A wildfire has been reported burning in Hutchinson County, TX, which has prompted a wildland fire response to be dispatched from the Texas Interagency Coordinator Center this afternoon at 1507 CDT.
Resources dispatched include BC-304 DIV-303 ENG 300 ENG 600 Richards M according to the Wildcad.net resource page.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates on this incident and other great fire news and happenings.
A new wildfire has ignited today at 1230 hours CDT (1030 PT), from an unknown source. It is located near FM 2731 and County Road 230 between Hwy 183 and TX Hwy 206 and about 4.5 miles northeast of Cross Plains, TX.
It is said to be in close proximity to the East Complex and the Blowing Basin Fire is said to be burning northwest straight towards the Wheat Field Fire.
=== EVACUATIONS IN PROGRESS ===
Evacuations are in progress now and if you are in the following areas, please start your evacuations now. Remember to listen to local news radio, online, alerts from Public Safety officials for updates.
In effect for 1408 hours CDT until 1700 hours CDT.
North of FM 2731 and CR 230
Officials state to evacuate to the north by using Hwy 206 in Eastland County.
(Source: TX DEM)
Resources
There are currently 40 total personnel assigned to this incident as of the last update on Inciweb’s page.
Current Fire Status
The fire has burned 100 acres of tall grass and thick oak brush. Fire Officials say resources have reached a 5% containment status.
Fire Weather Report
Currently, there is a RED FLAG WARNING in effect until 2200 CDT (2000 PT). Dangerous fire weather fire conditions are expected to continue this afternoon with RH around 15% and southerly winds at 15-25 mph. Widespread rain is expected to develop Monday morning and may fall over the fire line helping resources with suppression and containment efforts. A dryline will move through the region Monday afternoon with shifting winds to the west.
Eyewitness / Social Media
Residents near this fire are reporting heavy smoke plumes can be seen from surrounding areas, such as Nimrod, south of Scranton.
One poster states the large fire is west of Bangs on 67/84. They state the fire started next to their place and appears it spread to the county line hill.
Currently, folks are reporting in the western portion of the State, the winds are really whipping up in the area.
A smoke column can be seen from the east of 569 as one eyewitness stated. Another states the fire is on 569/206 and one house away from 569. The fire is blowing towards their ranch.
You will see that we are broadcasting on Twitter and Facebook new wildfires in Oregon and Washington as separate posts. If they are still active at the time of presenting this recap to you, we will add them.
Here is a recap for Saturday, August 14, 2021 gleaned from resources Inciweb, NIFC, NWCC, USFS, Fire Department, Fire Agencies via Social Media and other sources.
Washington State Wildfires
New! BARTLETTE FIRE – Barlette Road, Pend Orielle County.
AR7411, C301, E31, E32, INV Roberts dispatched via the WA-NEC on WildCAD.net at 1820 hours PT. Fire has been 100% lined at 2015 hours. UPDATE | Contained at 2016 PT.
New! FLOWER FIRE – Winchester Creek Road, Pend Oreille County.
Ar7410 dispatched at 0019 hours PT. 100% lined at 0518 hours PT. Not showing out or controlled in their CAD system.
New! NASON FIRE – 18 miles NE of Skykomish.
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS. Timber and short grass.
Minimal fire behavior with smoldering, creeping and torching.
103 acres. 0% contained. 12 total personnel with 1 crew member. $20K CTD.
(Source: NIFC)
New! QUARRY TOWER FIRE – Quarry Browns Lake Road, Stevenson County.
NC64, NC7306, NC7307 dispatched 0721 hours PT. 1.25 acres of grass, shrub, timber understory and slash. 90% mopped up at 2020 hours PT. Dispatched via the WA-NEC via the WildCAD.net system.
WHITMORE FIRE – 27 miles NE of Bridgeport.
Photo Credit: BIA
The photo posted for this wildfire depicts the process a wildland firefighter uses to for firing operations by using a drip torch. This is during a night operational period.
Colville Agency, BIA. IMT 2 (NW Team 12). Timber. Active fire behavior with flanking, backing and isolated torching. Community of Nespelem and infrastructure threatened. Area and road closures in effect.
58,087 acres. 40% contained. 396 personnel. 8 crews, 25 engines and 1 copter. 6 structures have been lost. $6.9M CTD.
WINDY PASS FIRE – 11 miles SW of Cle Elum.
Photo Credit: USFS
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS, WA. Timber and short grass.
Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
Colville NF, USFS. Timber and closed timber litter. Started 8/4/2021. Several communities threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
CA IMT Team2 (CIMT2) is managing the fire with IC Mike Minton as the Incident Commander of this fire along with Cub Creek 2 Fire, Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires.
1,648 acres. 5% containment. 84 total personnel.
SUMMIT TRAIL FIRE – 17 miles W of Inchelium.
Started 7/12/2021. Lightning-caused.
Photo Credit: BIa
Colville Agency, BIA. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (NW Team 7) to IMT 2 (NW Team 10) will occur today. IMT is also managing the Upper Lime Creek Fire. Timber and light slash. Numerous structures and communication infrastructure threatened. Area and road closures in effect.
Moderate fire behavior with creeping, spotting and isolated torching.
28,797 acres. 35% contained. 388 total personnel.
UPPER LIME CREEK FIRE – 6 miles NW of Keller.
Photo Credit: BIA
Colville Agency, BIA. Timber and light slash. Community of Keller threatened. Evacuations, area and road closures in effect. Community of Keller is now being threatened.
Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Reduction in acreage due to more accurate mapping.
Colville NF, USFS. Heavy slash and timber. Residences threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Active fire behavior with torching, flanking and backing. Fire started 8/2/2021 from lightning.
1,865 acres. 0% contained. 236 total personnel.
NINE MINE FIRE – 4.5 miles SSE of Laurie.
Photo Credit: WA DNR
WA DNR – NE Region. IC: Shawn Soliday. Jill Ritter (Trainee). Timber, brush and tall grass.
Moderate fire behavior with backing.
157 acres. 45% containment. 100 personnel.
PINCER CREEKFIRE – 15 miles E of Marblemount.
Photo Credit: USFS
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF, USFS. Timber and brush.
Started 8/3/2021 from lightning.
400 acres. 0% contained. 4 total personnel. IC Shawn Otto.
CHUWEAH CREEK FIRE – 4 miles N of Nespelem.
Photo Credit: BIA
Colville Agency, BIA. Brush, timber and light slash. Started 7/25/2021 at 1900 hours PT. IC: Mt. Tolman Fire Center.
Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Area and road closures in effect.
36,752 acres. 98% contained. 8 total personnel.
LICK CREEK FIRE – 15 miles SE of Pomeroy.
Photo Credit: USFS / Courtesy: Inciweb
Umatilla NF, USFS. IMT 2 (RM Team Black). IMT is also managing the Green Ridge Fire. Short grass, hardwood litter and timber. Numerous structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Fire started 7/7/2021 at 0800 hours. Lightning-caused.
Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
80,421 acres. 96% contained. 27 total personnel.
SCHNEIDER SPRINGS FIRE – 21 miles NW of Tieton.
Photo Credit: USFS
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS. Naches Ranger District. IMT 2 (EA Silver Team). IMT is also managing the Windy Pass Fire. Short grass, timber and brush. Started 8/3/2021. Lightning caused.
Active fire behavior with uphill runs, flanking and backing.
Active fire behavior with single-tree torching, short-range spotting and creeping.
Fire Personnel continue to work on increasing containment of the fire with the help of engine crews, working to enforce the line, and putting out any spot fires or hotspots along the line. Personnel will continue to look for hot spots and assist where needed.
Timber and short grass. Community of Bonaparte and communication infrastructure threatened. Evacuations, road and area closures in effect.
Active fire behavior with group torching, wind-driven runs and long-range spotting.
The fire pushed outside the northern containment line and was suppressed by crews and equipment. Spot fires outside containment lines were also detected and suppressed utilizing engines, dozers, and hand crews. Smoke hampered aerial resources; but they remain available when conditions improve. Today’s activities will focus preparing Road 33, structure protection and suppressing new spot fires.
IMT also managing the Spur and Chickadee Creek Fires. Timber and short grass. Community of Bonaparte and structures threatened. Evacuations in effect.
Active fire behavior with short-range spotting, group torching and wind-driven runs.
Structure protection continued through the night as firefighters removed vegetation and any materials that could threaten structures. In the northern area of the fire, dozers are constructing fire line to remove fuel. Work today will include constructing fire line from the fires end down to Bonaparte Lake, continued construction and improvement of containment and contingency lines, and scouting for spot fires.
Southeast Region, DNR. IMT 1 (CA Team 2). IMT is also managing the Muckamuck, Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires. Short grass, closed timber litter and timber. Infrastructure now threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Moderate fire behavior with flanking, backing and creeping.
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS. Timber, short grass and closed timber litter. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Minimal fire behavior.
223 acres. 80% contained. No resources assigned but is being monitored. $122K CTD.
Oregon Wildfires
DEVIL’S KNOB COMPLEX – 22 miles NE of Azalea.
Photo Credit: USFS
(5 fires), Umpqua NF, USFS. IMT 2 (NW Team 8). Timber and medium slash. Numerous structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Active fire behavior with running, torching and spotting.
6,606 acres. 12% contained. Total 655 personnel.
YAINAX FIRE – 10 miles NE of Bonanza.
Klamath Unit, ODF. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
WALRUS FIRE – 11 miles N of Bonanza.
Klamath Unit, ODF. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
BOOTLEG FIRE – 23 miles E of Chiloquin.
Hydrologists evaluate an irrigation diversion on the Sprague River. | Photo Credit: USFS.
Fremont-Winema NF, USFS. Transfer of command from IMT 1 (PNW Team 2) back to the local unit will occur tomorrow. IMT is also managing the Yainax and Walrus Fires. Timber and brush. Structures threatened. Area and Trail closures in effect.
Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching, creeping and smoldering.
413,717 acres. 98% contained. 253 total personnel.
SKYLINE RIDGE COMPLEX – 5 miles SE of Days Creek.
Photo Credit: ODF
(3 fires), South Unit, ODF. IMT 1 (ODF Team 1). Timber and light slash. Numerous residences and infrastructure threatened. Evacuations in effect.
Active fire behavior with group torching, uphill runs and short-range spotting.
Willamette NF, USFS. Closed timber litter and timber. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Moderate fire behavior with backing, creeping and smoldering.
195 acres. 75% contained. 66 total personnel.
BLACK BUTTE FIRE – 36 miles SE of John Day, 24.9 miles S of Unity.
Photo Credit: Eric Risdal, NW IMT 6
Malheur NF, USFS. IMT 2 (NW Team 9). IMT 2 (NW Team 6) mobilizing. Timber and light slash. Structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Active fire behavior with short crown runs, group torching and short-range spotting. Started on 8/3/2021. Lightning-caused.
17,571 acres. 30% contained.
New! FOX COMPLEX – W of Lakeview
Includes the Patton Meadow and Willow Valley Fires which just merged together. They are both being managed by a team under Unified Command with the OR DOF’s IMT Team 3 and the OR State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team. they are busy setting up their Incident Command Post (ICP) at the Lake County Fairgrounds. They are also working on coordinating a base for crews and amenities to support them.
Total 7,000 acres. 0% containment.
Photo Credit: USFS
Patton Meadow Fire – 10 -15 miles W of Lakeview.
Fire behavior increased overnight as winds out of the north pushed it over and to the south of Hwy 140 and well west of the 383 road. Night crews and dozers were able to put a line around those areas and will continue to strengthen those lines throughout the day.
Credit: ODF
Fire is now 4,100 acres. 0% contained.
LEVEL 3 EVACUATIONS in progress – GO NOW!
Highway 140 West at Juniper RV to Antelope Valley Ranch.
All of Drews Gap, on both sides of Highway 140.
LEVEL 2 EVACUATIONS in progress – GET SET!
West of Antelope Valley Ranch to Tracy Loop.
N of Hwy 140 from Juniper RV to Lower Cottonwood.
LEVEL 1 EVACUATIONS in progress – BE READY!
140 W south to Andy Hill Road
West on Andy Hill Road to Dog Lake Lane, to Dog Creek Bridge
All residences at Drews Reservoir
Tracy Loop to Upper Cottonwood Road
East of Lower Cottonwood road to Cottonwood Creek
SHELTER – Red Cross Shelteter. Daly Middle School. 220 South H Street, Lakeview.
Fremont-Winema NF, USFS. Timber, light slash and brush. Extreme fire behavior with short crown runs, running and spotting. Residences threatened. Area and road closures in effect.
Started 8/12/2021 from dry lightning just before 1530 hours PT. One of several fires in Klamath and Lake Counties.
Cooperating agencies: S Central OR Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP). ODF, USFS/Fremont-Winema National Forest Lakeview District. Lake County SO, OEM.
Fire is burning mostly on BLM Lakeview District lands north of the Stateline, as a portion of the Modoc National Forest to the south. ODF lands are now being threatened. No structures are being threatened. Teams are working to get re-established with the new Unified Command system under this Fox Complex incident.
Resources include: 4 large type 1 copters are en route this afternoon.
KNOLL FIRE – 7 miles NE of McKenzie Bridge.
Photo Credit: USFS
Timber, closed timber litter and light slash. Structures and infrastructure threatened. Evacuations, area, road, and trail closures in effect.
Moderate fire behavior with flanking, torching and spotting.
Mt. Hood NF, USFS. Timber. Active fire behavior with group torching, running and short-range spotting. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Total 1,865 acres. 0% contained. 236 total personnel.
MIDDLEFORK COMPLEX – 9 miles NE of Oakridge.
Photo Credit: USDA Forest Service
(3 fires), Willamette NF, USFS. IMT 1 (PNW Team 3). IMT is also managing the Knoll Fire. Closed timber litter and timber. Evacuations, area, road and trail closures in effect.
Moderate fire behavior with uphill runs, flanking and torching.
(4 fires), Umpqua NF, USFS. IMT 2 (NW Team 13). IMT 1 (GB Team 2) mobilizing. IMT is also managing the Jack incident. Closed timber litter and timber. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Active fire behavior with wind-driven runs, group torching and short-range spotting.
9,905 acres. 3% contained. 441 total personnel.
JACK FIRE – 31 miles E of Roseburg.
Photo Credit: USFS
Umpqua NF, USFS. Timber and closed timber litter. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Active fire behavior with single tree torching, flanking and backing. Numerous structures threatened.
Due to many wildfires, we are going to try this again and put them into a single recap. Please be patient with us as the northwest seems to be catching ablaze and of course, we have been behind for a long time. We thank you for reading our articles and following our blog. You are appreciated!
Here is a recap for Friday, August 13, 2021 gleaned from resources Inciweb, NIFC, NWCC, USFS, Fire Department, Fire Agencies via Social Media and other sources.
Washington State Wildfires
WHITMORE FIRE – 27 miles NE of Bridgeport.
Photo Credit: Colville Agency
Colville Agency, BIA. IMT 2 (NW Team 12). Timber. Active fire behavior with flanking, backing and isolated torching. Community of Nespelem and infrastructure threatened. Area and road closures in effect.
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS, WA. Timber and short grass. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect. Mop-up operations are in progress.
Colville NF, USFS. Timber and closed timber litter. Started 8/4/2021. Active fire behavior with creeping, group torching and spotting. Several communities threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Colville Agency, BIA. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (NW Team 7) to IMT 2 (NW Team 10) will occur today. IMT is also managing the Upper Lime Creek Fire. Timber and light slash. Active fire behavior with flanking, backing and isolated torching. Numerous structures and communication infrastructure threatened. Area and road closures in effect.
Colville Agency, BIA. Timber and light slash. Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Community of Keller threatened. Evacuations, area and road closures in effect.
Colville NF, USFS. . Heavy slash and timber. Active fire behavior with torching, flanking and backing. Residences threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
139 acres. 42% contained. 4 hand crews, 6 engines and 1 dozer. 107 total personnel. Level 2 evacuations in effect. http://nwccinfo.blogspot.com/
PINCER CREEKFIRE – 15 miles E of Marblemount.
Photo Courtesy: Inciweb
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF, USFS. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with flanking, backing and creeping. Last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.
250 acres. 0% contained. 4 personnel. 1 engine. $50K CTD. This is being managed with a strategy other than full suppression without a Type 1 or 2 IMT assigned.
CHUWEAH CREEK FIRE – 4 miles N of Nespelem.
Photo Credit: BIA/Coliville Agency
Colville Agency, BIA. Brush, timber and light slash. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Area and road closures in effect.
Umatilla NF, USFS. IMT 2 (RM Team Black). IMT is also managing the Green Ridge Fire. Short grass, hardwood litter and timber. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Numerous structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS. IMT 2 (EA Silver Team). IMT is also managing the Windy Pass Fire. Short grass, timber and brush. Started 8/3/2021. Lightning caused. Extreme fire behavior with crowning, short-range spotting and flanking. Area, road and trail closures in effect. Air resources were unable to fly due to heavy smoke in the air, making it visibility difficult.
13,685 acres. 0% contained. 300 personnel. 7 crews. 14 engines, 4 dozers, 5 water tenders and 2 copters. $2.9M CTD.
CHICKADEE FIRE – 16 miles NW of Tonasket.
Photo Credit: USFS/Colville NF
Timber and short grass. Active fire behavior with isolated torching, flanking and short-range spotting.
Timber and short grass. Extreme fire behavior with group torching, wind-driven runs and long-range spotting. Community of Bonaparte and communication infrastructure threatened. Evacuations, road and area closures in effect.
Umatilla NF, USFS. Closed timber litter, timber and medium slash. Moderate fire behavior with uphill runs, single tree torching and short-range spotting. Several communities threatened. Evacuations, area, road and trail closures in effect.
29,759 acres. 15% contained. 482 personnel with 7 crews, 28 engines and 6 choppers. $26.9M CTD.
WALKER CREEK FIRE – 4 miles NW of Wauconda.
Credit: WA DNR – NE Region
IMT also managing the Spur and Chickadee Creek Fires. Timber and short grass. Active fire behavior with short-range spotting, single tree torching and wind-driven runs. Community of Bonaparte and structures threatened. Evacuations in effect.
Southeast Region, DNR. IMT 1 (CA Team 2). IMT is also managing the Muckamuck, Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires. Short grass, closed timber litter and timber. Moderate fire behavior with flanking, backing and creeping. Infrastructure threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS. Timber, brush and short grass. Active fire behavior with torching, smoldering and uphill runs. Several communities threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, USFS. Timber, short grass and closed timber litter. Minimal fire behavior. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
223 acres. 0% contained. Being managed by another IMT on another incident. $122K CTD.
Oregon Wildfires
DEVIL’S KNOB COMPLEX – 22 miles NE of Azalea.
Photo Credit: USFS/Umpqua NF
(5 fires), Umpqua NF, USFS. IMT 2 (NW Team 8). Timber and medium slash. Active fire behavior with running, torching and spotting. Numerous structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Klamath Unit, ODF. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
84 acres. 70% contained. No resources assigned. $671K CTD.
WALRUS FIRE – 11 miles N of Bonanza.
Klamath Unit, ODF. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with creeping and smoldering.
75 acres. 90% contained. No resources. $493K CTD.
WILLOW VALLEY FIRE – 15 miles W of Bonanza.
Lakeview District, BLM. Timber, brush and short grass. Active fire behavior with torching and spotting.
400 acres. 0% contained. 45 personnel along with 6 engines and 1 copter. $50K CTD.
BOOTLEG FIRE – 23 miles E of Chiloquin.
Photo Credit: USFS/FWNF
Fremont-Winema NF, USFS. Transfer of command from IMT 1 (PNW Team 2) back to the local unit will occur tomorrow. IMT is also managing the Yainax and Walrus Fires. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching, creeping and smoldering. Structures threatened. Area and Trail closures in effect.
413,717 acres. 98% contained. 376 total personnel. 3 crews, 22 engines and 2 helicopters. 408 structures have been destroyed. $99.6M CTD.
SKYLINE RIDGE COMPLEX – 5 miles SE of Days Creek.
Photo Credit: ODF
(3 fires), South Unit, ODF. IMT 1 (ODF Team 1). Timber and light slash. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, running and group torching. Numerous residences and infrastructure threatened. Evacuations in effect.
Willamette NF, USFS. Closed timber litter and timber. Moderate fire behavior with backing, creeping and smoldering. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Malheur NF, USFS. IMT 2 (NW Team 9). IMT 2 (NW Team 6) mobilizing. Timber and light slash. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, group torching and short-range spotting. Structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
16,609 acres. 30% contained. 688 personnel with 19 crews, 26 engines and 4 copters. $4.8M CTD.
PATTON MEADOW FIRE – 15 miles W of Lakeview.
Photo Credit: USFS/FWNF
Fremont-Winema NF, USFS. Timber, light slash and brush. Extreme fire behavior with short crown runs, running and spotting. Residences threatened. Area and road closures in effect.
Timber, closed timber litter and light slash. Active fire behavior with backing, torching and spotting. Structures and infrastructure threatened. Evacuations, area, road, and trail closures in effect.
(3 fires), Willamette NF, USFS. IMT 1 (PNW Team 3). IMT is also managing the Knoll Fire. Closed timber litter and timber. Active fire behavior with uphill runs, flanking and torching. Evacuations, area, road and trail closures in effect.
(4 fires), Umpqua NF, USFS. IMT 2 (NW Team 13). IMT 1 (GB Team 2) mobilizing. IMT is also managing the Jack incident. Closed timber litter and timber. Active fire behavior with wind-driven runs, group torching and short-range spotting. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Umpqua NF, USFS. Timber and closed timber litter. Active fire behavior with single tree torching, flanking and backing. Numerous structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
Sarasota County Firefighters were dispatched just after 1800 EST (1500 PST) to a commercial structure fire in the area of 19th Street and North East Avenue.
Credit: SCG Emergency Svcs
Upon first due arriving companies, flames and heavy smoke were visible from the large commercial building that would turn into a 2nd-alarm response. Explosions were reported during the initial fire attack as well.
The fire was knocked down around 1930 hours EST from the exterior. Interior operations would continue with flow of foam to snuff out any chance of a rekindle.
The red iron steel beam was said to be holding in place in the center of structure but a bow was present on the Bravo side. Exposures were protected.
Around 1937 hours EST, Command advised all members on the fire ground, that they were going to continue operations with two-hand lines from the exterior and not from the interior. The IC strongly encouraged them to get their air bottles filled as well.
Crews will be on-scene for a long duration of time.
A State FIU Investigator was en route to the scene with an unknown ETA.
No known reports to citizens or firefighters being injured at the time of this post. The cause will be determined by the Investigator.
This is a developing story.
(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog – Updated 1/2/2021 1939 EST / 1639 PST
INCIDENT SUMMARY. A wildfire is burning on the Kenai Peninsula, about 6 miles northeast of Sterling, Alaska. The fire is also said to be burning inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. This was a lightning caused fire that began on June 5th around 1852 hours AKDT. About 56,200 acres have been destroyed but fire crews are inching closer to a higher containment, now said to be 10%.
CALL 9-1-1 OR 800-237-3633 | Report a Wildfire
FIRE STATUS. Fire behavior is currently actively burning with group torching, single-tree torching and spotting. Structures are still under threat.
RESOURCES. 530 total personnel along with 15 crews, 12 engines and 6 helicopters. Command is under the direction of an AK IMT.
Incident Cooperators: Kenai Pen OEM, AK DOT, AK State Troopers, Homer Electric Association, Granite Construction, BLM AK Fire Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Air Resources: Aircraft are dipping out of Silak and Hidden Lakes.
FIRE FACT | Wildfires can create their own Fire Weather.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS. The fire is currently threatening homes, private properties, the community of Sterling and the highway, utility right-of-ways and infrastructure, along with natural gas pipeline and infrastructure. Additionally, it is causing a threat against shelter cabins and a Moose Research Center.
Cost-to-Date: There has been a total cost-to-date of $4.5 Million for fire suppression and containment expenses.
Type 1 and 2 crews en route to establish control lines on the East flank of fire. Credit: AK Fire PIOs
INCIDENT SUMMARY
A wildfire is burning on the Kenai Peninsula, about 6 miles northeast of Sterling, Alaska. The fire is also said to be inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
About 32,300 acres of timber and short grass has already been destroyed.
The fire was ignited by lightning on June 5th, around 1852 hours AKDT or 1952 hours PDT.
CALL 9-1-1 OR 800-237-3633 | Report a Wildfire
Fire crews have gained a 9% containment status.
FIRE STATUS
Fire behavior has been reported as active with flanking, group torching and short-range spotting. The fire is mostly being carried by Black Spruce, while minimum activity has been spotted in hardwood fuels.
There is a 40-50% mortality in Spruce stands.
TRAFFIC ALERT | Sterling Highway has very low visibility and poor air quality.
You will be seeing these signs on the Sterling Highway. | Credit: BLM AK Fire Service
RESOURCES
Personnel: Total of 379 fire personnel.
Assets: 11 crews including Yukon and 5 NW Hotshots (Winema Hotshots, Wolf Creek Hotshots and Lakeview Hotshots), 8 engines and 5 helicopters.
Command: AK IMT.
Incident Cooperators: Kenai Pen OEM, AK DOT, AK State Troopers, Homer Electric Association, Granite Construction, BLM AK Fire Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Air Resources: Aircraft are dipping out of Silak and Hidden Lakes.
AK Governor Mike Dunleavy thanks all first responders and firefighters for protecting homes,, businesses, and residents. Courtesy: Gov Dunleavy
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Transmission Lines
Homer Electric Association has de-energized a 115,000 volt transmission line to help reduce potential starts, as temps rise and dry conditions continue in the fire prone area.
FIRE FACT | Wildfires can create their own Fire Weather.
Credit: NWS Anchorage
Recreation Areas
Heavy smoke is pouring over the Sterling Highway. Though the roadway is open, many recreations areas are now closed along the highway.
The Swan Lake Fire in Images:
Canadian Air Scoopers. | Credit: Swan Lake Fire PIO
Crews continue prep work on June 18, 2019. Credit: BLM AK Fire Service
Crews continue firing operations to secure line on June 19, 2019. Credit: AK Forestry.
A trail of traffic backs up on the Sterling Hwy due to a thick layer of smoke fog hangs in the air. Credit: AK Fire PIOs
Damage Assessments
The fire is currently threatening homes, private properties, the community of Sterling and the highway, utility right-of-ways and infrastructure, along with natural gas pipeline and infrastructure. Additionally, it is causing a threat against shelter cabins and a Moose Research Center.
There has been a total cost-to-date of $3.4 Million for fire suppression and containment expenses.
Cedar City Hotshots prepping for burnout operations.
Summary
A wildfire broke out on the Deschutes National Forest, about 9 miles West of Sisters, Oregon on August 11, 2017 (1442 hours).
Current Status
8/27/2017: Homes are still threatening homes but fire crews have been able to hold the containment lines at 32%. There has been 15,509 acres burned. Night shift crews continued with burnout operations for planned aerial ignition on the NW flank of the fire. Additional fire activities included clearing fire fuels along roadways and mop up along the fire’s edge.
Lane County Task Force #7 doing a soft structure protection task.
8/26/2017: It is still burning and threatening homes. There have been 13,485 acres burned.
Fire Behavior
8/27/2017: Active fire behavior with isolated torching and crowning.
8/26/2017: The fire is burning in timber and is said to have a moderate fire behavior with some isolated torching. Fire managers are reporting the fire is actively backing down the Black Crater to the West and North slopes. Predictions are being made in the Lava Camp Lake will not suffer any extensive damage due to a low amount of fire fuels in the area.
Resources
8/27/2017: 672 personnel. 17 crews, 32 engines and 3 helicopters.
8/26/2017: There are about 683 personnel assigned along with 17 crews, 4 helicopters and 33 engines. Command is the SWA IMT Team 2.
It’s not all just about firefighting, it is about helping homeowners with those they left behind they were evacuated.
Incident Cooperators
Incident Cooperators for this fire are the Deschutes Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes National Forest.
Keeping an open lines of community helps put homeowners minds to ease knowing what is happening with Fire operations.
Weather Conditions
8/27/2017: Warmer and drier conditions. Forecasters say it will be sunny and warm today with areas of dense smoke.
8/26/2017: It has been more warm and drier which will continue throughout the weekend. The fire is active on the West side and burning into the wilderness. Depending on future conditions, the fire behavior can become active producing more increased flames and heavy smoke.
Alerts!
8/27/2017 Archery Hunting Season begins on Saturday. If your region is within the fire area – you may not be able to participate in these hunting areas until the closure is lifted.
8/26/2017: The fire closure area will slightly be reduced. Changes to t he closure include the opening of Forest Road 16, the campgrounds at Three Creeks Lake, Tam MacArthur Rim and the Petersen Ridge trail system, East of Forest of Road 16. Due to wildland firefighting, all roads West of Forest Road will still remain closed.
Burnout operations.
8/26/2017: The Deschutes County Sheriff Office is constantly evaluating the need to make changes to evacuation notices. All evacuation questions should be directed to the DCSO by calling their non-emergency evacuation orders line at 541-693-6911.
Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are currently in effect for the Crossroads subdivision, Edgington Road, Remuda Road, Peterson Burn Road, Wildwing and Three Creeks Road residences. This allowed residents to return to their homes.
Level 1 evacuations are in effect for the Tollgate subdivision, all areas between OR 242 and Highway 20; West of Cold Springs Cutoff (Forest Service Road 1018). This also includes Black Butte Ranch.
Cost-To-Date
8/27/2017: The cost-to-date has risen to $11.1 Million just from overnight fire operations.
8/26/2017: The cost-to-date is $9.8 Million and growing as each day passes.
Public Meeting
A public meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 28th at the Sisters High School located at 1700 McKinney Butte Road in Sisters, Oregon. The meeting begins at 1800 hours (6pm) PDT. Fire Officials will provide Fire Info, Closure information and status of evacuation orders. Make sure if you have questions to bring them up in the meeting. If you have KUDOS, they do like to hear your compliments also.
(c) 2017 The NW Fire Blog – Updated 8/27/2017 @ 0915 Hours PDT
A smoldering tree trunk of many burns in the middle of the forest.
Current Fire Conditions
A wildfire broke out on the Deschutes National Forest, about 9 miles West of Sisters, Oregon on August 11, 2017 (1442 hours). It is still burning and threatening homes.
Day shift crews will continue with burnout operations to strengthen fire lines. Fire crews are stating these the burnouts have been successful so far. A second burnout operation is ongoing on the North side of the fire in a block of land between Forest Service Road 1030 and OR 242 that is just about complete. More crews are monitoring in that area to ensure the fire has not escaped the exterior containment fire lines.
Fire suppression efforts are just about finished on the South side as well. This along Forest Service 15.
There have been 13,485 acres burned and a 32% containment status reached.
A single-tree torching.
Fire Behavior
The fire is burning in timber and is said to have a moderate fire behavior with some isolated torching. Fire managers are reporting the fire is actively backing down the Black Crater to the West and North slopes.
Predictions are being made in the Lava Camp Lake will not suffer any extensive damage due to a low amount of fire fuels in the area.
Heavy equipment read to enter Division Echo.
Resources
There are about 683 personnel assigned along with 17 crews, 4 helicopters and 33 engines. Command is the SWA IMT Team 2.
Incident Cooperators for this fire are the Deschutes Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes National Forest.
Weather Conditions
It has been more warm and drier which will continue throughout the weekend. The fire is active on the West side and burning into the wilderness. Depending on future conditions, the fire behavior can become active producing more increased flames and heavy smoke.
A plume of heavy smoke can be seen from the Black Butte Lodge restaurant across the Valley.
Alerts!
Closures. As of Saturday, August 26, 2017, the fire closure area will slightly be reduced. Changes to t he closure include the opening of Forest Road 16, the campgrounds at Three Creeks Lake, Tam MacArthur Rim and the Petersen Ridge trail system, East of Forest of Road 16. Due to wildland firefighting, all roads West of Forest Road will still remain closed.
Evacuation Orders. The Deschutes County Sheriff Office is constantly evaluating the need to make changes to evacuation notices. All evacuation questions should be directed to the DCSO by calling their non-emergency evacuation orders line at 541-693-6911.
Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are currently in effect for the Crossroads subdivision, Edgington Road, Remuda Road, Peterson Burn Road, Wildwing and Three Creeks Road residences. This allowed residents to return to their homes.
Level 1 evacuations are in effect for the Tollgate subdivision, all areas between OR 242 and Highway 20; West of Cold Springs Cutoff (Forest Service Road 1018). This also includes Black Butte Ranch.
Cost-To-Date
The cost-to-date is $9.8 Million and growing as each day passes.
Public Meeting
A public meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 28th at the Sisters High School located at 1700 McKinney Butte Road in Sisters, Oregon. The meeting begins at 1800 hours (6pm) PDT. Fire Officials will provide Fire Info, Closure information and status of evacuation orders. Make sure if you have questions to bring them up in the meeting. If you have KUDOS, they do like to hear your compliments also.
Here are all active wildfires by #Hashtag that we are aware of happening in the United States:
#AlatnaComplex (AK) Tanana Zone. 15 miles SE of Alatna. Timber, brush and short grass. Active fire behavior with crowning, wind-driven runs and spotting. Structures threatened. (2 Fires) 75,371 acres. 66% contained. 10 personnel. 0 Personnel & 0 resources. $2,200,000 CTD. BLM lands.
#BacaFire (AZ) Northwest District. AZ State Forestry. 52 miles NW of Prescott. Brush and short grass. Moderate fire behavior with running, flanking and backing. 3,947 acres. 10% contained. 12 personnel. 1 helicopter. $60,000 CTD. State Lands.
Black Range Complex Fires on July 10, 2016 (Credit: Alejando Rodriguez)
#BeaverCreekFire (CO) Routt NF. 24 mi NW of Walden. Timber and brush. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, single tree torching and short-range spotting. Numerous structures threatened. Evacuations, road, area and trail closures in effect. 21,878 acres. %5 contained. 314 personnel. 5 crews, 25 engines, 3 helicopters. 4 structures lost. $10,200,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
#BigLightFire (TX) Texas A & M Forest Service. Started on private land 13 miles NE of Matador. Brush and grass. 2,692 acres. 70% contained. 32 personnel. 5 engines, 1 helicopter. $ N/A. Private lands.
#BlacksCanyonFire (CA) Near Simi Valley off the 118 in Blacks Canyon @ 1340 Hours PDT on 7/16/2016. Ventura County FD responding to new Brush Fire. Header showing.
#BlackRangeComplex (NM) Gila National Forest. 45 miles North of Silver City. Timber. Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching, backing and creeping. 3,700 acres. 5% contained. 110 personnel. 6 crews, 7 engines. $253,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
#BlairFire (CO) White River Field Office. BLM. 30 miles W of Meeker. Brush and short grass. Extreme fire behavior with wind-driven runs, crowning and flanking. 1000 acres. 0% contained. 108 personnel. 4 crews, 5 engines, 1 helicopter. 0 structures lost. $250,000 CTD.
#BrannonFire (NM) Gila National Forest. 26 miles NE of Silver City. Timber, brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. 380 acres. 0% contained. 26 personnel. 1 crew, 1 engine. $20,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
#ClavelFire (NM) Las Vegas District. New Mexico State Forestry. 20 miles NE of Roy. Brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. 4,000 acres. 95% contained. 7 personnel. 3 engines. $28,000 CTD. State lands.
#CoveFire (UT). 23 miles East of Salina and 11 miles SW of Emery
#FamosoFire (CA) Kern County Fire Department. Vegetation fire. Near Poso and Granite Road. Cause from a MVA. Forward movement stopped. 100% contained. 138 acres.
#FullerFire (AZ) Grand Canyon National Park. IMT 2. 4 miles NE of North Rim. Timber and medium logging slash. Extreme fire behavior with wind-drive runs and long-range spotting. Road, area and trail closures in effect. 3,702 acres. 0% contained. 437 personnel. 12 crews, 14 engines, 4 helicopters. 0 structures lost. $1,000,000 CTD. National Park Service lands.
Fuller Fire Map. (Courtesy Inciweb)
#GeorgeRiverFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. Started on BLM land 18 miles NE of Georgetown. Timber. Active fire behavior with running, creeping and backing. 200 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $Unknown. BLM lands.
#GreenFire (CA). Fresno County. CAL Fire. Off Auberry Rd & White Thorne Rd, near Prather. Forward progress stopped. Evacuations are in effect for residents on White Thorne, Dry Pond, Hokes Corner Ln. and Wellbarn Road. Evacuation shelter opened at: Foothill Middle School located at 29147 Auberry Rd, Prather, CA 93651. A large animal evacuation center has been established at: Sierra High School, 33326 Lodge Rd, Tollhouse, CA 93667. 123 acres. 60% contained.
#GweekRiverFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. Started on BLM land 17 miles NE of Akiachak. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with torching, running and creeping. 500 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $36,000 CTD. BLM lands.
#HairyFire (CO) Fort Carson Army Base. 21 miles SW of Colorado Springs. Hardwood Slash, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. Area closures in effect. 720 acres. 95% contained. 9 personnel. 3 engines. $350,000 CTD.
#HarrisFire (MT) Miles City Filed Office. STarted on private land 26 miles South of Ashland. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior. 3,400 acres. 80% contained. 98 personnel. 3 crews. 5 engines. 1 helicopter. $180,000 CTD. Private lands.
#HaydenPassFire (CO) – Fort Carson Army Base. 21 mi SW of Colorado Springs. Hardwood slash, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. Areas closures in effect. 15,759 acres. 5% contained. 768. personnel. 16 crews, 49 engines, 7 helicopters. 1 structures lost. $2,900,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
Hayden Pass Fire on July 12, 2016 (Source: Inciweb)
#HubbellCanyonFire (NM) Lincoln National Forest. Sacramento Ranger District. S Forest Service firefighters and two engines are assigned to the fire. Lightning caused. 25 acres. 0% contained. Full suppression tactics are being utilized. Fire is smoldering and spread potential is low. Started 7/16/2016 @ 1300 hours.
#IniakukLakeFire (AK) Tanana Zone. Started on state land 40 miles NW of Bettles. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with short crown runs, spotting and backing. Structures threatened. 14,107 acres. 0% contained. 28 personnel. 1 crew. 1 helicopter. $1,100,000 CTD. State lands.
#IsrathorakCreekFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. Started on FWS land 17 miles NW of Tuluksak. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with backing. 500 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000. Fish & Wildlife Service lands.
#McBeeCommandFire (WA) Spokane District, BLM. 6 miles W of Richland. Grass. Minimal fire behavior. 1,800 acres. 0% contained. 26 personnel. 1 crew, 4 engines. $100,000 CTD. BLM lands.
#MidSalchaFire (AK) Fairbanks Area Forestry. 31 miles SE of North Pole. Timber, brush and grass. Moderate fire behavior with win-driven runs, short-range spotting and backing. Homes threatened. 1,500 acres. 0% contained. 88 personnel. 4 crews. 1 helicopter. $300,000 CTD. State Lands.
#OwhatRiver2Fire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. 7 miles NW of Aniak. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with backing. 550 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000 CTD. State lands.
#PachecoFire (CA) Tuolumine-Calavaras Unit. CAL Fire. 2 miles SE of Jenny Lind. Timber, brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. 341 acres. 98% contained. 39 personnel. 1 crews, 4 engines. 2 structures lost. $301,000 CTD. State lands.
#PairODiceFire (AZ) Fort Apache Agency. BIA. 25 miles SW of Alpine. Timber and grass. 307 acres. 0% contained. 87 personnel. 3 crews, 4 engines, 1 helicopter. $50,000 CTD. BIA lands.
#PineFire (CA) Los Padres NF. 30 miles NE of Santa Barbara. Timber, chaparral and brush. Minimal fire behavior. Road, area and trail closures in effect. 2,304 acres. 93% acres. 100 personnel. 2 crews, 5 helicopters. $15,300,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
Sunset image at the Pine Fire. (Credit: Jonathan McGraw of USFS)
#PonyFire (CA) USFS. 15 miles SW of Happy Camp. Siskiyou County. 2,858 acres. 90% contained.
#Puertecito (NM) Cibola National. 15 miles S of Magdalena. Timber and short grass. Minimal fire behavior. 106 aces. 50% contained. 33 personnel. 1 crew. 1 helicopter. $58,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
#ReindeerRiverFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. 30 miles SE of Flat. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with torching, running and backing. 600 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000 CTD. State lands.
#SanGabrielComplex (CA) Formerly the Fish and Reservoir Fires. North of Azusa. Los Angeles County. CAL Fire. 1146 acres Reservoir. 4253 Fish. Both 96% contained.
#SchoolFire (NM) Gila National Forest. 2 miles NW of Snow Lake. Timber and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. 6,500 acres. 50% contained. 57 personnel. 2 crews, 4 engines, 1 helicopter. $60,000 CTD. Forest Service lands,
#ScottFire (AZ) Kaibib National Forest. Coconino rim 11 miles east of Tusayan. Lightning caused. Pinyon Juniper, ponderosa pine, oak. 2,660 acres. 25 personnel. In mop-up operations. ROS is low.
Scott Fire on July 15, 2016 that reached an open meadow. (Credit: D Barringer)
#SepulvedaBasin (CA) Los Angeles Fire Department. Burbank and Woodley. Fire crews dispatched @ 1308 hours PDT 7/16/2016. Header can be seen. 10 acres @ 1417 PDT. Additional units requested.
#TaylorFire (FL) 700 acres. 10% contained. 33 personnel. 7 engines, 1 helicopter. Forests in Florida. 9 miles NE of Sanderson. Southern rough. $100,000 CTD. Forest Service lands.
#TimberCreekFire (AK) Southwest Area Forestry. 27 miles SW of Chuathbaluk. Timber and grass. Moderate fire behavior with torching and creeping. 1,000 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $1,000 CTD. State lands.
#TimberonFire (NM) Otero County. 40% contained. Containment lines are holding. 267 acres. 44 structures lost. Some evacuations lifted up to the fire perimeter. Those inside of that are still under an evacuation order due to falling trees and other dangers.
#TokRiverFire (AK) Tok Area Foresty. IMT 2. 7 miles of Tok. Timber, light logging slash and grass. Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching and creeping. Structures threatened. Rain occurred over the area on Friday. 728 acres. 0% contained. 64 personnel. 3 crews, 2 helicopters. $209,000 CTD. State lands.
#TomsCreekRd2Fire (GA) Georgia Forestry Commission. 10 miles SW of Fargo. Souther rough. Minimal fire behavior. Homes threatened. Rain occurred over the fire on Friday. 45 acres. 90% contained. 28 personnel. 12 engines. $100,000 CTD. State lands.
#TrailheadFire (CA) CALCAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit / El Dorado National Forest, along the Middle Fork of the American River near Todd Valley. Started 6/28/2016 @ 1355 hours PDT. Cause under investigation. 3 injuries. 5,466 acres. 95% contained. Command: NorCal Interagency Incident Management Team 2 is managing the fire on behalf of CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service. Incident Cooperators: Placer County Sheriff’s Office, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments from across the region. 80 personnel. 2 engines. 3 crews. 1 dozers.
Engines working at the Trailhead Fire (Courtesy: Inciweb)
#YoknedaLakeFire (AK) Valdez-Copper River area Forestry. 40 miles NE of Glenallen. Timber and grass. Active fire behavior with running, flanking and backing. 2,000 acres. 0% contained. 0 personnel or resources. $9,000 CTD. State lands.
Sources: NW Fire Info, CAL Fire, Inciweb, NWICC, Internet, AZ Fire Info, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
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