Double Creek and Eagle Cap Wilderness Fires Daily Update, September 6

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. 

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. 

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.