Wildfire News Thread, 7/22: Nevada Gets a Break, Yellowstone Gets a Fire

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
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006 – 0800 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 4

CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was heavy nationally with 308 new fires reported. Three new large fires (*) were reported, two in the Southern California Area and one in the Southern Area. Fourteen large fires were contained, four each in the Rocky Mountain and Eastern Great Basin Areas, three in the Northern Rockies Area, two in the Western Great Basin Area and one in the Northern California Area. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Washington, Utah, Arkansas, Texas, Idaho 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.

EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

ELKHORN, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Morcom/Lunde) is assigned. This fire is six miles northeast of North Fork, ID in timber. Steep terrain is hindering containment efforts. Minimal fire growth with isolated interior torching was reported.

QUARTZ CREEK, Payette National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Barnett/Haskins) is assigned. This fire is six miles north of Yellowpine, ID in timber. One cabin is threatened. Steep, rugged terrain is hindering containment efforts. Individual tree torching and spotting up to one-quarter of a mile was reported.

TRAILHEAD, Sawtooth National Forest. This fire is ten miles southwest of Stanley, ID in timber. Steep, rugged terrain is impeding containment efforts. Torching, spotting and uphill runs were reported.

DOG VALLEY, Fish Lake National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lund) is assigned. This fire is three miles northeast of Cove Fort, UT in grass, sagebrush, pinyon pine, juniper and oak. The community of Cove Fort, Interstates 15 and 70 corridors, wildlife habitat and a historical site remain threatened. Steep, rugged terrain and limited access are hampering containment efforts. Single tree and group torching was observed.

RANCH, Southwest Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire and 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. A watershed area, wildlife habitat and recreational access to a part of Zion National Park are threatened. Difficult access and unfavorable weather are impeding containment efforts. Smoldering fire behavior was observed.

SPRING, Moab Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is 15 miles south of West Water, UT in pinyon pine, juniper, sagebrush and grass. Numerous residences and wildlife habitat are threatened. Single tree torching was reported.
TWIN PEAKS, Richfield Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is ten miles west of Kanosh, UT in grass, sagebrush, pinyon pine and juniper. Fire behavior was characterized by interior torching and smoldering.

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 21 miles northwest of McCall, ID in timber. Several structures within the Ponderosa Campground and critical fisheries habitat are threatened. Minimal fire activity with surface fire was reported.

KILN COMPLEX, Arizona Strip Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is 30 miles southwest of St. George, UT in brush and cheatgrass. The complex includes the Kiln, Lime, and White Rock Fires. Steep, inaccessible terrain continues to hamper control efforts. Creeping and smoldering with isolated torching were reported.

DUNCE, Payette National Forest. 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. The University of Idaho research station at Taylor Ranch is threatened. Structure protection is in place. The fire spread upslope in the grass and smoldered in downed timber.

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. Ground fire with isolated torching was observed.

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, utility lines and other structures remain threatened. Rugged terrain and flash fuels are hindering containment efforts. Running fire with scattered group torching was reported.

SOUTH PINE, Gallatin National Forest. A transfer of command from a Fire Use Management Team (Hall) back to the local unit will occur today. This fire is 11 miles northeast of Pray, MT in timber. Trail bridges and a campground are threatened. Steep terrain, weather and dry fuels are impeding containment efforts. Moderate fire behavior with interior torching 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, Soda Creek and Chalk Butte fires, is 25 miles north of Jordan, MT in ponderosa pine, grass, juniper and sagebrush. Smoldering, creeping with some short runs were reported.

SAGE, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. A transfer of command back to the local unit will occur tomorrow. This fire is one mile west of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory. Minimal fire activity was reported.

UL BEND, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. This fire is 60 miles northwest of Winnett, MT. The fire is in patrol status. No further information was received.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SAWMILL, Natrona County. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Goheen) is assigned. This fire is ten miles east of Edgerton, WY in sagebrush, ponderosa pine and juniper. Several residences, oil wells, telecommunications towers and powerlines are threatened. Short duration crown runs were reported.

LITTLE VENUS, Shoshone National Forest. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Smith) is assigned. This fire is 30 miles west of Meeteetse, WY in bug-killed spruce with heavy down fuels. A historic cabin is threatened. Extreme fire behavior with torching and spotting was reported.

BOMBER BASIN, Shoshone National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 15 miles south of Dubois, WY in timber. Single tree and group torching was reported. This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs.

WEAVER, Ute Mountain Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is ten miles southwest of Red Mesa, CO in pinyon pine, juniper and sagebrush. Native American archaeological sites are threatened. Heavy fuel loading and steep terrain are impeding containment efforts. Isolated interior torching was reported.

EASTERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CAVITY LAKE, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Lohrey) is assigned. This fire is 44 miles northeast of Ely, MN in timber and blowdown. Residential and commercial structures are threatened. The fire is progressing toward the Canadian border. Heavy fuel loading and strong winds are impeding containment efforts. Extreme fire behavior with backing through continuous heavy blowdown 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. Group tree torching and short-range spotting were observed.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

HEART-MILLARD, San Bernardino National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Molumby) is assigned. This fire, comprised of the previously reported Heart and Millard Complex fires, is eight miles southwest of Big Bear Lake, CA in timber and brush. Steep terrain and inaccessibility are impeding containment efforts. Creeping and smoldering were observed.

COYOTE, Tulare Unit, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. This fire is nine miles east of Porterville, CA in grass and oak brush. High temperatures are hampering containment efforts. No further information was received.

COVINGTON, Joshua Tree National Park. This fire is 17 miles northeast of Palm Springs, CA in Joshua trees and grass. Erratic winds, high temperatures and inaccessibility are hampering containment efforts. No further information was received.

SOUTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CIBOLA, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. A transfer of command from a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reinarz) back to the local unit has occurred. This fire is 42 miles southwest of Yuma, AZ in chaparral and salt cedar. Residences and endangered species remain threatened. Limited torching near the perimeter 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. Severe thunderstorms with lightning hampered containment efforts. Creeping and smoldering were reported.

THUMB, Truxton Canon Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is 13 miles northeast of Supai, AZ in pinyon pine, juniper and grass. No new information was reported. This will be the last report unless new information is received.

POCKET, Kaibab National Forest. This fire is 18 miles southwest Jacob Lake, AZ in mixed conifer. No new information was reported. This will be the last report unless new information is received.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

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. This complex consists of the Caribou and Moraine fires. Trail closures remain in effect for the Caribou Lakes area. Active burning on the northeast side of the fire 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. Backing fire with some torching and minimal perimeter growth was reported.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

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

SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SOUTH POWELL, Ouachita National Forest. This fire is 30 miles northwest of Hot Springs, AR. No further information was received.

SICKLE, Oklahoma Division of Forestry. This fire is three miles southeast of Blanco, OK in timber and grass. No new information was reported.

OUTLOOK:

Fire Weather Watches: East slopes of the central Cascades Saturday afternoon and evening for thunderstorms with little or no rain after an extended dry period.

Weather Discussion: Strong high pressure will prevail over northern Nevada and southern Idaho with very hot and dry conditions persisting across the Pacific Northwest and the northern Great Basin. Isolated dry thunderstorms are possible along the Cascade Range in Oregon, with mostly wet storms further south across California and the Southwest. A dry northerly flow will suppress any convective activity over Wyoming and northern Colorado through the weekend.

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

Yesterday, I took a very slow fire day to take a day off to welcome my hubby home from the Sawtooth/Millard/Heart complex and catch my breath, in case you were wondering.

Only reported a little over 4,000 acres burned (real total may be more than that...some areas don't report increased acreage of existing uncontrolled fires in the acres for the day, but add them to the grand total instead. Still, with rains over the previous hotspots like Nevada, and the range fires in eastern Montana coming under containment and control, it was a moment to catch one's breath.

But now we are entering the high fire season: Fire in the northern timberwoods of Montana, Idaho and other parts of the north. There are fires in Yellowstone, in the Gallitan NF, in the Bridger-Teton NF, the Boise NF, the Payette NF, the Salmon-Challis NF, the Sawtooth NF and the Clearwater NF. And there is at least one fire in Montana on state lands that is similar, about 35 miles from Missoula.

There are still a lot of fires popping up in the Southern California region, but they have been catching them mostly on the same day.

News posted as I find it (with the Middle East conflict and the fact that a lot of these fires are in the outback, and not near towns, it might be hard to find, too).

Let me know if you want on the ping list.

Incident: Jim Creek Wildland Fire used to benefit resources
Released: 2006-07-22 11:04:00
FACT SHEET Saturday, July 22, 2006

Jim Creek Fire

Bridger-Teton National Forest Fire Information:

(307) 367-5713

www.inciweb.org

The Jim Creek fire began on June 26 from lightning, 24 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, in the Bridger Wilderness. It’s above 8800 feet in elevation, and away from private property. The fire is burning in an area where such natural fires are permissible.

Status: 1,300 acres.

Objective: To provide for public and fire personnel safety, and to allow the fire to burn where it won’t threaten private property, facilities, or other developments.

Recent Events: East winds helped spread the fire to the west on Friday. Observers saw ground fire, with isolated torching. The long-term management plan for the fire was approved. Fire managers took action on Friday on the northwest corner of the fire, on the ridge above Jim Creek. A helicopter dropping water was at work, checking the fire's spread to the northwest.

This Week’s Strategy: A 14-person local Forest Service fire crew will go in to the fire Saturday morning. A 20-person fire crew will arrive Saturday evening and go in to the fire Sunday. The fire crews will cool hot spots and check fire spread to the northwest and west. A fire camp at the Kendall Guard Station will be set up.

We expect the fire to creep, smolder, and occasionally flare up when single trees or groups of trees torch. The fire's movement will be dictated by where the "fuel" is and by wind. We expect the fire to spread north, west, and south on Saturday.

Forecast: Upslope winds of 5 to 9 miles per hour are forecast for Saturday. Highs at the fire should be in the mid 77-80 degrees, with relative humidity of 20-25 percent.

Closures: The Jim Creek drainage is closed starting at Forest Road 710.

Other Points to Consider:

“From a wildlife perspective, as long as there are no homes or structures threatened, we support the Forest Service letting this fire burn. Fires typically create a more diverse plant community, which ultimately results in a greater diversity of wildlife as well.” -- Nick Scribner, Pinedale Habitat Biologist for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/299/686/

Little Venus Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Information Center (307) 868-2501 ext. 16

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	2006-07-22 10:34:54 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	James Smith

Current Situation

Size	26,936 acres
Percent Contained	5%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel	203
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	Progress continues on the east flank. Anderson Historic Cabin still remains a threat but a structure plan has been developed to protect the cabin.

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions	Fire personnel will continue to build and patrol line on the north eastern perimeter 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 and east in the Jack Creek drainage.
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	Central Coast Team 7 assumed command of the fire at 0600 on 7-21-2006. Maximum Mangement Area total acres burned are 19,005. Acres burned outside the Maximum Management Area are 7,931.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	4 mph SE
Current Temperature	78 degrees
Current Humidity	19 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	4-9 mph NW
Forecasted Temperature	82 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	16 %

Black Pulaski Complex Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Sharon Sweeney (406) 557-2147

ANNOUNCEMENT

Public Meeting Friday for Black Pulaski Complex
There will be a public meeting at the Pine Grove School on Friday, July 21st at 10 AM. more...

Summary

The Black Pulaski Complex consists of 7 fires. Two fires, the Hill Coulee and Square Butte are in "patrol" status. Growth potential is low for 5 fires, the Black Pulaski, Chalk Butte, Lost Creek, Lodgepole, and Soda Creek.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-22 10:08:11 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	124,905 acres
Percent Contained	70%
Estimated Containment Date	07/24/2006 at 1800 hrs.
Total Personnel	581
Fuels Involved	Ponderosa Pine, grass, juniper, and sagebrush.
Fire Behavior	Some residual heat in coulees, with smoldering and creeping fire and minor short runs.
Today's Significant Events

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control	07/31/2006 at 1800 hrs.
Planned Actions	Continue to concentrate on holding and securing line.
Projected Movement	Minor movement to the north and west on Soda Creek, Chalk Butte, and Lost Creek Fires.
Growth Potential	Low
Terrain Difficulty	High
Containment Target	Based on current and expected weather conditions, and resources currently available to the incident, it is highly likely that containment and control targets will be met.
Remarks	Land ownership estimates: Private-70%; Forest Service-24%; BLM-6%.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	3 mph
Current Temperature	88 degrees
Current Humidity	21 %

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

South Pine Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Marna Daley (406) 570-5526
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-21 10:07:49 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/17/2006 at 1030 hrs.
Location South Fork of Pine Creek, Livingston RD,Livingston, MT

Incident Commander Jim Kitchen
Current Situation
Size 312 acres

Fuels Involved 10 Timber (litter and understory) Heavy concentrations of 1000 HR fuels in he fire vicinity with large rock outcroppings present at higher elevations. Fire behavior fuel models 2 and 8 are present.
Fire Behavior

Current Wind Conditions 8 mph
Current Temperature 81 degrees
Current Humidity 19 %

http://inciweb.org/incident/320/

Packer Gulch Wildland Fire

Incident Contact: Wayne Johnson (406) 825-9265

ANNOUNCEMENT

Community Meeting Set For Friday, July 21
A public information meeting regarding the Packer Gulch Fire will be held on Friday, July 21 at 7 pm. more...

Near Packer Gulch Road, taken on Tuesday July 18

Credit: J. Kirby

click to enlarge

Summary

The west line along bear creek is holding well. The southwest dozer line paralleling I-90 is near completion. The NW line that extends up the west side of Packer Gulch is still an area of concern due to easterly winds. Firefighters are working hard on the east side line to keep the fire out of Dry Mulkey Gulch.

To date, retardant use has totaled 156,500 gallons on the Packer Gulch Fire. Management estimates firefighting costs so far at $475,300.

Basic Information

Updated	2006-07-21 08:55:47 EST
Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives	Continue with direct attack with building fireline. Continue with structure protection, road closure, and evacuations.
Cause	Under Investigation
Date of Origin	07/18/2006 at 1401 hrs.
Location	8 miles South of Garnet Ghost Town, 3.5 miles N/NE of Bear Gulch Approximately 35 miles east of Missoula in Packer Gulch
Incident Commander	Rick Kusicko

Current Situation

Size	2,640 acres
Percent Contained	5%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel	424
Fuels Involved	Heavy slash, brush, and timber.
Fire Behavior	Running surface fire with group torching.
Today's Significant Events	Good progress was made on south and west flanks, waterlines were laid and used for mop-up. Burnouts were used in Division B and Y to strengthen containment lines.

Outlook

Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions	Direct attack with critical support from air resources.
Projected Movement	With predicted weather, fire movement could be moderate to the North and East.
Growth Potential	HIGH
Terrain Difficulty	HIGH: Steep, rugged terrain with scattered flash fuels.
Containment Target	No containment date has been estimated.
Remarks	Additional air resources have greatly helped with direct suppression and safety.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	10-15 mph SE
Current Temperature	90 degrees
Current Humidity	15 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions	3-10 mph E
Forecasted Temperature	95 degrees
Forecasted Humidity	12 %

Large Fires in the Northern Rockies GACC (uncontained)

IDAHO
Bar Creek WFU – Clearwater National Forest, Forest Service. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 57 nautical miles west of Missoula, MT. Active fire behavior observed. 300 acres.

MONTANA

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 and light logging slash. Rugged terrain and flash fuels are hampering containment efforts. Residences, utility lines and other structures remain threatened. Running surface fire with group torching was observed. 2,640 acres – 5% contained.

SOUTH PINE, Gallatin National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Hall) is assigned. This is a suppression fire that was previously reported as a Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fire being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 11 miles northeast of Pray, MT in timber. Moderate fire behavior with isolated torching was reported. 312 acres - 0% contained.

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, Soda Creek and Chalk Butte fires, is 25 miles north of Jordan, MT in ponderosa pine, grass, juniper and sagebrush. Minor short runs, residual heat in coulees, smoldering and creeping was observed. 124,905 acres – 70% contained. Decrease in acreage due to better mapping.

SAGE, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is one mile west of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory. Hazardous materials at the mill site remain a concern. No fire activity was reported. 1,069 acres – 99% contained.

Wyoming

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WY

Magpie WFU – Yellowstone National Park, National Park Service. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 18 miles east of West Yellowstone, MT in lodgepole pine. Structure protection initiated on Mary Mountain cabin. The Nez Perce hiking trail is closed 1 mile east of the Nez Perce trailhead to Mary Lake. No further information was received. 690 acres.

http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm

Utah Fires:

The Spring Fire

Location: In the Dolores Triangle roughly 23 miles south of I-70 along the Utah/Colorado border
Start Date: 07/20/2006 12:57 pm
Type: Wildfire
Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 1,400 acres
Containment: 60%
Estimated Containment: 7-22-06 8:00 pm
Resources: 3 single engine air tankers, 1 heavy air tanker, 1 air attack plane, 8 engines, 1 fuels squad, 3 water tenders, 1 helicopter, 2 Type 1 Hot Shot crews, and various overhead.

Twin Peaks Fire

Start Date: July 18, 2006
Fire Information: 435.979.2838
Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 10,205 Acres
Location: Located on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Fillmore Field Office, Millard County, 10 miles west of Kanosh, UT
Containment: 70 %
Terrain: Flat, with rolling hills.
Vegetation: Grasses, sage brush and pockets of juniper.
Resources: Total number of people on incident - Approximately 25 5 Engines, 2 Dozers, 2 Graders

Fire Behavior: Light.
Closures: None.
Structures: Fire is smoldering
Injuries: No injuries to report.
Note: Limited available resources are due to fire activity throughout the state and nation.

Kiln Complex

Start Date: July 17, 2006

Fire Information: 435-865-4657

Cause: Lightning

Current Size: Estimated at 2500 Acres

Location: 33 miles southwest of St. George, UT and 11 miles southeast of Mesquite, NV on the Nevada, Arizona Border

Containment: 45%

Terrain: rocky, steep and inaccessible

Vegetation: Pinion, juniper, sagebrush, scrub oak and grass.

Resources: 187 personnel, 5 crews, 13 Engines, 1 helicopter, 3 water tenders, 24 overhead

Closures: Lime, Kiln and Cabin Canyon Roads remain closed.

Structures: Communication tower at Virgin Peak

Threatened: Critical desert habitat, wilderness, bighorn sheep

Injuries: None

Gooseberry Fire

Start Date: July 17, 2006 Fire Information: 435.979.2838

Cause: Lightening

Current Size: 350 Acres

Location: Located on the Fishlake National Forest, 10 miles southwest of Salina, UT

Containment: 80%

Terrain: Midslope

Vegetation: Mountain mahogany, oak brush, bitterbrush sagebrush, pinion, and juniper.

Fire Behavior: Minimal with isolated torching
Closures: Forest Service Road 050 is now open. Wash Creek Road is now open.
Rex Reservoir is now open.

Structures: None threatened

Note: The Type 3 Incident Management Team from McCall, Idaho assumed command of the fire. The fire received heavy periods of rain.

Dog Valley Fire

Start Date: July 16, 2006

Fire Information: 435-979-3395 or 801-520-6212

Cause: Lightning

Current Size: Estimated at 28,800 Acres

Location: Located on lands managed by Bureau of Land Management, Fillmore Field Office and the Fillmore Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest, 1/2 mile north of Cove Fort, Millard County, Utah.

Containment: 60%

Closures: Dog Valley Spring Road remains closed to public.

Note: The public traveling south of Fillmore to the junction of I-15 and I-70 and east towards Fremont Indian State Park are advised to use caution and remain alert to heavy fire traffic and changing driving conditions. Smoke could interfere with visibility unpredictably. For safety reasons, travelers are urged not to stop, unless an emergency.

http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/

Wildfire nearly contained
Full containment of Joshua Tree blaze expected today unless new thunderstorms cause more problems
ASSOCIATED PRESS

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK - A wildfire sparked by lightning was 70 percent contained Friday, but crews were concerned as more thunderstorms rolled through the Mojave Desert.

The 225-acre fire was burning about a mile from homes but seemed to be burning back on itself and there was no immediate danger to buildings, said Joe Zarki, a Joshua Tree spokesman.

The blaze was among a half-dozen started by lightning Thursday in wilderness areas of inland Southern California, where naturally occurring wildfires have scorched vast areas this month. The other new fires went out.

About 200 firefighters were on the lines. Early Friday, they set a backfire to burn out brush along one flank to prevent flames from jumping out of the park and heading toward homes, Zarki said.

Full containment was expected today unless new thunderstorms caused more problems, he said.

Elsewhere, the Heart-Millard fire, which had burned 24,695 acres, or about 381/2 square miles, was 62 percent contained. For nearly a week it has remained stalled eight miles southwest of communities in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The adjoining Sawtooth fire remained contained at 61,700 acres, or 96 square miles. It destroyed 58 houses and mobile homes, caused 17 injuries and killed a Pioneertown man when it swept through the Mojave Desert after being ignited by lightning July 9.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/state/15099412.htm?source=rss&channel=cctimes_state

Sea Gull Lake In BWCA Reopens

(AP) Along the Gunflint Trail, Minn. Sea Gull Lake is reopening to the public Saturday, but boating is being restricted to day use only.

Officials trying to contain the wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe say light showers and good relative humidity limited fire activity during the overnight hours.

The fire hasn't changed much in size.

For boaters who want to go out on Sea Gull lake, officials are saying they should use caution around the shoreline because of the danger of burned trees and loose rocks.

Peter D'Aquanni is a public information officer. He says there have been a couple of good days in a row where the fire is still active, but not as intense as it was at first. That's allowing firefighters to do more ground work and get the heat away from the edge of the fire.

The weather is expected to be moderate today with cooler temperatures, light winds and relatively humid conditions.

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_203113045.html

Fires Sparked by Lightning Blacken West

Last Updated:
07-22-06 at 9:05AM

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. -- A wildfire sparked by lightning burned about a mile from homes Friday but posed no immediate danger, officials said.

The blaze, which charred 300 acres, or almost half a square mile, was 80 percent contained and seemed to be burning back on itself, said Joe Zarki, a Joshua Tree National Park spokesman.

The fire was among a half-dozen started by lightning Thursday

in wilderness areas of inland Southern California, where naturally occurring wildfires have scorched vast areas this month. The other new fires went out but crews were concerned as more thunderstorms rolled through the Mojave Desert.

About 200 firefighters were on the lines. Early Friday, they set a backfire to burn out brush along one flank to prevent flames from jumping out of the park and heading toward homes, Zarki said.

Full containment was expected Saturday unless new thunderstorms caused more problems, he said.

Elsewhere, a fire that burned 24,695 acres, or about 38 square miles, southwest of communities in the San Bernardino Mountains, was 62 percent contained.

An adjoining fire remained contained at 61,700 acres, or 96 square miles. It destroyed 58 houses and mobile homes, caused 17 injuries and killed a Pioneertown man when it swept through the Mojave Desert after being ignited by lightning July 9.

In the Idaho Rockies, crews battled steep terrain as flames raced through tinder-dry timber stands and blackened 1,000 acres, or one and a half square miles. Firefighters worked to keep it away from a homes near the village of North Fork.

"It's not threatening structures at this time, but we are keeping a close eye on that subdivision about four miles away," said Kent Fuellenbach of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Salmon.

In Utah, strong winds stretched a wildfire to more than 1,000 acres along the central Utah-Colorado border, the latest blaze amid hot, dry conditions across the state.

"It was like putting a blow dryer to a fire," said Heather O'Hanlon of the Bureau of Land Management in Moab. However, she said fire crews expect to contain the fire by Saturday night.

http://www.kfmb.com/stories/story.57290.html

Incident: Magpie Fire Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 2006-07-22 14:00:00
The Magpie Fire burning in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park increased just 140 acres on Friday. The fire as of late Friday afternoon was estimated at 690 acres.

The fire grew had been mapped at 550 acres Thursday evening. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds led to moderate fire behavior on Friday.

The Magpie Fire is located about 7 miles east of Madison Junction. The lightning caused fire was spotted by fire lookouts Monday evening. It is burning in a section of mature lodgepole forest surrounded by an area burned in 1988. The fire is not near any roads or developed areas.

Firefighters are monitoring the fire’s growth on the ground, by daily reconnaissance flights, and from the park’s three fire lookout towers.

The Magpie Fire is being managed as a Wildland Fire Use for Resource Benefits since it supports one of the park’s fire management goals of allowing natural fires to play their role in the ecosystem and does not threaten any park visitors or property.

The weather forecast calls for a chance of showers or thunderstorms starting Sunday afternoon.

While Yellowstone’s fire danger rating remains high, there are no fire restrictions in the park. All visitor services, park entrances and roads are open. There are limited hiking trail closures in the area of the fire. A temporary flight restriction remains in effect so private aircraft won’t impact ongoing fire operations.

Smoke may be present along some park roads. The smoke plume is visible for several miles when the fire is actively burning in the afternoon and evening. The smoke plume may also be seen on the Mount Washburn Fire Lookout web cam at http://www.nps.gov/yell/tours/livecams/mtwashburn/index.htm.

There have been five wildland fires in Yellowstone this year. Three have been declared out after burning less than an acre each. The Bison Peak fire northeast of Tower Junction is just one-tenth of an acre.

- NPS -

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/319/693/

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