Acres

CA Fires | Saturday Recap

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

California has been ablaze for the longest time and well before our Fire Season started here in the northwest. Well, as they say in this State, that there really isn’t Fire Season that starts at a specific time but rather it has become year-round which is very bad sign.

Here is a current recap of all the wildfires burning in California. We may have missed a few but we will get them added as quickly as possible.

New! Unnamed Fire – Big Gulch Road and Hwy 1, North of Gualala

New incident as of 8/15/2021 0030 PT. Fire and Law Enforcement on-scene. Source: Mendocino County SO.

ANTELOPE FIRE – Antelope Creek Drainage

Burning 20 miles northeast of McCloud.

Active fire behavior with flanking, torching and spotting.

Night fire activity August 9, Stephens Butte
Credit: USFS

Evacuation Orders – The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued EVACUATION ORDERS for the following communities: Areas between Sharp Mountain, Wild Horse to Garner Butte, Long Prairie Road west to Three Sisters, Three Sisters south to Garner Butte Tarmac area, Mount Hebron, Shasta Wood, Duck Lake, Round Valley area south of Red Rock Road, including Long Prairie Road, Robison Road, Old State Highway.

Evacuation Warnings – The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued EVACUATION WARNINGS for the following communities: East of Garner Mountain, South of Red Rock Road, West of Medicine Lake area, including Red Cap Mountain, North of Harris Springs Road, Tennant, Bray, Antelope Sink areas, Red Rock Road, Medicine Lake, Payne Springs and Blanche Lake. https://arcg.is/1nnHKm0

Start 8/1/2021 at 1030 PT. Lightning-caused.

USFS. IC SW Area IMT4’s Carl Schwope. 780 total personnel.

51,482 acres. 25% contained. 17 structures lost. $11.4M CTD.

DIXIE FIRE – 15 miles NE of Paradise

>> Community Meeting – 8/15/2021 @ 1500 PT. Old Station, 13385 CA-89. Old Station, CA 96071 >>

To update the community on the latest information regarding the Dixie Fire West Zone. The meeting is open to the public to attend in-person. For those attending the meeting, social distancing is encouraged to limit the spread of COVID-19. – CAL FIRE

A helicopter carrying a large bucket with yellow smoke in the background.
Photo Credit: USFS

Photo Description: A helicopter drops water onto the ground below near the Town of Greenville.

Started 7/13/2021. Cause unknown. Burning in Feather River Canyon near the Cresta Powerhouse and Lake Almanor. About 15 miles NE of Paradise.

Unified Command: CAL FIRE IMT3, CAIIMT4, NPS and BLM. 6,550 total personnel with 20 copters, 570 engines, 198 dozers, 173 water tenders, 91 crews.

552,589 acres. 31% contained. Timber litter/understory, timber (grass and understory) and brush. Active fire behavior with uphill runs, group torching and short-range spotting.

1,120 structures destroyed. 74 structures damaged.

Active fire behavior with uphill runs, group torching and short-range spotting.

$234M Cost-to-date.

Donations to:

Damage Assessment Maps: Dixie Fire Structure Status Map (CAL FIRE)
https://tinyurl.com/2m9en9t4

Wildlife Rescue:

  • Response for injured wildlife: 1-800-942-6459
  • Gold Country Wildlife Rescue: 1-530-885-0862

Plumas County

Recovery Information: https://tinyurl.com/c8c8s5rd

Resources: Public traveling in or near evacuated areas should follow egress route directions identified in the evacuation notifications. Directions provided by mobile devices and GPS units could lead drivers into hazardous areas. Motorists are encouraged to call 1-800-427-7623 for highway information as roadway conditions remain dynamic.

Evacuation Orders: GO NOW.

  • Rush Creek
  • Silver Lake (west of Meadow Valley)
  • Caribou Rd north to the Humbug Rd and Humboldt Rd intersection
    This includes Belden Reservoir and Butte ValleyReservoir
  • Prattville Butte Reservoir Road and everything west to the Butte/Plumas County line
    Humbug Road from the intersection of the Humbug-Humboldt Road west to the Butte County line and everything south of the Humbug Road is under a Mandatory Evacuation Order.
  • The community of Seneca south to Hwy70 Round Valley Reservoir, Dixie Canyon, IndianFalls
    Long Valley (west of Round Valley), Dixie Canyon south to Indian Falls,south of Indian Falls to the Hwy 70/89 Junction.
  • Northwest of Round Valley Lake to Long Valley Mine and north to Hwy 89 Hwy 70 at Black Hawk Rd, south to Barlow Rd and everything west to SnakeLake
  • Everything west of Hwy 89/36 Junction
    West along the south side of Hwy 36 to the County Line and south of Hwy 36 to Rock Lake and west to the County Line.
  • Genesee Valley
    ALL OF GENESEE VALLEY, southeast of Taylorsville up the Genesee Rd to just south of Babcock Crossing, Walker Mine Road, north portion of Beckwouth Genesee Road.
  • Greenville
    Community of Greenville, south along Hwy 89 to Stampfli Lane and along North Valley Rd (see map link)
  • Canyon Dam
  • West Shore of Lake Almanor, Prattville
    Includes “LAW”, Prattville, Big Meadows, Rocky Point Campground, and the CanyonDam Boat Launch.
  • East Shore of Lake Almanor
    East Shore of Hwy 147 from Canyon Dam north to the Hwy 147 and County Road A-13 intersection. East of Hwy 147 at CO A-13, to little Dyer Mtn, southeast to Dyer Mtn. NEW roadblock at Hwy 147 and Old Haun Road.
  • North and Eastern parts of Indian Valley
    From upper Williams Valley and upper Pecks Valley east to include all portions of North Valley Rd, Diamond Mtn Rd, and North Arm.
  • From the Hwy 89/Hwy 36 Junction, north along Stover Mtn. Rd to the County Line and west from the Hwy 89/Hwy 36 Junction along the south side of the highway to the County line.
  • Chester
    From the Hwy36/Hwy89 Junction, east to the causeway, both sides of Hwy 36 through Chester to the Lake Almanor edge and to north to the County Line.
  • Lake Almanor Peninsula
  • Hamilton Branch
  • Heart “K” Ranch
    Includes Taylor Diggins Mine, north to Engel Mine, east to Lower Lone Rock, south tothe border to Zone 28, west to the Taylor Diggins Mine.
  • Lone Rock
    Includes Moonlight Valley, Engel Mine, Lone Rock Valley, and a portion of Growers Blvd. USFS Rd. 28N32 intersection of Plumas/Lassen line, and east to Diamond Mountain area, south to Lone Rock.
  • Antelope
    Includes the area surrounding Antelope Lake, North to the Plumas/Lassen Line as well as east to the Plumas Lassen Line, including Fruit Growers Blvd USFS Road 28N32, Indian Creek Road, Diamond Mountain Way the area of Thompson Creek and Boulder Creek.

Evacuation Warnings: GET READY.

  • High Lakes (Plumas County)
    Recreational area of Plumas County east of the Butte/Plumas County Line.
  • Butterfly Valley, Keddie to Hwy 70 at Black Hawk Rd, SnakeLake
    This includes Spanish Creek Campground, Round House Rd, Old Highway
    (WEST).
  • East side of Keddie, Round House Road and Old Hwy (WEST) Hwy 70 at Black Hawk Rd, south to Barlow Rd and everything west to Snake Lake
  • Mt. Hough, from north of Quincy to south of Arlington Road
  • Oakland Camp
  • Crescent Mills
  • Taylorsville
  • Plumas/Butte County line east to Twain
    Includes both sides of Hwy 70 in the areas of Rock Creek, Storrie.
  • Tobin, Belden, Caribou Rich Bar, and Twain. DOES NOT INCLUDE RUSH CREEK RD.

Shelters:

  • Springs of Hope Church at 59 Bell Ln. in Quincy
  • Holy Family Catholic Church 108 Taylor Ave. Portola, CA

Animal Shelters:

  • Plumas County Fairgrounds 204 Fairground Road, Quincy
    (large animals)
  • 201 Mill Creek Road, Quincy
    (small animals)
  • Recreation Center 101 Meadowview Lane, Chester

Butte County

Evacuation Warnings: GET SET.

  • Butte Meadows: This will include Humboldt Rd at Thatcher Ridge, up to Cherry Hill Campgrounds, north to the Butte/Tehama County lines.
  • Jonesville area: The Warning will encompass State Route 32 at the Butte/Tehama County line, east to the area of Cherry Hill Campground, southeast to Snag Lake, southwest to Skyway at Bull Creek, north along Skyway to Humboldt Road.
  • Snag Lake area: This will include Humbug Summit Rd at the Butte/Plumas County lines, southwest across Snag Lake to Humbug Summit Rd and Skyway. This warning includes the area surrounding High Lakes Rd near the Carr Mine.
  • Lake Philbrook area: This area includes Philbrook Lake south to Browns
    Ravine Rd just east of 25N22, east to the Butte/Plumas County lines.

Resources:

Lassen County

Travels: Public traveling in or near evacuated areas should follow egress route directions identified in the evacuation notifications. Directions provided by mobile devices and GPS units could lead drivers into hazardous areas.

Evacuations: GO NOW.

  • Clear Creek, Westwood, and Pine Town area south of Hwy 36 from the Lassen County line east to Moonlight Ranch Rd.
  • Lassen National Forest south of Hwy 36 to the Lassen County line including Hamilton Mtn., Coyote Peak, and Indicator Peak.
  • Walker Lake area south of Moonlight Rd.
  • Area east of Mtn. Meadows Reservoir and south of Hwy 36 to Coppervale.
  • South of Hwy 44 from the County line east to McCoy Flat and south to Hwy 36 including Silver Lake, Juniper Lake, and the Caribou Wilderness Area.
  • North of Hwy 36 east of A21.

Resources:

Shelter:

Lassen Community College at 478-200 CA-139 Susanville.

Tehama County

Travels: Public traveling in or near evacuated areas should follow egress route directions identified in the evacuation notifications. Directions provided by mobile devices and GPS units could lead drivers into hazardous areas.

Evacuations: GO NOW.

  • TEH- B17 and C17: Evacuation Order for the area of Childs Meadows/Highlands Resort. This will include subzones 228 and 227 Area of Mill Creek, south of Lassen Volcanic Park
  • TEH-1 (D18, D19, E18, E19): Evacuation Order for the St. Bernard’s Lodge and Elam-Carter Creek areas.
  • TEH-1 (D17): Evacuation Order for the Wilson Creek, Slate Creek, and Area of Mill Creek, south of Lassen Volcanic Park
  • TEH- C18: Evacuation Order for the area of Wilson Lake.
  • TEH-C19: Evacuation Order for the area to the east of Wilson Lake, to the Tehama/Plumas County line.

Evacuation Warnings: GET SET.

  • TEH- C16: Evacuation Warning for the area of Fire Mountain Lodge. This will include subzones 221, 222, 223, 224,225, 226, 228.
  • Zone B16: Evacuation Warning for the area north of Mineral
  • Note: The town of Mineral is still under an Evacuation Warning.
  • T Zone 1: Evacuation Warning to include the area of Colby Creek. The order will begin at the Butte and Tehama County line, west along the Tehama County Line to the intersection with SR32, north along the SR32 corridor to the intersection with SR36, from the intersection with SR32 and SR36, east along SR36 to the intersection with Plumas and Tehama County Line.

Animal Evacuation Shelter:

  • Tehama County Complex 1830 Walnut Street, Red Bluff
    (large and small animals)

$234M CTD.

GLEN FIRE – Northwest of Dobbins.

Burning on Willow Glen Road and Meadow Lane, northwest of Dobbins in Yuba County. Started 8/11/2021, from an unknown cause. CAL FIRE – Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit.

10 structures destroyed. All evacuation orders have been lifted.

184 acres. 60% contained. 150 personnel. 10 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders and 2 crews remain. They are in mop-up stage.

MCCASH FIRE – Ten Bear Mountain, McCash Creek.

Burning 14 miles northeast of Somes Bar.

Active fire behavior with flanking, back and single-tree torching.

A firefighter spraying water on a burning tree amidst the heavy smoke 8.13.21
Credit: USFS

Started 7/3/2021. Lightning-caused.

2,287 acres. 1% contained. Timber, brush and tall grass.

Passing storms on Friday afternoon brought wind and no rain over the fire area but did allow firefighters to conduct backfiring operations in the mid morning time.

This occurred in the Marble Mountain Wilderness moving north and west towards Cub Creek and the 2017 Ukonom Fire burn scar.

359 personnel. IC: Dave Gesser. USFS- Six Rivers National Forest.

$2.6M CTD.

MCFARLAND FIRE – McFarland Ridge, south of Hwy 36

USFS. Shasta-Trinity National Forest. 4 miles southeast of Wildwood.

Active fire behavior with uphill runs, group torching and long-range spotting.

McFarland Fire active burning
Credit: USFS.

Started 7/29/2021. 1845 hours PT. Lightning-caused. Burning south of Wildwood.

IC Chris Fogle, CIIMT11. 644 total personnel.

42,924 acres. 68% contained. Timber, chaparral, closed timber litter and live/dead fuel moisture are historically low.

11 injuries. 1 structure damaged. None destroyed. 18 crews, 14 dozers, 7 copters and 22 engines.

$17.8M CTD.

MONUMENT FIRE – Del Loma, near Monument Peak

>> Community Meeting >> Sunday, August 15, 2021 @ 2000 hours via Facebook Live (Virtual).

https://fb.me/e/1FBYd81td and Zoom Public Meeting August 15 Meeting ID: 161 082 0265
Please submit your questions prior to the meeting by email: 2021.monument.firenet.gov.

Monument Fire - Photo of a CalFire engine and crew.
Credit: USFS

Evacuation Orders: Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar, Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, Helena, Cedar Flat, and Burnt Ranch For detailed evacuation information, visit Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers: American Red Cross Shelters Shasta College, 1555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA Trinity Valley Elementary School, 730 California 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573

Road Closures:  State Highway 299 is closed from 1.7 miles east of Hawkins Bar at Ammom Road. To Sky Ranch Road in Junction City.  Monitor Caltrans’s District 2 website (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2)

Animal Evacuations/Shelters: (Domestic animals)  Trinity County Animal Shelter, 563 Mountain View St, Weaverville, CA (530- 623-1370) or (Domestic + Large Animals)  Hoopa Rodeo Grounds on Pine Creek Rd, Willow Creek, CA.

Property Damage Assessment: Damage assessment teams have confirmed 32 structures have been destroyed 1 with damage.  For questions or information regarding the status of your property, call Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 530-623-1116.

Forest Closures: Effective August 7, 2021 through October 31, 2021, the Shasta-Trinity Forest has issued Forest Order No. 14-21-21 Monument Fire Closure. Information on the forest order can be found on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website. Shasta-Trinity NF

Start 7/30/2021 1800 hours. Lightning-caused.

USFS. Shasta-Trinity NF. IC. CAIIMT5’s Mueller. Total 847 personnel. 11 h and crews, 69 engines, 7 copters, 13 dozers, 5 water tenders and 6 masticators.

80,320 acres. 5% contained. Burning in mostly converted brush, heavy dead and down components are dominant in a lot of area.

Cooperators: Trinity Co SO, CAL FIRE, USFS, HME.

35 structures destroyed. $13.5M CTD.

RIVER COMPLEX – Salmon/Scott Ranger District

(3) fires are burning in this Complex, about 9 miles southwest of Etna.

Active fire behavior with single-tree torching, running and backing.

Haypress Fire as seen from Trail Gulch Lake
Credit: Brian USFS – Courtesy: Brian James

Started 7/30/2021 0700 hours from lightning.

Burning on the Salmon/Scott Ranger District, Klamath National Forest and Trinity River Management unit and Shasta-Trinity National Forest lands. IC: Steve Watkins, David Cooper (CA IMT 14 Deputy).

39,350 acres. 10% contained. Timber and brush. 653 personnel.

$9.3M CTD.

TAMARACK FIRE – 16 miles S of Gardenerville, NV

smoke and fire, Topaz lake area, July 23
Photo Credit: USFS

Lightning-caused. Started 7/4/2021 at 1600 hours PT.

IC: Scott Stephenson, IC and Tom Raw, Deputy IC. 347 personnel. USFS – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

68,637 acres. 82% contained. Timber, chaparral and timber. Fire behavior is minimal, creeping and smoldering.

CALIFORNIA RESOURCES

Property Owners. Property owners impacted by recent California fires may be eligible for immediate property tax relief. Please visit #CABOE‘s Disaster Relief webpage at https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/disaster-relief.htm… for additional information.https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/disaster-relief.htm

Sources: CAL FIRE, NIFC, Inciweb,

California News on Social Media

“Smoke from (CA) wiildfires really affecting air quality today.” – Social media user.

“DIXIE FIRE, is the single largest wildfire in CA Fire record books and in the U.S.” – Social media user.

“Sunnyvale Engine 41 has been deployed to the #DixieFire as part of Strike Team 2307A since 8/4.” – Sunnyvale DPS.

“Residents in Northern California are fleeing their homes as destructive and deadly fires tear through their communities. We’ve set up a designated hub with verified fundraisers to assist families as they rebuild and recover.” – Go Fund Me

Image
Credit: Sunnyvale DPS

“We always see smoke in Las Vegas from the California fires; it has never reduced visibility to under 1/4 mile before.” – Social media user.

“Been driving for hours in what again looks like hell on earth.” – CA Driver.

“Thanks to the Canada, Washington, and California fires, my weather forecast for the past month has been “smoke”– A funny poster.

“U cant see the mountains in Denver.”

“A tad bit Smokey in sin city this morning …. Can’t even see much of the strip.” (8/7/2021)

“Damn these California fires getting my eyes all irritated.” (8/11/2021)

“It’s so sad that I can’t even see the sky.” (8/6/2021)

“Santa Cruz CZU lightning fire survivors struggle to rebuild.” (8/15/2021)

“When wildfires erupt in the west, their impacts can be felt far and wide.” (8/15/2021)

“I’m in Texas and we are getting smoke from the California fires.” (8/15/2021)

“Fires are filled with burnt cars & homes, pvc pipe, vinyl siding & floors, plastics, paints, stain resistant chemicals, etc. It’s what is burning your eyes and throat because it’s toxic.” (8/15/2021)

“Believe it or not there is water out there you just can’t see it because of the smoke.” – Lake user. (8/13/2021)

“The US is expected to declare its first-ever “tier one” #watershortage at Lake Mead on the Colorado River which supplies much of Southern California, which is at 37% capacity, the lowest level since it was first filled in the 1930’s.” Think Tanker. (8/13/2021)

“I am packing a bag. What does one pack to evacuate a forest fire?” (8/15/2021)

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bootleg Fire | Sprague River, OR | 8

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 8 | JULY 31, 2021

Incident Summary

The BOOTLEG FIRE was sparked by lightning on July 7, 2021. It is named after the nearby Bootleg Spring. It is located about 11 miles northeast of the town of Sprague River and 15 miles northwest of Beatty, Oregon.

The LOG FIRE has merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident name only, including stats. This occurred on July 20, 2021.

Current Status

The fire has consumed 413,734 acres of mixed grass and shrub, timber with understory, and timber with litter fuel with a 74% containment.

Fire Operations

“At this point in the fire, we have to think about two things,” says Fire Behavior Analyst Chris Moore, “the fire we know about and the fire we don’t know.” The fire we know is the actively and recently burned portions of the Bootleg Fire. Much of the recent fire activity has been torching and burning pockets of fuel within the burn area. While the fire is not yet contained, a fire line has been constructed around the entire perimeter. Now crews are working to ensure that perimeter holds (is secured) to contain the fire. In some places, fire line is 100 to 150 feet wide from the unburned into the burned area. But some places may require as much as 300 feet to confidently expect the fire to remain contained.  – PIO

South, west east perimeters: crews are patrolling and extinguishing fire and heat (mopping up) where fire is less active.

Northwest and Northeast: To strengthen and expand the fire line. contingency lines or fire breaks, are being constructed.

Engines are lined up along a roadside as headlights shine towards the camera. The sky is darkening behind them.
Credit | USFS

Fire Weather

Critical fire weather is projected for the weekend to include current drought conditions mixed in with low RH, strong surface wind and unstable air. Potential for wind to carry embers and spark new spot fires in areas where the fire line is unsecured.

Resources

Command is under Norm McDonald, Alaska Type 1 Incident Management Team.

There are 1,918 total personnel assigned.

Additionally, there are 51 crews, 95 engines and 10 copters.

Agencies and organizations that are assisting with this incident, are called Incident Cooperators. Below is the known partners but some could be missing from this list.

  • American Red Cross
  • BLM Fire
  • South Central FMP
  • Fremont-Winema NF
  • Klamath County
  • Lake County
  • Oregon National Guard
  • WA National Guard
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Fremont FD (CA)
  • SW Polk FD
  • NWS Medford
  • Metro Fire of Sacramento (CA)
  • Nevada National Guard
  • Baker Aircraft
  • Portland FD
  • American Forests
  • Tanker 10
  • NIFC
  • Kirkland (WA) FD
  • ODF
  • OR’s 2nd District Congressman Cliff Bentz
  • Medford Tanker Base

Damage Assessment

There has been 408 structures destroyed. The total CTD is $70.6 Million Dollars for fire suppression and containment costs.

Public Informaiton

Forest Service Closures | The Fremont-Winema National Forest is now open south of Oregon State Route 140. Closures remain in effect north of the highway to provide for public safety and the safety of firefighters. The full closure order and map are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/fremont-winema/alerts-notices  

Impacted Fire Victims/Evaucees

Insurance Assistance | How to File Fire-Damage Claims |  For additional information on submitting insurance claims after losing your home or property to a wildfire, please visit  https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx or call the state’s team of consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free).   

Public Information

Fire Information Public Phone – 541-482-1331.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bootleg Fire | Sprague River, OR | 7

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 7 | JULY 30, 2021

Incident Summary

The BOOTLEG FIRE was sparked by lightning on July 7, 2021. It is named after the nearby Bootleg Spring. It is located about 11 miles northeast of the town of Sprague River and 15 miles northwest of Beatty, Oregon.

The LOG FIRE has merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident name only, including stats. This occurred on July 20, 2021.

Fire Operations

Thursday was filled with another day of escalated levels of active fire behavior, which was predicted for Fire. Per the IC, that crews are using hose lays, mop up and patrol to contain and improve them. It remains with creeping, torching and smoldering.

Reports of approximately 160 miles of uncontained line in a fire that has over 300 miles of perimeter.

Resources

Currently, there are 1,918 fire personnel, including 47 crews, 22 copters and 98 engines.

A skidder moves vegetation with its grapple hook with smoke and trees in the background.
Credit | Bootleg Fire Facebook Page
  • American Red Cross
  • BLM Fire
  • South Central FMP
  • Fremont-Winema NF
  • Klamath County
  • Lake County
  • Oregon National Guard
  • WA National Guard
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Fremont FD (CA)
  • SW Polk FD
  • NWS Medford
  • Metro Fire of Sacramento (CA)
  • Nevada National Guard
  • Baker Aircraft
  • Portland FD
  • American Forests
  • Tanker 10
  • NIFC
  • Kirkland (WA) FD
  • ODF
  • OR’s 2nd District Congressman Cliff Bentz
  • Medford Tanker Base

Current Status

The fire has burned about 413,562 acres of timber and brush and is 56% contained.

Damage Assessment

  • Destroyed: 161 homes and 247 other structures destroyed; crews are reporting 408 structures to the NIFC July 30th briefing.
  • Damaged: 16 homes and 15 other structures.
  • Threatened: 2,066 homes.
  • Cost-to-date: $67.4 Million Dollars.

Public Information — Fire Information Public Phone – 541-482-1331.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bootleg Fire | Sprague River, OR | 6

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 6 — JULY 26, 2021

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The BOOTLEG FIRE was sparked by lightning on July 7, 2021. It is named after the nearby Bootleg Spring. It is located about 11 miles northeast of the town of Sprague River and 15 miles northwest of Beatty, Oregon.

The LOG FIRE has merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident name only, including stats. This occurred on July 19, 2021.

Resources and Incident Cooperators on this incident are the following. (NOTE: Some are either assigned or have been released).

firing crew setting a backfire in Div L
Crew member lighting backfire. Credit – USFS

There are about 2,216 total personnel assigned along with 49 crews, 148 engines and 21 copters.

  • American Red Cross
  • BLM Fire
  • South Central FMP
  • Fremont-Winema NF
  • Klamath County
  • Lake County
  • Oregon National Guard
  • WA National Guard
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Fremont FD (CA)
  • SW Polk FD
  • NWS Medford
  • Metro Fire of Sacramento (CA)
  • Nevada National Guard
  • Baker Aircraft
  • Portland FD
  • American Forests
  • Tanker 10
  • NIFC
  • Kirkland (WA) FD
  • ODF
  • OR’s 2nd District Congressman Cliff Bentz
  • Medford Tanker Base

Current Status

The fire is about 23 miles east of Chiloquin, Oregon. Fire behavior is extreme with running, group torching and spotting. About 409,611 acres has been consumed but crews have successfully reached a 53% containment status.

Damage Assessment

There has been 184 destroyed structures and there have not been any new ones in this number, which is great news for property owners and fire crews knowing their efforts are starting to show they are fruitful. Damage costs-to-date has reached a high of $55.3 million dollars.

Restrictions

Public Information — Fire Information Public Phone – 541-482-1331.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bootleg Fire | Sprague River, OR | 5

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 5 — JULY 24, 2021 — SATURDAY — 2155 PT

Incident Summary

The BOOTLEG FIRE is located:

  • 23 miles east of Chiloquin
  • 28 miles northeast of Klamath Falls
  • 11 miles from the town of Sprague River
  • On the Fremont-Winema National Forest

— COMMUNITY MEETING —-

JULY 25, 2021 AT 1400 HOURS (2PM) PT — VIRTUAL FACEBOOK PAGE —-

No account needed to watch. Hosted by the Bootleg Fire Operations Center

May be an image of fire tower, tree and nature
Credit — Bootleg Fire PIO

The BOOTLEG FIRE began on July 7, 2021 from an unknown cause at the time of the sparked wildfire. It is named after the nearby Bootleg Spring.

The LOG FIRE has merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident only, including stats. This occurred on July 19, 2021.

Resources

There are 2,216 total personnel still assigned to this incident, along with 49 crews, 152 engines and 20 copters.

Resources and Incident Cooperators on this incident are the following. (NOTE: Some are either assigned or have been released).

  • American Red Cross
  • BLM Fire
  • South Central FMP
  • Fremont-Winema NF
  • Klamath County
  • Lake County
  • Oregon National Guard
  • WA National Guard
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Fremont FD (CA)
  • SW Polk FD
  • NWS Medford
  • Metro Fire of Sacramento (CA)
  • Nevada National Guard
  • Baker Aircraft
  • Portland FD
  • American Forests
  • Tanker 10
  • NIFC
  • Kirkland (WA) FD
  • ODF
  • OR’s 2nd District Congressman Cliff Bentz
  • Medford Tanker Base

Command is under the direction of an AK Type 1 Team, an Type 1 IMT.

There are 2,216 total personnel still assigned to this incident, along with 49 crews, 152 engines and 20 copters.

The Amazing Faces Supporting Firefighters and Other Incident Activities – Zuni Camp Crew

It takes a village to put out a wildfire, especially a large wildfire. In Silver Lake Spike Camp, we are supported by an amazing group, the Zuni Pueblo from New Mexico. The Zuni Camp Crew helps serve meals, keep the camp tidy and issue supply. – Bootleg Fire PIO

Zuni Pueblo Camp Crew- Bootleg Fire
Credit — Bootleg Fire PIO

Current Status

The fire has increased to 408,248 acres and crews have made a significant amount of progress on this firestorm with reaching a 46% containment status.

Fire behavior at this time is extreme with running, flanking and group torching. Due to the extremeness of the fire intensity, it is creating its own fire weather. A stunning and rare event occurred on July 18, 2021, when a tornado appeared on the eastern perimeter of the fire.

Here is a photo of the aftermath and you can see what type of destruction it made on the land. Fire Officials and meteorologists will definitely looking at this phenomenal event for years to come.

Credit — Bootleg Fire PIO

Damage Assessment

Structure loss is holding at 184, but the cost-to-date expenses for fire suppression and containment has reached a whopping $48.7 Million Dollars.

Restrictions

Public Information — Fire Information Public Phone – 541-482-1331.

Stark Stats

July 15, 2021

  • 2 million people are said to be under RED FLAG WARNINGS across California, Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon. Bootleg Fire deemed official “megafire” of 2021.

July 16, 2021

  • The Bootleg Fire creates its own weather and with that comes lightning strikes within the pyrocumulus cloud it produces.
  • Just on the same day, the weather produces a tornado on the east fire perimeter and clears out a whole area. This is very dangerous for those on the ground.
  • Very Large Tankers (VLATS) Tankers 910 and 912 arrive to the Medford Tanker Base.

July 17, 2021

  • The fire has burned two-and-a-half sizes of San Francisco worth of forest from July 13 – 17, 2021.

July 18, 2021

  • Fire grows to be 467-square miles, is about 40% the size of Rhode Island (US).
  • Mutual aid (fire agencies) respond from as far away as New York and Florida.
  • Fire continues to remain extremely active. Fire Officials ask the public to avoid the area as it puts their firefighters and people at risk.
Image
Credit — Bootleg Fire PIO

July 19, 2021

  • Deemed as one of the largest U.S. wildfires, is said to be not only creating its own fire weather but is disrupting up to higher elevations in our atmosphere.
  • Nationally speaking, wildfires were burning in 13 U.S. states where 80 large fires had burned a cumulative of 1,174,486 acres. More than 19,600 firefighters and support personnel were actively assigned to these events.
  • Red Cross volunteers have provided 3,409 meals and snacks, 565 total overnight stays, 145 emergency supplies since July 9, 2021.
  • The Bootleg Fire is deemed the 6th largest fire incident in Oregon’s Fire History with others listed as Silverton Fire at 988,000 acres (1865), Siletz Fire at 800,000 acres (1849), Biscuit Fire 500,000 acres (2002), Long Draw Fire 557,000 acres (2012), Buzzard Complex 396,000 acres (2014) and the Bootleg Fire 303,791 (reported on this day) (2021).

July 20, 2021

  • Fire is deemed to be the 3rd largest fire ever in the State of Oregon’s Fire History.
  • Fire burns into the The Nature Conservancy Sycan Marsh Preserve. The TNC works to protect its research station.
  • Nine wildfires continue to burn across the State. Gov. Kate Brown recognizes this fire is the 4th largest to burn in Oregon since 1900.
  • More than 900 airline flights into Denver (CO) are delayed mostly due to poor visibility from the smoke.
  • Smoke from this wildfire is said to be impacting Philly (PA).
  • Fire burns about one mile east Sprague River.
Image
Credit — Kirkland FD

July 21, 2021

  • Lightning is determined to be the cause of this firestorm.
  • It’s smoke, along with other wildfires has spread across the entire North American continent and is swirling across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.
  • The fire is thirteen-times larger than the City of San Francisco and the size of Los Angeles, California.
  • Fire is visible from the JMU campus.
  • Nevada National Guard pilot finds a missing Firefighter, only Nevada soldier assigned to this incident. Awarded by ONG’s General for his heroic actions.
  • Hazy skies observed in Oklahoma.
  • Air Quality Alert issued in Nashville (TN).

July 22, 2021

  • General Daniel Hokanson with the Oregon National Guard thanks Guard members for supporting civilian agencies with firefighting efforts.
  • Nine firefighters test positive for COVID-19, are quarantined.

July 23, 2021

  • 70 homes are burned.
  • Specialty local food cart: Anderson’s helps provide vegan/specialty diets for their firefighters. These guys deserve a HUGE Shoutout and some support to their business!! – ED.
Image
Credit — Gaston Fire District

“Local food cart at #bootlegfire helps 1 of our vegan firefighters get meals to fit his dietary needs. They drove 45 miles to closest store to get supplies. Thank you Anderson’s Food Cart.” – Gaston FD

  • Kirkland FD’s Lt. Dave Nelson and Captain Ryan Riedl are assigned as line EMTs. Their role is to provide urgent medical care to firefighters on the fire line.
  • American Red Cross is at this fire (70 are burning at this time) providing life-saving shelter, food and water services to anyone who has been forced to evacuate.

July 24, 2021

  • Fire containment increases to just 4% since this morning, but activity has continued to increase.
  • WA County (OR) Task Force 25 has been released from the incident after their 14-day deployment. They return back to their respective agencies and quarters.
Image
Credit — Forest Grove FD with the WA County (OR) Task Force
  • Firefighters were able to keep fire from moving east towards the towns of Summer Lake and Paisley (OR). Fire is said to be now longer than the I-5 corridor through Oregon at 321 miles.
  • Fire is burning ancient forests, lakes and wildlife refuges, so you can imagine its impacts on the area.
  • Montana Red Cross volunteer finds out one-week during his service on the Bootleg Fire that his own MT home is being threatened by the Harris Fire.
(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Northrup Fire | Grand Coulee, WA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 — JULY 24, 2021 — 2100 PT — SATURDAY

Incident Summary

A brush fire broke out on Friday, July 22, 2021, at 1752 hours PT, along Hwy 155, near milepost 18 and Northrup Canyon Road; 5 miles SSE of Electric City and southwest of Grand Coulee near SR-155 in Grant County, Washington.

The fire is named the NORTHRUP FIRE.

Credit — Grant County SO

Resources

112 total personnel are assigned to this incident along with two hand crews, 16 engines, two tenders and one copter.

Incident Cooperators: Grand Coulee FD, Electric City FD, Coulee Dam Fire, Grant County FD, Lincoln County, BLM, WA DNR, NIFC, Inciweb, Park Rangers, WSP Troopers.

Command is under IC Leonard Johnson representing the SEWA IMT 3 Team 2, which assumed Command on July 23, 2021, at 2000 hours.

WA State Mobe approved by the WSP Fire Marshal Office.

May be an image of outdoors
Courtesy — SE WA IMT

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Current Status

This is still an active, on-going incident.

About 250-450 acres of timber, tall grass and hardwood litter have been destroyed (various sources reporting vastly different numbers). A 65% containment status has been reached since early this morning.

Fire behavior is moderate, smoldering, backing, and isolated torching.

Closures – Parks

  • SR 155 and Steamboat Rock Park reopened.

Evacuation Notices

All evacuation orders have been reduced down to Level 1.

Hashtags

#WAwildfires #GrandCouleeDam #NorthrupFire #WAFireSeason2021

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bootleg Fire | Sprague River, OR | 4

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 4 — JULY 24, 2021 — SATURDAY — 0010 PT

Incident Summary

The BOOTLEG FIRE is located:

  • 23 miles east of Chiloquin
  • 28 miles northeast of Klamath Falls
  • 11 miles from the town of Sprague River
  • On the Fremont-Winema National Forest

The BOOTLEG FIRE began

The LOG FIRE has merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident only, including stats. This occurred on July 19, 2021.

July 13 - Image of a red and white Engine 138, smokey sky, a helicopter is in the sky above.
Credit | SW Polk FD

Resources

A total number of fire personnel is currently at 2,389 alongside 50 crews, 80 water tenders, 197 engines, 42 dozers, 28 other heavy equipment and 20 copters.

Mutual Aid Updates: These six Fremont firefighters deployed to the this ginormous fire in the Fremont-Winema National Forest on July 8th with CAL OES Strike Team 2870C, remain healthy and all equipment is operational. – Fremont FD (CA)

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators include the American Red Cross, BLM, S Central OR FMP, Fremont-Winema NF, Klamath County, Lake County, ODF, OR and WA National Guards, Civil Air Patrol, Fremont FD (CA), SW Polk Fire, local public health and Oregon Health Authority’s nine cases testing COVID positive cases among resources on the ground, which are now being quarantined from the rest of the crews.

Current Status

There has been 400.389 acres of timber, brush and closed timber consumed. A 42% containment has been reached. Fire crews will continue to strive for reaching all of their fire suppression and containment objectives.

Smoke is visible from OR Hwy 140, Sprague River Hwy, Chiloquin and surrounding areas.

Fire managers reported via the NIFC briefing, that fire behavior remains at extreme with running, flanking and group torching observed activities.

“Firefighters have been working around the clock, both day and night, in their continuous effort to contain this more than 400,000-acre wildfire.

Night has proven to be the best timeframe to successfully build line as fire activity generally decreases when the temperature drops and the humidity rises.

The day shift has been working diligently to hold established containment lines, by picking up spot fires and securing the fire’s edge.”

– Bootleg Fire PIO Brad Bramlett

Damage Assessment

184 structures destroyed.

CTD for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $41.5 Million Dollars.

Restrictions

  • TFR over the fire is in effect
  • No DRONES in Fire Zones

Public Information | Fire Information Public Phone – 541-482-1331.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Lick Creek Fire | Pomeroy, WA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 — JULY 23, 2021 — FRIDAY — 2300 PT

Incident Summary

This fire ignited on Monday, July 5, 2021 around 1700 hours PT, along Hwy 138 E near Jack Creek and about 15 miles southeast of Pomeroy, as well as southwest of Asotin, Washington. The DRY GULCH FIRE merged in with this incident.

Command

This incident is being managed by the NW Team 3 (type 1 IMT) and CA Team 12 (Type 2 IMT) (en route). IMTs are also managing the GREEN RIDGE FIRE.

A wildland firefighting crew carrier vehicle is parked on a road while low vegetation is burned on the left side and firefighters stand on the right looking out at unburned vegeation.
Credit: USFS

Current Status

There has been 78,158 acres of timber and closed timber litter scorched. There is a 75% containment status reached. Fire Managers have forecasted this fire to be fully contained on September 1, 2021.

This used to be the DRY GULCH FIRE, which merged into the larger fire.

Active fire behavior with flanking, backing and isolated torching.

Resources

There are 278 total personnel with a reduction of 75 resources since yesterday. At this time there are four crews, 23 engines and seven copters.

Closures

  • Forest Service lands, roads, trails – Unmatilla National Forest

Evacuations

LEVEL 1

  • Grouse Flats
  • Garfield County
  • Columbia County

LEVEL 1 dropped

  • Groverland
  • Anetone

Evacuations – Grouse Flats now a Level 1 from a Level 2 (Asotin County), along with Groverland, along with Garfield, Columbia counties.

Damage Assessments

About 10 structures have been lost and there has been a CTD reached at $11.9 Million.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Northrup Fire | Grand Coulee, WA | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – JULY 23, 2021 2235 PT – FRIDAY

Incident Summary

A brush fire broke out along Hwy 155, near milepost 18 and Northrup Canyon Road, from an unknown cause southwest of Grand Coulee near SR-155 in Grant County, Washington. The fire is named the NORTHRUP FIRE.

Initial Response

Prior to a call out for additional resources, initial attack was conducted by Grand Coulee FD, Electric City FD, Coulee Dam Fire, Grant County FD, Lincoln County and BLM. Initial fire response included five copters, four fire bosses, two air tankers and an air attack.

Resources

The Wildcad.net showed resources on Thursday, July 22, 2021, more personnel and assets being deployed that included the following: AA 4WA CH 6101 DIV 6101 E 6695 E 6696 FB 201 FB 202 FB 243 H 339 H 343 dispatched 7/22/2021 @ 1742 PT with the acreage around 150 acres. Friday’s resources indicated there are two hand crews, three strike teams (engines), two copters and one available dozer.

Incident Cooperators: Grand Coulee FD, Electric City FD, Coulee Dam Fire, Grant County FD, Lincoln County, BLM, WA DNR, NIFC, Inciweb, Park Rangers, WSP Troopers.

Command is under the SE WA Type 3 IMT.

Cause

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Current Status

The fire continued to spread overnight on Thursday into Friday morning. Currently, it is listed 442 acres with a zero-percent containment status.

Closures – Roads

  • Hwy 155 to all non-fire traffic between Steamboat Rock and Electric City

Evacuation Orders in Effect

Level 3 evacuation orders

  • One residence in the north portion of the fire
  • Steamboat Rock State Park

Level 2 evacuation orders

  • 40 homes
  • Areas east of Hwy 155 between MP 18 and Osborn Bay Campground Road

Through the Eyes of Social Media

7/13/2021: (Twitter user) “way more hazy today, lots of ash in cars.” – Twitter user.

8/4/2019: Smoke from the Williams Fire near Grand Coulee Dam impacts the Pendleton, Oregon areas. – NWS Pendleton

8/18/2018: Brett Read, Firefighter is severely burned during the Grass Valley Fire, near the (dam).

8/16/2018: Washington Flats Fire located seven miles north of the Grand Coulee Dam, was contained on July 13, 2018. Credit: Bureau of Reclamation. Works with partners to secure dams and facilities from wildfires. – Bureau of Reclamation.

9/12/2016: Fire crews stage at the Grand Coulee Dam Middle School for an incident. – Media

Image
WA Flats Fire | Credit: USBR

7/4/2016: No fireworks or lightshow this year. – Twitter user.

7/10/2015: In the last 4 hours, there was lightning, a wildfire, flash flood and visited the Grand Coulee Dam.

8/31/2015: A human-caused wildfire was sparked near Grand Coulee Dam. On this day, it was 200,000 acres.

11/19/2013: Worker hurt after electrical fire at Grand Coulee Dam Pump Generator Plant. – Media

3/22/2013: Bureau to probe fire at Grand Coulee. – Water District Agency

8/23/2011: About 250 firefighters assigned to fire incident. – Media

8/16/2012: The Elder Fire burns into another day. Colville Tribe says brush fire burned 12-square miles. 7,800 acres and growing. – News media

8/15/2012: Wildfire burning near the (dam). 4,100 acres. – News media.

8/23/2011: Crews work to contain fire near Grand Coulee Dam. 200 firefighters assigned. – Media.

Hashtags for this Incident

#WAwildfires #GrandCouleeDam #NorthrupFire

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bootleg Fire | Sprague River, OR

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Welcome to Oregon’s Sit Rep on this Thursday, July 22, 2021, where many explosive wildfires are still burning. We are breaking down these incidents now individually.

May you all stay safe!

# # #

Heroic Actions Recognized on the Bootleg Fire: 4-Star Recognition by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Daniel Hokanson.

May be an image of 2 people, military uniform and outdoors
Credit | Army National Guard of Nevada

Nevada Army Guard helicopter pilot Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kevin Keeler was awarded a challenge coin by Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Daniel Hokanson, center, today in Oregon to recognize the pilot’s effort to locate a missing firefighter at the massive Bootleg Fire on Sunday.

Keeler located the firefighter and informed ground crews of the firefighter’s location; the firefighter is fine and already back on the front lines battling one of the nation’s largest active wildfires.

Keeler is a Lakota helicopter pilot with the 3/140th Security and Support Aviation Detachment based in Las Vegas.

Hokanson was the Oregon Guard’s adjutant general from 2013-2015. Military commanders often present challenge coins in recognition of special achievements or accomplishment.

# # #

USFS | Fremont-Winema National Forest

Bootleg Fire

23 miles E of Chiloquin, 28 miles NE of Klamath Falls, 11 miles of the Town of Sprague River

The many faces behind those who work tirelessly hours, exert lots of energy and are in the best times of their lives (loving their current jobs). We wanted to showcase some of these men and women.

Mutual Aid Updates: These six Fremont firefighters deployed to the this ginormous fire in the Fremont-Winema National Forest on July 8th with CAL OES Strike Team 2870C, remain healthy and all equipment is operational. – Fremont FD (CA)

The Bootleg Fire is now 399,359 acres of mixed grass/shrub, timber with understory with litter fuel types. The scorched area is mostly densely populated of timber stands, dry meadows and shrub fields.

The LOG FIRE merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident only, including stats.

Additionally, the containment status has increased to 38%.     These are the images shared from Engine 8231’s assignment thus far.   

Assigned to this incident, there are 2,268 acres with 49 crews, 199 engines and 20 copters. Fire command is under Joe Hessel, Lance Lightly and Rob Allen.

Incident Cooperators include the American Red Cross, BLM, S Central OR FMP, Fremont-Winema NF, Klamath County, Lake County, ODF, OR and WA National Guards, Civil Air Patrol, Fremont FD (CA), SW Polk Fire, local public health and Oregon Health Authority’s nine cases testing COVID positive cases among resources on the ground, which are now being quarantined from the rest of the crews.

“Protecting the health and safety of firefighting personnel and those in the local community is the highest priority.” -Public Health.

Nighttime shot of a smokey orange sky in the night with evergreen trees on the bottom.
Credit | USFS

Restrictions | TFR over fire is in effect, meaning “No drones in Fire Zones”.

Evacuations | Decreased for those in Lake County areas per the Sheriff’s Office.

Level 3 – GO NOW!

From 1 mile from Sprague River on the county line, east to Bear Flat, continuing to Dairy Point.

Level 2 – Be Set

From one mile south of the South Fork Sprague River, on the county line, south to Owen Butte, east to Quartz Valley Mountain, northeast to upper Coleman Rim.

Level 1 – Be Ready

From lower Coleman Rim north Highway 31, north to Owen Butte, east to Quartz Valley to the FS 28 Road.

Evacuation Notices

Quartz Mountain area from the FS 34 Road near Mitchell Monument to Hwy 140 east.

Public Information | Fire Information Public Phone – 541-482-1331.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog