’s growth as it progresses towards containment lines. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop-up along Rock Creek Road. Around Upper Stillwater Reservoir, crews will hold and mop-up direct line above the lake. Crews will continue to monitor, and patrol lines along the Yellowstone River and Mill Park areas on the eastern flank of the fire. Winds that are predicted for this afternoon could ground the aircraft making it impossible to make bucket drops.

Weather: A slightly lower wind event is forecast for the fire area with winds gusting from the northwest along ridgetops to 45 mph and in the valleys to 25 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity levels will range from 24-38% and temperatures will be up to 51° at 10,000 ft. elevations.

Resources: A total of 363 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 4 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 19 Engines, 12 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands.

East Fork Fire: 85,232 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The current road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest is subject to change due to fire behavior to provide for safe and effective firefighting operations. The current closure became effective on October 15, 2020. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yyqkzuw9. The complete closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5wh4jn4.

Update: The public is urged to heed the area and road closures listed above. If an area and/or road is closed, this includes all traffic, including on foot or ATV. These closed areas are closed even to those with a hunting permit within that area. Citations will be issued for encroachments of these closed areas.

Nevada Team 3 will shadow the California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 today. This new team will take over management of the East Fork Fire on Monday, October 19. Fire management operations will not be negatively impacted by this transition.

Yesterday, the fire moved ¾ mile in the Lake Fork Drainage, and is expected to move similarly today. The fire also moved laterally towards the Stillwater Trail and towards the reservoir. Today, the priority will be to monitor the fire’s movement towards Rock Creek Road. Point protection will be provided around Moon Lake. Firefighters will continue today to mop-up, monitor areas of potential growth and begin suppression repair activities as necessary. 

Weather: Winds over the fire area will be slightly reduced from yesterday, although they still remain strong and breezy. Winds on the ridgetops will gust to 45 mph today and in the valleys, gusts will be up to 25 mph. This northwest flow pattern will continue to be breezy this week and temperatures will trend slightly warmer through midweek. Today, temperatures will reach 65 degrees in the valleys. Relative humidity levels will reach down to 19% in the valleys and will be about ten percent higher on ridgetops.

Resources: A total of 450 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 7 hand crews, 4 helicopters, 25 Engines, 13 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fire.

East Fork Fire: 84,676 acres, 69% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. 

Closures: The current temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure is subject to change due to fire activity. The current public information map that shows the closure boundary may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k3vxyc.

Update: General season for deer opens today through October 25. While an area and road closure remains in effect, the public and firefighters will be sharing some of the same roads outside of the closure. Continue to drive with caution on area roads and remain out of closed areas.  If an area is closed, it is closed to all traffic, even that on foot or ATV. Even if you have a hunting permit, you are not allowed within closed areas and citations will be issued.

Containment on the fire has increased to 69%. Management of the East Fork Fire will be transitioned from California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 to Nevada Team 3. The new team will be in-briefed this evening and take over complete management of the fire on Monday, October 19. This transition is because the current team is timing out, and the fire will not be negatively impacted by this transition.  

Yesterday, the fire continued to move southeast in the Lake Fork drainage towards Moon Lake.  Around Granddaddy Lake the fire continued to fill in, burning pockets of fuel, but not adding to perimeter growth.

If the fire is in alignment with wind, slope, and continuous fuels, active fire growth is anticipated today. Spotting distances of up to one half mile are possible. Helicopters are anticipated to have little to no flying time today due to high winds. The priority for firefighters will be protecting structures around Moon Lake and monitoring the fire’s growth as it progresses towards containment lines. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop-up along Rock Creek Road. Around Upper Stillwater Reservoir, crews will hold and mop-up direct line above the lake. Crews will continue to monitor, and patrol lines along the Yellowstone River and Mill Park areas on the eastern flank of the fire.

Weather: A high wind event is forecast for the fire area with winds gusting from the northwest along ridgetops to 60 mph and in the valleys to 45 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity levels will range from 24-38% and temperatures will be up to 51° at 10,000 ft. elevations.

Resources: A total of 515 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 10 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 27 Engines, 13 water tenders and 4 dozers. 

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires. Nevada Team 3 will take command of managing the East Fork Fire on Monday, October 19, 2020.

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East Fork Fire: 84,444 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. 

Closures: The current temporary road and area road closure for the Ashley National Forest came into effect on October 15, 2020. This closure order remains subject to changed due to fire behavior in order to provide for safe and effective firefighting operations. If the closure changes, it will be posted on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure order may be found here:  https://tinyurl.com/y2ny8s9y and the current map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxerohuo.

Update: With general season for deer starting tomorrow, there will be an increase in traffic in the area. The public will be driving on some of the same roads as firefighting personnel. Continue to use caution while driving in the East Fork Fire area. Drive with caution and allow extra time to get where you are going as you may encounter slow moving firefighting equipment.

Yesterday, the fire moved a quarter mile in the Lake Fork drainage, towards the Moon Lake area. Structure protection in this area will be the prioritized management objective today. On the western flank of the fire in Granddaddy Lake area, fire growth was minimal. Crews will continue work in areas west of the fire closure on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, assessing structures and starting protection measures.  Firefighters will provide structure protection and mop-up along Rock Creek Road. On the northeast corner of the fire, crews will prepare for firing operations off of the indirect line that has been constructed north of Mill Park. This operation may occur in upcoming days if needed and only when weather conditions and fire behavior allow for safe and effective firing operations.

Weather: Winds today will be lighter over the fire area than they have been in recent days. Today, winds will gusts to 25 mph along the ridgetops and gusts to 20 mph in the valleys. A weather disturbance will move through northeast Wyoming late Saturday afternoon, bringing increased winds. Today’s temperatures will reach 52° at 10,000 ft. elevations. Relative humidity levels will range from 14-25% for the East Fork Fire.

Resources: A total of 553 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 13 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 27 Engines, 13 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fire is in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

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East Fork Fire: 84,256 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Closures: The temporary road and area closure for the Ashley National Forest has changed and is effective today, October 15, 2020. Be aware that closure orders are subject to change due to fire behavior. The current closure order may be found here:  https://tinyurl.com/y2ny8s9y and the current map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxerohuo.

Update: With the change in the temporary road and area closure, additional traffic will be in the fire area. Please use caution while driving on these roads, as firefighting equipment and personnel will be in the same areas as the public. Drive with your lights on, as smokey conditions could change quickly with shifting winds. Be aware that heavy equipment on the roads will require longer times to stop. Safety for the firefighters and public remain the number one priority for this incident management team. 

Yesterday, the fire moved one mile southeast in the Lake Fork drainage, towards the Moon Lake area. With winds continuing out of the northwest today, structure protection in Moon Lake will be the prioritized management objective. On the northeast corner, crews will continue to improve the indirect line north of Mill Park. Line preparation, including chipping operations along Rock Creek Road and Stillwater Trail, will continue today. Mop-up operations will continue on the direct line west of the Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

Fire crews are in areas west of fire closure, on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This work will continue in upcoming days, as structure protection needs and contingency lines are assessed.

Weather: This morning, winds are gusting to 58 mph along the ridgetops. These speeds will decrease to 35 mph by early afternoon, and winds in the valleys will gust to 20 mph. In the upper elevations, temperatures are expected to reach 40-44°F. Relative humidity levels will be at 18-28% for the fire area. 

Resources: A total of 571 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 13 hand crews, 10 helicopters, 27 Engines, 13 water tenders and 4 dozers. 

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

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East Fork Fire Closure Order Order Number: 0 4 0 1 - 2 0 2 0 - 1 1
 
PROHIBITIONS: Pursuant to title 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area described below, all within the Duchesne Ranger District, Ashley National Forest until notice to end. 1. Being within the described area, 36 CFR 261.53(e) 2. Being on a trail, 36 CFR 261.55(a) 3. Being on a road, 36 CFR 261.54(e)
 
EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Persons with special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization. 2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 3. Federal or State administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty.
 
ROAD CLOSURE: Blindstream Road/Forest Service Road (FSR) 135 from intersection with Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) to south of intersection with FSR 215 and FSR 649.
 
 AREA CLOSURE: Beginning at the southern boundary of the Ashley National Forest at Rock Creek Road (FSR 134), northwest along Rock Creek Road, to the terminus at Upper Stillwater Dam, then along Blindstream Road (FSR 135) to intersection of South Fork Rock Creek Road (FSR 143). Northwest along FSR 143 to its terminus. Then north to the High Uintas Wilderness Area boundary. West along the Wilderness boundary to the Ashley National Forest and the Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest boundary. North and East along the National Forest Boundaries to Wilson Peak, then South along the ridgeline between Lake Fork drainage and Garfield Basin to just west of Blue Bell Lake, and then east to intersection of Yellowstone Trail (057) and FS Trail 058. South along Yellowstone Trail (FSR 057) to intersection of Swift Creek Trail (FSR 056), then south on Swift Creek Trail (FSR 056) to Swift Creek Trailhead. South down Yellowstone Canyon Road (FSR 124) then south and west along FSR 119 to Forest boundary, then westalong Forest Boundary to Rock Creek Road (FSR 134).
 
Note: Swift Creek Trail 056 and Yellowstone Canyon Road FSR 124 and FSR 119 are open for travel.

Roads, Trails and Sites Closed include, but are not limited to: Hell’s Canyon Road (FSR 227) and Petty Mountain Loop (FSR 196); Bear Wallow (FSR 186); Pigeon Creek Road (FSR 133); Dry Ridge Road (FSR 225); Rock Creek Road (FSR 134) beyond lower Stillwater Ponds; Moon Lake Road (FSR 131)
 
PURPOSE: For the purpose of public health and safety due to wildfire 36 CFR 261.53 (e). 
 
A complete, printable version of this complete update may be found under Related Information below.  

East Fork Fire: 83,854 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20.

Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 100% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: The closure order is being evaluated this week. Any changes to the  closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure is here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: A high wind warning has been issued for the fire area. With fuels at critically dry levels, the fire behavior for the #EastForkFire will be critical today. The fire will be most active between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM. On Tuesday, the fire made a run of 1.5 miles in the Lake Fork drainage, a similar run is anticipated today. There is a potential for the fire to spot up to one half mile. Due to the high winds, aviation is not anticipated to be able to fly. 

On Tuesday, the fire grew 800 acres in the Lake Fork Drainage. A large smoke column was visible northwest of Moon Lake. With today’s winds, additional growth in this area is anticipated. Crews will be in the Moon Lake area to provide protection for infrastructure, as well as in the Yellowstone River and Rock Creek areas. Firefighters will continue working today on indirect line construction north of Mill Park, tying into a rock scree. Work will continue around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir.

In order to maintain safe firefighting conditions, crews will be closely monitoring the weather throughout the day. Today will be the last day that the #CenterCreekTrailFire will be reported in this update, unless significant activity occurs. This fire is considered 100% contained.

Weather: The weather models show the potential for winds to gust at levels up to 60-70 mph along the ridgetops. If those winds do not reach their full potential, they are still anticipated to be high out of the northwest, at speeds up to 45 mph on the ridgetops and 35 mph in the valleys. Today’s relative humidity levels will be down to 30% at 8,000 ft. elevation and temperatures will be 38-43 degrees.

Resources: A total of 576 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 13 hand crews, 10 helicopters, 28 Engines, 14 water tenders and 4 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 83,068 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 100% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: Closure orders for the Ashley National Forest are being evaluated and may change. Any changes to the current closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: The Center Creek Trail Fire is 100% contained. Most of the East Fork Fire is a mosaic pattern of burned and unburned fuel. This means that the fire will continue to fill in where fuels are receptive to burning. Despite the snow, the larger fuels remain dry and ready to burn. The primary means for the fire to spread will be spot fires and roll out of burning material.

Yesterday, the fire continued to move within the High Uinta Wilderness north of Granddaddy Lake and in the Brown Duck Basin. Today, firefighters are expected to complete work on indirect line construction on the northeast corner between the #EastForkFire and the #CenterCreekTrailFire. Crews will hold and mop-up direct line above the Upper Stillwater Reservoir. In the Moon Lake and Yellowstone River areas, point protection to values at risk will continue. Indirect line construction will be worked on today between Blind Stream Road and Corral Creek. Firefighters are also working on scouting contingency lines south and west of the fire area, in an effort to limit fire spread and prepare for any changes in fire movement.

Weather: There is no precipitation in the extended forecast for the fire area. There are a couple fast moving disturbances in the forecast that will bring oscillating winds, temperatures, and relative humidity levels. Today, winds will shift out of the northwest to out of the southwest in the afternoon. Southwest gusts are expected to 25 mph along the ridgetops and to 17 mph in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach 54 degrees and relative humidity levels at 8,000 ft. elevation levels will be 11-15%.

Resources: A total of 572 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 13 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 28 Engines, 14 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 83,000 acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: The closure order on the Ashley National Forest for the local area and roads may change. Any changes to the current closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: High wind gusts of up to 55 mph on Sunday grounded air operations for the fires. Wind speeds will be lower today and aviation is anticipated to be able to fly reconnaissance and perform bucket work. The fire area received some snow on Sunday, which helped to moderate fire behavior. This lower fire behavior will continue today, although the moisture levels of larger fuels remain dry and ready to burn.

The priority area for the fire area will be around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir area. Today, crews will get in and hold and mop-up direct line above the reservoir. Crews will work to complete line preparation along Rock Creek Road and Stillwater Trail. On the northeast corner of the fire between the #EastForkFire and the #CenterCreekTrailFire, firefighters will continue to work today on indirect line construction. Firefighters are also being assigned to look at contingency lines further away from the fire area. This is to be prepared for fire growth west of the wilderness boundary, if there are winds that cause the fire to shift that direction. 

Weather: Today, temperatures will moderate back to near normal levels, as the cold air from yesterday’s front has moved east of the fire area. Temperatures are expected to reach 43-47 degrees today and relative humidity levels will be at 30%.  Winds will be out of the northwest today, with gusts up to 35 mph along the ridgetops and 20 mph in the valleys later this afternoon. 

Resources: A total of 559 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 11 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 28 Engines, 14 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

East Fork Fire: 82,671  acres, 68% containment. Located 13 miles north of Hanna, UT, began 8/21/20. Center Creek Trail Fire: 1,274 acres, 0% containment. Located 17 miles north of Mountain Home, UT, began 8/25/20. Both fires are lightning caused.

Closures: The closure order on the Ashley National Forest for the local area and roads may change. Any changes to the current closure order will be posted first on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7052/. The current closure map can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y45r6fb4 and the closure order may be found here: https://tinyurl.com/yxnh9oal.

Update: Southwest winds on Saturday caused increased fire activity, with the largest area of growth being in the High Uintas Wilderness area. The fire continued to back around the Upper Stillwater Reservoir at a higher rate than in previous days. The fire filled in additional area northeast around Granddaddy Lake, and was actively burning within current perimeter in the area around Raspberry Draw as previously unburned islands of vegetation ignited. 

Today’s wind gusts are expected to ground air operations for the day. Firefighters will continue to provide protection for buildings and infrastructure in the Moon Lake and Yellowstone Reservoir area today. On the northeast corner, crews will continue to improve indirect line construction in the Fish Creek drainage.  Crews will continue to scout for contingency lines south and west of the fire perimeter, to be prepared for fire growth for future wind shifts.

Weather: A storm system is currently moving through the fire area. Precipitation amounts are less than previously predicted with amounts being up to two inches in Ganddaddy Basin and one inch in the Stillwater Reservoir area and Lake Fork Mountain. Northwest winds will be strong through the afternoon with gusts up to 50, mph on ridges and only slightly less in valleys. Relative humidity levels will be higher today (40-50%) which will help to moderate today’s fire behavior. Temperatures today will be 20-25 degrees colder than Saturday.

Resources: A total of 464 firefighters are assigned to the fires. Resources include 11 hand crews, 10 helicopters, 23 Engines, 8 water tenders and 2 dozers.

Jurisdiction: The fires are in the jurisdiction of the Ashley National Forest, Uintah and Ouray Tribal Lands, and State of Utah Lands. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 is managing the fires.

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