Double Creek, Sturgill, Nebo, Goat Mountain Two Fires Update and Smoke Outlook, September 13

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  

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: 12,365 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.  

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. 

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.