The Middle Fork Complex has multiple wildfires that broke out on July 29, 2021, around 1400 hours PT, about nine miles north of Oakridge, Oregon.
Currently, there are 12 wildfires actively burning on the Middle Fork Range District.
Credit | USFS
Air resources conducting an recon flight detected a new start on Thursday afternoon and were able to provide an initial attack support to ODF. This new fire is called the West Fire, which is located on the hillside between McLane Creek and the Water tower off of West Second.
Nine wildfire incidents Knoll, Packard, Windfall, Symbol Rock, Devil’s Canyon, Larlson Cove, Way, Warble and Journey Fires have been turned back to the Willamette National Forest.
A cause of these fires are undetermined and under investigation.
About 17,503 total acres of timber (litter/understory) and closed timber litter have been consumed. A 10% containment status has been reached.
Fire behavior remains active with flanking, backing and torching.
Leve 1 and 3 evacuations are in effect. For specific areas, you can visit the Lane County’s website for exact details http://www.lanecounty.org.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
JULY 25, 2021 AT 1400 HOURS (2PM) PT — VIRTUAL FACEBOOK PAGE —-
No account needed to watch. Hosted by the Bootleg Fire Operations Center
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The LOG FIRE has merged in with the BOOTLEG FIRE and is under one incident only, including stats. This occurred on July 19, 2021.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you for visiting our Blog about wildfires in the State of California. This is a combined list of fires in a single post, as there are so many burning out-of-control.
You can also find more wildfires in the Northwest and around the Nation here on our Blog and on our Official Social Media Channels – @nwfireblog (Twitter/Facebook) and on Instagram.
Tips to nwfireblog@yahoo.com.
# # #
Fire Fact | 20 new wildfires ignited in Northern California in the last 24 hours. None of these fires were reported as new large incidents. – NIFC
# # #
1. Dixie Fire
Dixie Fire | Credit: CAL FIRE
The DIXIE FIRE is located above the Cresta Dam in Feather Canyon and 15 miles NE of Paradise in Butte County, California. The fire started from an unknown cause on July 14, 2021, around 0729 hours PT.
Fire management is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE – Butte Unit/Butte County FD and the Lassen National Forest (USFS).
A total of 1,669 personnel are assigned from two different Agencies, along with 56 crews, 85 engines, 17 dozers, 17 water tenders and 17 helicopters.
It has burned over 15,074 acres of timber and chaparral. Fire is 15% contained. Behavior remains as active with long-range spotting and short crown runs.
Incident Cooperators include: Plumas NF, Lassen NF, Butte Co SO, Plumas Co SO, CHP, PG&E, Union Pacific RR.
Evacuations > Orders > Plumas County
High Lakes, Rec area east of the Butte/Plumas county line, east to the Rock Creek Dam; both sides of Hwy 70 in the areas of Rock Creek, Storrie and Tobin.
Evacuations > Warnings > Plumas County
East of the Rock Creek Dam to Caribou; Both sides of Hwy 70 for Belden and Caribou communities.
Assistance Available > Residents > 530-283-6300.
Assistance Available > Animals > 530-283-3673 or 6300. Also, for large animals/livestock.
Closed > Roads > Camp Creek Road.
There has been one injury reported.
Significant Events
Fighting fire from rail tank cars and fire pumps by using assets from Union Pacific RR to protect railway infrastructure and help with suppression efforts. (thinking outside of the box)
Dixie Fire | Credit: CAL FIRE/Butte County
Cost-to-Date: $2.8 Million
# # #
Fire Fact | 17 new fires were reported by Fire Officials, which broke out in Southern California in the last 24 hours. None of these were considered to be new large incidents.
# # #
2. Fork Fire
The FORK FIRE started on July 17, 2021, in the area of Lowery Road and south Fork Drive in Tehama County, California. This incident is not to be the same as the Fork Fire that broke out on June 28th from lightning in the Yosemite National Park. These are two separate incidents and the YNP was only 12 acres and has been fully contained as of July 15, 2021.
There has been 43 acres burned and crews have reached an 80% containment status. The cause is unknown and under investigation by fire investigators. This is a CAL FIRE incident.
3. Beckwourth Complex
The BECKWOURTH COMPLEX is located three miles NE of Beckwourth, California, which includes two fires in the Plumas National Forest. There has been 105,348 acres of timber, brush and closed timber litter have been consumed. Behavior remains as active with flanking, single-tree and isolated torching. About 73% containment has been reached.
Management is being transferred from a Type 1 IMT (CA Team 4) to CA Team 5, also a Type 1 IMT. There are 2,044 total personnel along with 46 crews, 137 engines and nine copters assigned.
The SALT FIRE is located three miles S of Lakehead, California, in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Fire behavior has been reduced to minimal with smoldering. There has been 12,600 acres of chaparral, timber and short grass burned. The fire is now at a 95% containment status.
Assigned to this incident, there are 185 total personnel that include three crews, 10 engines and one copter.
43 structures have been destroyed.
A new start ignited out on the fire on Friday from machinery but crews were able to stop it from spreading and put it out fast.
Cost-to-date fire suppression and containment expenses have reached a whopping $19 Million Dollars.
5. Lava Fire
Burning four miles east of Weed, California, is the LAVA FIRE in the Shasta-Trinity National. Fire has destroyed 26,316 acres of timber and brush and 23 structures. Crews have successfully knocked down most of the fire and reaching a 77% containment status. Fire behavior remains as minimal with smoldering and isolated torching.
Approximately, 52 total personnel remain committed on this incident, along with five engines.
Cost-to-Date: $34.5 Million.
6. River Fire
River Fire | Credit: Madera Co SO
The RIVER FIRE is located about eight miles N of Raymond (Mariposa), off of Oak Grove and Oak Grove School Roads and about 10 miles S/E of Mariposa, California, that is being managed by a CAL FIRE, Type 1 Team CAL FIRE Team 6. This incident broke out on July 11, 2021, around 1410 hours, is located on CAL FIRE’s owned/managed lands.
Evacuations > Mariposa County > All orders, warnings, road closures have been lifted.
Evacuations > Madera County > Same as Mariposa County.
About 9,656 acres of tall grass, brush and hardwood slash have been scorched. It is now at a 75% containment status with its observed behavior at a minimal level with smoldering activities.
There are still 652 total personnel along with nine crews, 62 engines, five dozers, 14 water tenders and four copters.
12 structures have been lost; 2 damaged.
CTD: $13.1 Million
7. Dexter Fire
The Inyo National Forest is the venue where the DEXTER FIRE is burning, which is about 15 miles NE of Mammoth Lakes, California. About 2,592 acres of timber and brush have been destroyed. A 40% containment status has been reached.
Approximately, 382 total personnel are assigned along with five crews, 27 engines and four copters.
There have been no loss of structures reported.
CTD: $3.3 Million.
8. Tamarack Fire
Tamarack Fire on July 16, 2021 | Credit: USFS
The TAMARACK FIRE ignited from lightning on July 4, 2021, in the Mokelumne Wilderness but a tactical management decision was made to not put out the potential until fire activity increased 11 days later. It is located about six miles S of Markleeville (Alpine County), California on the Carson Ranger District.
This fire incident is of special interest due to its backstory and the backlash Fire Officials are receiving, due to initial decisions made.
The USFS – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest released this statement on July 10, 2021:
“The tactical management decision is not to insert fire crews due to safety concerns, however, this is not an unresponsive approach. Smoke might be visible to Pacific Crest Trail hikers but the .25 acre fire is surrounded by granite rocks, a small lake and sparse fuels. Fire poses no threat to the public, infrastructure or resource values.“
Tamarack Fire | Credit: Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
The Forest Service escalates their Fire Preparedness level on July 15, 2021 to a “5”, which is the highest level and due to multiple wildfires, extreme fire behaviors and adverse weather conditions.
Resources were not dispatched to this location, until on July 16, 2021, due to increased fire activity, which smoke could be seen from Carson Valley just after 1500 hours. By 1800 hours, firefighters were on-scene and actively engaging in suppression operations with a high volume of fire suppression aircraft consisting of two copters, one VLAT, multiple SEATs, Air attack on-scene.
Two days later after initial attack, the fire has exploded to 6,600 acres with a Type 2 IMT that has arrived on-scene on Sunday. What would start out as a 40-acre fire is now over 6,000 acres. High rates of spreads to the NW, W of Hwy 89 are occurring due to afternoon winds picking up the fire and moving it around in the area. Heavy smoke is expected to impact nearby Carson Valley. (Update as of 7/17/2021).
Tamarack Fire | Credit: PG&E
Today, the fire has burned up to 21,000 acres, which has clearly seen its share of extreme fire behavior with a critical rate of spread that continues to be increasing every so quickly. And, those who are watching this fire closely, including residents and those on Social Media are clearly angry in that this could have been stopped much sooner than it has. Residents are starting to have to make scary choices in preparing to leave their homes and structures behind.
There is a zero percent containment status. There are now 517 total personnel assigned to this wildfire incident.
Evacuations > Mandatory > Alpine Village, Woodfords, Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, Poor Boy Road, Wolf Creek Campgrounds, Silver Creek Campground, Sierra Pines, Upper/Llower Manzanita, crystal Springs, Diamond Valley Road, Hung-a-lel-ti.
Closures > Trails > Portions of the PCT between CA SR 88 and CA SR 4. USFS Officials release official presser, for those who fail to comply with the closure, can face up to $5,000 in fines or six months jail time.
Significant Events
Fire crosses Hwy 89, heading east crossing N of town and S of Airport Road
Fire can be seen from South Reno and South Lake Tahoe
Incident Cooperators: Sacramento FD OES Strike Team 4804A (Strike Leader Trainee BC Clint Madden), SFD OES 368 SCR, Folsom FD, Cosumners FD, Metro FD
You must be logged in to post a comment.