Wood Lake Fire Daily Update

Sunday, August 23nd, 2020

Fire Information Line: (406) 750-8934

Public Inquiry Email: duane.buchi@usda.gov

Type III Incident Commander:  Alex Brooks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6995/

The Wood Lake Fire was reported by the Prairie Reef lookout at 10am on Monday, August 17th with an estimated size of 3 acres. By 6 p.m. the same day its growth was estimated at 50 acres with active fire behavior and spotting a quarter of a mile ahead of the fire front. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain on the upper third of a north-facing slope. The Rocky Mountain Ranger District's initial response consisted of a 6-person district fire module and a 4-person engine module. The Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots were on-scene by 2:00 p.m., supported by 2 Type-1 helicopters for water drops, and 1 Type-2 for transportation needs. Additionally, a large air tanker delivered 5 loads of retardant and single-engine-air-tankers delivered 15 loads of retardant, which helped hold the fire until fire crews could mobilize.

Size:  Approximately 87 acres              
Containment:  30%                          
Cause:  Lightning 
Location:  21 miles southwest of Augusta                                                                                Structures threatened:  0                                                                                                              Sructures destroyed:  0

Fire Crews:  Lewis & Clark Interagency Hotshots, Helena Hotshots, Rocky Mountain Ranger District Module

Air Support: 1 Type-1 and 1 Type-3 Helicopter

Engines: 2

Total Personnel: 75

Yesterday’s Operations: Fire activity throughout the day was minimal with some creeping and smoldering and a rare smoke in the areas where the fire has burned into steep, rocky terrain.  No smoke was detected outside of the containment line.  Both the type-1 and type-3 helicopter were on hand to deliver water drops as needed.  Crews spent the day reinforcing containment line, patrolling, and cooling areas of heat.   Crews likewise kept hose lays in constant operation on the fuel treatment units in the Double Falls and Aspen areas. 

Today’s Operations:  Crews will once again reinforce containment, patrol, and cool hot spots that may crop up with the hot, dry and breezy weather.  Crews in the Double Falls and Aspen areas will continue wetting the area with the hose lay infrastructure.    A type IV incident commander will assume command this afternoon, and the Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots will demobilize.  The Rocky Mountain Ranger District’s Wildland Fire Module will remain spike camped with the fire overnight tonight to again be on hand for patrol and containment reinforcement as needed.   The Helena Interagency Hotshots and two engine modules will patrol and operate hose lays on the treatment units near Double Falls and Aspen areas. 

Evacuations and Closures:  Wood Lake, Wood Lake campground, Wood Lake picnic area, and the Petty-Crown Trailhead and associated loop trail are still temporarily closed so helicopters can safely retrieve water from Wood Lake. In addition, all dispersed camping is still closed from the Forest boundary along Benchmark Road to Wood Lake.  However, Benchmark Road remains open for through traffic. Motorists are reminded not to stop in the fire vicinity as it creates a safety hazard to fire personnel and the public.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  A dry cold front is pushing through northwest Montana.  Despite this front, the ridge of high pressure situated over Montana will not break down. This ridge, and subsequent southwesterly flow, has ushered in smoke from across the region.  Air quality along the Rocky Mountain Front is reported as MODERATE.   Keep track of hourly concentrations at TodaysAir.mt.gov.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions are in effect around the entire fire area.

Physical information availability:  Fire information boards will be posted daily at the Augusta Information Station, and the Choteau Ranger District Office.

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WOOD LAKE FIRE UPDATE
 
AUGUST 22nd, 2020 

Fire Information Line: (406) 750-8934

Public Inquiry Email: duane.buchi@usda.gov

Type III Incident Commander:  Alex Brooks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6995/

The Wood Lake Fire was reported by the Prairie Reef lookout at 10am on Monday, August 17th with an estimated size of 3 acres. By 6 p.m. the same day its growth was estimated at 50 acres with active fire behavior and spotting a quarter of a mile ahead of the fire front. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain on the upper third of a north-facing slope. The Rocky Mountain Ranger District's initial response consisted of a 6-person district fire module and a 4-person engine module. The Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots were on-scene by 2:00 p.m., supported by 2 Type-1 helicopters for water drops, and 1 Type-2 for transportation needs. Additionally, a large air tanker delivered 5 loads of retardant and single-engine-air-tankers delivered 15 loads of retardant, which helped hold the fire until fire crews could mobilize.

Size:  Approximately 87 acres                  Containment:  30%                                               Cause:  Lightning

Structures threatened:  0                        Location:  21 miles southwest of Augusta             Structures destroyed:  0

Fire Crews:  Lewis & Clark Interagency Hotshots, Helena Hotshots, Rocky Mountain Ranger District Module

Air Support: 1 Type-1 and 1 Type-3 Helicopter

Engines: 2

Total Personnel: 81

Yesterday’s Operations: The increase in acreage from yesterday to today resulted from greater accuracy in determining fire size with a helicopter vs the size estimation previously done with a fixed wing aircraft.  Firefighters again made noteworthy progress in reducing potential for fire spread through containment line reinforcement and the systematic searching out and cooling of hot spots. 

Today’s Operations: The Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots and the Ranger District's Wildland Fire Module remain spike camped in the fire area and will continue reinforcing containment lines and searching for and cooling hot spots.  Because of the steep, rocky terrain, with numerous snags interior to the fire, firefighters will utilize the helicopters to strategically drop water on hot spots to mitigate fire growth.   Helena Interagency Hotshots and two engine modules will patrol and reinforce the hose lays on the treatment units near Double Falls and Aspen areas. 

Evacuations and Closures:  In order to facilitate the safety of the public and suppression of the Wood Lake wildfire a temporary closure has been placed on Wood Lake, Wood Lake campground, Wood Lake picnic area, and the Petty-Crown Trailhead and associated loop trail. In addition, all dispersed camping will be closed from the Forest boundary along Benchmark Road to Wood Lake.  However, Benchmark Road will remain open to through traffic at this time.  Motorists are asked not to stop in the fire vicinity in order to keep roads open and safe for both public and fire traffic.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  Weather conditions for today and tomorrow are expected to closely replicate the sunny, hot, and breezy weather experienced yesterday.  The greatest concerns still lie with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms and the strong, unpredictable outflow winds that result.  Smoke from fires across the region continues to impact Montana’s air. Sites across the state have reported MODERATE air quality. Keep track of hourly concentrations at TodaysAir.mt.gov. The wildfire is burning in heavy timber, litter and a subalpine fir understory.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions are in effect around the entire fire area.

Physical information availability:  Fire information boards will be posted daily at the Augusta Information Station, and the Choteau Ranger District Office.

Fire Information Line: (406) 740-7005
Public Inquiry Email: erin.fryer@usda.gov
Type III Incident Commander:  Alex Brooks
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6995/

The Wood Lake Fire was reported by the Prairie Reef lookout at 10am on Monday, August 17th with an estimated size of 3 acres. By 6 p.m. the same day its growth was estimated at 50 acres with active fire behavior and spotting a quarter of a mile ahead of the fire front. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain on the upper third of a north-facing slope. The Rocky Mountain Ranger District's initial response consisted of a 6-person district fire module and a 4-person engine module. The Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots were on-scene by 2:00 p.m., supported by 2 Type-1 helicopters for water drops, and 1 Type-2 for transportation needs. Additionally, a large air tanker delivered 5 loads of retardant and single-engine-air-tankers delivered 15 loads of retardant, which helped hold the fire until fire crews could mobilize.

Size:  Approximately 73 acres                     Containment:  30%                                                         Cause:  Lightning

Structures threatened:  0                             Location:  21 miles southwest of Augusta             Structures destroyed:  0

Fire Crews:  Lewis & Clark Interagency Hotshots, Helena Hotshots, Rocky Mountain Ranger District Module

Air Support: 2 Type-1, 1 Type-3 Helicopters

Engines: 2

Total Personnel: 80

Yesterday’s Operations: Firefighters took advantage of cooler weather yesterday and were able to make considerable progress reinforcing water drops and retardant line throughout the day, bringing containment to 30 percent by the end of shift. Firefighters were also able to extinguish spot fires that occurred during the initial fire growth.

Today’s Operations: Crews will reinforce retardant line and build fireline focusing on the north and east perimeters.  Due to steep, rocky terrain and numerous snags interior to the fire, firefighters will use helicopters to strategically drop water, cooling hot spots, aiding in perimeter containment.  Efforts will continue in the Double Falls and Aspen areas again today.  These crews are working to reinforce past fuels reduction treatment units.

Evacuations and Closures:  In order to facilitate the safety of the public and suppression of the Wood Lake wildfire a temporary closure has been placed on Wood Lake, Wood Lake campground, Wood Lake picnic area, and the Petty-Crown Trailhead and associated loop trail. In addition, all dispersed camping will be closed from the Forest boundary along Benchmark Road to Wood Lake.  However, Benchmark Road will remain open to through traffic at this time.  Motorists are asked not to stop in the fire vicinity in order to keep roads open and safe for both public and fire traffic.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  Today will be sunny, with a high of 89 degrees. Light southwest winds from 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.  The area will see a widespread haze from noon to 4 p.m. this afternoon.  A Hazardous Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the area starting at noon on Saturday, August 22, through Saturday evening.  The watch calls for warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.  The Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the low 80s, winds out of the west from 15 to 25 mph and relative humidity levels dropping down to 15 percent.

The wildfire is burning in heavy timber, litter and a subalpine fir understory.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions are in effect around the entire fire area.

Physical information availability:  Fire information boards will be posted daily at the Augusta Information Station, and the Choteau Ranger District Office.

Fire Information Line: (406) 740-7005
Public Inquiry Email: erin.fryer@usda.gov
Type III Incident Commander:  Alex Brooks
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6995/

The Wood Lake Fire was reported by the Prairie Reef lookout at 10am on Monday, August 17th with an estimated size of 3 acres. By 6 p.m. the same day its growth was estimated at 50 acres with active fire behavior and spotting a quarter of a mile ahead of the fire front. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain on the upper third of a north-facing slope. The Rocky Mountain Ranger District's initial response consisted of a 6-person district fire module and a 4-person engine module. The Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots were on-scene by 2:00 p.m., supported by 2 Type-1 helicopters for water drops, and 1 Type-2 for transportation needs. Additionally, a large air tanker delivered 5 loads of retardant and single-engine-air-tankers delivered 15 loads of retardant, which helped hold the fire until fire crews could mobilize.

Size:  Approximately 73 acres                     Containment:  0%                                                            Cause:  Lightning

Structures threatened:  0                             Location:  15 miles southwest of Augusta             Structures destroyed:  0

Fire Crews:  Lewis & Clark Interagency Hotshots, Helena Hotshots, Rocky Mountain Ranger District Module, Rappeller crew

Air Support: 2 Type-1, 1 Type-2 and 1 Type-3 Helicopters

Engines: 2

Total Personnel: 80

Yesterday’s Operations: Firefighters were able to continue making progress reinforcing water drops and retardant line throughout the day yesterday. Firefighting crews also worked to extinguish spot fires that occurred during the initial fire growth.  Crews again spiked out near the fireline last night in order to be in place and ready to engage early this morning and taking advantage of cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels.

Today’s Operations: Planned operations for today will be much the same as yesterday.  Crews will reinforce retardant line and build fireline along the perimeter.  Their efforts will be supported as needed by helicopters strategically dropping water to cool hot spots and limit the fire’s growth.  In addition, firefighters, both a hotshot crew and local engines, will continue work reinforcing past fuels reduction efforts in the Double Falls and Aspen recreational residence areas using hose lays.

Evacuations and Closures:  In order to facilitate the safety of the public and suppression of the Wood Lake wildfire a temporary closure has been placed on Wood Lake, Wood Lake campground, Wood Lake picnic area, and the Petty-Crown Trailhead and associated loop trail. In addition, all dispersed camping will be closed from the Forest boundary along Benchmark Road to Wood Lake.  However, Benchmark Road will remain open to through traffic at this time.  Motorists are asked not to stop in the fire vicinity in order to keep roads open and safe for both public and fire traffic.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  A red flag warning has been issued for the fire area again today until 10 p.m. this evening.  Today will be mostly sunny, with a high of 88 degrees. However, there is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 12 p.m.  Winds will be from the southwest at 5 to 15 mph shifting to the east southeast in the afternoon.  Wind gusts could be as high as 23 mph.  The wildfire is burning in heavy timber, litter and a subalpine fir understory.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions are in effect around the entire fire area.

Physical information availability:  Fire information boards will be posted daily at the Augusta Information Station, and the Choteau Ranger District Office.

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Fire Information Line: (406) 740-7005
Public Inquiry Email: erin.fryer@usda.gov
Type III Incident Commander:  Alex Brooks
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HLCNF/  | Inciweb - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6995/

The Wood Lake Fire was reported by the Prairie Reef lookout at 10am on Monday, August 17th with an estimated size of 3 acres. By 6 p.m. the same day its growth was estimated at 50 acres with active fire behavior and spotting a quarter of a mile ahead of the fire front. The fire is in steep, rugged terrain on the upper third of a north-facing slope. The Rocky Mountain Ranger District's initial response consisted of a 6-person district fire module and a 4-person engine module. The Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots were on-scene by 2:00 p.m., supported by 2 Type-1 helicopters for water drops, and 1 Type-2 for transportation needs. Additionally, a large air tanker delivered 5 loads of retardant and single-engine-air-tankers delivered 15 loads of retardant, which helped hold the fire until fire crews could mobilize.

Size:  Approximately 73 acres                     Containment:  0%                                                            Cause:  Lightning

Structures threatened:  0                             Location:  12 miles west of Augusta                         Structures destroyed:  0

Fire Crews:  Lewis and Clark Interagency Hotshots, Helena Hotshots, Willamette Initial Attack crew, Rocky Mountain Ranger District Module, Rappeller crew

Air Support: 3 Type-1, 1 Type-2 and 2 Type-3 Helicopters

Engines: 2

Total Personnel: 96

Yesterday’s Operations: Crews made considerable progress in reinforcing water drops and retardant line throughout the day and limiting further fire growth. Crews spiked out near the fireline last night in order to be in place and ready to engage early this morning.

Today’s Operations: Crews will work throughout the shift reinforcing retardant line and will begin building fireline around the perimeter of the wildfire.  Their efforts will be supported as needed by 3 Type-1, 1 Type-2, and 2 Type- 3 helicopters.  Two 20-person crews and local engines will work to reinforce past fuels reduction efforts in the Double Falls and Aspen recreational residence areas.  Their work will include a combination of perimeter hose lays to reinforce prior treatment areas. With a red flag warning in place today, firefighters will need to be extra vigilant to changing conditions.

Evacuations and Closures:  In order to facilitate the safety of the public and suppression of the Wood Lake wildfire a temporary closure has been placed on Wood Lake, Wood Lake campground, Wood Lake picnic area, and the Petty-Crown Trailhead and associated loop trail. In addition, it was decided that all dispersed camping will be closed from the Forest boundary along Benchmark Road to Wood Lake.  However, Benchmark Road will remain open to through traffic at this time.  Motorists are asked not to stop in the fire vicinity in order to keep roads open and safe for both public and fire traffic.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:  A red flag warning has been issued for the fire area until 9 p.m. this evening.  Weather forecast for today is partly sunny, with a high of 89 degrees, with relative humidity dropping to approximately 20 percent this afternoon.  Winds will be from the northwest at 7 to 9 mph shifting to the east southeast in the afternoon.  Conditions will remain sunny throughout the week with temperatures staying in the upper 80s into the weekend.  The wildfire is burning in heavy timber, litter and a subalpine fir understory.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions are in effect around the entire fire area.

Physical information availability:  Fire information boards will be posted daily at the Augusta Information Station, and the Choteau Ranger District Office.

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Danielson Fire: 300 acres, 100% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles northeast of Fort McKavett, Texas

The Danielson Fire is 100% contained and has been turned back over to the local fire departments to monitor.  

Danielson Fire: estimated 300 acres, 75% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles northeast of Fort McKavett.

Today, dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment lines. Engine crews will continue to patrol and mop up, focusing on hotspots close to the line.

Fire Weather: The forecast remains dry and hot. Afternoon minimum relative humidity percentages will be mainly in the lower to mid 20s  range. Plus, winds, at 20 feet above ground level, will remain relatively light, around 10 mph or less. Fire crews should expect afternoon temperatures ranging from the mid 90s to perhaps near 100.

Danielson Fire: estimated 300 acres, 75% contained
Location: Approximately 4 miles north east of Fort McKavett, Texas

Dozer crews continue to improve their constructed containment line. Engine crews continue to patrol and mop up, searching for hotspots along the fire edge.

Danielson Fire: estimated 300 acres, 65% contained
Location: Approximately 4 miles north east of Fort McKavett, Texas

Yesterday, dozers made good progress on containment line construction. Engine crews successfully conducted a burnout to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and containment line.

Planned Actions: Dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment line. Engine crews will continue to patrol and mop up, focusing on hotspots.

Fire Weather: Expect relative humidity values to drop to near 50 percent by 10 AM, near 40 percent by noon, and reach a minimum near 29 percent by 5 PM. Relative humidity values will then slowly increase through the evening hours. Winds will become northeast at 8 to 10 mph by late this morning, then decrease below 10 mph this evening. High temperatures this afternoon will be around 94 degrees.

Indian Creek Fire update for Saturday, August 29, 2020

Brian Gales, Incident Commander
Lonnie Click, Deputy Incident Commander

Start date: Aug. 16, 202
Location: 9 miles east of Juntura, OR
Cause: Human/under investigation
Fire size: 48,128 acres
Containment: 75%
Total personnel: 117

Northwest Incident Management Team 13, led by Incident Commander Brian Gales, will transfer the Indian Creek Fire suppression to High Desert Type 3 Incident Management Team under the command of Rob Gubser tomorrow.

NWIMT13’s successful management and suppression efforts by firefighters over the past two weeks is due in large part to the tremendous support of the communities of Juntura, Harper, Westfall, and Vale.

“We appreciate the support of the community,” said Incident Commander trainee Aaron Schuh. “Everyone has been very friendly and accepting of us being here.”

Firefighters have been working out of remote camps and eating packaged meals. Home-cooked meals prepared by Westfall residents, featuring locally-produced beef, has been a welcome and much-appreciated treat. Many area residents encountering crews in town have taken the time to thank them for their hard work.

This will be the final update from Team 13. Future updates will be generated by Vale Bureau of Land Management as needed.

WEATHER: Temperatures should stay in the 80s today and smoke from fires in California and western Oregon should clear out. A cold front will move in this evening, dropping temperatures into the 70s Sunday.

SAFETY: Bow hunting season for deer and elk has begun, which is adding to the traffic volume along Hwy. 20 and secondary roads, and also causing wildlife to be more active. Motorists should maintain situational awareness at all times. A Hunter Advisory information board is located at the entrance to Pole Creek Road with additional safety information.

RESTRICTIONS:  Fire restrictions are in effect across the Bureau of Land Management Vale District and Bureau of Reclamation-protected lands. This includes a ban on campfires and open flames, driving or parking on dry vegetation, and operating equipment or engaging in activities that could create a spark. Go to https://tinyurl.com/Vale-BLM-fire-restrictions for details.

Public information: 717-831-8113

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6991/