Wildfire news, 7/20: Sawtooth Contained, Large Fires Burn in 15 states

Haines Index Map - Higher Haines means fire growth tends to be stronger:

Haiines index

Fuel Dryness: Tells you how likely things are to burn if a fire gets started:

ten hour fuels

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006 – 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 4

CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was heavy nationally with 314 new fires reported. Seventeen new large fires (*) were reported, five in the Eastern Great Basin Area, four in the Northern Rockies and Rocky Mountain Areas, two in the Southern Area and one each in the Southwest and Western Great Basin Areas. Eight large fires were contained, two in the Rocky Mountain and Western Great Basin Areas, and one each in the Northern California, Southwest, Eastern Great Basin and Southern Areas. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho and Wyoming. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Two MAFFS C-130 aircraft and support personnel from the 145th Airlift Wing, Charlotte, North Carolina have been deployed to Klamath Falls, Oregon. Major Dan Cloninger, NCANG is the Mission Commander.

NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

PACKER GULCH, Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Kusicko) is assigned. This fire is 11 miles northwest of Drummond, MT in timber. Residences and other structures remain threatened. Moderate fire behavior with torching and spotting was observed.

BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX, Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Stanich) is assigned. This complex, consisting of the Black Pulaski, Lodgepole, Hill Coulee, Lost Creek, Square Butte and Chalk fires, is 25 miles north of Jordan, MT in ponderosa pine, grass, juniper and sagebrush. Several residences, structures, grazing lands and irrigation structures are threatened. Steep terrain, weather and dry fuels continue to impede containment efforts. Active fire behavior with torching and short runs was observed.

FLAT TIRE COMPLEX, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Turman) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles south of Glasgow, MT in pinyon pine, juniper and sage. Isolated interior smokes were observed. Significant progress was made due to favorable weather conditions.

SOUTH PINE, Gallatin National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Hall) has been ordered.
This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning eleven miles northeast of Pray, MT in timber. Active burning with short-range spotting was reported.

MAJERUS, Southern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (McNitt) is assigned. The Team is also managing the Bundy Railroad fire. This fire is 10 miles south of Roundup, MT in timber and grass. Minimal fire behavior with moderate to low rates of spread was reported.
WATT DRAW, Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. The Team is also managing the Sage fire. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ashland, MT in grass, timber and sagebrush. Residences and outbuildings remain threatened. Limited road access is hampering containment efforts. Smoldering, creeping, and occasional torching were observed.

SAGE, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is two miles northwest of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory. Minimal fire behavior was observed.

BUNDY RAILROAD, Billings District, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is eight miles northeast of Worden, MT in timber, grass and sagebrush. Good progress was made on improving and holding the fire line. Isolated smoldering in heavy fuels was reported.

UL BEND, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Turman) is assigned. This fire is 60 miles northwest of Winnett, MT. Minimal fire behavior was observed.

BAR CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 26 miles northeast of Pierce, ID. This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity is reported.

MAGPIE, Yellowstone National Park. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning eighteen miles east of West Yellowstone, MT in lodgepole pine. Crowning, short-range spotting, and intense burning were observed. This will be the last narrative unless significant activity is reported.

BIRTHDAY 2, Crow Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is ten miles south of St. Xavier, MT in timber. Some hot spots within the perimeter were reported.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SAWMILL, Natrona County. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered. This fire is 10 miles east of Edgerton, WY in sagebrush, ponderosa pine, and juniper. Four residences, oil wells, telecommunications towers, and powerlines are threatened. Extreme fire behavior with major running, spotting and torching was observed.

STANDING ROCK COMPLEX, Standing Rock Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Mullenix) has been ordered. This fire is nine miles west of Fort Yates, ND in grass and down timber. Several residences, a school, a college, and tribal resources are threatened. Evacuations have occurred. Very active fire behavior with short runs and crowning was observed.

LITTLE VENUS, Shoshone National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered. The fire is 30 miles west of Meeteetse, WY in bug-killed spruce with heavy down fuels. Structures remain threatened. Progress was made on containing the northeast side of the fire. Extreme fire behavior was reported.

TWENTY MILE, Casper Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Blume) is assigned. This fire is 20 miles northeast of Douglas, WY in grass, sage, juniper and ponderosa pine. Several residences, buildings, and a natural gas well are threatened. Minimal fire behavior with interior torching and surface spread was observed.

BUFFALO CREEK COMPLEX, A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. This fire is three miles north of Leiter, WY in grass and sage. Residences, natural gas wells, and powerlines are threatened. Moderate fire behavior with creeping, smoldering, and isolated short runs in light fuels were observed.

WEAVER, Ute Mountain, Ute Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is 10 miles southwest of Red Mesa, CO in pinyon pine, juniper, and sage. Difficult terrain is hindering containment efforts. No further information was received.

VALENTINE, Nebraska Department of Forestry (GPC Area). This fire is north of Valentine, NE in timber. Approaching weather is a concern in succeeding containment efforts. No further information was received.

BLACK HORSE CREEK, South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression Area. This fire is 20 iles east of Bison, SD in grass. Several residences and buildings are threatened. Very active fire behavior with 10 foot flame lengths was reported.

BOMBER BASIN – WFU, Shoshone National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. A Fire Use Management Team has been ordered. The fire is burning 15 miles south of Dubois, WY in timber. Single tree and group torching was observed.

EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

QUARTZ CREEK, Payette National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered. This fire is six miles north of Yellowpine, ID in timber. Steep rugged terrain is hindering containment efforts. Running crown fire in heavy timber with 50 foot flame lengths was observed.

TRAILHEAD, Sawtooth National Forest. This fire is 10 miles west-southwest of Stanley, ID in timber. Commercial property is threatened. Steep and rugged terrain is impeding containment efforts. Trails and backcountry closures are in effect. Active fire behavior with torching, spotting and running was reported.

DOG VALLEY, Fish Lake National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lund) is assigned. This fire is three miles east of Cove Fort, UT in grass, sage, pinyon pine, juniper and oak. Four residences, the community of Cove Fort, Interstates 15 and 70, a natural gas pipeline, utility infrastructure and a historical site are threatened. Steep, rugged terrain and limited access are hindering containment. Moderate fire behavior was observed.

RANCH, Southwest Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Brunner) is assigned. This fire is nine miles northeast of Leeds, UT in cheatgrass, brush, pinyon pine and juniper. Several residences remain threatened. Difficult access is impeding containment efforts. Moderate fire behavior flame lengths up to eight feet was observed.

OAK CITY CANYON, South Central Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Thomas) is assigned. This fire is two miles southeast of Oak City, UT in pinyon pine, juniper, grass, sage and oak brush. Numerous residences and a campground remain threatened. Structure protection is in place. Steep terrain and dry fuels are impeding containment efforts. Creeping and short uphill fire runs were reported.

TWIN PEAKS, Richfield Field Office. This fire is 10 miles west of Kanosh, UT in grass, sage, pinyon pine, and juniper. A ranch and powerlines are threatened. Winds from passing thunderstorms produced extreme fire behavior.

SOUTH, Salt Lake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is twelve miles west of Grantsville, UT in cheat grass and juniper. Inaccessible, rough and remote terrain is hindering containment efforts. Cultural resources are threatened. Smoldering and creeping with some isolated torching was observed.

GOOSEBERRY, Fishlake National Forest. This fire is ten miles southeast of Salina, UT in mountain mahogany, brush, pinyon pine and juniper. Heavy fuel loading is impeding containment efforts. Isolated torching and smoldering was reported.

LICK CREEK, Payette National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Hahnenberg) is assigned. The Team is also managing the Dunce WFU. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 25 miles northwest of McCall, ID in timber. Grazing allotments, the towns of Secesh, Warren and critical fishery habitat are threatened. Backing and occasional torching were reported.

KILN COMPLEX, Arizona Strip Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is 30 miles southwest of St. George, UT in brush and cheat grass. The complex includes the Kiln, Lime, and White Rock Fires. Lime Kiln and Cabin Canyon Roads are closed. Creeping, smoldering and surface spread were reported.

SPRINGS, Moab District, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is seven miles north of Woodside, UT in timber. No new information was reported.

ST. JOHN, Wasatch Front Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire & State Lands. This fire is one mile north of St. John, UT in short grass and dormant brush. Interior torching and smoldering were observed. The fire received some precipitation.

DUNCE, Payette National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Hahnenberg) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 31 miles east of Edwardsburg, ID in cheatgrass. A structure protection plan is in place for Taylor Ranch. Creeping and backing fire with short uphill runs were observed. This will be the last report, this fire and the Lick Creek fire will be reported as the Payette Complex.

JIM CREEK, Bridger Teton National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Weldon) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 24 miles north of Pinedale, WY in subalpine fir, spruce and pine. Minimal fire behavior with creeping ground fire and occasional torching was observed

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

HEART, San Bernardino National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Command Team (Molumby) is assigned. This fire is eight miles southwest of Big Bear Lake, CA in timber and brush. Steep terrain and thunderstorm down drafts are impeding containment efforts. Smoldering and some backing fire were reported. The Heart and Millard Complex will be combined into the Heart-Millard fire.

MILLARD COMPLEX, San Bernardino National Forest. A Unified Command between a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Walker), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), the Forest Service, and the Riverside County Fire Department is in place. A transfer of command to a Type 1 Incident Management Team (Molumby) will occur today. This complex, comprised of the State, Jump Off, For Sure and Millard fires, is seven miles north of Cabazon, CA in chaparral and conifer. Residences and a repeater site, remain threatened. Minimal fire behavior was observed. Increase in acreage is primarily due to continuing burn out operations.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

JACKASS, Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Broyles) is assigned. This fire is 80 miles southeast of Reno, NV and eight miles northeast of Walker, CA in hardwood litter, pinyon pine and juniper. Winds from passing thunderstorms, rough terrain, and heavy fuel loading are hampering containment. Numerous residences remain threatened. Very active fire behavior with wind-driven runs was reported.

TROY PEAK, Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. This fire is eight miles north of Adaven, NV in timber. Steep, rocky terrain and inaccessibility are hindering containment efforts. Backing fire and smoldering were observed.

SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CIBOLA, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reinarz) has been ordered. This fire is 42 miles southwest of Yuma, AZ in chaparral and salt cedar. Numerous residences remain threatened. Interior torching was observed.

STONE, Fort Apache Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Philbin) is assigned. This fire is 16 miles northwest of Whiteriver, AZ in timber and chaparral. Steep, rugged terrain is hampering containment efforts. Creeping and smoldering and some individual torching within the perimeter were reported. Some precipitation was reported over the fire area.

RIM, Truxton Canon Agency. This fire is 15 miles south of the Grand Canyon Resort, on the Hualapai Reservation in sagebrush, grass, pinyon pine and juniper. Moderate fire behavior was reported.

THUMB, Truxton Canon Agency. This fire is 13 miles northeast of Supai, AZ in pinyon pine, juniper and grass. The fire is being monitored from the air. No further information was received.

POCKET, Kaibab National Forest. This fire is 18 miles southwest Jacob Lake, AZ in mixed conifer. Intermittent fire runs were reported.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CREEK, Lassen-Modoc Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). This fire is five miles southwest of Susanville, CA in timber, brush and logging slash. Numerous residences are threatened. Difficult access, and steep terrain are hampering containment. Smoldering with some flare-ups was reported.

GREASE, Plumas National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Sinclear) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles north of Beckwourth, CA in heavy brush and timber. No further information was received.

CARIBOU COMPLEX, Klamath National Forest. A Wildland Fire Use Management Team (Perkins) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning ten miles southeast of Cecilville, CA in timber. There are two fires in the complex, the Caribou and the Moraine. Trail closure is in effect for the Caribou Lakes area. Fire activity was minimal.

EASTERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CAVITY LAKE, Superior National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Stegmier) is assigned. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Lohrey) will assume command tomorrow. This fire is 44 miles northeast of Ely, MN in timber and blowdown. Heavy fuel loading is hindering containment efforts. Extreme fire behavior was reported.

TURTLE LAKE, Superior National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Svalberg) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 15 miles east of Ely, MN in timber. Slow to moderate fire behavior with isolated single tree torching and limited spotting was reported.

NORTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TIN PAN, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Furlong) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning seven miles west of Lucerne, WA in timber. Fire activity moderated due to cloud cover, higher humidity and lower temperatures.

SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

LONE STAR, Texas Forest Service. This fire is six miles southeast of Henrietta, TX in grass and brush. Four structures are threatened. No further information was received.

LONG, Texas Forest Service. This fire is five miles northeast of Strawn, TX in brush. Difficult terrain is hindering containment efforts. No further information was received.

OUTLOOK:

Red Flag Warning: For the Big Horn Mountains for shifting winds, low relative humidity and increasing thunderstorms.

Fire Weather Watch: Thursday afternoon through evening for all of northeast, south central and southeast Montana and portions of northwest South Dakota for isolated to scattered thunderstorms with erratic and gusty winds and wind shift associated with a frontal passage.

Weather Discussion: Isolated dry lightning is possible over portions of northern California, the northern Great Basin and eastern Montana with scattered wet storms across the Southwest. Gusty winds are expected over eastern Montana and the western Dakotas with cooler and drier weather across most of Minnesota. High pressure will strengthen over the western U.S. during the next few days with temperatures rising to near record levels across portions of the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin accompanied by some isolated dry lightning over the weekend.

Full NICC Report:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.rtf

Jackasss Flats Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Bill Paxton (573) 429-5193

Summary

The lightning-caused fire, which started at approximately 4:00 p.m. July 17, is burning in Pinyon-Juniper and Cheatgrass approximately 10 miles southeast of Topaz Lake on the Nevada-California state line. Fifteen structures, 45 outbuildings, ranches, power lines, and archeological sites are threatened; no structures have been lost.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-20 12:59:30 EST
Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives	1. Provide for public and firefighter safety. 2. Protect structures and other improvements. 3. Keep fire north of Jackass Flat and the eastern half of Risue Canyon. Keep fire west of Desert Creek. Keep fire south of Long Creek Canyon. Keep fire east of Eastside Road.
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	07/17/2006 at 1601 hrs.
Location	8 80 miles SE of Reno, NV
Incident Commander	Paul Broyles

Current Situation

Size	6,959 acres
Percent Contained	30%
Estimated Containment Date	07/20/2006 at 1800 hrs.
Total Personnel	466
Fuels Involved	Pinyon pine, sagebrush, cheat grass (Fuel Model 6)
Fire Behavior	Active, wind driven runs associated witrh thunderstorm cells are possible.
Today's Significant Events	A very active fire run, a result of a thunderstorm cell,ocurred late Wednesday afternoon Wednesday, increasing fire size by 824 acres. Also, heavy rains fell on the eastern part of the fire.

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control	07/24/2006 at 1800 hrs.
Planned Actions	Firefighters will focus efforts on the southeast flank of the fire in the Jackass Road area. Afternoon thunderstorms may preclude the use of air resources. Structural protection measures will continue for residences and other structures within the Desert Creek area.
Projected Movement	Moderate potential for spread to north and east.
Growth Potential	Medium
Terrain Difficulty	High
Containment Target	Attainable if critical resource needs are met.
Remarks	Erratic behavior due to thunder cells continue to be a concern. Structural protection measures are in place. Close coordination with local, state, and Federal cooperating agencies.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	3-6 mph N
Current Temperature	91-96 degrees
Current Humidity	18-22 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	3-6 mph NW
Forecasted Temperature	91-96 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	18-22 %

http://inciweb.org/incident/318/

Black Pulaski Complex Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Sharon Sweeney (406) 557-2147

Summary

The Black Pulaski Complex consists of 7 fires, the Black Pulaski, Hill Coulee, Chalk Butte, Lost Creek, Lodgepole, Square Butte, and Soda Creek.

Currently 20 residences and 40 outbuildings are threatened.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-20 12:53:18 EST
Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	07/16/2006 at 0118 hrs.
Location	25 miles north of Jordan
Incident Commander

Current Situation

Size	98,000 acres
Percent Contained	30%
Estimated Containment Date	07/25/2006 at 1800 hrs.
Total Personnel	523
Fuels Involved	Ponderosa Pine, grass, juniper, and sagebrush.
Fire Behavior	Variable dependent on fuels and topography. Interior burnout common with torching and short runs in the heavier fuels on the north and easterly aspects. Variable burning conditions in the lighter fuels dependent on vegetation type, exposure, and amount of curing.
Today's Significant Events	Chuck Stanich's Northern Rockies Type I management team assumed command from Tom Heintz's Type 2 team at 0600 this morning. With the exception of air support, and engines, most critical resources arrived throughout the day, and suppression resources made significant progress due to greater staffing on fires, lighter winds and increased humidities. Contact and coordination with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, BLM, DNRC, Garfield County, Petroleum County, and local landowners and rural fire departments was established and continued thoughout the operational period. Most local IA resources were released.

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions	Structure protection as needed on the Lost Creek, Soda Creek, and Chalk Butte fires. Continued air support for critical areas within Soda Creek, Lodgpole, Chalk Butte and Black Pulaski fires. Line construction, improving and holding completed line, and mop up on contained portions of the fires. Air patrol on the Hill Coulee and Square Butte fires.
Projected Movement	Highly variable, with general winds pushing the fires to the southwest, but highly dependent on topography and fuels.
Growth Potential	High
Terrain Difficulty	High
Containment Target	The suppression strategy is developed based on current and expected resources, and weather conditions, therefore it is highly likely that containment targets will be met.
Remarks	Fire acreage are estimates based on infrared from last evening and field observations. None of the fires have an accurate aerial or ground GPS coverage. Black Pulaski-6700 acres; Chalk Butte-28,000 acres; Hill Coulee-1900; Lodgepole-14,000 acres; Lost Creek-23,000 acres; Soda Creek-24,000 acres; and Square Butte-400 acres for an estimated total of 98,000 acres. Square Butte is lined , contained, and in patrol status.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	5 mph NE
Current Temperature	85 degrees
Current Humidity	20 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	15 mph NW
Forecasted Temperature	86 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	20 %

http://inciweb.org/incident/310/

Heart-millard Fire Wildfire

Incident Contact: (909) 383-5688

Summary

Hand crews are continuing fire line construction in the Coon Creek area and along the San Gorgonio Wilderness boundary. Rehab is continuing on the contingency lines in the Onyx Peak area. The Heart and Millard fires were combined as of 7 Pm on July 19, 2006.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-20 12:34:15 EST
Incident Type	Wildfire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	07/09/2006 at 0833 hrs.
Location	8 Miles Southeast of Big Bear Lake
Incident Commander	Bill Molumby

Current Situation

Size	24,695 acres
Percent Contained	60%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel	503
Fuels Involved	The fires are burning within thick, old stands of intermixed pines above the 6000' elevation with many dead trees due to drought and bark beetle infestations. Lower elevation fuels are chapparal and grass.
Fire Behavior	No significant fire behavior throughout the night.
Today's Significant Events

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions
Projected Movement	Without thunderstorm activity, little or no rate of spread anticipated. If Thunderstorms do develop over fire, spread to northwest is possible.
Growth Potential	Medium.
Terrain Difficulty	The San Gorgonio Wilderness is characterized by inaccessible, steep and rugged terrain. Air operations continue to play a significant role in suppression efforts.
Containment Target	With steepness of terrain, control targets may not be met entirely. Re-evaluation of these areas are constantlty occuring.
Remarks	The San Gorgonio Wilderness will continue to be closed. Roads in the Heart Bar-Coon Creek area are closed to the public. All Evacuatiions have been lifted.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	2 mph S
Current Temperature	68 degrees
Current Humidity	70 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	3-8 mph SW
Forecasted Temperature	85 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	45 %

Little Venus Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Steve Till (307) 578-1283

ANNOUNCEMENT

Little Venus Fire Area Closures
The Shoshone National Forest has instituted an area closure in the Greybull River area watershed, starting at the wilderness boundary above the Jack Creek trailhead. more...

Wind, humidity, and temperature add up to fire activity

Credit: USDA Forest Service

click to enlarge

Summary

This lightning-caused fire is burning in high-elevation beetle-killed trees in remote, rugged wilderness.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-20 11:04:37 EST
Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives	To protect private property and minimize acreage burned on private land, while providing for firefighter and public safety. Also to protect wilderness values within the Washakie Wilderness.
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	06/19/2006 at 1501 hrs.
Location	30 mi. west of Meeteetse, Wyo.
Incident Commander	Byron Bonney

Current Situation

Size	12,000 acres
Percent Contained	5%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel	113
Fuels Involved	Pine and spruce, most of which were killed in the last few years by insects. The trees are in isolated strings and clumps. Grass, brush, and rocks exist between groups of trees. The fire is burning at about 9800 feet in elevation.
Fire Behavior	Occasionally extreme fire activity. Interior burning of dead and down fuels. Some observed perimeter growth due to higher temperature, lower humidity, drier conditions, and wind.
Today's Significant Events	Good progress was made on the northeastern corner of the fire, with solid line constructed between the fire and private ranch buildings adjacent the forest boundary.

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions	Fire personnel will continue to build and patrol line on the eastern side of the fire in order to protect private property and keep the fire within the Forest boundary. Structure protection will be continued for private structures.
Projected Movement	Fire spread is predicted to the south up Jack Creek and to the northeast within the wilderness boundary.
Growth Potential	With a heating and drying trend, there is a significant potential for growth.
Terrain Difficulty	Rugged, very remote; steep and difficult.
Containment Target
Remarks	Ten firefighters found themselves in harms way and deployed fire shelters on Tuesday afternoon. Crews followed all safety rules, all are safe and there were no serious injuries. A team of fire experts will review the incident.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	5 mph NW
Current Temperature	80 degrees
Current Humidity	5 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	5-9 mph W
Forecasted Temperature	64-72 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	15 %

Cibola Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Fire Information (928) 606-7490

Summary

The Northern Arizona Incident Management Team assumed management responsibilities of the Cibola Fire this morning at 6 a.m. While many structures have been threatened by this fire, none have been damaged or destroyed. The threat to private structures is diminishing. A power line was burned by the fire on July 18. Power was lost to the community of Cibola and residences along the fire’s eastern edge in Arizona. The power was returned to Cibola within a few hours. However, power has remained off for some residences along the fire’s eastern edge. Power is expected to be returned to the area by this afternoon.

State Highway 78 (California) is open. Fire managers do not expect the fire to cause delays or closures along Highway 78 today. The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge remains open to the public. Only the fire area is closed.

Firefighters have been making excellent progress on suppressing the Cibola Fire. Over the last two days, they have conducted extensive burnout operations along the fire’s northern and southern boundaries. Dozers and hand crews have also been used to create fuel breaks.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-20 10:26:30 EST
Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	07/17/2006 at 0101 hrs.
Location	Cibola National Wildlife Refuge The fire straddles the border of Arizona and California and is on both sides of the Colorado River
Incident Commander	Joe Reinarz

Current Situation

Size	4,600 acres
Percent Contained	40%
Estimated Containment Date	07/28/2006 at hrs.
Total Personnel	131
Fuels Involved	Heavy, dense stands of salt cedar
Fire Behavior
Today's Significant Events	No structures have been damaged or destroyed. All structures were saved during firefighting efforts. No evacuations are in effect.

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions
Projected Movement	Extremely hot conditions are expected to continue. Temperatures should reach at least 112 degrees. Relative humidity levels are predicted to be about 20 percent. Winds should be up to 15 mph out of the southwest. Winds may be gusty and erratic near thunderstorms. Northwest winds may develop in the afternoon.
Growth Potential
Terrain Difficulty
Containment Target
Remarks	Injuries: 1 heat-related injury occurred on July 18.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	15 mph SW
Current Temperature	112 degrees
Current Humidity	20 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	15 mph SW
Forecasted Temperature	112 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	20 %

Senators Question Wildfire Prevention Program

By Kim Last

(AXcess News) Washington – Additional money is needed to treat land in the West that is vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires, members of the Senate subcommittee on public lands and forests concluded Wednesday.

This comes despite the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, signed into law in December 2003, which helps remove timber, wood pulp and other flammable materials from lands susceptible to fires. It also pays for forest projects to prevent wildfires that could damage residential areas.

Out of 1.6 million acres treated across the country this year, slightly more than 44,000 acres were in Colorado.

Dale Bosworth, chief of the U.S. Forest Service, attributed the small acreage to the high cost of land treatment. He pointed out that acreage in the Southeast U.S. costs less to treat than land in the West.

Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said that there were at least 240,000 acres of hazardous lands that needed to be handled by the forest service. He called the low number of treated acres a "lack of responsibility" by the government.

"This is similar to Katrina," Salazar said. "It's the Katrina of the west. You can see it coming up from the coast, yet the government didn't do enough. Now we're paying billions and billions, and that can happen again."

As of Wednesday, the Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, reported more than 63,000 fires so far this year that burned more than 4 million acres. That's above the 10-year seasonal average of 47,000 fires and 2.5 million acres.

The center reported 399 new fires in 14 states in the week ending Wednesday, none of them in Colorado. But the state has had more than 900 fires this year, burning nearly 78,000 acres.

"We are not providing the funding to get these treatments done," Salazar said. "Only 25 percent has been done and 75 percent is missing. That gap concerns me."

Bosworth said that his administration has been working closely with the Bureau of Land Management to treat federal lands that are in danger of wildfires.

"This process includes a lot of working together," Bosworth said.

When Salazar mentioned the possibility giving the project more money, Bosworth admitted that it could help.

"If we had additional funding, we could treat additional acres," Bosworth said.

Other members of the subcommittee were angered by the low figures for treated lands in the West.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., asked the committee to propose legislation to bring money west.

"Treatment does work. We know it works," Feinstein said. "But, how do we treat more lands?"

For now, Jay Jensen, executive director of the Council of Western State Foresters based in Lakewood, Colo., testified that he encourages communities to develop local plans to combat wildfires.

"For now, a community-based solution is the best way to combat these fires," he said. "Then, you can start looking at federal funds."

http://www.axcessnews.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=10501

Firefighting crews gain ground on fires Lower temperatures, lighter winds allow firefighters to catch up By LANCE BENZEL and ANNE PETTINGER Of The Gazette Staff Acreage estimates for the seven fires burning in Garfield County nearly doubled on Wednesday, while some larger fires in Eastern Montana were closer to full containment. Late-day runs Tuesday and more accurate mapping pushed the acreage on the Black Pulaski complex to about 98,000 acres, said fire information officer Greg DeNitto. The figure is based on infrared aerial measurements taken Tuesday night, and does not include growth on Wednesday of the three most active fires in the complex. They are the Soda Creek fire, burning 24,000 acres to the west of the Musselshell River; the Chalk Butte fire, estimated at 28,000 acres about 30 to 35 miles northwest of Jordan; and the Lodgepole fire, burning 14,000 acres 23 miles northwest of Sand Springs. * Fires in the complex threatened 20 homes and 40 outbuildings, and the Soda Creek fire has already devoured one outbuilding - a vacant ranch structure recently used to house cattle. Despite the blow-up in acreage, there were signs of progress. “Temperatures dropped and winds have calmed down,” DeNitto said. “Basically, the weather’s been cooperating and we’re getting our resources out on the fires and using them effectively.” Fire officials today had a positive outlook based on the work done in the past few days to establish lines, said George Taylor, another fire information officer. A weather front expected later today could bring winds that will test perimeter lines, he said. There is a possibility of thunderstorms but no predictions of significant rain. The greatest concern and most of the effort is going to protect agricultural areas and grasslands to make sure they don’t ignite, Taylor said. The fires ignited during a Saturday night storm. Total containment was estimated at 30 percent, and a Type 1 Incident Management Team began supervising suppression efforts Tuesday. The team’s command post is near Brusett, a tiny community northwest of Jordan. Managers are pitching tents and using the Fairview Community Hall. A meeting to update Garfield County residents is planned for 10 a.m. Friday near the Incident Command Post at the Pine Grove School west of Brusett, DeNitto said. Efforts to knock down the Soda Creek fire included burnouts, in which crews intentionally ignited downed woody material in an effort to control the fire’s path. Managers also established a “spike camp” on the west side of Fort Peck Lake to ease the burden of transporting crews and equipment to the scene. The other blazes in the complex are the Hill Coulee fire, considered fully contained at 1,900 acres 27 miles northwest of Jordan, near the East Hill Coulee; the Square Butte fire, also fully contained at 400 acres about 20 miles north of Sand Springs; the Black Pulaski fire, burning 6,700 acres 25 miles north of Jordan; and the Lost Creek fire, burning 23,000 acres 30 miles north of Sand Springs. There were 523 personnel assigned to the blazes. They consisted of 28 engines, five water tenders and 14 hand crews staffed with 20 firefighters each, DeNitto said. They represent the Bureau of Land Management, the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Forest Service and the National Park Service. Aerial support included one light and two medium helicopters, with other initial attack helicopters available to douse flare-ups and spot fires. A single-engine air tanker made slurry drops under the direction of an air patrol plane, officials said. The torched acres involved a mix of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, BLM and private ranch land, officials said. Fire in Blue Creek reignites Near Billings, an afternoon rekindling of the Blue Creek fire brought a renewed response to a blaze that had been knocked down at 40 acres Tuesday night. A helicopter and slurry bomber converged on 5 to 7 acres of flames that marched through the hills south of Blue Creek Road near Bender Road. By Wednesday night, the blaze was considered fully contained and crews were mopping up hot spots, officials said. “Basically, it burned up a lot of grassland and a little timber,” said acting Billings Fire Battalion Chief Randy Krieger, who assisted crews from Blue Creek and the DNRC. But the flames crept to within 50 yards of a group home for the developmentally disabled off Bender Road, prompting the operators of AWARE Inc., to evacuate two residents. “Within 20 minutes, the fire had consumed most of that field,” said Mandy Cooper, the group home manager. “I just packed them up and took them to another group home in Billings.” AWARE � which stands for Anaconda Work and Residential Enterprises � works with about 20 clients at eight group homes in Billings. The private agency provides therapeutic foster care, residential services and mental health services for children, said Program Manager Michelle Bishop. Meanwhile, a series of large fires across Eastern Montana were at or near containment Wednesday. Here’s a look at other fires in the region: Bundy Railroad fire The Bundy Railroad fire, burning eight miles northeast of Worden, was 92,000 acres and 98 percent contained, said fire information officer Bob Summerfield. He estimated the fire will be contained by 7 p.m. Friday. A total of 459 people worked Wednesday on the Bundy Railroad fire and Majerus fire south of Roundup. Resources included seven Type 1 crews, one Type 2 crew, five helicopters, 39 engines, two bulldozers and 15 water tenders. No structures are threatened, Summerfield said. He estimated the fire has cost $2.5 million to fight so far. Pine Ridge complex The Pine Ridge complex of fires was contained Tuesday night at 121,210 acres, said fire information officer Dixie Dies. Cost of fighting the complex was at just more than $2 million. Thirty-five percent of the cost went to equipment, 24 percent to aircraft, 24 percent to support expenses such as catering and land-use agreements, 12 percent to personnel and 5 percent to crews. Majerus fire The Majerus fire was 1,100 acres and 95 percent contained, Summerfield said. A total of 168 people were working the fire, which is burning 10 miles south of Roundup in timber and grass. The fire is burning on both sides of Highway 87 near Majerus Road. Cost of the fire so far was estimated at $31,900, Summerfield said, but that does not include aircraft costs, which will be substantial. No structures are threatened. Summerfield did not have an estimated containment date Thursdsay for the fire. Flat Tire complex The Flat Tire complex of fires, roughly 48 miles south of Hinsdale, has burned about 18,635 acres, said Kerry O’Connell, a spokeswoman for Sweet Grass County emergency services. The fires are 70 percent contained. The complex is made up of two fires, the Flat Tire fire at 18,585 acres and the Middle Eighth Ridge fire at 50 acres, both of which began Sunday on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. The fires are on the north side of the Fort Peck Reservoir in remote areas of the refuge and have burned into Bureau of Land Management land. No structures are threatened, according to a press release. The fire is being managed by a Northern Rockies Incident Management Team. Buffalo Creek fire The Buffalo Creek fire, burning mostly on pastureland about 20 miles east of Decker, was estimated at 22,920 acres and 95 percent contained, Krause said. The fire had been burning in Wyoming, but on Monday moved into Montana, Krause said. Of the 22,920 acres burned, about 10,285 of those are in Montana. A Northern Rockies Interagency Management team is managing the Montana portion of the fire. A total of 101 people were fighting the fire in the two states Thursday. Resources included one Type 1 crew and 26 engines. Krause expects the fire will be contained by Saturday night. There is no cost estimate yet. Fire near Livingston Supervisors in the Gallatin National Forest began suppressing a 120-acre blaze about 20 to 25 miles southeast of Livingston. The fire, which crews had been monitoring, was threatening to spread outside the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. A helicopter and two single-engine air tankers were conducting an aerial assault, and crews on the ground established a containment line near the mouth of the Pine Creek drainage. Heavy fire activity was expected today. No structures were threatened. Ashland fires The Watt Draw fire was estimated at 17,550 acres and 90 percent contained, said fire information officer Marilyn Krause. The fire is burning 35 miles southeast of Ashland in grass, timber and sagebrush. A total of 362 people worked on the fire, Krause said. Resources included one Type 1 crew, four Type 2 crews, 20 engines and seven bulldozers. Krause estimated the fire cost $1.1. million so far and will be contained by this evening. The Sage fire near Ashland is estimated at 1,069 acres and 98 percent contained, Krause said. The fire is not yet 100 percent contained because chip piles from a closed sawmill near the fire are still smoldering and could take weeks to deal with, Krause said. Krause estimated the fire costs at $35,000 so far. The King Mountain fire was contained Monday evening and was patrolled by air on Wednesday. Krause estimated firefighting costs at $25,000. Horton-Hay complex The Horton-Hay complex fire was contained at 25,000 acres. Ted Pettis, fire information officer, said today fire management has been turned back to the state for continued mop up and patrolling. Firefighting costs so far are about $900,000 with a total of cost estimated at $1.1 million when the work is complete, he said. Published on Thursday, July 20, 2006. Last modified on 7/20/2006 at 10:10 am http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/07/20/news/state/20-fires.txt

try that story from the Billings gazette again:

Acreage estimates for the seven fires burning in Garfield County nearly doubled on Wednesday, while some larger fires in Eastern Montana were closer to full containment.

Late-day runs Tuesday and more accurate mapping pushed the acreage on the Black Pulaski complex to about 98,000 acres, said fire information officer Greg DeNitto.

The figure is based on infrared aerial measurements taken Tuesday night, and does not include growth on Wednesday of the three most active fires in the complex.

They are the Soda Creek fire, burning 24,000 acres to the west of the Musselshell River; the Chalk Butte fire, estimated at 28,000 acres about 30 to 35 miles northwest of Jordan; and the Lodgepole fire, burning 14,000 acres 23 miles northwest of Sand Springs.
*
Fires in the complex threatened 20 homes and 40 outbuildings, and the Soda Creek fire has already devoured one outbuilding - a vacant ranch structure recently used to house cattle.

Despite the blow-up in acreage, there were signs of progress.

“Temperatures dropped and winds have calmed down,” DeNitto said. “Basically, the weather’s been cooperating and we’re getting our resources out on the fires and using them effectively.”

Fire officials today had a positive outlook based on the work done in the past few days to establish lines, said George Taylor, another fire information officer. A weather front expected later today could bring winds that will test perimeter lines, he said. There is a possibility of thunderstorms but no predictions of significant rain.

The greatest concern and most of the effort is going to protect agricultural areas and grasslands to make sure they don’t ignite, Taylor said.

The fires ignited during a Saturday night storm. Total containment was estimated at 30 percent, and a Type 1 Incident Management Team began supervising suppression efforts Tuesday.

The team’s command post is near Brusett, a tiny community northwest of Jordan. Managers are pitching tents and using the Fairview Community Hall.

A meeting to update Garfield County residents is planned for 10 a.m. Friday near the Incident Command Post at the Pine Grove School west of Brusett, DeNitto said.

Efforts to knock down the Soda Creek fire included burnouts, in which crews intentionally ignited downed woody material in an effort to control the fire’s path. Managers also established a “spike camp” on the west side of Fort Peck Lake to ease the burden of transporting crews and equipment to the scene.

The other blazes in the complex are the Hill Coulee fire, considered fully contained at 1,900 acres 27 miles northwest of Jordan, near the East Hill Coulee; the Square Butte fire, also fully contained at 400 acres about 20 miles north of Sand Springs; the Black Pulaski fire, burning 6,700 acres 25 miles north of Jordan; and the Lost Creek fire, burning 23,000 acres 30 miles north of Sand Springs.

There were 523 personnel assigned to the blazes. They consisted of 28 engines, five water tenders and 14 hand crews staffed with 20 firefighters each, DeNitto said.

They represent the Bureau of Land Management, the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Forest Service and the National Park Service.

Aerial support included one light and two medium helicopters, with other initial attack helicopters available to douse flare-ups and spot fires. A single-engine air tanker made slurry drops under the direction of an air patrol plane, officials said.

The torched acres involved a mix of Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, BLM and private ranch land, officials said.

Fire in Blue Creek reignites

Near Billings, an afternoon rekindling of the Blue Creek fire brought a renewed response to a blaze that had been knocked down at 40 acres Tuesday night.

A helicopter and slurry bomber converged on 5 to 7 acres of flames that marched through the hills south of Blue Creek Road near Bender Road. By Wednesday night, the blaze was considered fully contained and crews were mopping up hot spots, officials said.

“Basically, it burned up a lot of grassland and a little timber,” said acting Billings Fire Battalion Chief Randy Krieger, who assisted crews from Blue Creek and the DNRC.

But the flames crept to within 50 yards of a group home for the developmentally disabled off Bender Road, prompting the operators of AWARE Inc., to evacuate two residents.

“Within 20 minutes, the fire had consumed most of that field,” said Mandy Cooper, the group home manager. “I just packed them up and took them to another group home in Billings.”

AWARE which stands for Anaconda Work and Residential Enterprises works with about 20 clients at eight group homes in Billings. The private agency provides therapeutic foster care, residential services and mental health services for children, said Program Manager Michelle Bishop.

Meanwhile, a series of large fires across Eastern Montana were at or near containment Wednesday. Here’s a look at other fires in the region:

Bundy Railroad fire

The Bundy Railroad fire, burning eight miles northeast of Worden, was 92,000 acres and 98 percent contained, said fire information officer Bob Summerfield. He estimated the fire will be contained by 7 p.m. Friday.

A total of 459 people worked Wednesday on the Bundy Railroad fire and Majerus fire south of Roundup. Resources included seven Type 1 crews, one Type 2 crew, five helicopters, 39 engines, two bulldozers and 15 water tenders.

No structures are threatened, Summerfield said. He estimated the fire has cost $2.5 million to fight so far.

Pine Ridge complex

The Pine Ridge complex of fires was contained Tuesday night at 121,210 acres, said fire information officer Dixie Dies.

Cost of fighting the complex was at just more than $2 million. Thirty-five percent of the cost went to equipment, 24 percent to aircraft, 24 percent to support expenses such as catering and land-use agreements, 12 percent to personnel and 5 percent to crews.

Majerus fire

The Majerus fire was 1,100 acres and 95 percent contained, Summerfield said. A total of 168 people were working the fire, which is burning 10 miles south of Roundup in timber and grass. The fire is burning on both sides of Highway 87 near Majerus Road.

Cost of the fire so far was estimated at $31,900, Summerfield said, but that does not include aircraft costs, which will be substantial.

No structures are threatened. Summerfield did not have an estimated containment date Thursdsay for the fire.

Flat Tire complex

The Flat Tire complex of fires, roughly 48 miles south of Hinsdale, has burned about 18,635 acres, said Kerry O’Connell, a spokeswoman for Sweet Grass County emergency services. The fires are 70 percent contained.

The complex is made up of two fires, the Flat Tire fire at 18,585 acres and the Middle Eighth Ridge fire at 50 acres, both of which began Sunday on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. The fires are on the north side of the Fort Peck Reservoir in remote areas of the refuge and have burned into Bureau of Land Management land.

No structures are threatened, according to a press release.

The fire is being managed by a Northern Rockies Incident Management Team.

Buffalo Creek fire

The Buffalo Creek fire, burning mostly on pastureland about 20 miles east of Decker, was estimated at 22,920 acres and 95 percent contained, Krause said.

The fire had been burning in Wyoming, but on Monday moved into Montana, Krause said. Of the 22,920 acres burned, about 10,285 of those are in Montana. A Northern Rockies Interagency Management team is managing the Montana portion of the fire.

A total of 101 people were fighting the fire in the two states Thursday. Resources included one Type 1 crew and 26 engines.

Krause expects the fire will be contained by Saturday night. There is no cost estimate yet.

Fire near Livingston

Supervisors in the Gallatin National Forest began suppressing a 120-acre blaze about 20 to 25 miles southeast of Livingston.

The fire, which crews had been monitoring, was threatening to spread outside the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

A helicopter and two single-engine air tankers were conducting an aerial assault, and crews on the ground established a containment line near the mouth of the Pine Creek drainage.

Heavy fire activity was expected today. No structures were threatened.

Ashland fires

The Watt Draw fire was estimated at 17,550 acres and 90 percent contained, said fire information officer Marilyn Krause. The fire is burning 35 miles southeast of Ashland in grass, timber and sagebrush.

A total of 362 people worked on the fire, Krause said. Resources included one Type 1 crew, four Type 2 crews, 20 engines and seven bulldozers.

Krause estimated the fire cost $1.1. million so far and will be contained by this evening.

The Sage fire near Ashland is estimated at 1,069 acres and 98 percent contained, Krause said. The fire is not yet 100 percent contained because chip piles from a closed sawmill near the fire are still smoldering and could take weeks to deal with, Krause said.

Krause estimated the fire costs at $35,000 so far.

The King Mountain fire was contained Monday evening and was patrolled by air on Wednesday. Krause estimated firefighting costs at $25,000.

Horton-Hay complex

The Horton-Hay complex fire was contained at 25,000 acres. Ted Pettis, fire information officer, said today fire management has been turned back to the state for continued mop up and patrolling. Firefighting costs so far are about $900,000 with a total of cost estimated at $1.1 million when the work is complete, he said.

http://billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/07/20/news/state/20-fires.txt

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