National Fire News: Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in California, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming

 

(Note: The "10-year average" shows 4,687,310 acres, but the seven-year average, using the 2000-2006 acres burned, averages 5 million, 870 thousand, 574 acres burned each year. The annual average is increasing by over 100,000 acres. As bad as the 2000 fire season was for many western states, three years since then have seen almost a million and a half more acres burn each year. It is worth noting that many fires below mention difficult access hampering containment, yet the push by federal agencies for more and more "roadless areas" and "wilderness" continues unabated. Also, accomplishing "resource objectives" -- whatever that means -- appears to be as important as protecting residences and structures.)

 

September 1, 2006

 

Current hours for the National Fire Information Center are 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (MDT) , Monday - Friday 208-387-5050

 

 

Initial attack activity was light nationally with 142 new fires reported.

Two new large fires were reported, one each in Montana and Utah.

Six large fires were contained, two each in Idaho, Montana, and Oregon.

Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in California, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Two MAFFS C-130 aircraft and support personnel from the 153 rd Airlift Wing ANG, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and the 302nd Airlift Wing ANG, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, are deployed to Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Major Steve Coppa is the Mission Commander.

Two MAFFS C-130 aircraft and support personnel from the 146th Airlift Wing ANG, Channel Islands, California are deployed to Boise, Idaho.

Major Bill Green is the Mission Commander.

The U.S. Army Task Force Blaze, commanded by Major Jody Miller, is assigned to the Tripod Complex in Washington.

New Zealand and Australia are providing 92 fire specialists and managers to assist with suppression operations.

Canada is providing ten 20-person crews and 59 fire specialists and managers.

Many people will leave the stress of everyday life and relax in a beautiful spot in the wildlands this Labor Day weekend. The campfire completes the picture.

If this sounds like you, remember play it safe with campfires and outdoor cooking.

Keep campfires small and clear the surrounding area of any flammable material. Never leave your fire unattended and keep water nearby.

Remember: sparks fly. Even a small breeze can fan the flames.

When it’s time to go, drown fires with water and stir in some dirt. With a little campfire care, your spot will be there next time, too.

Call your local land management agency to find about fire restrictions in your area.

 

Red Flag Warning: For the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties for low relative humidity.

 

Weather Discussion: Warming and drying trend the next few days for much of the West as high pressure builds over the region. Winds will be generally light. Thunderstorms [are expected] to increase over southern California and southern Nevada with the threat of thunderstorms extending into the Pacific Northwest, Idaho and western Montana during the Labor Day weekend.

 
Daily Statistics 9/1/06
Number of new large fires 2
States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires 26


California (5)
Idaho (13)
Montana (8)
Oregon (7)
Utah (2)
Washington (8)
Wyoming (3)

Note: Includes WFU fires
Acres from active fires 696,106
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires 5
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres 58,182
Fires contained on 8/31/06 6
Year-to-date large fires contained 1,122

Year-to-date Statistics
2006 (1/1/06 - 9/1/06) Fires: 79,944 Acres: 7,820,449
2005 (1/1/05 - 9/1/05) Fires: 45,804 Acres: 7,447,188
2004 (1/1/04 - 9/1/04) Fires: 55,044 Acres: 7,381,166
2003 (1/1/03 - 9/1/03) Fires: 44,823 Acres: 2,695,156
2002 (1/1/02 - 9/1/02) Fires: 62,549 Acres: 6,334,283
2001 (1/1/01 - 9/1/01) Fires: 58,340 Acres: 2,913,761
2000 (1/1/00 - 9/1/00) Fires: 73,966 Acres: 6,482,016
10-Year Average
1996 - 2006 Fires: 58,034 Acres: 4,687,310

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center

Current Wildland Fires
California Number of fires: 4 Acres: 61,525 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
  WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 4,654 WFU New Fires: 0  
Orleans Complex (Six Rivers National Forest): 15,710 at 90 percent contained. The complex, comprised of the Somes and Buck fires, is four miles southwest of Orleans. Steep, rugged terrain and difficult access are hampering containment efforts. Minimal fire activity was observed. This will be the last report unless significant activity occurs.
Information: Call 530-627-3145 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/370/.
Bar Complex (Shasta-Trinity National Forest): 26,679 acres at 52 percent contained. This complex consists of four fires which are located northwest of Weaverville. Residences and historic mining sites remain threatened. Difficult access continues to hamper containment efforts. Isolated short runs, backing and crown fire were observed.
Information: Call 530-623-9195 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/357/.
Uncles Complex (Klamath National Forest): 17,136 acres at 35 percent contained. This complex consists of the Uncles, Rush, and Hancock fires which is 18 miles northeast of Orleans. Structure protection is in place for cabins threatened by the Hancock fire. Backing and flanking fire, spotting and isolated torching were observed.
Information: Call 530-468-1283 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/348/.
Emerald (San Bernardino National Forest): 2,000 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is three miles north of Mentone. Residences are threatened and evacuations are in effect. State Highway 38 remains closed. Active surface fire was reported.
Information: Call 909-383-5688 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/466/.
Tamarack (Sequoia National Forest): 4,654 acres. This previously reported lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning 14 miles northeast of Camp Nelson in brush and mixed conifer.
Idaho Number of fires: 11 Acres: 122,214

New fires: 0

 Fires contained: 2
  WFU Fires: 2 WFU Acres: 52,008 WFU New Fires: 0  
Brown's Canyon (Sawtooth National Forest): 800 acres at five percent contained. This fire is five miles southeast of Yost. Residences, commercial resources and a ranger station are threatened. Moderate fire behavior was observed.
Rockland (Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Management): 3,578 acres at 20 percent contained. This fire is five miles east of Rockland. Residences, cultural sites and power lines are threatened. Spotting, torching and running fire behavior was observed.
Information: Call 208-524-7500.
Trailhead (Sawtooth National Forest): 4,252 acres at 60 percent contained. This previously reported fire is located 10 miles southwest of Stanley. Numerous residences remain threatened.
Information: Call 208-774-3000 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/383/.
Rattlesnake Complex (Boise National Forest): 24,732 acres at 30 percent contained. This complex is 13 miles northeast of Garden Valley in subalpine fir, and pine. Limited road access is impeding containment efforts. Residences, commercial property and several campgrounds remain threatened. Structure protection and voluntary evacuation orders are in place. Active fire behavior with group tree torching was reported.
Information: Call 208-384-3266 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/439/
Ulm Peak (Idaho Panhandle National Forest): 1,515 acres at 15 percent contained. This fire is 12 miles southwest of Noxon in sub-alpine fir and mountain hemlock. A radio repeater site is threatened and structure protection is in place for a Forest Service lookout. Steep terrain and poor access are hampering containment efforts. Cooler temperatures reduced fire activity.
Information: Call 208-682-9129 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/453/
Heavens Gate Complex (Nez Perce National Forest): 16,600 acres at 40 percent contained. This complex is 10 miles west of Riggins. Structure protection is in place for one ranch. Single and group tree torching and short runs were observed.
Information: Call 208-628-3589 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/454/
Hughes 32 Complex (Idaho Panhandle National Forest): 1,659 acres at four percent contained. This complex is 10 miles north of Nordman. Structure protection remains in place for a historic fire lookout. Minimal fire behavior was reported.
Information: Visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm

Red Mountain (Boise National Forest): 19,525 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 12 air miles northeast of Lowman in timber. Campgrounds, a Forest Service guard station and fisheries habitat remain threatened. Bull Trout campground remains closed. Active fire behavior was observed.
Information: Call 208-384-3266 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/420/

South Fork Complex (Payette National Forest): 29,969 acres at 23 percent contained. The complex, consisting of 26 fires, is located 13 miles east of McCall. The town of Yellow Pine, Krassel Work Center, lookout towers, power lines and campgrounds remain threatened. Structure protection remains place. Several roads in the fire area have been reopened. Minimal fire behavior was observed.
Information: Call 208-634-1593 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/409/

Boundary Complex (Salmon-Challis National Forest):15,357 acres at 15 percent contained. The fire is located 14 miles southeast of Landmark. Cabins, ranch and mine structures remain threatened. Creeping and smoldering were observed.
Information: Call 208-229-9345 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/400/

Trout Creek (Payette National Forest): 4,500 acres at 30 percent contained. The fire is burning 50 miles northeast of McCall, ID in timber.
Information: Call 208-634-0990 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/408/

Middle Fork Complex (Salmon-Challis National Forest): 42,081 acres. This lightning-caused WFU incident, which includes the previously reported Trail Creek incident, is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fires are burning 30 miles west of Challis. Residences, campgrounds, and fisheries remain threatened. Structure protection is in place for several ranches.
Information: Call 208-879-4182 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/412/ for info regarding the Trail Creek fire. Call 208-879-4182 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/419/ for info regarding the Middle Fork complex.
Payette WFU Complex (Payette National Forest): 9,927 acres. This complex is comprised of 12 fires being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fires are burning 20 to 50 miles northeast of McCall in timber.
Information: Call 208-634-0990 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/416/
Crystal (Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Management): This fire was contained at 220,042 acres.
Messenger (Payette National Forest): This fire was contained at 225 acres.
Montana Number of fires: 8 Acres: 198,925

New fires: 1

Fires contained: 2
NEW Jungle (Gallatin National Forest): 700 at zero percent contained. This fire is 20 miles southeast of Livingston in timber. Steep, rugged terrain is hampering containment efforts. Crown runs and long range spotting were reported.
Paradise Valley Complex (Gallatin National Forest): 17,000 acres at 40 percent contained. This complex, consisting of four fires, is located 29 miles southwest of Livingston. Structures are threatened and an area closure is in effect. Sustained crown runs with spotting were observed.
Information: Visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm.
Derby (Gallatin National Forest): 156,000 acres at two percent contained. This fire is 15 miles south of Big Timber. Evacuation orders and area closures remain in effect. Plume dominated fire behavior with major crown runs were reported. Burn out operations continue.
Information: Call 406-570-5526 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/440/

Sun Dog (Flathead National Forest): 830 acres at 45 percent contained. This fire is 18 miles north of Whitefish in timber. Numerous residences, a historical cabin and a watershed are threatened. Steep terrain and remote access are hampering containment efforts. Torching and short uphill runs were reported.
Information: Call 406-350-0218 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/442/.
Gash Creek (Bitterroot National Forest): 8,000 acres at 65 percent contained. This fire is six miles south of Victor. Occasional torching was reported. This will be the last report unless significant activity occurs.
Information: Call 406-642-6917 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/346.
Holland Peak (Flathead National Forest): 530 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is five miles east of Condon. Steep, rugged terrain is hampering containment efforts. Light precipitation limited fire behavior to creeping and smoldering. No further information was received.
Information: Visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm
Ashley Lake (Flathead Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 465 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is six miles northeast of St. Ignatius. This fire is being monitored.
Information: Visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm.
Clarks Canyon (Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation): 15,400 acres at 95 percent contained. This fire is 17 miles south of Dillon. Smoldering and torching fire behavior was reported.
Information: Visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm.
Rattlesnake (Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): This fire was contained at 1,356 acres.
Hole in the Wall (Custer National Forest): This fire was contained at 256 acres.
Oregon Number of fires: 6 Acres: 43,085

New fires: 0

 Fires contained: 2
  WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 1,520 WFU New Fires: 0  
Cascade Crest Complex (Willamette National Forest): 19,675 acres at 75 percent contained. This complex, comprised of the Lake George, Puzzle and Black Crater Fires, is 10 miles southeast of Idanha in timber and heavy dead and down fuels. Structures and communication sites remain threatened. Area recreation sites remain closed. Smoldering and creeping with occasional single tree torching were reported.
Information: Call 541-549-3211 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/410/

Mt. Hood Complex (Mt Hood National Forest): 1,859 acres at 85 percent contained. This complex is burning six miles east of Government Camp. Steep terrain and heavy fuel loading are hampering containment efforts. Campgrounds and trails remain closed.
Information: Call 503-337-2306 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/401/

Shake Table Complex (Malheur National Forest): 13,437 acres at 15 percent contained. This complex consists of the Thorn Creek and eight other fires. The complex is located 12 miles southeast of Dayville. Residences, a lookout and a communication site are threatened. Area road closures remain in effect. Backing fire and uphill fire runs were reported.
Information: Call 541-987-2441 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/455/
Sharps Ridge (Umatilla National Forest): 5,396 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is 26 miles northeast of John Day and is burning in timber and heavy dead and down fuels. Difficult access is impeding containment efforts. Creeping and smoldering were observed.
Information: Call 866-366-7973 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/432/.
Pine Ridge (Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management): 1,929 acres at 80 percent contained. This fire is 30 miles east of Bend. Minimal fire behavior was reported.
Applegate (Wallawa-Whitman National Forest): 104 acres at 30 percent contained. This fire is located six miles north of Flora. Highway 3 was reopened. Smoldering, creeping, and backing fire were reported.
Information: Visit http://www.nwccweb.us/information/fire_info.asp.
Bybee WFU Complex (Crater Lake National Park): 1,520 acres. This previously reported Wildland Fire Use complex is 29 miles northwest of Chiloquin. The fire is being managed to accomplish resource objectives.
Information: Visit http://www.nwccweb.us/information/fire_info.asp.
Hay Creek (Ochoco National Forest): This fire was contained at 382 acres.

Jim Creek (Wallowa-Whitman National Forest): This fire was contained at 12,946 acres.
Utah Number of fires: 2 Acres: 1,920 New fires: 1 Fires contained: 0
NEW Hagen (Wasatch Front Area, Utah State Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands): 1,020 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 22 miles southwest of Tooele in juniper, sagebrush and grass. Archeological resources are threatened. Active fire behavior was observed.
Deep Creek (Manti-Lasal National Forest): 900 acres at zero percent contained. The fire is located five miles south of Levan. Two communication towers are threatened.
Washington Number of fires: 7 Acres: 243,057 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 0
  WFU Fires: 1 WFU Acres: 6,529 WFU New Fires: 0  
Columbia Complex (Southeast, Washington Department of Natural Resources): 79,324 acres at 20 percent contained. This complex consists of six fires and is located near Dayton. Numerous residences, campgrounds, Bluewood ski area, a wind energy site and commercial resources are threatened. Evacuation orders and area road closures remain in effect. Backing fire and uphill runs were observed.
Information: Call 509-337-6059 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/443/.
Tripod Complex (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest): 149,728 acres at 48 percent contained. This complex, consisting of the Spur Peak and Tripod fires, is located seven miles northeast of Winthrup. Numerous residences and other structures remain threatened. Torching, spotting and backing fire were observed.
Information: Call 509-826-3881 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/341/.
Carbon Copy Complex (South Puget Sound, Washington Department of Natural Resources): 1,080 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is eight miles southeast of Carbonado. Steep, rugged terrain and rolling debris are hampering containment efforts.
Information: Call 360-802-3749 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/431/.
Quinns Meadow (Northeast, Washington State Department of Natural Resources): 327 acres at 80 percent contained. This fire is located 25 miles northeast of Colville. Residences and other structures are threatened. Smoldering, creeping and isolated torching fire behavior was reported. Reduction in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.
Information: Visit http://www.nwccweb.us/information/fire_info.asp.
Flick Creek (North Cascades National Park): 5,545 acres at 40 percent contained. This fire is located three miles south of Stehekin. Structures and recreational developments remain threatened. Backing fire with low intensity torching was observed.
Information: Call 509-784-9039 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/360/.
Tatoosh Complex (Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest): 5,943 acres at zero percent contained. This complex is 24 miles northwest of Mazama. Structure protection is in place.
Information: Call 509-997-0389 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/452/
Cedar Creek (Okanogan/Wenatchee national Forest): 1,110 acres at five percent contained. This fire is located eight miles southwest of Mazama. Accessibility and steep terrain are hampering containment efforts. Minimal fire behavior was observed.
Information: Call 509-997-0389 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/450/

Tin Pan (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest): 6,529 acres. This lightning-caused WFU incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is burning seven miles west of Lucerne in timber. Residences and historical structures remain threatened.
Information: Call (509) 784-9039 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/279/
Wyoming Number of fires: 3 Acres: 25,380

New fires: 0

 Fires contained: 0
Battle Mountain (Bridger-Teton National Forest): 1,370 acres at 65 percent contained. This fire is 30 miles northeast of Pinedale in timber.
Information: Call 307-739-5424 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/448/

Purdy (Bridger-Teton National Forest): 23,000 acres at 55 percent contained. This fire is 21 miles west of Dubois and is burning in timber and sagebrush. Numerous residences remain threatened. Heavy fuel loading and difficult access are hampering containment efforts. Running and torching were reported.
Information: Call 307-455-2466 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/402/
Stinky (Yellowstone National Park): 1,010 acres at 20 percent contained. This fire is 37 miles south east of Gardiner, Montana, and is burning in lodgepole pine.This will be the last report unless new information is reported.
Information: Call 307-344-2010 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/430/
Printable version of the National Fire News

This report will be updated daily.
For another source of daily national wildland fire information see the National Interagency Coordination Center.
 
Additional wildland fire-related information is available from the following sites: 

 

http://www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html