InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Community Meeting Planned for Agness Tonight at 6:30 p.m. There will be a community fire briefing in Agness on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Agness Community Building, 3927 Cougar Ln, Agness, OR 97406. Providing for public and firefighter safety is the top priority for Great Basin Incident Management Team 1. Yesterday brought moderate fire growth and activity as a result of high temperatures, low humidities, and gusty winds. The warm and dry trend affecting the fire area is expected to decline tomorrow, with cooler temperatures in the forecast. Today will be a good day for aviation operations, as the marine layer will be absent and inversion should lift by mid-morning. Firefighters on all sides of the fire have been actively engaged, prioritizing safety and operational effectiveness. Fire activity has been characterized by smoldering, backing, and creeping. Active ground fire was reported in scattered areas from the Pistol River to east of...

Whitewater Fire Including Little Devil, Scorpion, French and Potato Hill Fires September 12, 2017 Daily Update Fire Information Line: 541-719-8371 Location: Willamette National Forest willamettewildfires2017@gmail.com Willamette National Forest Closures: 541-225-6350, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices Size: 13,339 acres (total for reported fires) Containment: 33%Resources Assigned: 299 personnel (total for reported fires) Inciweb Websites: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5420 https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5565/ General Information: Air resources from the Whitewater Fire responded to a new start yesterday near Big Meadows Horse Camp. A helicopter provided initial attacked with water bucket drops. The new start from two days ago, near Clagett Lake, displayed only two hotspots. The public is reminded one less spark means one less wildfire. Detroit Ranger District – see Whitewater Fire on Inciweb for updates on the following fires. The overall...

Whitewater Fire Including Little Devil, Scorpion, French and Potato Hill Fires September 12, 2017 Daily Update Fire Information Line: 541-719-8371 Location: Willamette National Forest willamettewildfires2017@gmail.com Willamette National Forest Closures: 541-225-6350, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-noticesSize: 13,339 acres (total for reported fires) Resources Assigned: 299 personnel (total for reported fires) Containment: 33% Inciweb Websites: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5420 https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5565/ General Information: Air resources from the Whitewater Fire responded to a new start yesterday near Big Meadows Horse Camp. A helicopter provided initial attacked with water bucket drops. The new start from two days ago, near Clagett Lake, displayed only two hotspots. The public is reminded one less spark means one less wildfire. Detroit Ranger District – see Whitewater Fire on Inciweb for updates on the following fires. The overall...

Horse Creek Complex: Olallie Lookout Fire, 1,221 acres; Roney Fire, 3,161 acres; Avenue Fire, 2,038 acres; Separation Fire, 16,588 acres, Nash Fire, 6,409 acres; Rebel Fire, 7,992 Current Resources: Personnel, 401; Crews, 10; Helicopters, 2; Engines, 17; Dozers, 7; Water Tenders, 6; Masticators, 4, Skidgens, 4. Current Situation: The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command of the fires Monday evening to assist local resources with the suppression of the fires burning in the Willamette National Forest. The Nash Fire is still burning close to the edge of Nash Lake, and is approximately four miles from Elk Lake. It remains in the Three Sisters Wilderness of the Willamette National Forest. Crews and heavy equipment are concentrating their work along the Cascade Lake Highway, removing dense vegetation and thinning trees to create a fuel break in the event the fire moves southeasterly over the Cascade Crest. Helicopters were able to fly on Monday as the smoke...

RIDDLE, Ore. – An overnight infrared survey of the burned zone of the Horse Prairie Fire highlighted remaining hot spots that will be worked on today by hand crews aided by water bucket drops from helicopters as needed. The fire size remains unchanged at 16,436 acres. Containment has increased to 60 percent. A community meeting about the Horse Prairie Fire has been scheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. The meeting will be in the Riddle Community Hall, 123 Parkside Street in Riddle. The fire site is about 15 miles west of Canyonville in Douglas County. The fire was discovered August 26th on lands protected by the Douglas Forest Protective Association. Some 72 miles of fire hose was installed all around the fire’s edges. This week, where water is no longer needed, those hoses are being removed, cleaned and shipped out for use on other fires. Hot temperatures and lower humidity were present in the fire area yesterday. Fire lines passed the test that these conditions presented....

9-12-17 Daily UpdateDate Started: Aug. 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Total acres: 52,162 Containment: 12% Structures Damaged/Destroyed: None Injuries to date: 1 (minor) Total Personnel: 730 Fire Resources: 19 crews, 40 engines, 10 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, 10 water tendersFire Summary During the past four days the fire area has experienced a warming and drying trend resulting in a slight increase in fire activity. Smoke is expected to linger in areas due to an inversion layer, and fire activity is expected to pick up as the inversion lifts. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity is forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday bringing small amounts of precipitation, and extended forecast predicts seasonal cooling trend. NORSE PEAK FIRE (52,162 acres): The Norse Peak Fire has been divided into two zones, the north zone and the south zone to provide for more effective management, safety and close coordination of fires using two management teams. The division is the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)...

Fire Information: 509-596-2423 Email: JollyMountainFireInfo@gmail.comFire Update – Tuesday, September 12, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. Evacuations: Kittitas County, at the recommendation of the Incident Management Team, has lowered evacuation levels today in certain parts of the Teanaway area. Details at http://bit.ly/evac_updateCommunity Briefing: TONIGHT, 6:30 p.m. at the Walter Strom Middle School to discuss evacuation levels and progress on the fire. Yesterday: Firefighters saw continued success in their efforts yesterday to hold the fire along the southern and eastern perimeters. To the northwest, crews assembled sprinkler systems and continued building line on Salmon La Sac Ridge. To the northeast, helicopters aerial firing operations were used to eliminate fuel between the fire and North Fork Teanaway Rd, while crews worked to strengthen the line. Those lines were tested as a spot fire ignited but was quickly contained by nearby crews. Today’s Activities: Firefighters will build on...

FIRE UPDATE: Tuesday morning, September 12, 2017 at 11:00 am East Crater Fire (Indian Heaven Wilderness) and Bear Creek Fire (Bear Creek Watershed), Mount Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest FIRE CLOSURES: An area closure remains in effect for the East Crater Fire prohibiting entry to the Indian Heaven Wilderness and adjacent area. Hikers are advised that a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail within the Indian Heaven Wilderness remains closed. Nearby campgrounds are also closed. For East Crater Fire Area Closure details see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd557741.pdf Fire and Smoking Restrictions (Burn Ban): All open fires and smoking outside of enclosed vehicles or buildings are banned on all National Forest System Lands within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Pressurized gas stoves and pressurized gas fire rings are permitted. For details on the Forest Closure and Fire Restrictions please visit:...

Fire activity increases with warmer weatherLocation: 11 miles NNW of Mazama, WA Total Personnel: 94Acres: 95,000 U.S; 20,593 (8,334 hectares) Canada Cause: Believed to be HumanContainment: 30% Start Date: July 23, 2017Update: The Diamond Creek Fire became more active on Monday responding to warmer temperatures and drier conditions. The fire developed five small columns; two in Canada, one in the middle of the fire within an unburned island in the Wolf Creek drainage, one on the northeast edge near Remmel Creek and one on the southern perimeter in the Monument Creek drainage. Fire behavior in the Monument Creek drainage consisted mainly of slow runs up the canyon walls without a significant push to the south. Fire managers continued to assess the threat to values at risk in the Mazama area and will change the Evacuation Level if conditions justify. Increased group and individual tree torching was also observed in the upper portions of the Pat Creek drainage where three helicopters...

Smoke Forecast Outlook issued September 12, 2017 Smoke: The day will start with smoke settling in the valleys due to lack of air movement in the atmosphere. Air quality should improve later this evening as a storm front moves into the area. Through the remainder of the week a continual improvement in air quality is expected. Fire: The Jolly Mountain fire is at 30,720 acres an increase of 1,288 acres. Active backing fire behavior with torching and short uphill runs. The Norse Peak fire is at 52,162 acres an increase of 2,165 acres. Fire behavior was moderate with single tree torching, backing and creeping.The Uno Peak fire is at 7,336 an increase of 100 acres.Moderate fire behavior with single tree torching backing and creeping was observed. Other: One more day of inverted temperatures and smoke trapped below the inversion. With approaching frontal system, smoke should be begin to dissipate.

Summary: At approximately 8:00 p.m., skies cleared and burning fuel pockets west of Herman Creek created an impressive plume visible for miles along the Columbia Gorge. The plume was caused by active fire, as light winds funneled up the Herman Creek drainage. With darkness and cooling temperatures, winds were expected to blow the fire back down the drainage across already burned areas. Containment increased to 11%. The spot fires on the west end have been secured. Last night, fire managers attended community meetings in Troutdale and in Cascade Locks. Teams shared current operational information and updated the community on evacuations and road closures. Resource information on the Eagle Creek Fire was shared with both communities and information officers were on hand to answer questions. Conditions will dry out overnight along the ridge tops with humidity dropping as low as 20%. It will remain dry in the morning. Winds will be light overnight becoming westerly and gusting 25...

Click here to watch exclusive highlights of this morning's 6:00 AM operational briefing:Type 1 Deputy Incident Commander Rob Allen opens with noting that Level 2 recommendations are being made today for Driftwood South to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, with a projected repopulation for Driftwood by the end of shift tomorrow.Fire Behavior Analyst Todd Gregory reminds fire personnel of the spotting potential in the northwest and northeast areas of the fire, though winds will be more favorable for the firefighters in the Salmon la Sac and Morgan Creek areas.Over 784 fire personnel are working the 32,509 acre fire with containment remaining at 15%.

SmokeThe west/northwest wind today will push smokefrom the Horse Creek Complex, Nash, Rebel, Milli andWhitewater fires to the east over the crest. This willimprove the air quality in the forecast area. Air quality willimprove as the day progresses. Smoke from the Eagle mayimpact Lyons, Mill City, Detroit and Brientenbushthroughout the day.FireFire activity is expected to be minimal to moderatetoday due to the lower temperatures, higher relativehumidity and moderate stability.OtherExpect low visibility on Highway 20, Highway 22and Highway 126. Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860/Rebel Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5473/ Milli Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5517/ Whitewater Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5420/ Nash Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5580/40621/ Horse Creek Complex Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5523/ Separate smoke forecast will be issued...

Umpqua North Complex Update Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Fire Information Line: 541-378-6944 Date Started: August 11, 2017Cause: LightningSize: 39,529 acresTotal Personnel: 948Structures Destroyed: 0Firefighter injuries to date: 1Total Complex Containment: 37%Fire Resources: 18 crews, 56 engines, 5 helicopters, 8 bulldozers, and 21 water tenders Current Information: Smoke made a return to the Umpqua North Fire on Monday as the fire area continues to dry out after the rain that fell last week. The most active areas were closely monitored by fire personnel as they continue line construction and mop up. Fire spread in the Boulder Creek drainage was kept in check with aerial resources. On the Devil fire, crews constructed fire line, put down hose lays, and mopped up the perimeter. Suppression repair and contingency line improvement continues on the west side of the Happy Dog Fire. Staffing was increased on Monday night’s shift with the expectation of increased fire activity....

Aerial resources assigned to the Broken Lookout and Pup fires helped initial attack personnel locate a new start on the southern boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest yesterday. It was the third new ignition identified in two days. Fire conditions remain extreme, with the potential for wildfire starts from any heat source. For more information about preventing wildfires, visit www.keeporegongreen.com Northwest Incident Management Team 6 is now based at Joseph H. Stewart State Park near Prospect. Yesterday’s Activity Helicopters dropped in the Wish Creek drainage water to head off the Pup Fire while fire managers continued scouting for potential containment lines within and around the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness Area. Chipping, brushing and tactical burning proceeded on roads developed as contingency lines on the eastern, southern and southwestern flanks of the Broken Lookout Fire. Today’s Planned Activity On the Pup Fire, fire...

SmokeThe west/northwest wind today will push smoke from the Horse Creek Complex, Nash, Rebel, Milli and Whitewater fires to the east over the crest. This will improve the air quality in the forecast area. Air quality will improve as the day progresses. Smoke from the Eagle may impact Lyons, Mill City, Detroit and Brientenbush throughout the day. FireFire activity is expected to be minimal to moderate today due to the lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and moderate stability. OtherExpect low visibility on Highway 20, Highway 22 and Highway 126. Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/3860/Rebel Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5473/ Milli Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5517/ Whitewater Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5420/ Nash Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5580/40621/ Horse Creek Complex Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5523/ Separate smoke forecast...

SmokeThe west/northwest wind today will push smoke from the Horse Creek Complex, Nash, Rebel, Milli and Whitewater fires to the east over the crest. This will cause impacts the East Cascades forecast area. Air quality will degrade as the day progresses. FireFire activity is expected to be minimal to moderate today due to the lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and moderate stability. OtherHighway 20 – Poor visibility west of Sisters to Black Butte Ranch. Highway 126 – Smoke impacts east of Sisters to Cline Buttes area. Highway 97- Smoke impacts south of Madras to La Pine. Milli Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5517/WhitewaterFire Information- https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5420/Rebel Fire Information- https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5473/ Nash Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5580/40621/ Horse Creek Complex Fire Information - https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5523/ Separate smoke forecast will be issued for...

Chetco East Zone Fire Update. Tuesday, September 12, 2017 9:00 a.m. The Chetco East Zone Fire management team has activated a new public fire information line (541-597-8525) dedicated to sharing information about activities on the Josephine County side of the fire. On Monday, the most significant fire activity on the Chetco Bar Fire was on the southern perimeter. Retardant drops slowed the fire’s spread. In the Chetco East Zone Fire area, a new fire was reported near West Fork Indigo Creek, approximately 10 miles north of the main fire. Fire 784, the “Indigo Fire,” is currently 100 acres and is burning in brush and light timber within the Biscuit Fire burn scar. Smoke jumpers, rappellers, and retardant were unable to be used due to steep terrain. Helicopters made water drops on this fire for approximately 4 hours until dark. Smoke: There was a significant increase in smoke settling in the Illinois River Valley on Monday afternoon. Observers noted...

Enumclaw Washington, September 12, 2017 - The Sawmill Creek Fire is currently 915 acres with 0% percent containment and has increased by over 64 acres in the last three days. Overnight, the fire activity decreased at about 1:30 a.m. due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. The fire grows slightly as it backs down slopes and creeps around in ground fuels; it remains within the Sawmill Ridge area northeast of the town of Greenwater. An upper level low will gradually settle over the region Wednesday through Friday with cooler temperatures below normal with a possible chance of showers at times. Fire is burning in areas of old growth and activity is creeping, smoldering, and backing. This area has a history of east wind events and strong cold front passages in the fall. Firefighters continue their efforts to improve roads, remove fuel around the fire and build indirect containment line. Crews continue to work their way into the fire to build direct containment lines....

NEW Phone Numbers! In order to provide more direct access to fire information and answer fire-related questions, the Chetco Bar Fire Information staffs have updated our telephone lines. The East Zone (Josephine County) is now using an East Zone Information phone: (541) 597-8525. It rings at the Lake Selmac fire camp. The West Zone (Curry County) is now using a West Zone Information phone: (619)-894-9111. It rings in Brookings. The original Fire Information Call Center phone number (541) 469-1177 is being forwarded to the West Zone Incident Command Post in Brookings (619) 894-9111. People who have older hand outs or other documents will still reach a PIO when they call the original Fire Information Call Center phone number. Please contact us if you have questions or information needs.