Fire update on Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, Sturgill Fire, Goat Mountain 2 Fires

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, October 6th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

NOTICE: This will be the last update from the incident team.

Highlights: Weather has gradually warmed and become drier each day after the cool and moist conditions last weekend. Very little change in fire behavior and spread has been observed despite the warmer and drier conditions. Fire crews will continue to monitor the north end of the Double Creek and Sturgill Fires for hot spots and use aerial bucket drops when terrain and weather safely allow. The Type 3 team will transition to two Type 4 Teams on Friday, 10/7.

Double Creek Fire: 171,530 acres, increased 33 acres | 89% contained | 155 personnel assigned Isolated areas of heat remain in the Cow Creek, Deep Creek, and Lightning Creek drainages on steep and inaccessible terrain. Little growth is expected, and the area will be monitored with aerial resources.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires:

Sturgill Fire: 21,710 acres, increased 99 acres | 80% of objectives achieved | 60 personnel assigned
A fire crew is monitoring the northern edge today and minimal fire activity is expected.

Nebo Fire: 12,609 acres, increased 1 acre | 94% of objectives achieved | 0 personnel assigned

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 584 acres, no change in acres | 0 personnel assigned Aerial monitoring will continue but little to no fire activity is expected for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Weather: Warmer than normal temperatures and dry conditions will persist through the weekend with fuel
moistures continuing to gradually trend downward. Early next week another storm system will impact the area with increasing winds Monday and cooler conditions mid-week with the potential for precipitation.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Road Closures: Closures are in effect for the Double Creek and Sturgill Fires due to operation of heavy equipment and log hauling. In the Double Creek Fire area the Hat Point Road is closed starting at the forest boundary. The Little Bear Creek Road (FSR 8250) is closed east to the junction with FSR 8250-040 near the Sturgill Fire.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings. Flammable material shall be cleared within a 3-foot radius and avoid overhanging limbs. Attend fires at all times and fully extinguish when not attended. Information

Wallowa Mountains Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Phone: 541-426-5546
Double Creek Fire

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Monday October 3, 2022
Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Weather continued to be cool and moist over the weekend with minimal drying on Sunday. Crews continued to survey areas of heat on the north end of the Double Creek and Sturgill Fires. Plans are in place to use bucket drops and crews to address hot spots as terrain and weather safely allows. Suppression repair is nearly complete and the size of the team will continue to shrink as those resources are released. The change in acreage is a combined result of active burning last week, and increased accuracy due to IR flights and ground/arial surveys.

Double Creek Fire: 171,497 acres, increased 9,906 acres | 89% contained | 235 personnel assigned Areas of heat remain in the Cow Creek, Deep Creek, and Lightning Creek drainages. As weather gradually warms and dries over next several days, a few smokes will result as fuels begin to dry out. Crews and helicopters will be monitoring for smoke and are prepared to respond quickly.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire: 21,621 acres, increased 112 acres | 80% of objectives achieved | 49 personnel assigned
A fire crew has been deployed to monitor the northern edge and minimal fire activity expected for the next 3 days.

Nebo Fire: 12,608 acres, increased 1 acre | 94% of objectives achieved | 0 personnel assigned

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 584 acres, no change in acres | 0 personnel assigned

Monitoring will continue but little to no fire activity is expected for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Updates for these fires will only be provided if significant changes occur.

Weather: Gradual warming trend for the next several days will result in fuel moistures trending downward and expect a few smokes to develop today. As fuels continue to dry through the week, additional smokes are expected from fire areas that have remaining pockets of heat.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures: Closure orders are in effect for the Double Creek, Nebo, and Sturgill Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available here. Roads within area closures and Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east to the junction with FSR 8250-040, FSR 3900-100, and FSR 3900-200 remain closed.

Road Closures: Upper Imnaha Road, Hat Point Road, Lower Imnaha Road, and Dug Bar Road are closed.

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September 28, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Today will be very similar to yesterday with hot, dry, and breezy conditions and lower fuel moistures with increased fire behavior where pockets of heat remain. Close monitoring of areas of concern will be conducted and resources are pre-positioned to respond quickly as conditions change. Post-fire suppression repair will continue in portions of all fire areas as safety and conditions allow.

Double Creek Fire: 161,510 acres, 3,697 acre increase | 89% contained | 407 personnel assigned

The northern edge of the fire remains active with some movement into the Cow Creek Drainage overnight. Monitoring of this area continues with crews prepared to respond as needed. Substantial daily progress is being made in suppression repair along the western edge of the burn area and should be completed within a few days. Change in acreage due to growth and adjustment for accuracy.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire: 21,103 acres, 191 acre increase (adjusted) | 72% of objectives achieved | 60 personnel assigned

Less active burning occurred in the northwest corner yesterday with little movement. Additional crews have been deployed to Red’s Horse Ranch to reinforce existing structure protection as a precaution.

Nebo Fire: 12,602 acres, 2 acre increase | 78% of objectives achieved | 0 personnel assigned

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 548 acres, 12 acre increase | 0 personnel assigned

Will continue to monitor these fires from aircraft as smoke and weather permits. The Goat Mountain 2 Fire generated most of the smoke observed yesterday with rocky terrain and bordering fire scars limiting fire spread.

Weather: High temperatures will be from the mid 70s to mid 80s in most valleys, and up to the mid 90s below 3000 ft. Ridgetop temperatures will be in the 70s with relative humidity in the 10 to 20% range for all elevations. Breezy winds expectedwith gusts to 28 mph at ridgetops and to 23 mph in valleys. Humidity recovery will be good tonight with valley relative humidity reaching 70 to 90% and 60 to 70% on ridgetops.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures: Closure orders are in effect for the Double Creek, Nebo, and Sturgill Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available here. Roads within area closures and Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east to the junction with FSR 8250-040, FSR 3900-100, and FSR 3900-200 remain closed.

Road Closures: Upper Imnaha Road, Hat Point Road, Lower Imnaha Road, and Dug Bar Road are closed.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings. Flammable material shall be cleared within a 3-foot radius and avoid overhanging limbs. Attend fires at all times and fully extinguish when not attended.

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September 27, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Today will be hot, dry, and breezy with conditions similar to mid-August. Lower fuel moistures are anticipated to result in increased fire behavior where pockets of heat remain. Close monitoring of areas of concern will be conducted and resources are pre-positioned to respond quickly as conditions change. Post-fire suppression repair will continue in portions of all fire areas as safety and conditions allow.

Double Creek Fire: 159,813 acres, 2047 acre adjustment | 89% contained | 451 personnel assigned

Acreage adjusted for more accurate measurement. The northern and southern edges of the fire remain the most active. Temperatures will reach the 90s in lower elevations and increased fire activity is expected in the Cow Creek drainage. Crews and aircraft will continue monitoring the fire and are prepared to respond as needed.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire: 20,912 acres, 720 acre increase | 72% of objectives achieved | 63 personnel assigned

Active burning occurred in the northwest corner yesterday after 3 days of warm, dry conditions and reduced fuel moistures. A fire crew is being deployed at Red’s Horse Ranch to reinforce existing structure protection.

Nebo Fire: 12,600 acres | 0 personnel assigned

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

Will continue to monitor these fires from aircraft as smoke and weather permits.

Weather: High temperatures are forecast from the 80s to upper 90s in the valleys with relative humidity at 8 to 18%. Ridgetop temperatures will be in the 70s with relative humidity in the teens. Winds will increase, with ridgetop gusts to 30 mph and 22 mph in the valleys. Poor humidity recovery overnight to around 35%.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures: Closure orders are in effect for the Double Creek, Nebo, and Sturgill Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available here. Forest service roads within area closures and Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east to the junction with FSR 8250-040, FSR 3900-100, and FSR 3900-200 remain closed.

Road Closures: Upper Imnaha Road, Hat Point Road, Lower Imnaha Road, and Dug Bar Road are closed.

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September 26, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Today will be hot and dry with conditions similar to mid-August as opposed to late September. High fuel moisture and lack of wind will prevent any large fire growth. Instead, any active fire will be “skunking around”. This low intensity fire acts similar to a prescribed burn, cleaning up unburned pockets of fuel resulting in a more fire-resistant landscape and a healthier forest.

Double Creek Fire: 157,766 acres | 81% contained | 513 personnel assigned

The fire grew forty-nine acres in the last twenty-four hours. The northern and southern edges of the fire remain the most active. With temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s near Cow Creek, the fire will be more active, and smoke will be more evident. Crews and aircraft will continue to monitor the fire and are prepared to engage should the need arise.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires were lightning-caused and are being managed to protect public and private infrastructure while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness. Progress on managed fires is expressed through the accomplishment of ecological and fuel reduction objectives as opposed to progress on full suppression fires, which is expressed through containment.

Nebo Fire: 12,600 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved | 5 personnel assigned

The Nebo fire will not be staffed with firefighters or suppression repair resources today as no fire activity has been detected and fire suppression repair crews are focused on the Double Creek and Sturgill fires. Aircraft will continue to fly over the fire looking for smoke.

Sturgill Fire: 20,192 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 40 personnel assigned

The fire has not grown in several days. Pockets of interior fuel have been consuming with warmer and dryer weather. Yesterday this was confined to the northwest and southwest corners of the fire. Fire observers have noted that this low intensity fire is removing excess fuel and improving habitat for wildlife.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

The Goat Mountain 2 Fire exhibited zero growth in the last twenty-four hours. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Temperatures will top out in the mid-80s in the valleys and low to mid 90s on the north end of the Double Creek fire. Relative humidity will drop to around 15%, only recovering to the mid to high 30s overnight. Along the ridges, temperatures will be in the mid-70s with relative humidity dropping to around 25%.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures: Forest Service Road (FSR) 8250 east to the junction with FSR 8250-040, FSR 3900-100, and FSR 3900-200 remain closed. All forest service roads within the new area closure boundaries are closed. Wallowa County Road 727 remains open.

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Campfires should be in fire pits surrounded by dirt, rock, or commercial rings and in areas not conducive to rapid fire spread. All flammable material shall be cleared within a 3-foot radius from the edge of the pit and free of overhanging material. Use existing pits wherever possible. All fires need to be attended at all times and fully extinguished when not attended.

Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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September 23, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The public meeting scheduled for today at the Joseph Community and Event Center and on Facebook Live has been canceled. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Oregon Department of Forestry, in conjunction with the Southern Area Blue Team, decided the recent rains and subsequent reduction in fire behavior negated the need for the meeting. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest updated their road, trail and area closures and their public use restrictions, the details of those updates can be found on the Double Creek Fire Facebook page.

Double Creek Fire: 157,698 acres | 71% contained | 603 personnel assigned

The fire grew 378 acres in the last twenty-four hours. An infrared flight overnight resulted in the updated acres. Pockets of heat are still present along the northern edge of the fire. Most of those pockets are surrounded by burned area, reducing the potential for the fire to move. Crews and aircraft will continue to monitor the area. Large portions of the eastern and southern edges of the fire are now contained. The result is containment on the fire as a whole has increased from 58% to 71%.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,600 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved | 12 personnel assigned

There was no measurable growth of the fire in the last twenty-four hours. Fire suppression repair is the order of the day. Fire control lines are being covered with native vegetation and water bars are being installed where needed. These actions will prevent control lines from becoming erosion channels. Crews will continue to monitor for any hot spots and mop them up when discovered.

Sturgill Fire: 20,192 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 68 personnel assigned

There was no measurable growth of the fire in the last twenty-four hours. Log trucks continue hauling trees to staging areas where they will be sold and then processed into wood products. Excavators and masticators are chipping brush and debris along several roads outside of the wilderness. Those chips then play a vital role in recycling nutrients back into the soil. Pumps, hoses, and other equipment are being transported by trucks back to Joseph for rehab.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

The Goat Mountain 2 Fire exhibited zero growth in the last twenty-four hours. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Weather observation sites recorded between .03” and .25” of rain across the fire areas. Like previous rain patterns, the southern fire areas received the most rain, with precipitation amounts dropping as you move north. Today is expected to have clear skies with temperatures possible reaching the 80s in the valley and high 60s along the ridges. A warming trend is expected through Tuesday.

Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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September 22, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Public Meeting – Friday, September 23^rd at 6:00 PM at Joseph Community Event Center and streamed via Facebook Live

Highlights: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest updated their road, trail and area closures and their public use restrictions today. The road, trail and area closers took effect on September 21, 2022 and the specifics can be found on the Double Creek Fire Facebook page. The public use restrictions, sometimes referred to as fire restrictions, will be reduced from Phase B to Phase A. Those changes are set to take effect on Friday, September 23^rd at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time and are also posted to the Double Creek Fire Facebook page.

Double Creek Fire: 157,320 acres | 58% contained | 579 personnel assigned

The fire grew twenty-four acres in the last twenty-four hours. The Incident Commander flew over the northern portion of the fire yesterday and observed isolated pockets of fire burning in grass and downed logs. Crews are monitoring this area to see what impact today’s precipitation will have on fire activity. A dozer line is being constructed on the southern edge of the fire to tie existing fireline into the road system. The entire western edge of the fire is now contained.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,600 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved | 54 personnel assigned

The fire grew one acre in the last twenty-four hours. Equipment on FSR 3920-50 is chipping trees, slash, and brush. While the direct impact of this fuel reduction work is to slow the progress of the Nebo fire should conditions change and fire activity increase, this will also provide long-term benefits for forest health and improved wildlife habitat. Crews will monitor the fire and mop any hot spots discovered.

Sturgill Fire: 20,192 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 64 personnel assigned

The fire grew thirty-four acres in the last twenty-four hours. Fire suppression repair continues to be the main mission today. Trucks are hauling trees cut outside of the wilderness to staging areas where they will be sold and then taken to a mill for processing. Excavators and masticators are chipping brush and debris. Those chips then play a vital role in recycling nutrients back into the soil. Pumps, hoses, and other equipment used during fire suppression are being transported back to the main incident camp for rehab.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

The Goat Mountain 2 Fire exhibited zero growth in the last twenty-four hours. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Cloudy skies and scattered rain showers will persist throughout the day. Highs are expected to reach the high 60s in the lower areas and the high 50s to low 60s higher up. Gusty winds are possible across the fire areas as the low pressure system moves through the area.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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September 21, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Public Meeting – Friday, September 23^rd at 6:00 PM at Joseph Community Event Center and streamed via Facebook Live

Highlights: Today will bring a change in weather as the warmer temperatures and lower humidity from previous days transition to rain and possible thunderstorms this evening. Current estimates range from one-tenth of an inch to over half an inch of rain through Thursday. Winds will increase throughout the day with the potential for strong gusts as the low-pressure system settles in. Friday will bring a return to clear skies, warmer temperatures, and lower humidity.

Double Creek Fire: 157,296 acres | 47% contained |587 personnel assigned

The fire grew twenty-nine acres in the last twenty-four hours. Reconnaissance and infrared flights showed that the northern edge of the fire is still burning in heavy fuels and large logs and will continue to be monitored. Crews are continuing to construct fireline along the southern edge of the fire. Firefighting equipment and gear along the Snake River has been removed. Much of that equipment will be refurbished and tested so that it can be used to combat future wildfires.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,599 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved |64 personnel assigned

The fire grew six acres in the last twenty-four hours. Chipping along Forest Service Road 3920-100 is complete, equipment has been moved to FSR 3920-50 to continue chipping trees, slash, and brush. These treatments will provide near- and long-term fuel breaks, allow indirect suppression operations, and serve as an integral part of the forest’s fire containment network. Crews are transitioning to fire suppression repair as fire activity remains low.

Sturgill Fire: 20,158 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 46 personnel assigned

The fire grew twenty-nine acres in the last twenty-four hours. Crews are focused on fire suppression repair. This involves log trucks hauling trees cut to create the shaded fuel break, excavators and masticators chipping brush and debris, and the removal of pumps, hoses, and other equipment used during fire suppression. Additionally, containment lines are being rehabilitated through the addition of native material and the installation of water bars. Firefighters will continue to mop up smoldering logs and monitor the area to ensure that the fire remains in check.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

The Goat Mountain 2 Fire exhibited zero growth in the last twenty-four hours. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Clear skies and warmer temperatures will transition to cooler weather and rain in the afternoon or evening. Highs are expected to reach the eighties in the lower areas and the high sixties to low seventies higher up. Temperatures will drop as rain and thunderstorms move in from the west.

Road Closures: Lostine River Road at the Forest Service boundary is closed. Highway 350 going to the town of Imnaha is open. Lower Imnaha Road and Dug Bar Road are closed, Upper Imnaha Road is closed, Hat Point Road is closed, and FS 39 Road is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground [including the Canal Rd (3920) and Lick Creek Road (3925)].

Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in place for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. All fires are prohibited except when fueled by liquid petroleum, charcoal contained in a firepan, or contained in a woodstove with a chimney and spark arresting screen. All fires need to be attended at all times, fully extinguished when not attended, and located in an area free of vegetation within three feet of the fire.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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September 20, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Public Meeting – 6:00 PM at Joseph Community Event Center and streamed via Facebook Live

Highlights: Firefighters assigned to the Hells Canyon/Snake River corridor have begun to transition out of the area. On Double Creek’s north and south sections, crews work to identify burning vegetation/hot spots. Log trucks arrive today to start hauling out the cut timber produced after creating Sturgill’s shaded fuel break. Also arriving at the incident are five excavators, which will be assigned used for suppression repairs.

Double Creek Fire: 157,267 acres | 38% contained |588 personnel assigned

The lightning-caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, with the protection of lives and property the primary objectives. Firefighters on the Snake River pulled out equipment and gear south of Pittsburgh landing. Today they begin to remove the same items north of the landing. Crews continue to monitor and respond to hot spots on the northern portion of the slop over, the area of the Double Creek that jumped the Imnaha River.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,593 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved |84 personnel assigned

Forest Service Road 3920-100 is receiving chipping treatments to prepare the landscape to be more fire tolerant. Taking out the larger pieces of debris and spreading them around as finer materials benefit both sides of the road by allowing nutrient cycling to occur and expanding the fire break beyond just the fire side. Fuel loading is reduced. Future fire personnel can use the road as a fire break or conduct indirect operations if another fire is heading towards that area. Collectively, this road and the others serve as a network to slow the spread of future fires.

Sturgill Fire: 20,129 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 39 personnel assigned

Along with the arrival of several logging trucks, five excavators are scheduled to arrive at the Joseph fairgrounds. They are going to be inspected, then sent out to aid in the suppression repair efforts that are starting to occur in various locations.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Temperatures continue to rise with the relative humidity dropping to around 30% through Wednesday afternoon. Rain is expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon and persist through Thursday, while more rain is forecast to fall on Wednesday than Thursday, showers are expected to be scattered across the fire area on both days.

Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire. Be aware that flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded. Suspending air operations could decrease the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations, allowing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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September 19, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: While precipitation fell across all four fires today, precipitation amounts varied significantly. In general, rainfall was highest in the southwest and decreased as you move northeast. The Sturgill and Nebo fires received between one tenth and one quarter of an inch, while the north end of the Double Creek fire received around one hundredth of an inch. The potential for rain across the fire area returns Wednesday through Thursday with warmer and drier weather expected beginning on Friday and continuing through the following week.

Double Creek Fire: 157,264 acres | 27% contained |706 personnel assigned

The lightning-caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, with the protection of lives and property the primary objectives. Crews worked on felling trees along Hat Point Road. This served a dual purpose of reducing fuel and removing hazards along the road. Firefighters established and improved control lines on the southern perimeter of the fire. Crews are continuing to monitor and mop up the west side of the fire.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires were lightning-caused and are being managed to protect public and private infrastructure while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness. Progress on managed fires is expressed through the accomplishment of ecological and fuel reduction objectives as opposed to full suppression fires, which is expressed through containment.

Nebo Fire: 12,597 acres | 50% of management objectives achieved |84 personnel assigned

Crews will be cleaning up the trees and brush left over from prepping the 3295 road as a fire break today. Firefighters are rehabilitating control lines and collecting equipment so it can be refurbished and redeployed to future wildfires.

Sturgill Fire: 20,075 acres | 53% of management objectives achieved | 42 personnel assigned

As the work on the shaded fuel break from Lostine to Bear Creek Road is completed, log trucks will be hauling away downed trees so they can be salvaged and processed into wood products. Monitoring and point protection continue around Red’s Horse Ranch.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0 personnel assigned

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Aircraft will continue to monitor the fire as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Warmer temperatures and lower humidity should return today and remain through tomorrow. Cooler temperatures with a chance of showers are expected to move into the area on Wednesday and Thursday.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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September 16, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The Sturgill Fire is in patrol status as of yesterday evening. Remaining smokejumper crews and medical personnel that completed structure protection were pulled from the fire yesterday. The fire will be monitored by air until weather conditions change and firefighters can be flown in to maintain a presence at the Minam Lodge and other values, possibly as soon as today. The Sturgill and Goat Mountain 2 Fires will continue to be monitored by air as smoke and weather permit. Additional precipitation fell across the fire areas yesterday, coupled with thunderstorms and lightning. Four new fire starts from lightning strikes were reported and Pacific Northwest Team 2 was requested to respond to one with initial attack support.

There will be a community meeting tonight to discuss the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Event Center (102 E First, Joseph, OR) and streamed live on Facebook.

Today is the final day of Pacific Northwest Team 2’s assignment. The Southern Area Blue Team will assume command of the fires at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17.

Double Creek Fire: 157,185 acres | 27% contained |740 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. Crews made great progress containing the area that spotted to the west of the Imnaha River which will now be in patrol status like the majority of the Imnaha corridor. The fire has had minimal growth to the south and an additional hot shot crew was inserted to help improve control lines around Imnaha River Woods. There was moderate fire activity in timber to the north and an initial attack crew was added to support the area. Crews are working closely with Oregon Department of Forestry to keep the fire off private ground by building line along Horse and Lightning Creeks.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

There are three lightning caused fires within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires are being managed to protect public and private infrastructure, while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness.

Nebo Fire: 12,588 acres | 0% contained | 92 personnel assigned

The Nebo Fire received almost half an inch of rain accompanied by lightning strikes yesterday. Crews were pulled from the 39 Road chipping project as a safety precaution after lightning touched ground close to an engine. They will work to complete chipping on the remaining one mile of 39 Road today in order to move those resources to fireline projects to the north and east.

Sturgill Fire: 20,075 acres | 0% contained | 52 personnel assigned

Remaining smokejumper crews and medical personnel that completed structure protection were pulled from the Sturgill Fire. Activity on the fire is minimal. The fire will be monitored by air until weather conditions change and firefighters can be flown in to maintain a presence at the Minam Lodge and other values. Crews will continue thinning fuels on Lostine Road and others will continue creating a shaded fuel break to the north on Bear Creek Road where the trees are thinned and pruned to reduce the fire potential.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 536 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Cool, cloudy, and wet weather was observed on Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms moved across the Wallowa Mountains and over the ICP in Joseph through much of the morning and afternoon hours. Rainfall totals across the Nebo and Sturgill fires ranged from just a trace to almost half an inch. Less rainfall was observed across the Double Creek, where generally less than a quarter inch of rain was observed. Today is expected to be sunnier and warmer but light precipitation is forecasted again for the weekend.

Smoke: A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office rescinded all evacuation levels at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14.

Wallowa Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire). Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Road Closures:
Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) at mile marker 6.5 is closed due to the following closures: Lower Imnaha Road and Dug Bar Road are closed, Upper Imnaha Road is closed, Hat Point Road is closed, and FS 39 Road is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground [including the Canal Rd (3920) and Lick Creek Road (3925)].

Airspace: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fire. The Sturgill Fire TFR(TFR 2/3189) was released on September 15 after the fire was placed in patrol status. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.

Restrictions: Forest Order #06-16-00-22-04 covers Phase B Fire Restrictions for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, except for the area within a ¼ mile of the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam, River Mile 247.5, downstream to the Oregon-Washington border at Snake River Mile 176.0, which is regulated by Forest Order #06-16-04-22-01.

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September 15, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office rescinded all evacuation levels yesterday after reviewing the increased containment level on Double Creek Fire, progress made on the fires in Eagle Cap Wilderness, and moderating weather. The thunderstorms, and associated lightning, that passed through the area on Tuesday resulted in three new fire starts. Initial attack responded to two fires south of the Double Creek Fire yesterday and one to the north. Pacific Northwest Team 2 is committed to supporting initial attack in the region and will continue to monitor the area for any new starts in the coming days.

There will be a community meeting to discuss the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires on Friday, September 16 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Event Center (102 E First, Joseph, OR) and streamed live on Facebook.

Double Creek Fire: 157,088 acres | 23% contained |759 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. Firefighters working the north end of the fire were busy yesterday responding to a new start. They also worked on connecting the fire line between Horse Creek and Lightning Creek, down to Dunbar Road, to protect private structures in the area. Crews continued working on the north end of the fire that spotted over the Imnaha River on September 10. They continue to strengthen fireline and perform mop up operations. Fire managers are anticipating that the spot fire will be in patrol status soon. Today, crews in the south will continue working on the Morgan Ridge trail system and work on creating a north-south fireline on Saddle Road. This will help build additional protection for Imnaha River Woods if the fire were to move further south.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,563 acres | 0% contained | 90 personnel assigned

Crews were able to continue chipping operations yesterday after the fire received more than 0.10 inches of rain on Tuesday. About one mile of chipping still needs to be completed on the 39 Road. The dozer line to the north of the fire and the line to the southeast of the fire are still focal areas on the Nebo Fire. Crews will work to wrap up the chipping and clean up on 39 Road today and continue to push forward on the northern and southeastern lines.

Sturgill Fire: 20,036 acres | 0% contained | 64 personnel assigned

Smokejumpers were pulled out of the Sturgill Fire area yesterday with the completion of structure protection efforts. Masticators are still operating on the Lostine River Road to help strengthen a north-south line that could stop any potential eastern progression of the fire. The primary work that remains on the Sturgill Fire is the shaded fuel break to the north along Bear Creek Road.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 535 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Cooler temperatures and precipitation have moderated fire activity in the region, but the rain did not reach all areas of the fires. Some areas received significant wetting rains while others remain dry. Residual moisture and cooler temperatures will help dampen fire spread potential until sufficient drying occurs. Additional thunderstorms are forecast today and crews will remain on alert for potential new starts and any initial attack response needs.

Smoke: A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office rescinded all evacuation levels at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 14 after reviewing the increased containment level on Double Creek Fire, progress made on the fires in Eagle Cap Wilderness, and moderating effects of recent weather.

Wallowa Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Airspace: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/5592) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3189) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.

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September 14, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Showers and thunderstorms lingered throughout the area most of Tuesday. Lower temperatures, higher relative humidity values, and precipitation resulted in minimal fire behavior. Containment of the Double Creek Fire increased to 22 percent. Crews on the Nebo Fire continued chipping along the 39 and 3925 Roads. Firefighters and heavy equipment worked on a shaded fuel break in the Lostine corridor.

Double Creek Fire: 157,088 acres | 22% contained |842 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. Firefighters continued to work improve the containment line around the spot fire west bank of the Imnaha River but were unable to finish firing operations from indirect line on the north side of the spot fire due to the weather. Firefighters working in the Snake River patrolled the area looking for any remaining heat. The increase in containment occurred in this area, and firefighters anticipate more containment in the coming days. Today, firefighter on the northern end of the fire will add control features to limit fire spread to the north. Firefighters working in the Imnaha corridor on Wednesday will patrol along the western edge of the fire and address any hot spots. On the southern end of the fire, crews will continue to build a handline to the wilderness boundary.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,563 acres | 0% contained | 55 personnel assigned

Firefighters continued chipping along the 39 and 3925 Roads yesterday to remove available fuels. More than 2.5 miles of chipping has been completed. Today, crews will continue to chip the remaining three miles along the road system. Some resources will be reassigned to higher priority areas beginning today.

Sturgill Fire: 20,036 acres | 0% contained | 75 personnel assigned

Yesterday’s weather and poor flying conditions prevented two Smokejumper crews from being flown out of the Sturgill Fire. Firefighters and heavy equipment continued working on a shaded fuel break in the Lostine corridor. With improved flying conditions, Smokejumpers working on the Sturgill Fire will be flown from their work sites later today. Crews and heavy equipment will remain in the Lostine corridor to continue masticating fuels and creating a shaded fuel break.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 535 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire is minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Showers and thunderstorms lingered throughout the area most of Tuesday. Rain amounts varied from 0.10 – 0.50 inches across the four fires. Lower temperatures, higher relative humidity values, and precipitation resulted in minimal fire behavior. For the remainder of the week temperatures will continue to decrease and relative humidity values will increase. Winds will remain light and variable.

Smoke: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory that is in effect until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday for Wallowa County. A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations:

Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for Fence Creek north to Dug Bar and Freezeout south to the 39 Road. Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for lands west of Imnaha River to Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to intersection of power lines and Harl Butte Road; Upper and Lower Imnaha Road from Fence Creek to Freezeout; and for Lostine River Road from Fir Road south to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads). Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for lands west of Bear Gulch Road, south of Highway 350 to power lines and Harl Butte Road, and for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road.

Wallowa Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

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September 13, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Firefighters completed containment lines around the spot fire on the west side of the Imnaha River. Higher relative humidity, cooler temperatures, and light winds are forecast for the rest of the week, and firefighters feel confident the containment lines will limit further fire growth in that area. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, and infrared flights flew last night to check for heat around the spot fire. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces have completed their structure preparation and protection operations and will demobilize today.

Double Creek Fire: 155,297 acres | 15% contained |861 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. Firefighters engaged in direct and indirect firefighting tactics to complete a containment line around the spot fire on the west bank of the Imnaha River yesterday. Firefighters and OSFM worked to complete structure protection efforts in the River Woods subdivision. Firefighters used jetboats on the Snake River to reassess structure protection efforts for values along the west side of the river yesterday and will continue those efforts today. On the south end of the fire, crews will work towards building direct line to the wilderness to stop fire spread further south. Firefighters will assess the containment line around the spot fire and mop up and areas continuing to hold heat near the containment lines. Much of the Imnaha corridor is in patrol status, and firefighters will remain present to address any threats to existing control features. On the north end of the fire, crews continue to strengthen and improve an east-west line using dozers and handline to minimize fire growth further north.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 12,365 acres | 0% contained | 56 personnel assigned

Firefighters continued chipping along the 39 Road yesterday to remove potential fuel. Crews assessed the need to improve dozer and handlines yesterday. Firefighters from the Nebo Fire assisted with the effort to contain the spot fire on the Double Creek Fire. Today, chipping and road improvement work will continue on the 39 Road, as will work to improve dozer line on the north side of the fire.

Sturgill Fire: 19,774 acres | 0% contained | 78 personnel assigned

Once rappelers completed structure protection efforts at the Bear Creek Guard Station yesterday, they were flown out of the area to assist in other priority areas. Smokejumpers completed structure protection on the Stanley Guard Station and will be flown out as the flying conditions improve today. Additional resources, including several hot shot crews and a wildland fire module, will be flown out of the area beginning today. Crews and heavy equipment will remain in the Lostine corridor to continue masticating fuels and creating a shaded fuel break over the next week.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 531 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Fire activity on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire has been minimal. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air as smoke and weather permit.

Weather: Weather conditions moderated on Monday. Wind was light and variable. Relative humidity levels rose throughout the day under mostly overcast conditions. Light winds led to another day of poor smoke dispersion. Dry rain showers, or virga, moved northeast across the area which contributed to occasional gusts with variable wind direction. Additionally, there will be a chance for showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday. Generally light rainfall is expected as these showers and thunderstorms persist throughout the week, though isolated high rain amounts are possible.

Evacuations:

Wallowa Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

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Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires

September 11, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: The Double Creek Fire spotted across the Imnaha River yesterday afternoon near Imnaha Grange and is approximately 500 acres. Six additional large air tankers were called in to join suppression efforts aided by the support of Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center. The air tankers worked with resources from the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), local resources and tactical firefighting aircraft air attack on the spot fire. Crews from Double Creek and Nebo Fires remained on the fire into the morning, continuing suppression efforts.

Double Creek Fire: 152,301 acres | 15% contained | 773 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. The spot fire near Imnaha Grange is part of the Double Creek Fire acreage growth. The River Group on the eastern side of the fire, along the Snake River, made good progress on structure protection along the fire side of the river and are near completion of those efforts. In the north, crews continue working on the east-west containment line and are exploring opportunities to further strengthen control features.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

There are three lightning caused fires within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires are active and being managed to protect public and private infrastructure, while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness.

Nebo Fire: 12,182 | 0% contained | 126 personnel assigned

Great progress was made on the Nebo Fire yesterday and existing fire lines were secured. There was some fire activity on the north of the fire along Wing Ridge, but it does not threaten any values at this time. Most of the resources on Nebo Fire responded to the spot fire on Double Creek. They helped provide critical assistance with heavy equipment and were able to push the spot fire away from nearby structures. Crew remains assigned to the Nebo Fire to reinforce and monitor the line as needed.

Sturgill Fire: 19,487 acres | 0% contained | 77 personnel assigned

Fire activity was moderate on the Sturgill Fire yesterday with minimal growth. A rappel crew was inserted into the Bear Creek Guard Station to complete structure protection. Firefighters and heavy equipment in the Lostine corridor will continue work a shaded fuel break northwest of the fire.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 514 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Helicopters dropped additional buckets on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire yesterday to continue cooling hotspots detected on the northeast perimeter. The fire continues backing and creeping in McCubbin Creek drainage.

Weather: Elevated fire weather conditions occurred Saturday with warm, sunny, and dry conditions. Relative humidity dropped to 10 to 20 percent for much of the area. South winds at 10 to 15 mph were observed across the ridgetops with gusts up to 25 mph. Temperatures and relative humidity values today will be similar to Saturday. Wind speeds will be strongest in the morning before weakening by 1:00 p.m., which will aid firefighting efforts.

Smoke: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory that is in effect until 2 PM PDT Monday for Deschutes, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa counties. A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality response program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations:

Wallowa Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

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Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires

September 9, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: Overall, fire activity was much lighter than previous days. Containment on the Double Creek Fire increased to 15 percent for an area of ten miles along the Imnaha River corridor, between Imnaha and Freezeout Road. The Double Creek fire advanced to the Snake River in the Pittsburg Landing area. A River Group has been established to assess and protect structures along the Snake River.

Double Creek Fire: 137,179 acres | 15% contained | 652 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. Firefighters continued firing operations to the north from the Bed and Breakfast along Lower Imnaha Road, keeping ahead of the fire’s progress. They will continue to look for areas to move the control line farther from the road where topography allows. Firefighters have completed mop-up operations from Imnaha south along the river corridor to Freezeout Road, and the area has been put in patrol status. Some mop-up continues around structures along Freezeout Road. Structure protection operations are being extended farther south along Upper Imnaha Road and Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces will continue structure protection operations in the Imnaha River Woods area. A River Group has been established to assess and protect structures along the Snake River.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 11,688 acres | 0% contained | 119 personnel assigned

Fire behavior was minimal on Thursday. Thinning and masticating will continue along Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) and hand crews will continue to prep the indirect dozer line north of the fire as a potential holding feature. The OFSM resources will continue to deploy, maintain, and improve the structure protection equipment around values in the area.

Sturgill Fire: 18,715 acres | 0% contained | 120 personnel assigned

There was minimal fire behavior on the Sturgill Fire Thursday. Personnel were repositioned to Red Horse Camp to continue structure protection activities. Firefighters will prepare for firing and indirect line construction to the northwest of the fire.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 466 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

There was some fire activity at the top of the Lostine Divide yesterday, but it was not actively backing down slope. Friday, helicopters will drop water, as needed, to cool the fire area and keep it in check.

Weather: Conditions where much cooler yesterday than the past few days but it was still extremely dry with steady winds out of the northwest. Today, the conditions are expected to be very similar except the wind will switch and come from the northeast. The wind should be light and steady for most areas, but northeast facing slopes could experience higher, gusty winds as the daily upslope winds are enhanced by the general flow out of the northeast.

Smoke: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Advisory that is in effect until 2:00 p.m. Saturday for Wallowa, Union, Deschutes, and Umatilla Counties. For additional information, visit the DEQ website. A smoke outlook for northeast Oregon is available from the wildland fire air quality response program. Additional information can be found at PurpleAir website.

Evacuations:

Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for the Town of Imnaha north to the Snake River at Dug Bar and south to Highway 39. Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for Lostine River Road from Fir Road south to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads). Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road.

Wallowa County Road Closures:
Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Lower Imnaha Road and Dug Bar Road are closed. Upper Imnaha Road is closed. Hat Point Road is closed. FS 39 Road is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground [including the Canal Rd (3920) and Lick Creek Road (3925)].

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Closures:
Highway 350 (Little Sheep Creek Highway) in Wallowa County is closed between milepost 6 and milepost 29, where the highway ends. Local traffic will be allowed. https://www.tripcheck.com/

Wallowa Whitman National Forest Temporary Area Closures:
The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page.

Airspace: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/3198) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3194) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires

September 8, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Community Meeting Tonight: There will be a community meeting to discuss the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires tonight at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Event Center (102 E First, Joseph, OR) and will also be streamed live on Facebook.

Highlights: The passage of a cold front over the fire area yesterday brought gusty erratic winds which produced rapid fire growth on the Double Creek Fire. Before the strongest winds arrived in the evening, firefighters were able to complete firing operations along the Lower Imnaha Road to protect the community of Imnaha. Tactical firing and structure protection operations also took place on the south side of the Double Creek Fire. There was little fire growth on the fires in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Double Creek Fire: 100,977 acres | 0% contained | 553 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. As the cold front approached throughout the day, winds were gusty and erratic. As the front passed in the late afternoon high winds with gusts reported to 50 mph led to extreme fire behavior as the fire spread on Grizzly, Haas, Sleepy and Windy Ridges gaining over 30,000 acres. Firefighters conducted tactical firing operations from Imnaha north along the river corridor. Structure defense preparations took place for values in the Lightning and Horse Creek drainages and other structures north of the fire. Firefighters conducted firing operations and protected structures from Freezeout Road south to Balter Creek on the south side of the fire. Today firefighters, including Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces, will continue to secure the community of Imnaha and values north of the fire, keep the fire east of the Imnaha River and secure structures south of the fire, and assess structures along the Snake River.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 10,891 acres | 0% contained | 119 personnel assigned

There was little fire growth yesterday. Crews made great progress and are nearly complete with defensive preparations along Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) and Forest Road 3925. Dozer line from FSR 39 to the wilderness is complete and hand crews will begin preparing the road for defensive firing operations.

Sturgill Fire: 17,640 acres | 0% contained | 112 personnel assigned

Fire behavior was moderated somewhat compared to the previous day, resulting in minimal fire growth. Firefighters will continue structure protection preparations along the Minam River. Work to construct a fire break between Lostine and Bear Creek will also continue today. OSFM resources continue to maintain and improve structure protection preparations for values near the fire.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 374 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Fire lookouts were removed from this fire area for safety. The fire will continue to be monitored by air.

Weather: With the passage of the cold front yesterday, slightly lower temperatures and lighter winds are expected today though it remains extremely dry. It will still be a day of elevated fire weather, but not the critical fire weather from the previous two days. Wind will be out of the northwest. In areas where the wind aligns with a northwest facing slope expect higher winds with gusts of 15-25 mph.

Smoke: Current air quality information for the local area is available on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring website and PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: A Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for the Town of Imnaha north to Fence Creek (including lands east to Lightning Creek) and south to Grouse Creek. A Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for Lostine River Road from Fir Road to Two Pan (including all campgrounds and trailheads), Upper Imnaha from Grouse Creek to Pallette Ranch, and areas around Dug Bar Road north of Fence Creek. A Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect for Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road and for Upper Imnaha Road from Pallette Ranch to Wallowa Mountain Road (FSR 39).

Closures: The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page. The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office has closed several roads associated with evacuations orders. Lostine River Road from Moffitt’s south is closed. Lower Imnaha and Dug Bar Roads are closed. The Upper Imnaha Road and Hat Point Road are closed. Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground including the Canal Road (FSR 3920), and Lick Creek Rd (FSR 3925).

Airspace: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restrictions were updated for the Double Creek Fire (TFR 2/3198) and the Sturgill Fire (TFR 2/3194) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/

Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/

Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SturgillNeboGoatMountain2FiresYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires

September 7, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Community Meeting: There will be a community meeting to discuss the Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires on Thursday, September 8 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Joseph Event Center (102 E First, Joseph, OR) and will also be streamed live on Facebook.

Highlights: Higher temperatures, steady winds, and very low relative humidity created critical fire weather conditions yesterday. There was active fire growth on all fires. Critical weather conditions will continue through today and we anticipate another day of active fire growth. Firefighters are actively protecting structures and values immediately threatened by fire and continue to prepare structure that could be threatened as the fire continue to spread.

Double Creek Fire: 59,510 acres | 0% contained | 519 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. On the southern end of the fire along Freezeout Rd crews protected structures utilizing Infrared Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) throughout the evening to fire out and remove flammable fuels around those structures. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) resources continue to prepare structures for protection along Imnaha Road and support firing operations. Dozer line east of Imnaha Road from Freezeout Road to Imnaha have been secured allowing resources to be shifted to assist suppression activities to the south and north. Today, firefighters will continue to burnout and secure around structures on the south side of the fire keeping the fire east of Imnaha Road. Firefighters will also be conducting firing operations northward to secure the community of Imnaha. Crews continue to scout for locations to construct line to halt the spread to the north and northwest. The east side of the fire is holding at the rim of Hells Canyon.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Nebo Fire: 9,553 acres | 0% contained | 99 personnel assigned

The fire was very active yesterday with spread across Big Sheep Creek and over the top of Wing Ridge to the North. Crews and heavy equipment continue improve and hold the Canal Road, the 200 Road, and the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) to Forest Road 3925. Firefighters will also continue to implement structure protection to Forest Service infrastructure, including the Lick Creek Campground and Forest Service warming huts.

Sturgill Fire: 16,914 acres | 0% contained | 103 personnel assigned

The fire was very active yesterday and continued to back downslope on the east side of the Minam River and back downslope toward Bear Creek on the eastern side of the fire. Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs), Smokejumpers, and OSFM task forces expect to complete preparation for structure protection of private inholdings along the Minam River. Fire resources have begun constructing a shaded fuel break between Lostine and Bear Creek to prevent fire growth to the north.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 179 acres | 0% contained | 0 personnel assigned

Fire lookouts were removed from this fire area for safety. The fire will continue to be monitored by air.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning continues to be in effect until 8:00 p.m. A cold front is expected to pass over the fire area midday today causing the wind direction to switch to a west-northwest wind. There will be a chance for showers and thunderstorms after the font passes which will produce little rain along and erratic, gusty winds; potentially more than 50 mph. These critical fire weather conditions have the potential to produce rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior.

Smoke: Current air quality information for the local area is available on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring website and PurpleAir website.

Airspace: Airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. New Temporary Flight Restrictions were issued for the Double Creek Fire(TFR 2/2527) and the Sturgill Fire(TFR 2/304) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations over the fires. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded. Restrictions: Forest Order #06-16-00-22-04 covers Phase B Fire Restrictions for all National Forest System Lands within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, except for the area within a ¼ mile of the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam, River Mile 247.5, downstream to the Oregon-Washington border at Snake River Mile 176.0, which is regulated by Forest Order #06-16-04-22-01.

Fire Information

Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/
Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SturgillNemoGoatMountain2Fires
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

Double Creek and Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Phone: 541-216-4579

Email: 2022.doublecreek@firenet.gov

Double Creek Fire

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8366/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/doublecreekfire2022

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Double-Creek-Fire

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

Sturgill Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8364/

Nebo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8363/

Goat Mountain 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8380/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eaglecapwildernessfires2022 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Eagle-Cap-Wilderness-Fires

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Double Creek and Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires

September 6, 2022

Daily Update – 8:00 AM

Highlights: There was an increase in fire activity on the southern end of the Double Creek Fire on Monday afternoon. Fire activity remained relatively light on the Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. In anticipation of extreme fire weather, Oregon Governor Kate Brown night invoked the Conflagration Act for the Sturgill Fire on Monday. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) ordered five additional task forces to support the fire.

Double Creek Fire: 53,539 acres | 0% contained | 580 personnel assigned

The lightning caused Double Creek Fire is a full suppression fire, and the protection of lives and property remain the primary objectives of this incident. Fire activity increased on the southern end of the Double Creek Fire near Freezeout Road Monday afternoon. Firefighters and task forces from the OSFM implemented structure protection and activated sprinklers installed around homes in the area. Tactical firefighting aircraft were not able to assist firefighters on the ground due to gusty northwest winds and an inversion over the area. On Tuesday, firefighters will evaluate yesterday’s fire activity along the Freezeout Road and OSFM resources will continue to protect structures in the area. OSFM task forces will also support firing operations along the Imnaha River. Fire crews will continue dozer and hand line construction above the powerline along the Imnaha River corridor and continue firing operations to keep up with fire spread to the north. On the north end of the Double Creek Fire, firefighters will scout for opportunities to construct a control line. OSFM resources will develop a structure protection plan for the Town of Imnaha.

Map of Double Creek Fire and related Evacuation Zones.

Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires:

There are four lightning caused fires within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The previously reported Goat Mountain 1 Fire has merged with the Goat Mountain 2 Fire and will be reported as the Goat Mountain 2 Fire. The Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires are active and being managed to protect public and private infrastructure, while playing a natural role within designated Wilderness.

Nebo Fire: 7,832 acres | 0% contained | 81 personnel assigned

Fire activity was low to moderate on Monday. Crews and heavy equipment kept the fire west of the road system. Additional resources assisted with mastication and thinning along the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) and FSR 200. Firefighters also implemented structure protection to Forest Service infrastructure, including the Lick Creek Campground. Roadside mastication will continue along the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) to the Canal Road on Tuesday.

Sturgill Fire: 14,262 acres | 0% contained | 33 personnel assigned

There was low to moderate fire activity on the Sturgill Fire Monday. Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs), working in conjunction with Smokejumpers, implemented structure protection for private inholdings along the Minam River. On Tuesday, firefighters will continue structure protection measures where needed. Additional resources and equipment will be assigned to the Sturgill Fire to complete a shaded fuel break along the Lostine River corridor.

Goat Mountain 2 Fire: 153 acres | 0% contained | 2 personnel assigned

Fire activity was minimal on the Goat Mountain 2 Fire Monday. Lookouts will continue to monitor the fire, and firefighters will take action to suppress the fire in Lostine Canyon if needed.

Weather: The Fire Weather Watch has been elevated to a Red Flag Warning this evening from 6:00 p.m. through Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper-90s, maximum relative humidity values of 20 percent, and southwest winds at 10-15 mph on Tuesday. Critical fire weather conditions are expected Tuesday night through Wednesday evening with continued hot, dry, breezy conditions. There will be a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening; however, these will produce little rain along with erratic, gusty winds up to 45 mph.

Smoke: Current air quality information for the local area is available on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring website and PurpleAir website.

Evacuations: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 evacuations have been issued by the Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office. A Level 3 “Go Now” is in effect for the Town of Imnaha and south to Freezeout Road. A Level 2 “Get Set” is in effect for the area from the Town of Imnaha north to Fence Creek including the lands east toward Lightning Creek, and Lostine River Road from Fir Road south including all campgrounds. A Level 1 “Be Ready” is in effect from Freezeout south to the Pallette Ranch and Imnaha River Woods, and Lostine River Road from Highway 82 to Fir Road. There are currently no evacuations for the Nebo, Sturgill, or Goat Mountain 2 Fires.

Closures: The Wallowa Whitman National Forest issued Temporary Area Closures for the Double Creek Fire, Nebo Fire, and Sturgill Fire (includes Goat Mountain 2 Fire) on Monday. Closure Orders and Maps are available on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest Fire Incident Updates page. The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office has closed several roads associated with evacuations orders. The Upper Imnaha Road and Hat Point Road are closed. Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (FSR 39) is closed from Target Springs Junction to Ollokot Campground including the Canal Road (FSR 3920), and Lick Creek Rd (FSR 3925).

Airspace: Several airspace restrictions have been issued for the Double Creek, Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) 2/1532 is in place to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operations on the Double Creek Fire. Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 08/234 and NOTAM 08/235 were issued to provide safe airspace for the Nebo, Sturgill, and Goat Mountain 2 Fires. Flight restrictions also apply to drones. Drones flying in areas of wildfire activity will cause firefighting aircraft to be grounded.