FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 6, 2020      9:00 a.m.                                                                                                                               

Fire Information: 208-756-7853, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

On Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6916/

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

 

Start Date:                       August 1, 2020

Cause:                               Lightning

Current Size:                    129 acres

Total Personnel:             86

Containment:                  10%

Fuels:                                 subalpine fir and lodgepole pine

 

Location: Approximately eight (8) miles East of Twin Bridges, MT in the Tobacco Root Mountains; Approximately six (6) miles Northeast of Sheridan, MT

 

Resources Assigned:

 

Type I Crew: 3

Type I Helicopter: 2

Type II Helicopters: 1

Type III Helicopters: 1

District Firefighters: 11

Smokejumpers: 15

Current Status:  Yesterday, fire activity decreased with the fire continuing to burn in the interior of the existing fire perimeter.  Fire size remains at 129 acres.  Hot shot crews continue to make good progress working along the eastern and western edges of the fire.  The fire is in steep terrain with presence of numerous snags, firefighters are constructing indirect line and are engaging in direct line construction where safe to do so. 

Fire behavior today is expected to be moderate with short range spotting.  The fire is expected to continue to back down slopes in the drainages.  Crews will continue to address any spot fires and will attempt to hold the fire on the east side with the aid of helicopters.   

Weather:  Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches from the west.  A mix of wet and dry thunderstorms are expected, with the greatest focus of storms expected across northern portions of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF.  Thunderstorms will be capable of producing gusty erratic outflow winds.  Breezy westerly winds will continue Thursday night into Friday as colder air ushers into the Northern Rockies. 

Closure: An area closure has been issued as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area:  The closure is defined as: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground.  Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain.  Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak.  Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain.  Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary.  Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning.  A copy of the closure order and map can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6916/52896/. 

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FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 5, 2020      9:00 a.m.                                                                                                                               

Fire Information: 208-756-7853, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

On Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6916/

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

 

Start Date:                       August 1, 2020

Cause:                               Lightning

Current Size:                    129 acres

Total Personnel:             86

Containment:                  0%

Fuels:                                 subalpine fir and lodgepole pine

 

Location: Approximately eight (8) miles East of Twin Bridges, MT in the Tobacco Root Mountains; Approximately six (6) miles Northeast of Sheridan, MT

 

Resources Assigned: 

Type I Crew: 3

Type I Helicopter: 2

Type II Helicopters:1

Type III Helicopters: 1

District Firefighters: 11

Smokejumpers: 15

 

Current Status:  Yesterday, the fire burned in the interior of the existing perimeter with no increase in fire size due to favorable weather conditions.  Hot shot crews continue to work to construct a contingency line along the western edge of the fire where many dead trees make it difficult to engage the fire directly.   

Fire behavior today is expected to be moderate with single tree torching with the fire continuing to back down slopes.  Crews will continue to address any spot fires and will attempt to hold the fire on the east side with the aid of multiple helicopters.  Additional firefighting resources are expected to arrive today. 

Weather:  Today will be the warmest day of the week, with low relative humidity.  There is a potential for isolated thunderstorm tonight into Thursday morning. 

Closure: An area closure has been issued as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area:  The closure is defined as: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground.  Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain.  Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak.  Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain.  Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary.  Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning.  A copy of the closure order and map can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6916/52896/. 

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Order Number 2020-D6-016
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
BEAVERHEAD DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST
MADISON RANGER DISTRICT – DILLON, MONTANA
FOREST ORDER
National Forest System Area Closure-Old Baldy Fire
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), 36 C.F.R. § 261.53 (e), the following acts are prohibited on the Madison Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest:
PROHIBITION:
1. To go into or be upon the area described below. [36 C.F.R. §261.53 (e)]
PURPOSE:
This closure is for public safety due to the Old Baldy Fire.
AREA CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:
Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 in section 22 T4S, R4W and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground in Section 5 T4S R3W. Continuing North to West Branham Peak in Section 32 T3S, R3W, From West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain in Section 30 T3S, R3W. Continuing North to Lonesome Peak in Section 30 T3S, R3S, From Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak in Section 24 T3S, R4W. Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain in Section 9 T3S, R4W. Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest boundary in Section 36 T2S, R5W. Continuing to follow the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning. The closure area is depicted on the attached map (Attachment A).
IMPLEMENTATION:
This order will be in effect from August 03, 2020 and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2020 or until the order is rescinded, whichever occurs first.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
Order Number 2020-D6-016
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1) Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically
exempting them from the effect of this Order. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1).
(2) Owners or lessees of land in the area. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(2).
4) Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(4).
VIOLATION:
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. (16 U.S.C. §551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571(b)(6) and 3581(b)(7).
INFORMATION:
Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Madison Ranger District Office located at Ennis, Montana, (406) 682-4253, and at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor’s Office located at 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, Montana, (406) 683-3900.
Executed in Dillon, Montana, this the 4th day of August, 2020.
Cheri Ford
Forest Supervisor

FIRE UPDATE

Old Baldy Fire

August 4, 2020      11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                    

Fire Information: 406-682-4253, Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Facebook: Beaverhead-Deerlodge Naitonal Forest

 

Start Date:                 August 1, 2020

Cause:                        Lightning       

Current Size:             129 acres

Total Personnel:       66

Containment:           0%

 

Location: Approximately 6 miles NE of Sheridan, MT

Resources Assigned: 2 – Type I Crews; 11 District Fire Personnel; 15 Smokejumpers; 4 Helicopters (Type 3 - light, Type 2 – medium, Type- 1 – heavy (2))

Current Status: Yesterday, the fire experienced interior burning and minimal perimeter growth due to slightly lower temperatures and higher relative humidities. The increase in acreage is largely due to more accurate mapping. Hot shot crews worked to construct a contingency line along the western edge of the fire where many dead trees made it difficult to engage the fire directly.

Similar fire behavior is expected today with single and group tree torching with short crown runs and spotting outside the current perimeter. Crews will continue to address spot fires and again attempt to hold the fire on the east side with the aid of multiple helicopters. Additional firefighting resources are expected to arrive today.

 

Closure: An area closure was issued on August 3, 2020 as all Forest access roads within the area are one way in and out in a popular recreation area: Beginning at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge (B-D) Forest boundary and FS Rd 111 and following FS Rd 111 (Mill Creek Rd) to the Branham Lakes Campground. Continuing North to West Branham Peak, from West Branham Peak Northwest to Long Mountain. Continuing North to Lonesome Peak, from Lonesome Peak Northwest to Granite Peak. Following the Madison Ranger District Boundary to Lakeshore Mountain. Continuing North into the Butte Ranger District to FS Rd 1007 (Boulder Creek Rd), Following FS Rd 1007 to the B-D Forest boundary. Continuing to follow the B-D Forest boundary South and East to the intersection of FS Rd 111 at the beginning. See attached.

 

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Sept. 19, 2020: The Stanislaus National Forest is reopening sections of the forest again to public access after the Pacific Southwest Region rescinded its regional closure order. The regional closure order signed by Regional Forester Randy Moore expired at 8 a.m. today.. Fire restrictions remain in effect at all elevations on the forest, which prohibit using any ignition sources, including campfires, propane or gel-fuel stoves and smoking materials.

Forest Order STF-16-2020-19, Temporary Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions: prohibits dispersed camping in high and moderate fire hazard areas as well as recreational target shooting, but opens the forest for day use between sunrise and sunset, and authorizes some developed campgrounds.

For more information please see our main web page at:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus/
 

 Fire Statistics:LOCATION: Stanislaus National Forest,Summit Ranger DistrictLOCATION: Emigrant Wilderness (north of BearLake and south of Lake Valley trail)ACRES: 4 acres DATE DETECTED: July 28, 2020CAUSE: Lightning PERCENT CONTAINED: 0%INJURIES/ACCIDENTS: 0 STRUCTURES THREATENED: 0TOTAL PERSONNEL:25 STRUCTURES DESTROYED:0Fire Resources include: 2 Wildland Fire (10-person) Modules, 5 Incident Management Team leaders
 
CURRENT SITUATION: The Bell Fire is located in a remote area of the Stanislaus National Forest (STF) on the Summit Ranger District in the Emigrant Wilderness between the 8000 to 9000 ft level. The fire is currently about 4 acres in size and location about 5 miles east of Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, 1.5 miles southeast of Gianelli Trailhead, and 2 miles east of Crabtree Trailhead (as a bird flies).The STF Incident Management Team (IMT) is utilizing a confine and contain suppression strategy for firefighter and public safety, while utilizing extensive rocky and other natural features (like creeks) as containment lines. The IMT is taking advantage of the recent cooler conditions to control the fire with an indirect attack method of burning out vegetation and fuel between the edge of the fire and control lines. Burn out will continue as vegetation and fuel conditions are favorable, and the strategy has been successfulso far. Prevention and management of COVID-19 continues to be incorporated during all Forest and fire management activities, including our response to local fires, like the Bell Fire. 

The Bell Fire was first detected on July 28, 2020 and was started by lightning from thunderstorms that occurred in the days leading up to its detection. The fire is burning in a very steep and rugged area about a half mile north of Bear Lake and a quarter mile south of the Lake Valley (#19E21) trail that is interspersed with rocky areas and vegetation. Firefighters are working to contain the fire using naturalbreaks in vegetation, as well as local trails. Forest Closure Area: No forest, road, or trail closures are in effect in this area at this time. Please use caution while recreating in this general area and avoid the recently burned areas as dead or damaged trees can be immediate safety hazards. Smoke is likely visible from some trails and roads. Please check the Stanislaus National Forest Webpage for closure order information for other areas, as well as fire restriction areas at this link https://go.usa.gov/xUvWQ.
For more information about the Stanislaus National Forest, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus 

UPDATE #4: Stagecoach Fire - Updated Evacuation Information

 

 

UPDATE #4: Stagecoach Fire - Updated Evacuation Information. Details below.

 

Este es un mensaje de emergencia. Para espanol, llame a 211. Gracias.

 

If you live or work near the Stagecoach Fire near Caliente, please pay close attention to this message.

 

This is an update to earlier ReadyKern notifications regarding the Stagecoach Fire near Caliente.

 

Previous ReadyKern messages provided detail about areas under recommended and precautionary evacuation. This message updates that information.

 

the following areas remain under recommended evacuation:

 

Caliente Bodfish Road east to Piute Mountain Road, from the area south of School Street to JUST SOUTH OF HERITAGE WAY and

 

Saddle Springs Road/Piute Mountain Road as it goes near the following areas, listed in alphabetical order: Burton Mill, Clear Creek, Cold Spring, Liebel Peak, Piute Peak, Piute Spring, Rocky Point, and Saddle Spring.

 

A recommended evacuation means that the Stagecoach Fire is still an imminent threat and all persons in the evacuation area continue to be strongly advised to leave and seek shelter away from the fire area. A recommended evacuation will likely be the last warning given.

 

THE FOLLOWING AREAS HAVE BEEN DOWNGRADED FROM RECOMMENDED TO PRECAUTIONARY EVACUATION:

 

DAILEY ROAD EAST TO THE WEST END OF GOLDEN SPUR, BETWEEN THE TOP OF INDIAN OAK LOOP SOUTH TO WILLIAMS ROAD AND

 

WILLIAMS ROAD SOUTH TO WALKER BASIN ROAD, BETWEEN JOHNS ROAD EAST TO THE EAST END OF DOUGLAS AVENUE.

 

A precautionary evacuation means that the wildland fire may become a threat in the near future, and all residents are advised to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice if it becomes necessary.

 

EFFECTIVE 6:00 P.M. TONIGHT, THE FOLLOWING EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN LIFTED:

 

The west end of Old Ox Road east to Caliente Bodfish Road, between Quail Canyon Road south to Foxtail Canyon Road and

 

The west end of Owls Clover Road/Malivan Road east to the east end of Kendall Road, between Erdle Drive south to Piute Meadows Road.

 

Fire Department staff, vehicles, and equipment remain in the area. Residents should exercise appropriate caution around them.

 

A Temporary Evacuation Point continues to be available at the parking lot of the former K-Mart at 710 West Tehachapi Blvd. in Tehachapi.

 

Recommended Evacuations: 1. The area west of Old Ox Road east to Caliente Bodfish Road, between Quail Canyon Road south to Foxtail Canyon Road. 2. Caliente Bodfish Road east to Piute Mountain Road, from the area south of School Street to Walker Basin Road. Precautionary Evacuations: The west end of Owls Clover Road/Malivan Road east to the east end of Kendall Road, between Erdle Drive south to Piute Meadows Road. A Temporary Evacuation Point continues to be available at the parking lot of the former K-Mart at 710 West Tehachapi Blvd. in Tehachapi or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Road Closures: Breckenridge Road at Caliente Bodfish Road. Walser Road at Caliente Bodfish Road.

Cooperating

 Join fire managers for an online community meeting tonight August 13, at 8:00 p.m. 

An American Sign Language interpreter and captioning will be provided. A recording will be posted following the meeting. No account is required to view the video. If a pop-up box appears when you first navigate to the link, you can use the scroll bar on the right to scroll down to the view and/or click “not now” to minimize the login pop-up.  https://www.facebook.com/CassadoreSpringsFireInfo/

We will monitor online Facebook questions during the meeting or you can e-mail us your questions in advance at 2020.CassadoreSprings@firenet.gov

We will try to answer as many questions as we can. 
A recording of the informational meeting will be available on the Facebook page for later viewing.