InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Acres: 2,154 (estimated) Containment: 0% Start Date: August 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Location: 15 miles WSW of Leavenworth, WA Inciweb: http://tinyurl.com/JackCreekInciweb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackCreekFire/ Joint effort by firefighters and recreation crews to begin point protection activities Yesterday Wenatchee River Ranger District trail crew members, wilderness rangers and stock program lead, assisted district firefighters with the implementation of point protection on recreational features within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Pack animals were utilized to pack in several 65 pound rolls of structure wrap into the wilderness and stage in strategic locations for yesterdays and future point protection activities. Phase one focused on wrapping seven wood Wallowa toilets at Eightmile, Little Eightmile and Stuart Lakes with fire protective wrap. Key wood Wilderness signs were removed to prevent damage. Wilderness Rangers will complete area and trail closures today. ...

For Immediate Release Good progress continues on the Bridge Creek Fire with 85 percent containment now reached. Most of the remaining work to be done will involve firefighters mopping up and securing the line throughout the fire perimeter. Heavy smoke in the area has had a dampening affect over fire behavior providing opportunity for crews to accomplish more of their daily objectives and tasks. As the smoke lifts, fire activity has the potential to increase with torching and burning in isolated areas of unburned fuels in the interior. The use of the hand held infrared devices also continues as firefighters search for hot spots. In addition, fire crews are tasked with removing of fire hose and pumps from the line. Yesterday, firefighters were able to collect nearly 4 miles of hose along Division A, the western perimeter, but much of the hose along the line is still yet to be collected. Resource advisors are working closely with operations personnel to assess the needs and repair...

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #10Al Lawson-Incident CommanderMinimal fire growth under smoky skies at 6,900 acres.Thursday, September 7, 2017Fire: Uno Peak Completion: 1%Acres: 6,900 Start Date: August 30, 2017Cause: Under Investigation Location: 15 miles NW of Manson, WATotal Personnel: 233 Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass, rugged terrainYesterday: Smoke from Montana fires covered the fire area and kept temperatures lower and relative humidity higher than forecasted, however, fire behavior remains active. Smoky skies continued to impact air operations by reducing visibility to less than a mile. A small spot occurred over the 8200 Road but was extinguished. The Canoe Creek area to the west and the Llama Ranch area to the southeast remain under a Level 1 evacuation. Indirect handline was constructed down to the lake between Falls Creek and Coyote Creek. Crews finished constructing dozerline along Coyote Ridge. Today: Crews will work to get fire hose and pumps along the Coyote Ridge...

Approximately 200 people attended last night’s community fire briefing in Brookings.Weather and Fire Behavior: A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through 11PM tonight for northern California and southern Oregon. If the predicted thunderstorms produce excessive rainfall in previous wildfire burn scars, debris flows and/or mudslides may occur in drainages. Expected fire behavior includes surface fire spread and isolated incidences of fire climbing to the tops of individual trees. The weather pattern will begin to change late Friday with temperatures rising and humidity levels falling through the weekend. Heavy smoke impacts continue for inland communities surrounding the Chetco Bar fire this morning. Cave Junction, Grants and Pass and to the East past Medford remain under dense smoke. Coastal areas such as Brookings and Gold Beach have seen dramatic improvement in smoke levels due to onshore Westerly flow lifting smoke out. Today, thunderstorms, possible rainfall and gusty winds will...

Fire Information: 509-596-2423 Email: JollyMountainFireInfo@gmail.com Fire Update – Wednesday, September 6, 2017 – 9:00 a.m.Community Briefing Today: 6:00 PM, at Walter Strom Middle School Gymnasium, 2694 State Route 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922.Fire Location: Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 11 miles northwest of Cle Elum, WA. Yesterday: Heavy smoke persisted in the Jolly Mountain Fire area, moderating fire behavior and allowing firefighters to continue burnout operations, prepare containment line, cut down hazard trees, and perform mop-up on the south and western fire perimeters. That same smoke limited helicopter operations until late afternoon during a brief period of improved visibility. Night shift firefighters continued tactical firing operations on portions of the southern and southwestern perimeters, creating a buffer of burned fuel down to the planned containment line. Structure protection crews are actively engaged both day and night,...

FIRE SUMMARY As additional resources begin to trickle in to help established personnel battle the Norse Peak and American fires, a change in the weather also could aid in the fire fight. Two hand crews from the Washington National Guard are expected to hit the fire lines today which will help strengthen firefighter numbers and allow a shift of resources to more pressing parts of the fire. Cooler, moist air is forecast to push in off the Pacific Ocean slowly today. This incoming marine layer is expected to drop temperatures, raise humidity levels, and bring winds out of the west and northwest – all of which could prove beneficial to slowing the fire’s western spread. Yesterday, a team of engines and one hand crew assigned to the Norse Peak Fire double checked and ran the sprinkler systems at Gold Hill as well as laid the ground work for similar setups throughout the Pierce County side of the fire. Work was completed on hose lays and sprinkler system in several areas around...

SmokeThe Nash and Separation fires have combined, and continue to produced smoke that will continue to impact Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Cascade Lakes and La Pine. The Milli fire continues to produce smoke and haze impacting Sisters and Black Butte Ranch. In addition, fires in the Willamette National Forest area will continue to impact communities east of the Cascade Crest. Other fires in Oregon and Northern California will also continue to greatly impact these areas as well. FireFire activity is expected to be moderate today from the lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and decreased stability. A Red Flag Warning is in place for today for abundant lightning. OtherSmoke from Potato Hill Fire may impact Highway 20 visibility at night and early morning. Limited visibility along Highway 126 and Highway 22 can be expected. Separate smoke forecast will be issued for communities east of the Cascade Crest. Whitewater Fire Information -...

SmokeThe Nash and Separation fires have combined, and continue to produced smoke that will continue to impact Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Cascade Lakes and La Pine. The Milli fire continues to produce smoke and haze impacting Sisters and Black Butte Ranch. In addition, fires in the Willamette National Forest area will continue to impact communities east of the Cascade Crest. Other fires in Oregon and Northern California will also continue to greatly impact these areas as well. FireFire activity is expected to be moderate today from the lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and decreased stability. A Red Flag Warning is in place for today for abundant lightning. OtherSmoke from Potato Hill Fire may impact Highway 20 visibility at night and early morning. Limited visibility along Highway 126 and Highway 22 can be expected. Separate smoke forecast will be issued for communities east of the Cascade Crest. Whitewater Fire Information -...

SmokeThe Nash and Separation fires have combined, and continue to produced smoke that will continue to impact Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Cascade Lakes and La Pine. The Milli fire continues to produce smoke and haze impacting Sisters and Black Butte Ranch. In addition, fires in the Willamette National Forest area will continue to impact communities east of the Cascade Crest. Other fires in Oregon and Northern California will also continue to greatly impact these areas as well. FireFire activity is expected to be moderate today from the lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and decreased stability. A Red Flag Warning is in place for today for abundant lightning. OtherSmoke from Potato Hill Fire may impact Highway 20 visibility at night and early morning. Limited visibility along Highway 126 and Highway 22 can be expected. Separate smoke forecast will be issued for communities east of the Cascade Crest. Whitewater Fire Information -...

SmokeThe Nash and Separation fires have combined, and continue to produced smoke that will continue to impact Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Cascade Lakes and La Pine. The Milli fire continues to produce smoke and haze impacting Sisters and Black Butte Ranch. In addition, fires in the Willamette National Forest area will continue to impact communities east of the Cascade Crest. Other fires in Oregon and Northern California will also continue to greatly impact these areas as well. Fire Fire activity is expected to be moderate today from the lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and decreased stability. A Red Flag Warning is in place for today for abundant lightning. Other Smoke from Potato Hill Fire may impact Highway 20 visibility at night and early morning. Limited visibility along Highway 126 and Highway 22 can be expected. Separate smoke forecast will be issued for communities east of the Cascade Crest. Whitewater Fire Information -...

Current Information:On Wednesday, areas on the Umpqua North Complex had minimal fire activity due to the predicted change in the weather pattern. The incoming weather from the west brought cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity, which also meant a change in fire behavior. Scattered thunderstorms dampened the fire and minimized fire activity. However, heavy fuel loads will continue to burn and hold heat depending on the amount of precipitation an area receives. Along Forest Road 28, crews secured containment lines utilizing the powerline corridor, dozer line, and FR 3701. A portion of a burn out operation was completed along FR 28 and FR 3701 in order to prevent the fire from spreading north and east toward values at risk and populated areas along Highway 138 East. In addition, the northeastern boundary of the Brokentooth Fire was prepped for future burnout operations if needed when weather conditions allow. Further to the east, the Rattlesnake Fire was monitored and...

Central Washington Smoke/Air Quality Report - September 7th, 2017 Air quality in the Colombia Basin has been in the unhealthy to very unhealthy classification. Through the next 24 hour period, air quality is expected to remain in the unhealthy to very unhealthy classification. Fire: The Jolly Mountain Fire is now 26,325 acres with active fire behavior, torching, spotting and uphill runs. The Uno Fire is 6,520 acres and maintained active fire behavior. The Norse Peak Fire is 43,482 acres and exhibited active fire behavior with single tree and group torching. Other: Visibility in the Central Washington area will remain smoky through at least the next 24

Press Release Sheriff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Planes y recursos disponibles en caso de necesidad de evacuación Kittitas County, WA - 09/06/2017 - El incendio de Jolly Mountain continúa afectando las vidas de los residentes en el área del Condado Superior. Se ha prestado especial atención a crear un plan de evacuación en el caso de que los niveles de evacuación pasen al nivel 3. Si llega a nivel 3 "SALGA AHORA", y se requiere la evacuación, se implementará el siguiente plan. Los funcionarios encargados de hacer cumplir la ley irán de puerta en puerta para notificar a los residentes dentro de las áreas afectadas del aviso de Nivel 3. Se pondrá en marcha una ruta de evacuación designada. Los residentes evacuarán el condado superior vía Highway 10 al los terrenos de la feria en Ellensburg. El personal del Departamento de Transporte restringirá el tráfico hacia el oeste en el Highway 10 sólo a los residentes locales, esto facilitará el viaje hacia Ellensburg en...

Press Release Sheriff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Plans & Resources Available Should Evacuation Need Arise Kittitas County, WA - 09/06/2017 - The Jolly Mountain Fire continues to affect the lives of residents in the Upper County area. Special attention has been made to create an evacuation plan in the event evacuation levels are upgraded to Level 3. Should Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations be required, the following plan will be implemented. Law enforcement officials will go door-to-door to notify residents within the affected areas of the Level 3 advisory. A designated evacuation route will be put into action. Residents will evacuate Upper County via Highway 10 to the Fairgrounds in Ellensburg. Department of Transportation personnel will restrict westbound traffic on Highway 10 to local residents only, allowing for easier eastbound travel to Ellensburg. Watch for emergency personnel and follow the large evacuation signs. If you need assistance with transportation, call the EOC at...

East Crater Fire (Indian Heaven Wilderness) and Bear Creek Fire (Bear Creek Watershed), Mount Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest East Crater Fire: Fire activity continues to be minimal due to smoke shading the fire and forming a cap on the fire area. On Wednesday, Mt Adams Ranger District personnel hiked around the fire and mapped the fire perimeter. Current fire size is estimated at 450-acres. The fire has been burning in the Indian Heaven Wilderness since September 3rd. FIRE CLOSURES: Hikers are advised that the Indian Heaven Wilderness and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail are closed due to the fire. Campsites around the Indian Heaven Wilderness are also closed. For details visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices Bear Creek Fire: On Wednesday, crews continued to make good progress on line construction with assistance from helicopter water drops provided by a Washington DNR Type 2 helicopter. The water drops have helped...

The fire is currently at 3,425 acres and containment is now at 20%. Fire crews will continue to scout for and construct lines southwest of Cold Springs trail head and north of FSR 3069, and east to the FSR 080. They are also working on building lines towards the wilderness for containment. There is a red flag warning for abundant lightening from 11:00 am today until 11:00 pm on Thursday. Temperatures will be 78-88 degrees with a relatively low humidity (24-29%). Winds will be out of the west 2-5 mph increasing to 3-7 mph. There will be a chance of thunderstorms and showers starting today. Air mass will continue to be slightly cooler, more moist, and stable. The Fremont-Winema National Forest Area Closure remains in place. This Order closes portions of the forest around the incident to all vehicle and pedestrian entry. The perimeter of the Area Closure includes all Forest Lands west of Westside Road, east of Pelican Butte Road, north of the Forest Service Road (FSR) 3554, and...

A community meeting for the Eagle Creek and Indian Creek fires will be at the Hood River Valley High School at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7th. The meeting will be in the Bowe Theater. The address is 1220 Indian Creek Road, Hood River, Oregon

There is a Red Flag Warning this afternoon through Thursday evening for abundant lightning. Higher humidity and cloud covershould moderate fire activity but the potential for strong outflow winds associated with thunderstorms could increase fire activity.Approximately 863 personnel are assigned to the fires listed below. Resources include hand crews, helicopters, engines, dozers,water tenders, masticators, feller‐bunchers, and chippers under the management of a Type 1 Incident Management Team.DETROIT RANGER DISTRICT – see Whitewater Fire on InciWeb for updates on the following firesThe SCORPION FIRE (427 ac) burning in steep, inaccessible terrain is expected to grow slowly towards the northwest. Crews finishedprepping Forest Service Road (FSR) 46 (Breitenbush Road) from Humbug Campground to just past Breitenbush Hot Springs. Todaythey will continue east on FSR 46 chipping and clearing during the day. FSR 46, campgrounds and trailheads along the road are nowclosed beginning at the...

Nash Fire Update, September 6 BEND – As of today, approximately 100 firefighters are working on the Nash Fire, which is burning approximately 6 miles north of Elk Lake. A “spike” fire camp for firefighting personnel has been established at Wanoga Sno-Park on the Cascade Lakes Highway. As of 6 a.m. this morning a Type 1 Incident Management Team (Southwest Team 1) under Incident Commander Bea Day is managing the approximately 5,000 acre fire. Primary actions for the fire continue to be protecting infrastructure and resources around Elk and Hosmer Lakes and prepping line adjacent to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Forest Road 46). Direct action on the fire continues to be hampered by the steep terrain and safety hazards for firefighters. In addition, air resource use on the fire is limited by smoke and poor visibility. As opportunities become safe for firefighters to take direct action crews will engage directly on the fire. A portable weather station has been installed in the...

Video from the September 5 Horse Creek Complex and Rebel Fire Community Meeting at the McKenzie School is available on https://www.facebook.com/pg/WillametteWildfires2017/videos/ A Red Cross Shelter is available at the McKenzie School gym, 51187 Blue River Drive - Finn Rock, OR 97488. It is located in the new gym, the first building on the right when you pull into the parking lot. A Pet Disaster Relief Trailer is on site and available for companion pets. McKenzie School start has been delayed until September 11th. Visit http://www.mckenzie.k12.or.us/ for more info. Please note, the community meeting covered the September 5, 2017 Evacuation Update. Since then, there has been aSeptember 6, 2017 Evacuation Notice Update: Zones 8 and 9 Downgraded to Level 2 Evacuation Notice, "Be Set"Current McKenzie Bridge Evacuation information is available on the Lane County Sheriff's Office website:...