The Ben Young Fire is currently 1,200 acres and located 13 miles south of Paisley, OR.  The fire is burning on steep slopes with grass and brush on lower slopes and timbered ridges.  NW 7 Incident Command Team 7 (Incident Commander Eric Knerr) took over management of the Ben Young Fire today at 6 a.m.  

The fire is threatening the communication site on Round Mountain, the Morgan Butte Fire Lookout, and one residence.  More residences could become threatened as the fire moves to the east.  Resources from multiple agencies are working on the fire, including Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
  
Yesterday’s Activity – Firefighters made good progress yesterday as thunderstorm activity was minimal, with a short period of precipitation and heavy downdrafts.  Steep slopes made fire access and egress initially difficult, but a combination of dozer and air support made good progress. 
 
Today’s Operations - Continuation of aircraft support will be critical to ground resource success.  Firefighters will continue work on building additional fireline directly up the flanks of the fire and prepare indirect fireline in the steeper terrain on the northeastern portion.
 
Weather and Fire Behavior:  It is expected to be sunny in the morning then partly cloudy.  Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s to mid-80s with low relative humidity.  Very slight chance of thunderstorms building over Modoc and Lake Counties this afternoon.  Widespread wetting rain over the fire area yesterday resulted in moisture fuel conditions this morning which will dry out throughout the day. 
 
Closures:  The emergency closure remains in effect on the National Forest System land east of Forest Road 33 from Forest Road 3510 north towards Paisley.  Also closed are Forest Roads 3510-018 off Clover Flat Road, the 3510 Road between the Forest Boundary west to Forest Road 33, and Road 3509 between Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road.  Within the closure area are Marster Spring Campground, Chewaucan Crossing Campground, Jones Crossing Forest Camp, Moss Meadow Horse Camp, Moss Pass Trailhead and Campground, and the Fremont National Recreation Trail.
  
Safety: Safety of the public and firefighters is always the top priority in wildland fire operations.  Fire operation protocols include best management practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within firefighter crews/operations and within the general public.  Medical staff is available to support firefighters should they be needed.
 
For Online Ben Young Fire Updates visit:Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6880/Fremont-Winema National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winemaOn Twitter @FremontWinemaNF or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/R6FWNF.South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership at  https://www.facebook.com/pg/SCOFMPFIREINFO/posts/

The Ben Young Fire is currently burning on the Paisley Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest approximately 10 miles south of Paisley.
 
The fire was discovered yesterday at 12:56 p.m. on private lands and moved onto the National Forest late yesterday afternoon.  The cause is under investigation.
 
This morning it is estimated that the fire is between 1,200 and 1,500 acres and there is no containment.  One private cabin in the area is threatened.  Fire behavior is moderate with some torching.  
 
Currently there is a local Type 3 Incident Management Team assigned to the Ben Young Fire.  A Type 2 Incident Management Team is scheduled to begin transitioning onto the fire today at 5 p.m.
 
Resources from multiple agencies are working on the fire, including Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  This includes multiple engines, a dozer, helicopters, air attack, a lead plane, three heavy air tankers and three single engine air tankers.  More firefighting resources are ordered.
 
While the fire is currently burning on National Forest System lands, there is a possibility it will burn onto BLM and additional private lands.  Both ODF and BLM are engaged and monitoring the fire’s movement.
 
There is a Red Flag Warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today for abundant lightning on dry fuels in the area, including over the Ben Young Fire.  Fire officials will be closely monitoring those conditions and their potential effect on the fire.

FIRE AREA EMERGENCY CLOSURE  FREMONT-WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST  PAISLEY RANGER DISTRICT  Order Number 06-02-03-20-01 
Pursuant to Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations §261.50 (a) and (b), the following act is prohibited on National Forest System lands and roads within the following described area on the Paisley Ranger District, Fremont Winema National Forest, as described in attached Exhibit A.
This prohibition will become effective immediately on July 22, 2020 upon signature of this Order and will remain in effect until December 1, 2020, unless rescinded earlier.
 
PROHIBITION:(1) Going onto or being within an area closed for public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53 (e)(2) Being upon a closed road. 36 CFR § 261.54 (e) The area described below will be closed to public access/entry due to hazards and hazardous conditions created as a result of the Ben Young Fire.
 
AFFECTED AREA / CLOSURE AREA: All legal descriptions are located within the Willamette Meridianand described as follows:
Point of Beginning –Starting at the junction of the Fremont-Winema National Forest Boundary (Boundary) and National Forest System road (NFSR) 33 in T. 34 S., R. 18 E., WM., section 9, approximately one mile north of Marster Spring Campground, following the Boundary east along the north lines of sections 9, 10, 11 and 12 in T. 34 S., R. 18 E.,WM., then turning south following the east lines of sections 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36 in T. 34 S., R. 18 E., WM.,near Brattain Butte. East of Morgan Butte, continue to follow the Boundary southeasterly along sections 6, 7, 17,20, 21, 27, and 34 approximately 9 miles to the start of NFSR 3510 in T. 35 S., R. 19 E., WM., section 34. Travel approximately 13 miles westerly along NFSR 3510 through Moss Pass crossing Ben Young Creek and the Chewaucan River to reach its junction with NFSR 33 in T. 35 S., R. 18 E., WM., section 20. Turning northeasterly, following NFSR 33 approximately 10 miles through Coffeepot Flat and passing a variety of recreation sites, such as Jones Crossing, Chewaucan Trailhead and Marster Spring Campground, reaching the junction of the Boundary and NFSR 33.
 
NFSR Road 3510-018 is closed from approximately 4 miles southeasterly of Oregon State Highway 31, at the junction of Lake County Road 2-10A (Clover Flat Road) in section 33, T. 34 S., R. 19 E., WM., heading southwesterly along Schoolhouse Creek approximately three miles to the junction of the Boundary along the westline of section 7 in T. 35 S., R. 19 E., WM.
 
NFSR Road 3510 is closed from the start of the road in T. 35 S., R. 19 E., WM., section 34, approximately 13 miles westerly to its junction with NFSR 33 in T. 35 S., R. 18 E., WM., section 20.NFSR Road 3509 is closed from from the junction of National Forest System roads (NFSR) 3510 and 3509 inT. 36 S., R. 18 E., WM., section 2 travelling southerly and on the west side of Doe Mountain, approximately 7miles to the junction of NFSR 3509 and NFSR 28 in T. 36 S., R. 18 E., WM., section 33.Order Number 06-02-03-20-01 16 U.S.C. §551, 18 U.S.C. §3559 & §3571
 
The National Forest System roads that delineate this area closure boundary are closed to the public. Refer to attached map (Exhibit A).
Pursuant to Title 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e), the following are exempt from this Order:(1) Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act o rOmission. “Person” means natural person, corporation, company, partnership, trust, firm, or association of persons. “Permit” means authorization in writing by a Forest Officer. “Forest Officer” means an employee of the Forest Service.(2) Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.(3) Owners or lessees of land in the affected area.
 
This restriction is in addition to those prohibitions enumerated in Subpart A of 36 C.F.R. §261 and any other special restrictions pertaining to the described lands.
 
Barry L. Imler, Forest Supervisor Fremont-Winema National Forest 

These restrictions are in addition to those prohibitions enumerated in Subpart A of Title 36, C.F.R. §261 and any other special restrictions pertaining to the above described lands.
 
Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than 6 months or both. 

An emergency fire closure is now in effect for the Ben Young Fire area on the Paisley Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest.The closure area is on the National Forest System land east of Forest Road 33 from Forest Road 3510 north towards Paisley.  Also closed are Forest Roads 3510-018 off Clover Flat Road, the 3510 Road between the Forest Boundary Forest Road 33, and Road 3509 between Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road.
 
Within the closure area are Marster Spring Campground, Chewaucan Crossing Campground, Jones Crossing Forest Camp, Moss Meadow Horse Camp, Moss Pass Trailhead and Campground, and the Fremont National Recreation Trail.  These recreation sites are all closed due to the emergency fire closure.
 
The closure order is formally referenced as 06-02-03-20-01.  It went into effect this afternoon and is in effect until conditions allow or December 1, 2020, whichever occurs first.  There will be public notification when the closure order is lifted.Forest visitors are asked to avoid the fire area and related roads while suppression activities continue.  Anyone driving in the area should watch for increased traffic and vehicles associated with wildland firefighting.
 
Violations of the closure order are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than 6 months or both.

Iris Fire- Final Update

Size: 120 acres

Containment: 93%

Location: East of Rock Creek Road, near Iris Meadows Campground

Fuels: Sagebrush, pinyon/juniper

Cause: Lightning

Update: Crews continue to patrol throughout the fire area. The focus remains on the 7% of open fire line on northeast corner of the fire, where crews continue to make progress improving containment lines and mopping up in very rugged and steep terrain.

Today, crews continue fire suppression repair. This is a process where crews work to reduce the risk of soil erosion from fire line construction and other suppression activities. 

California Incident Management Team (CIIMT) 13 Mike Wakoski, Incident Commander will be transitioning the fire back to the Inyo National Forest Type 4 incident Management Team at 6:00 pm. Additional information regarding the fire will be on an as needed basis.

Weather: Dryer conditions are forecast today with breezy afternoon conditions through Wednesday.

Open: Rock Creek Road has re-opened as have most campgrounds. All resorts, and cabins are open. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as fire equipment may be coming in and out of the area and firefighters may occasionally be near the roadway. Please drive slowly for firefighter safety! Please note that Holiday and Palisade campgrounds remain closed for use by firefighters and equipment for the next several days.

All wilderness permits for the Rock Creek Canyon trailheads are being issued.

All resorts and cabins are open.

Mono Public Works District II and the California Highway Patrol continue to monitor traffic in the area for safety.

Resources: There are 265 personnel remain assigned to the incident, including 5 engines, 5 crews, 1 water tender, and 2 helicopters.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6877/-

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Rock Creek Road is now open.
 

Closed Campgrounds:

·         Holiday and Palisade Campgrounds remain closed for Iris Fire personnel and equipment.

·         All group campgrounds remain closed under the existing Inyo National Forest order.

Campgrounds Re-opening July 27:  

·         Mosquito Flat

·         Rock Creek

·         Upper Pine Grove

·         Pine Grove

·         East Fork

·         Big Meadows

·         French Camp
 
          Iris Meadow 

Resorts and Cabins Re-opening July 27:

·         All resorts and cabins.

Iris Fire- Daily Update

Size: 120 acres

Containment: 90%

Location: East of Rock Creek Road, near Iris Meadows Campground

Fuels: Sagebrush, pinyon/juniper

Cause: Lightning

Update: Crews continue to mop up and patrol throughout the fire area. The focus remains on the 10% of open fire line on northeast corner of the fire, where crews continue to make progress improving containment lines and mopping up in very rugged and steep terrain.

Today, many of the crews will be involved in fire suppression repair this is a process where crews work to reduce the risk of soil erosion from fire line construction and other suppression activities. 

California Incident Management Team (CIIMT) 13 Mike Wakoski, Incident Commander would like to take the opportunity to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding as firefighters work to complete fire containment efforts.

Weather: Isolated thunderstorms remain in the forecast for this evening and into Monday which could bring more lightning to the area.

Opening of Closures: Rock Creek Road at Tom’s Place will reopen no later than noon today. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as fire equipment may be coming in and out of the area and firefighters may occasionally be near the roadway. Please drive slowly for firefighter safety! Please note that Holiday and Palisade campgrounds remain closed for use by firefighters and equipment for the next several days.

All wilderness permits for the Rock Creek Canyon trailheads are being honored. This includes the Little Lakes (including the Mono Pass Trail that starts here) and Hilton Lakes Trailhead.

Mono County Sheriff, Inyo County Sheriff, Mono Public Works District II and the California Highway Patrol continue to monitor traffic in the area for safety.

Resources: There are 300 personnel remain assigned to the incident, including 10 engines, 5 crews, 1 water tender, and 2 helicopters.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6877/-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Bishop, CA- Over the past several days, firefighters have made great progress in the containment of the Iris Fire. As such, Incident Commanders and cooperating agencies have determined that it is safe enough to re-open portions of the closure area.

Rock Creek Road at Tom’s Place will reopen no later than noon on July 27.  Motorists are advised to drive with caution as fire equipment may be coming in and out of the area and firefighters may occasionally be near the roadway. Please drive slowly for firefighter safety!

There is no parking or stopping between Aspen Group Campground and East Fork Picnic Area. The turnouts in this area will be closed with cones.

Closed Campgrounds:

·         Holiday and Palisade Campgrounds remain closed for Iris Fire personnel and equipment.

·         All group campgrounds remain closed under the existing Inyo National Forest order.

Campgrounds Re-opening July 27:  

·         Mosquito Flat

·         Rock Creek

·         Upper Pine Grove

·         Pine Grove

·         East Fork

·         Big Meadows

·         French Camp
 
          Iris Meadow 

Resorts and Cabins Re-opening July 27:

·         All resorts and cabins.

Wilderness Permit Holders:

Effective Monday, July 27, all wilderness permits for the Rock Creek Canyon trailheads will be honored. This includes the Little Lakes (including the Mono Pass Trail that starts here) and Hilton Lakes Trailhead.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6877/-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Update: Overnight, fire activity remained minimal. Crews continue to hold and improve containment lines around the fire perimeter. Most of the fire has good containment lines. The focus remains on the 15% of open fire line on northeast corner of the fire, where crews continue to make progress improving containment lines and mopping up in very rugged and steep terrain.

Due to improved on the ground mapping, the acreage has been verified and adjusted to 120 acres.

California Incident Management Team (CIIMT) 13 Mike Wakoski, Incident Commander would like to take the opportunity to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding as firefighters work to complete fire containment efforts. The team and the Inyo National Forest continue evaluate the closure status with the primary concern being for firefighter safety as they continue to work along the road.

Weather: Thunderstorms remain in the forecast as a monsoonal pattern is continuing, with a 10-20% chance of developing which could bring more lightning to the area.

Closures: The Rock Creek Road is closed at Tom’s Place. All campgrounds in the Rock Creek Canyon have been evacuated. This includes Mosquito Flat, Rock Creek, Upper Pine Grove, Pine Grove, East Fork, Big Meadows, Iris Meadows, French Camp, and Holiday campgrounds. All resorts and cabins in the closure area have been evacuated.

All wilderness permit holders for trailheads starting in the Rock Creek Canyon have been cancelled through Sunday July 26th. This includes the Little Lakes (including the Mono Pass Trail that starts here) and Hilton Lakes Trailhead. Exiting hikers are being escorted out.

Mono County Sheriff, Inyo County Sheriff, Mono Public Works and California Highway Patrol continue to manage exiting traffic along Rock Creek Road and at Hwy 395. Please avoid the area for firefighter and public safety.

Resources: There are 223 personnel assigned to the incident, including 6 engines, 6 crews, 3 water tender, and 3 helicopters.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6877/-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Iris Fire- Daily Update  

Size: 170 acres (estimated) 

Containment: 60% 

Location: east of Rock Creek Road, near Iris Meadows Campground 

Fuels: sagebrush, pinyon/ juniper 

Cause: Lightning 

Update: Last night, fire activity remained minimal. Firefighters observed creeping and smoldering.     

Crews continue to hold and improve containment line around the fire perimeter. Most of the fire has good containment lines. The focus remains on the northeast corner of the fire, where crews continue to make slow but steady progress improving containment lines and mopping up in very rugged and steep terrain. Helicopters will continue support this effort, dropping water on hot spots.    

Containment, normally expressed as a percentage, indicates how much of the fire has been enclosed by a fireline. These lines remove the fuel (brush, trees, etc.) to stop a fire’s spread to a standard to which no future spread is expected under foreseeable conditions .  

California Incident Management Team (IMT) 13 Mike Wakoski, Incident Commander remains in command of the fire and is managing fire suppression and support efforts.  

Due to decreased fire activity, unless there is something significant to report, the team will provide one fire update per day (in the morning).  

Weather: Thunderstorms still remain in the forecast as a monsoonal pattern is continuing. This may influence the Iris Fire’s behavior as well as bring more lightning to the area.  

Closures: The Rock Creek Road is closed at Tom’s Place. All campgrounds in the Rock Creek Canyon have been evacuated. This includes Mosquito Flat, Rock Creek, Upper Pine Grove, Pine Grove, East Fork, Big Meadows, Iris Meadows, French Camp, and Holiday campgrounds. All resorts and cabins in the closure area have been evacuated.  

All wilderness permit holders for trailheads starting in the Rock Creek Canyon are being cancelled through Sunday July 26th. This includes the Little Lakes (including the Mono Pass Trail that starts here) and Hilton Lakes Trailhead. Exiting hikers are being escorted out.  

Mono County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol continue to manage exiting traffic along Rock Creek Road and at Hwy 395. Please avoid the area for firefighter and public safety.  

Resources: There are 292 personnel assigned to the incident, including 14 engines, 8 crews, 1 water tender, and 2 helicopters.  

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6877/- 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.