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Schneider Springs Fire Daily Update September 1, 2021 Start Date: August 3, 2021Cause: LightningSize: 83,647 acresPercent Contained: 8%Resources Assigned: 865 resourcesCrews (22); Engines (52); Dozers (8); Air Resources (12); Other Heavy Equipment (25)Yesterday: The majority of the resources on the fire remained focused on the southern perimeter. Crews were able to quickly adjust to changing wind and weather to continue the firing operations when conditions were favorable. Aerial resources supported firefighters on the ground by cooling hot spots and moderating fire behavior near the indirect containment lines. Firefighters took advantage of lighter winds to resume firing off the end of Bethel Ridge, working west toward the communications tower. Meanwhile, crews on the western edge of the fire completed the burnout on Forest Road (FR) 199 down to the FR 1500 junction. Heavy equipment remains focused on their mission to join the eastern and western flanks and contain the southern...

Weather and Fire:  Winds last night ranged from the E at Diamond Lake to from the N over the majority of the forecast area. Today winds shift from NE to NW around Toketee, remain out of the N in Roseburg, shift between N to NE around Medford, and stay Northerly near Chiloquin. Temperatures and relative humidities will remain similar to yesterday. Crews continue to burn out where possible to increase containment of the fires, while others are actively mopping up and patrolling areas that are cooler along the containment lines. The Devils Knob Complex is 38,000 acres, 25% contained: the Rough Patch Complex is 35,054 acres, 17% contained: and the Jack Fire is 23,985 acres, 53% contained. Smoke:  NE winds in the Toketee vicinity Monday night helped to clear the smoke out of Crater Lake Rim yesterday morning. Similar clearing should occur today. Diamond Lake often has worse air quality since it is closer to the active fires and smoke tends to pool in, and travel along, the Hwy...

 Fire and Weather The Middle Fork Complex is now at 20,506 acres and is 12% contained. A strong inversion formed overnight with clear sky, yielding our coldest morning at camp. However, warmer and drier air is building over the region. Expect higher temperatures, lower humidity and full sun this afternoon. Winds will be terrain driven, with ridgetop and transport winds generally from the N/NW. Tomorrow will see another inversion, and winds will begin a shift to the NE/E down canyon. Night operations will be conducted for the next three to four shifts, using fire to strengthen control lines. Today, should clouds and smoke clear enough, solar radiation will penetrate to the surface, and fire activity can be expected to increase, especially where wind and slope align. Fuels remain critically dry, and live fuels are entering dormancy, adding to the fuel load. Smoke Expect terrain driven winds coupled with west/northwest transport winds to keep smoke headed over the...

WESTFIR, Ore. – Although good progress is being made, the Gales and Kwis Fires will not be contained until significant fall rains occur and area closures could remain in place for some time, fire officials said. “This is a long-duration incident,” said Incident Commander Brian Gales of Northwest Incident Management Team 13, which is overseeing the suppression efforts. “We expect firefighters to be on the ground actively working to suppress the fire until we get heavy, season ending rains, which could be all the way out into October.” Both fires are burning in complex terrain in heavy fuels that can hold heat and fire for long periods of time and will require consistent, significant moisture to extinguish. Some areas may not be safe to enter for months to come. For the past several days, fire activity has consistently picked up in the afternoons in the Briem, Buzzard Creek and Portland Creek drainages, and fire resources have concentrated on holding and reinforcing lines in...

South Oregon Cascades Rough Patch & Devils Knob Complex, and Jack Fire Issued at: 2021-09-01 06:50 PDT Weather and Fire: Winds last night ranged from the E at Diamond Lake to from the N over the majority of the forecast area. Today winds shift from NE to NW around Toketee, remain out of the N in Roseburg, shift between N to NE around Medford, and stay Northerly near Chiloquin. Temperatures and relative humidities will remain similar to yesterday. Crews continue to burn out where possible to increase containment of the fires, while others are actively mopping up and patrolling areas that are cooler along the containment lines. The Devils Knob Complex is 38,000 acres, 25% contained: the Rough Patch Complex is 35,054 acres, 17% contained: and the Jack Fire is 23,985 acres, 53% contained. Smoke: NE winds in the Toketee vicinity Monday night helped to clear the smoke out of Crater Lake Rim yesterday morning. Similar clearing should occur today. Diamond Lake often has worse air quality...

 Northwest Team 12 will host a virtual Community Meeting Wednesday, September 1st at 11:00 AM, giving official information about the Walker Creek and Chickadee Creek Fires. Tune in at https://www.facebook.com/cwafireinfo and ask your questions during the Q&A portion at the end of the

 Northwest Team 12 will host a virtual Community Meeting Wednesday, September 1st at 11:00 AM, giving official information about the Walker Creek and Chickadee Creek Fires. Tune in at https://www.facebook.com/cwafireinfo and ask your questions during the Q&A portion at the end of the

Department staff continue to evaluate fire conditions and preparedness, as well as staffing levels and weather forecasts

As August turns to September, Washington state continues to experience one of the hottest and driest summers on record, creating an exceptional drought and ongoing extreme wildfire risk east of the Cascades.

Because of the effects of these historic conditions, eastern Washington lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources continue to be closed to public access and recreation, including hunting.

“This year has been a challenging year for wildfires across the Evergreen State, and we appreciate the responsible decisions that Washingtonians have made to help mitigate fire risks,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, the elected official who oversees DNR. “We know that our hunters are eager to return to the landscape, to continue their longstanding traditions and make new memories. Once it is safe for the public, and for DNR’s firefighters, we will reopen our eastern Washington lands to public recreation.”

Do you have questions about whether or not you are allowed to access your hunting area on DNR-managed lands? Check out this infographic for more information. 

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_rec_closure_hunting_access.pdf

Initially enacted July 23, 2021, the restriction applied to state forests, community forests, and other DNR-managed lands on the east side. DNR implemented this closure to minimize the number of fires started while the state continues to witness a summer filled with record-breaking heat and extreme and exceptional droughts covering a vast majority of the landscape. 

DNR decided to close recreational and public access to its managed lands in eastern Washington based on many factors, including current extreme hot and dry conditions, a forecast that shows no meaningful precipitation in the near future, current fuel loads, and a concern for public safety. Many areas in eastern Washington have seen little to no measurable precipitation since June.

Already this year, more than 30,000 acres of DNR-managed lands have burned in wildfires, including 22,000 acres of forests — the largest amount of forested land burned since the Carlton Complex fire in 2015.

“Closing land is not something that DNR ever takes lightly,” said Andrea Martin, acting statewide recreation manager. “However, we have to take into account several different factors when looking at the safety of reopening public lands after such a dry season.”

A few of the factors that DNR takes into account when looking to reopen land is:

• Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) ratings 
• National and local preparedness levels 
• DNR staffing levels 
• Moisture of both fine and heavy fuels
• The 10-day forecasts and rain accumulations across the entire state 

Because there haven’t been any significant rain events in months in many places, the fuel on the ground is very dry, creating conditions perfect for devastating wildfires on the landscape. 

One factor that DNR is monitoring very closely is the amount of rain on the eastside. There would need to be a significant amount of rain or a wetting event that would help to wet the fuel load. An event like that would help our firefighters to manage newly ignited wildfires better, and enough events like that would bring this wildfire season to a close. 

Before you head out on your adventure, make sure to “know before you go” and research all the latest restrictions at dnr.wa.gov/open.

Resources

• Do you need a map of the WDFW Game-Management Units (GMUs) and DNR lands? Get that map here.
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates hunting in Washington state. You can find their updates a www.wdfw.wa.gov. 
• You can learn more about DNR’s wildfire fighting efforts at www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/wildfire-resources.

And, remember, if you spot a wildfire, call 911 as soon as possible to report it.

Contact

Paige DeChambeau, recreation communications manager, paige.dechambeau@dnr.wa.gov, 360-790-1886

Ryan Rodruck, eastern Washington communications manager, ryan.rodruck@dnr.wa.gov, 360-706-3121

The Florida Red Incident Management Team, which is managing the Devil’s Knob Complex of wildfires, recently established a helibase near the town of Days Creek to support firefighting operations. The site was selected because of its proximity to the Smith and Hamlin fires, significantly increasing response speed and reducing fuel consumption, cutting an average of 15-20 minutes of flight time in each direction compared to the next closest helibase.Aircraft able to use the Days Creek base include light (Type 3), medium (Type 2), and heavy (Type 1) helicopters, and the facility can host as many as six helicopters at a time. These aircraft are used mostly for direct support of firefighting operations, especially conducting water drops from buckets carrying between 100 gallons (Type 3) and 700 gallons (Type 1) per trip. They also can conduct fire reconnaissance missions and transport passengers and/or cargo when needed.In addition to these capabilities, one of the Type 3 helicopters...

 Winthrop, WA – The Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and public and private lands within Okanogan County.   Safety Note: The Cedar and Cub Creek Fires are active fires, and certain roads and trails in the community and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remain closed for your safety. The public is reminded to stay out of closed areas for your safety and the safety of firefighters.   Fire Information Line: (509) 557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily)   Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is 55,187 acres and 87% contained. Crews will secure fireline from Hwy 20 to area below Vasiliki Ridge, east of Lone Fir Campground. Air resources continue to monitor Abernathy Ridge, using water drops to check fire as needed. Hand crews continue to utilize infrared camera to find hot spots near structures and mopping up hot spots. Hand lines put in to contain the fire are being repaired, and excavators will work to repair dozer lines along...

Kettle Falls, WA – Yesterday, firefighters completed a successful burning operation on the northern flank of the Bulldog Mountain Fire with assistance from air resources. Crews will look to conduct another burning operation on the southern flank to bring the fire down to the road. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up along the northern flank and take actions to hold the remainder of the fire within containment lines. The removal of dangerous snags and chipping was finished along the South Boulder road and in the Davis Lake area to prepare those roads in the event that the fire moves out of its current footprint. On the Mack Mountain Fire, fire behavior has remained minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor and improve fire lines that are currently in place. Air resources will monitor both the Bulldog Mountain and Mack Mountain Fires for active fire behavior, while crews continue road grading around the fires for the next few days. Today, the weather will be...

Inchelium, WA – There was active fire behavior yesterday on the north and northeast flanks. Ridge top winds caused multiple spot fires up to a quarter mile outside of the fire’s edge. Firefighters were pulled back for their safety while air resources worked to contain the spots throughout the day.  Today, crews will assess the spot fires on the north and northeast edge. Aircraft will continue to support firefighting resources on the ground to fully contain the spot fires. Firefighters will scout areas along the north and northeast flank for potential burning operations to improve containment lines. Crews will continue to improve direct and indirect fire lines, while assessing the need for burn operations to close the gap on the unburnt interior portion of the fire area to the west of Cedar Creek in the Bitterroot Mountain area. Mop up and patrol will continue around the southeast, south, and west flanks, with some areas moving into a patrol status. On portions of the fire...

Kettle Falls, WA – Yesterday, firefighters completed a successful burning operation on the northern flank of the Bulldog Mountain Fire with assistance from air resources. Crews will look to conduct another burning operation on the southern flank to bring the fire down to the road. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up along the northern flank and take actions to hold the remainder of the fire within containment lines. The removal of dangerous snags and chipping was finished along the South Boulder road and in the Davis Lake area to prepare those roads in the event that the fire moves out of its current footprint. On the Mack Mountain Fire, fire behavior has remained minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor and improve fire lines that are currently in place. Air resources will monitor both the Bulldog Mountain and Mack Mountain Fires for active fire behavior, while crews continue road grading around the fires for the next few days. Today, the weather will be...

                                                                                Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires Update Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock August 31, 2021   Please stay clear of firefighting operations and drive safely! The public should watch out for fire crews and equipment while traveling on forest roads. Some roads remain closed with barriers.  Barriers are in place to protect firefighters and the public, so please respect the closed areas.  Green Ridge Fire Statistics: Size: 40,059, Containment: 39%, Total Personnel: 153, Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla, Reported: July 7, 2021, Cause: Lightning.  Lick Creek Fire Statistics: Size: 80,421, Containment: 100%, Total Personnel: 6, Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA, Reported: July 7, 2021, Cause: Lightning.  Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: Gusty winds yesterday tested and validated the strength of containment...

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires Update Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock August 31, 2021   Please stay clear of firefighting operations and drive safely! The public should watch out for fire crews and equipment while traveling on forest roads. Some roads remain closed with barriers.  Barriers are in place to protect firefighters and the public, so please respect the closed areas.  Green Ridge Fire Statistics: Size: 40,059, Containment: 39%, Total Personnel: 153, Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla, Reported: July 7, 2021, Cause: Lightning.  Lick Creek Fire Statistics: Size: 80,421, Containment: 100%, Total Personnel: 6, Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA, Reported: July 7, 2021, Cause: Lightning.  Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: Gusty winds yesterday tested and validated the strength of containment lines. There was no spotting and all containment lines held.  The winds aided the burning of interior islands and...

WALKER CREEK AND CHICKADEE CREEK FIRES: Northwest Team 12 will host a virtual Community Meeting Wednesday, September 1 at 11:00. Navigate to the Central Washington Fire Information page (URL: https://www.facebook.com/cwafireinfo) to tune in.  DAILY FIRE UPDATE - AUGUST 31, 2021: The Chickadee Creek Fire is located approximately 15 miles west of Tonasket, Washington. The Walker Creek Fire is located approximately 13 miles east/northeast of Tonasket, Washington. The Incident Command Post at the Omak Stampede Grounds is closed to all but essential personnel. OperationsFirefighters will be on the look-out today for any spot fires resulting from last night’s wind. Resources continue to de-mobilize as they complete their 14-day assignments and head home to rest before reassignment. Replacement crews and equipment are limited, so resources continue to be shared between the Walker Creek and Chickadee Fires, depending on where they are most needed. Chickadee Creek FireFire crews are...

WALKER CREEK AND CHICKADEE CREEK FIRES: Northwest Team 12 will host a virtual Community Meeting Wednesday, September 1 at 11:00. Navigate to the Central Washington Fire Information page (URL: https://www.facebook.com/cwafireinfo) to tune in.  DAILY FIRE UPDATE - AUGUST 31, 2021:The Chickadee Creek Fire is located approximately 15 miles west of Tonasket, Washington. The Walker Creek Fire is located approximately 13 miles east/northeast of Tonasket, Washington. The Incident Command Post at the Omak Stampede Grounds is closed to all but essential personnel. Operations Firefighters will be on the look-out today for any spot fires resulting from last night’s wind. Resources continue to de-mobilize as they complete their 14-day assignments and head home to rest before reassignment. Replacement crews and equipment are limited, so resources continue to be shared between the Walker Creek and Chickadee Fires, depending on where they are most needed. Chickadee Creek FireFire crews are using...

Bureau of Land Management Issues Emergency Closure for Public Lands within the Skyline Complex Poole FireRoseburg, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Roseburg District has issued an emergency closure for BLM administered-public lands within the Skyline Complex/Poole Fire area, located three miles southeast of Days Creek, OR. This closure is to protect persons, property, and public lands and resources by temporarily closing or restricting uses on designated public lands until the fire is declared controlled and suppression repair can occur.This Order is effective at 09:00 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) on the 31st day of August 2021 and will remain in effect until further notice.This closure is necessary to protect public land users from risks associated with unmitigated safety hazards, resource damage, active wildland fire, fire suppression, suppression repair, emergency stabilization, and burned area rehabilitation.The full closure notice is available...

Summary: The Rough Patch Complex and Jack fire are being managed under a full suppression strategy using direct and indirect tactics to minimize fire spread to prevent loss of valuable resources. Clearer skies yesterday allowed aircraft to assist with burning operations and water drops. Fires were actively burning, however most growth was from burning operations to secure fire line and/or unburned pockets within the fire perimeter.  Chaos and Little Bend Fires: The Chaos fire is at 18,341 acres and the Little Bend fire is at 7,021 acres. Fire crews were able to complete the fire line connecting the Chaos and Little Bend fires on the 3821 road. Another spot crossed the 3821 road on the north side of the Chaos and was picked up quickly by crews working in the area. Firefighters continue to work the three spot fires and hold and improve lines on the north and south edges of the Chaos fire. On the Little Bend fire, the 3815 and 3816 roads are being cleared for use as indirect...

Twenty-Five Mile Fire UpdateAugust 31, 2021 Size: 13,085 acres Total Personnel: 498                                                            Containment: 31% Cause: Under investigation Structures Threatened: 772 Structures Lost: 1 Yesterday, red flag conditions were present across the fire area bringing high winds and active fire behavior. Though deliberate risk assessments, Prineville Hotshots assessed and engaged the fire in the areas where the fire crossed containment lines on Sunday. This work included a concerted effort to identify risk, hazards, and the medical resources necessary to safely work in the steep and rugged terrain. The hotshots then worked with additional resources to contain both the slop over and two spot fires near Utah Saddle. Today, fire crews continue preparation efforts along the 8410 Road towards Stormy Mountain, and will continue firing operations as conditions permit in order to secure...