The Middle Fire showed low/moderate fire behavior yesterday with low rates of spread in timber litter and downed woody debris, adding 60 acres for a total size of 454 acres. Planned activities for today include the construction of indirect fireline for protection of private property and historic sites. A total of 64 personnel are currently assigned to the Middle Fire. Hot and dry weather will continue through Saturday.

A Closure Order has been issued for areas potentially affected by the Middle Fire, including Ripstein Campground, Canyon Creek Trailhead, Trail 10W03, Trail 10W06, and Trail 10W08 south of Canyon Creek Falls. It was started by lightning on September 5, 2019, and is located northeast of the Canyon Creek Trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

This fire is challenging because of the steep, rugged terrain. Two firefighters were injured on the Middle Fire during initial attack and keeping firefighters and the public safe is our number one priority.

In the hot, dry summer of 1910, several wildfires in northern Idaho and western Montana were fanned by strong winds and produced fire behavior never experienced before. Waves of massive fire fronts washed through thousands of acres of prime timber and completely destroyed flourishing towns. This event became known as the Big Burn of 1910. By 1935, the still young agency known as the Forest Service adopted the “10 a.m. Policy”, which outlined a new strategy for wildfire suppression. The intent was that all wildfire ignitions were attacked immediately and aggressively to ensure the fire was controlled by 10 a.m. the next day. This strategy was successful for many decades, protecting several communities and valuable timber.

This policy caused portions of western forests to suffer to some extent, as most wildfires were removed from their natural occurrence cycles. Much of the wilderness and other remote areas adjacent to it have accumulated downed and decadent timber and brush, littering the landscape with heavy concentrations of easily combustible material. Such a densely packed forest is not healthy and allows for pest infestations to attack trees. Not only do these scenarios make fire behavior more intense and erratic, but it makes suppression efforts more complex, costly and a greater threat to life safety. A large amount of vegetation can be decimated from such high intensity fire and the landscape struggles with the natural recovery process. For thousands of years prior to wildfire suppression, the landscape benefited from regularly occurring wildfires. Without wildfire to aid in the thinning out of dense stands of younger trees, the ecosystem has lost its natural maintenance cycles of reducing the build-up of vegetation.

In recent years, the western United States has experienced irregular shifts in in climatologic cycles. Years of prolonged drought has affected the moisture content and retention in the vegetation, potentially allowing wildfire ignitions to grow to catastrophic outcome. Additionally, the ever-growing population and desire to live close to nature has spread homes and infrastructure to areas that were originally void of human lives and other values.

The 2006 publication “Cooperating Across Boundaries” (Reference link listed below) addresses this issue and provides case studies that included mitigation for land conservation. In its introduction it states, “Increasingly, national forests and other public lands are becoming islands of wild and semi-wild lands embedded in a matrix of developed lands. Private lands in rural areas are developing because people are attracted to the amenities of public lands. Yet, many of these public land amenities are connected to open spaces on private lands. Water flows across borders. Wildlife migrates. Fires that maintain healthy forests and grasslands need room to burn without endangering people and their homes. Conserving open space is not a private land or a public land issue, but a common challenge to be addressed at local, regional, and national levels.”

Seasoned wildfire professionals are consistently saying that they have never witnessed the type of fire behavior in their careers as they have seen in the last few fire seasons. In addition to this erratic fire behavior has been greater fire spread, and all together, larger wildfires. In extreme cases, we have even seen loss of homes and lives – some of which have been the very lives we send to the fireline – the first responders themselves.

Wildfire agencies have taken a hard look at how to reduce the exposure to firefighters and recently began changing their tactics on wildfires that pose significant risks. Specific examples of risk include areas where the terrain is very steep and rugged and may pose a constant threat of large rocks or debris rolling downhill towards fire personnel. Another example is areas where the timber has suffered from long term drought and/or pest infestation. These pose a severe risk of falling onto fire personnel, whether they are burning or not. Between 2007 and 2016, 12 firefighter fatalities were caused by being struck from a falling tree or rolling rocks. (Reference listed below)

The days of quickly and aggressively inserting firefighters are not necessarily gone, but there is a shift in the culture on how firefighters engage. Shasta-Trinity National Forest Fire Prevention Technician, Anna Wright stated, “Fire managers analyze the appropriate management response to wildfire incidents by implementing a strategy that protects life and property. These strategies and tactics are in alignment with the Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) and chosen with a precise analysis of the complexity of the incident, current and expected weather conditions, resource availability and the values at risk.” In addition to full suppression (typically a “direct attack” on the fire), there are alternate strategies that are referred to as “indirect attack”. Examples include “point protection” and “confine and contain”. Indirect strategies employee tactics, such as creating breaks in the vegetation at greater distances from the fire’s edge, so that fire personnel are not directly under or adjacent to rolling material and dangerous standing dead timber, known as “snags”. It may allow for slightly larger fire perimeter by the time it meets the outlying fuel breaks, but it can greatly reduce the risk to fire personnel.

The confine and contain strategy uses areas that are naturally void of burnable vegetation to be used to help contain the fire. Areas such as streams, rocky ridges, boulder fields, trails, etc., can be used in conjunction with control lines that the firefighters and bulldozers can construct. Once again, reducing the direct or more frequent exposure to fire personnel. Though this is a less common strategy, it is extremely effective, as it allows naturally ignited fire to burn within pre-defined parameters.

This confine and contain strategy is not widely used in California and the public may not be aware of the benefits - reduced risk to fire personnel, the decreased suppression costs, and the tremendous long term ecological benefits. Specific conditions have to be met for this strategy to be successful. For example, it would never be used in an area that is populated with infrastructure or homes; not only due to the adjacent threat of wildfire, but because the communities could be adversely affected by smoke. Typically, a wilderness area or a location that is very remote would be an excellent choice. Especially when we consider that the vegetation in these areas has had naturally ignited fires burning within them for centuries prior to wildfire suppression.

In addition to land management and conservation benefits, it adds acres of breaks in the thick and decadent vegetation and timber, which will ultimately aid in slowing fire progress or creating points to “catch” a future wildfire. If this strategy is regularly used when conditions are appropriate, large scale areas of defense can be created to protect the foothills and low lying areas that are home to communities and other valuable resources.

To the layperson, these strategies may seem complacent and as if nothing is being done in a timely manner. Wildfire agencies may get accused of not considering the welfare of the surrounding communities, being blamed for the prolonged exposure to smoke and threat of fire escape. But if fire agencies ensure good communication with the public and community stakeholders, it will provide education to what type of strategy is taking place and why. The ultimate goal would be putting public concerns to rest if the realize that a few extra days of meticulous and deliberate suppression tactics may save a firefighter’s life, protect communities, and make the landscape more fire resilient.

Written By: Seneca Smith

Information Officer - USDA Forest Service

Reference:

USDA “Cooperating Across Boundaries – Partnerships to Conserve Open Space in America” (2006)

https://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/coop_across_boudaries.html

NWCG Report on Wildland Firefighter Fatalities in the US: 2007-2016 (2017)

https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms841.pdf

A community meeting is planned for tonight at the North Fork Grange on Dutch Creek Road in Junction City at 6:00PM. The Middle Fire showed low/moderate fire behavior yesterday with low rates of spread in timber litter and downed woody debris, adding 37 acres for a total size of 394 acres. Planned activities for today include the construction of indirect fireline and protection of the recreation infrastructure. A total of 67 personnel are currently assigned to the Middle Fire.

A Closure Order has been issued for areas potentially affected by the Middle Fire, including Ripstein Campground, Canyon Creek Trailhead, Trail 10W03, Trail 10W06, and Trail 10W08 south of Canyon Creek Falls. It was started by lightning on September 5, 2019, and is located northeast of the Canyon Creek Trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.

This fire is challenging because of the steep, rugged terrain. Two firefighters were injured on the Middle Fire during initial attack and keeping firefighters and the public safe is our number one priority.

A community meeting is planned for Friday September 13 at the North Fork Grange on Dutch Creek Road in Junction City at 6:00PM. The Middle Fire showed moderate fire behavior yesterday with low rates of spread in timber litter and downed woody debris. A Closure Order has been issued for areas potentially affected by the Middle Fire, including Ripstein Campground, Canyon Creek Trailhead, Trail 10W03, Trail 10W06, and Trail 10W08 south of Canyon Creek Falls. It was started by lightning on September 5, 2019, and is located northeast of the Canyon Creek Trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The fire has burned 357 acres.

This fire is challenging because of the steep, rugged terrain, and firefighters are engaged in scouting line, assessing the best way to safely confine the fire, and protecting infrastructure. Two firefighters were injured on the Middle Fire during initial attack and keeping firefighters and the public safe is our number one priority. A total of 67 personnel are currently assigned to the Middle Fire. Nightly infrared flights are being used to map the fire.

A community meeting is planned for Friday September 13 at the North Fork Grange on Dutch Creek Road in Junction City at 6:00PM. The Middle Fire showed moderate fire behavior yesterday with minimal growth. A Closure Order has been issued for areas potentially affected by the Middle Fire, including Ripstein Campground, Canyon Creek Trailhead, Trail 10W03, Trail 10W06, and Trail 10W08 south of Canyon Creek Falls. It was started by lightning on September 5, 2019, and is located northeast of the Canyon Creek Trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The fire has burned down to Canyon Creek Trailhead, Canyon Creek Trail, Bear Creek Trail, and Canyon Creek Road.

This fire is challenging because of the steep, rugged terrain and firefighters are engaged scouting line and assessing the best way to safely confine the fire. Two firefighters were injured on the Middle Fire during initial attack and keeping firefighters and the public safe is our number one priority. A total of 55 personnel are currently assigned to the Middle Fire. Nightly infrared flights are being used to map the fire.

The Middle Fire showed moderate fire behavior on Monday, growing 64 acres for a total of 350. It was started by lightning on September 5, 2019, and is located northeast of the Canyon Creek Trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. A Closure Order has been issued for areas potentially affected by the Middle Fire, including Ramstein Campground, Canyon Creek Trailhead, Trail 10W03, Trail 10W06, and Trail 10W08 south of Canyon Creek Falls.

The Middle Fire is located approximately mid-slope and is burning downhill into the Canyon Creek and Black Bear Creek drainages. This fire is challenging because of the steep, rugged terrain and firefighters are scouting line and making plans for the best way to safely confine the fire. Two firefighters were injured on the Middle Fire during initial attack and keeping firefighters and the public safe is our number one priority.

A total of 27 personnel are currently assigned to the Middle Fire. Nightly infrared flights are being used to map the fires. At least 20 fires had been started by the September 5 lighting outbreak and all of these fires, including the Middle and Ramshorn Fires, are being managed by a Type 3 Incident Management Team (Jim Yacoub Incident Commander or IC).

Canyon Creek Area Closure Order 14-19-05 is in effect for public safety until Middle Fire is declared out. This includes the Canyon Creek Trailhead, Ripstein Campground, Canyon Creek Trail south of Canyon Creek Falls, Bear Creek Trail, and Trail 10W03. Click here or on the maps tab for a full size version of the closure order map. Full text of closure is below.



ORDER NO.14-19-05
MIDDLE FIRE CLOSURE
SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This Order is effective from September 11, 2019, until the Middle Fire is declared out.

1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Middle Fire Closure Area. The Middle Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the intersection of Canyon Creek and Little East Fork Canyon Creek (Section 29 T 35N, R lOW, MDM), then continues east along the southern edge of Little East Fork Canyon Creek to its intersection with the western edge of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, then continues north and east along the western edge of the Trinity Alps Wilderness to its intersection with the southern edge of Sec. 20 T. 35N R. l0W, MDM, then continues east along the southern edge of the section line (Sec. 20 T. 35N R. lOW, MDM) to its intersection with the eastern edge of Sec. 22 T. 35N R. R lOW, MDM, then continues north along the eastern edge of Secs. 22, 16, 10, and 3 to its intersection with the northern edge of Sec. 3 T. 35N
R. l0W, MDM, then continues west along the northern edge of Secs. 3, 4, and 5, T. 35N R. I OW, MDM, to its intersection with Canyon Creek (Sec. 5 T. 35N R. I OW, MDM), then continues south back to the starting point (Sec. 29 T 35N, R lOW, MDM), as shown on the attached map (Exhibit A). 36 C.F.R. 261.52(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System road within the Middle Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map (Exhibit A). 36 CFR 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the Middle Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map (Exhibit A). 36 CFR 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50( e ), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $ I 0,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed at Redding, California this 10th day of September, 2019

Scott Russell
Forest Supervisor

Redding, CA – The Middle Fire was started by lightning on September 5, 2019, and is located northeast of the Canyon Creek Trailhead in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. It has grown to approximately 286 acres and is impacting the Canyon Creek and Bear Creek trails. Hikers and horse riders are encouraged to avoid the area.

The Middle Fire is located approximately mid-slope and is burning downhill into the Canyon Creek and Black Bear Creek drainages. This fire is challenging because of the steep, rugged terrain and firefighters are scouting line and making plans for the best way to confine the fire. Two firefighters were injured on the Middle Fire during initial attack. Keeping firefighters and the public safe is our number one priority.

At least 20 fires had been started by the September 5 lighting outbreak and all of these fires, including the Middle and Ramshorn Fires, are being managed by a Type 3 Incident Management Team (Jim Yacoub Incident Commander or IC). A total of 27 personnel are currently assigned to the Middle Fire. Nightly infrared flights are beings used to map the fires.

Aerial reconnaissance flights and ground patrol efforts will continue across the forest for the next few days to help locate these newly identified fires. To report a new fire, please call 911.

For the most up to date Shasta-Trinity National Forest Lightning Fire information please visit our InciWeb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6370/.

For up to date information regarding the South Fire, please visit the South Fire Inciweb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6577/.

To learn how you can be better prepared in case of a wildfire, visit www.preventwildfireca.org.

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This is the final update from Great Basin Incident Management Team 3 for the Meadow Creek Fire. A Type 4 team with local resources will assume command of the fire Monday, Sept. 15, at 6 a.m. We appreciate having met and served the people of Meadow and Fillmore during this stressful event.

The Meadow Creek Fire was fully contained on Thursday, Sept. 12. The fire is 4,231 acres and is not expected to grow. Some interior pockets of vegetation may continue to burn, producing smoke, but the perimeter of the fire is contained.

Firefighters have completed 75 percent of the suppression repair work that was identified by the resource advisors from federal and state land management agencies. This repair work includes smoothing out dozer lines, mending fences and installing water bars. Reseeding of fire lines is also underway.

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team and a BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) Team are continuing their work in the fire area. They will prescribe an emergency stabilization plan for federal lands once their evaluations are complete. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is also involved in this process, assessing needs on state and private land.

Resources Assigned: Six crews, four helicopters, three engines, two dozers, and five water tenders. A total of 254 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Closures: Fishlake National Forest Supervisor Mike T. Elson signed an Area Closure Order on Sept. 12 to prevent potential injury to the public and to keep firefighters safe as they work along the roads and trails.

This closure order includes the following: the entire length of Forest roads 501, 1657, 104, 512, 2676, and 852, as well as the entire length of Forest Trail 032. A copy of the closure order and map can be found on the Inciweb page for the Meadow Creek Fire (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6587/) under the “Closures” tab.

The Meadow Creek Fire is 90 percent contained following a day of on and off rain and hard work by firefighters. The fire is now 4,231 acres.

Wednesday’s rain made travel in the fire area difficult due to muddy, slick road conditions; however, firefighters were still able to build new containment lines and reinforce existing ones. Crews also began repairing fences, building water bars to prevent erosion and smoothing over dozer lines in an effort to mitigate the impacts of fire suppression activities.

U.S. Forest Service employees and members of Great Basin Team 3 worked together with permittees to help them reach their cattle in the Meadow Creek drainage on Wednesday. All the cattle are accounted for and are uninjured.

Fire activity is expected to be minimal today. The warmer, drier weather that is forecast is not expected to reverse the trend of diminished heat and burning inside the fire perimeter. Winds out of the Northwest today favor containment of the fire within its current footprint.

With the rise in containment, personnel and equipment are being released from the fire to head home or to new assignments. The fire is still staffed with the resources required to accomplish the remaining work.

Resources Assigned: 10 crews, five helicopters, nine engines, one dozer, and six water tenders. A total of 338 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Closures: Fishlake National Forest Supervisor Mike T. Elson has rescinded a previous area closure and has signed a new one. The new closure is necessary to prevent potential injury to the public and to keep firefighters safe as they work along the roads and trails. It will remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2019, unless rescinded earlier.

This closure order includes the following: the entire length of Forest roads 501, 1657, 104, 512, 2676, and 852, as well as the entire length of Forest Trail 032. A copy of the closure order and map can be found on the Inciweb page for the Meadow Creek Fire (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6587/) under the “Closures” tab.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place to provide a safe environment for firefighting. Information about the TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_7115.html.