Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires and Smoke Updates, September 12

September 12, 2022 
Daily Update – 8:00 AM 

Highlights: Firefighters and air resources continued their efforts to contain a fire that spotted across the west bank of the Imnaha River. Air resources dropped 56 loads of retardant on that fire since it was discovered Saturday afternoon. Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces worked in Big Sheep Creek to protect structures in the area. Crews are working to connect handlines to stop the fire growth on the west side of the Imnaha River. North of the Double Creek Fire, operations will begin implementing a fire line on the ridges to help keep the fire from impacting additional private lands.  

Double Creek Fire: 155,297 acres | 15% contained |850 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. Despite the activity across the Imnaha River, OSFM crews remained focused on completing their structure protection mission in the Imnaha River Woods area. Crews worked on a contingency line south of the fire for additional protection. Work will begin building the dozer line in the north to flank the fire across the difficult topography.  Crews on the Snake River continue evaluating and prepping structures in Hells Canyon.  

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

Good progress was made on the Nebo Fire yesterday. Chippers began working on 39 Road and crews continued building contingency lines to the north of the fire. The dozer line to the edge of the wilderness was completed and hand crews continued with handline into the wilderness. Nebo resources continued assisting the Double Creek Fire yesterday. Chipping along the 39 Road will continue today. 

Sturgill Fire: 19,774 acres | 0% contained | 76 personnel assigned 

There was increased smoke production and single and group tree torching on the fire yesterday, but minimal acreage growth. Crews continued work on the shaded fuel break project and structure protection at Bear Creek Guard Station was completed. Firefighters will reassess the structure protection that is in place today, while crews continue to work on the shaded fuel break in the Lostine corridor. 

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

Goat Mountain 2 Fire remains in monitor status and did move over the Lostine Rim. Air resources continued bucket drops on the fire yesterday to keep fire spread to the east. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire by air and use buckets if needed today. 

Weather: Poor humidity recovery from the Saturday night resulted in drier than normal humidity Sunday morning. South wind prevailed through much of the day with gusts 15 to 20 mph on ridgetops. Lower elevations received light and variable wind, which limited smoke dispersion. Relative humidity values will be higher today with a minimum of 25 percent. There will be a chance of showers beginning Monday night, but widespread rain is not expected. Winds will be light and variable throughout the week. 

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: 

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. 

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: 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.  

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.