Wildfire News Thread, 7/16/06: Sawtooth Fire and More

Haines Index Map - Higher Haines means fire growth tends to be stronger:

Haiines index

Fuel Dryness: Tells you how likely things are to burn if a fire gets started:

ten hour fuels

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2006 – 0800 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL 3

CURRENT SITUATION:

Initial attack activity was light nationally with 142 new fires reported. Eight new large fires (*) were reported, two in the Eastern Great Basin Area, two in the Northern Rockies, and one each in the Southern California, Western Great Basin, Eastern and Rocky Mountain Areas. Five large fires were contained, two in the Eastern Great Basin Area, and one each in the Northern Rockies, Rocky Mountain and Southern California Areas. Very high to extreme fire indices were reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

PINE RIDGE COMPLEX, Southern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. This complex, comprised of five fires, is 30 miles east of Billings, MT in sagebrush and agricultural fields. Evacuations are in effect. Numerous residences, ranches, rangeland, agricultural crops, timber, major powerlines, petroleum pipelines and a rest area remain threatened. Active fire behavior with surface spread and torching was reported.

BUNDY RAILROAD, Billings District, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (McNitt) is assigned. This fire is eight miles northeast of Worden, MT in timber, grass and sagebrush. Structures remain threatened and voluntary evacuations are in effect. Very active fire behavior was reported.

WATT DRAW, Miles City District, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. The Team is also managing the Sage fire. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ashland, MT in grass, timber and sagebrush. Three residences, outbuildings, and grazing allotments remain threatened. Extreme fire behavior with crown runs and a rapid rate of spread was observed.

KING MOUNTAIN, Miles City District, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. This fire is five miles south of Ashland, MT in grass and timber. Steep terrain and limited access are hampering containment efforts. Creeping and smoldering with single tree torching were observed.

SAGE, A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. North Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is two miles northwest of Ashland, MT in timber, grass and understory. Residences and commercial property are threatened. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering was observed.

HORTON-HAY, Eastern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) is assigned. The fires are 35 miles southwest of Miles City, MT in ponderosa pine, grass and sagebrush. Isolated torching was reported.
BIRTHDAY 2, Crow Agency. This fire is ten miles south of St. Xavier, MT in timber. Numerous residences, commercial properties and other buildings are threatened. No further information was received.

BUTTE CREEK, Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is eight miles north of Busby, MT in grass and dead and down timber. Limited access and steep terrain are hampering containment efforts. No further information was received.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

SAWTOOTH COMPLEX, San Bernardino Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). A Unified Command has been established between a CDF Type 1 Incident Command Team (Henson) and the Forest Service. This complex, comprised of the Sawtooth, Waters, and Ridge fires, is two miles east of Yucca Valley, CA, in chaparral and has merged with the Millard Complex. Numerous residences and the Onyx Peak repeater are threatened. Evacuation orders for Morongo Valley have been lifted. An evacuation order for the Rim Rock area is still in effect for the general public, landowners will be allowed to enter. Repairs to the Burns Canyon Road have been completed, allowing access to areas of the fire. Steep, rocky terrain continues to impede containment efforts. Extreme fire behavior in the Mission and Dry Creek areas was observed. Rapid rates of spread and spotting were reported.

MILLARD COMPLEX, San Bernardino National Forest. A Unified Command has been established between a Type 2 Incident Management Team (Walker), The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), the U. S. Forest Service, and the Riverside County Fire Department. This complex, comprised of four fires, State, Jump Off, For Sure and Millard, is seven miles north of Cabazon, CA in chaparral and conifer and has merged with the Sawtooth Complex. Structure protection for White Water Canyon is in place. Numerous residences, tribal interests and cultural resources remain threatened. Moderate to high rates of spread were reported in Mission Creek and to the northwest. Extreme fire behavior was reported.

HEART, San Bernardino National Forest. A Type 1 Incident Command Team (Molumby) is assigned. This fire is eight miles southwest of Big Bear Lake, CA in timber and brush. This fire was previously part of the Millard Complex. Wildlife habitat and cultural resources are threatened. No further information was received.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

CANYON, Santa Clara Unit, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). A CDF Type 1 Incident Command Team (Paul) is assigned. This fire is 11 miles west of Patterson, CA in chaparral. Several residences, ranches, rangelands, watersheds and Henry Coe State Park remain threatened. Difficult access, steep terrain, and heavy smoke continue to hinder containment. Very active fire behavior was reported

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

THORN DIVIDE COMPLEX, Crook County. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Lowe) is assigned. This fire is five miles south of Devils Tower National Monument, WY in timber and grass. Numerous residences, powerlines and the National Monument remain threatened. Powerlines have been shut down and Highway 14 remains closed. Active fire behavior was observed with torching, runs and long range spotting.

BUFFALO CREEK COMPLEX, Wyoming State Forestry (CPC Area). This fire is three miles north of Leiter, WY in grass and sage. Numerous residences, ranches, natural gas exploration equipment, and powerlines are threatened. Moderate fire behavior with torching, creeping and smoldering was reported.

EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

DRILL HOLE, Dixie National Forest. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is five miles north of Salt Gulch, UT in manzanita and mixed conifers. Active fire behavior with torching and uphill runs was reported.

JIM CREEK, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Weldon) is ordered. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 24 miles north of Pinedale, WY in timber. Moderate fire behavior with group torching was observed.

WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

LUSETTI, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 20 miles northwest of Ely, NV in sage, pinyon juniper and mahogany. Torching, running, crowning and short range spotting were observed.

BALLY, Ely District, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is seven miles northeast of Barley, NV in brush, slash, pinyon pine and juniper. Minimal fire activity was observed.

SOUTHERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

LEWIS CANYON, Texas Forest Service. This fire is 15 miles southwest of Abilene, TX in juniper, oak and mesquite. Rough terrain and numerous electrical lines are hindering containment efforts.
No further information was received.

LINDSEY BAY, National Forests of Florida. This fire is five miles southeast of Wilma, FL in southern rough. Structural protection and an evacuation plan are in place for an adjacent community. Increased fire activity was reported.

EASTERN AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TURTLE LAKE, Superior National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Svalberg) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. The fire is 15 miles east of Ely, MN in heavy logging slash. Active fire behavior with torching and spotting was observed.

NORTHWEST AREA INCIDENTS/LARGE FIRES:

TIN PAN, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. A Fire Use Management Team (Furlong) is assigned. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is seven miles west of Lucerne, WA in timber. Smoldering, creeping and interior torching were reported

OUTLOOK:

Red Flag Warning: For northeast Wyoming and much of South Dakota into north-central Nebraska for winds, low relative humidity, hot temperatures, and isolated dry lightning. For south central Montana for high temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty winds. Isolated dry thunderstorms will also be a possibility over south central Montana.

Fire Weather Watches: For northeast Montana due to high temperatures, low humidity and gusty northwest winds behind the cool front. A watch is in effect for the afternoon and evening for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and for the northeastern parts of the Lower Peninsula.

Weather Discussion: Hot, dry weather will continue over the west under a strong high pressure ridge. Further east, a weak cold front will move across the Dakotas. Moisture will begin to slowly increase over the southern California mountains and deserts.
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Full NICC Report:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.rtf

he Sawooth Zone is part of the Sawtooth-Millard-Heart Complex. This information is only about the Sawtooth zone of the fire. Millard Fire Information

The fire is moving towards the west. Firefighters will focus their efforts towards the western perimeter. The fire has reached the upper reaches of the terrain and has slowed down. The fire has now burned into a portion of the San Bernardino Nat'l Forest. Extremely steep rocky terrain is making access difficult as the fire moves west.

With a significant increase in relative humidity, demobilization of resources will begin today. There is a possibility of precipitation today.

An Evacuation Center has been set up at the Yucca Valley High School, 7600 Sage Ave. The Big Bear Elementary School Evacuation Center has been closed.

For animal/pet information - 1-800-472-5609 (So. CA only), . www.sbcounty.gov/acc/

For more information on the civilian fatality contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff - (909) 422-7755

See Milard Complex Fire: www.inciweb.org/incident/276/
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-16 12:15:13 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/09/2006 at 0830 hrs.
Location Near community of Pioneertown
North of Yucca Valley
Incident Commander Unified Command
Current Situation
Size 62,000 acres
Percent Contained 60%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel 2902
Fuels Involved Greasewood & Joshua Trees intermixed with fine fuels and pinyon juniper and jeffery pine.
Fire Behavior Fire activity is moderate with increased humidities.

Today's Significant Events There was significant fire movement on the west side of the fire located in difficult terrain and continuing to threaten the national forest. Indirect secondary line construction in Burns Canyon and Rattlesnake to Hwy 38 continue. Close coordination between the Sawtooth, Heart, and Millard Zones are in effect. Resource and Intel sharing is effectively occurring. Hand line in Division C, S, T continue. Retardant from aircraft being utilized on direct attack portions of the fire.

Outlook
Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions Mop-up and patrol operations on the east and south side of the fire. Continue direct attack on north west side.
Projected Movement The western perimeter of the fire is the priority. The fire has now burned into a portion of the San Bernardino Nat'l Forest. Extremely steep rocky terrain is making access difficult as the fire moves west. The fire has reached the upper reaches of the terrain and has slowed down. Fire spread has slowed from higher humidities. Increased erratic winds are possible from approaching monsoonal system. Possible chances of precipitation.
Growth Potential Medium
Terrain Difficulty Extreme
Containment Target Containment within the next burn period is unlikely.

Remarks The Sawtooth Zone is part of the Sawtooth-Millard-Heart Complex. This 209 only contains Sawtooth Zone information. The Sawtooth Zone is under a Unified Command consisting of the California Department of Forestry and the United States Forest Service. Governor Schwarzenegger came to the incident yesterday and was briefed on the status of the fire. The damage assessment team update reported 50 residences destroyed, 12 residences damaged, and 171 out building/other destroyed: 8 mobile homes, 13 garages, and 150 out buildings. They also reported 191 vehicles, 27 trailers, 3 RVs, 9 tractors, and 21 miscellaneous were destroyed by the fire. On 7-15-06 at 12:00 hrs. the evacuation declaration for the Morongo Valley was lifted, the general public may re-enter the area, no restrictions. On 7-16-06 at 18:00 hrs. the evacuation declaration for the Rim Rock area is still in effect and closed to the general public, land owners with I.D.s will be permitted into the area. One civilian fatality. Evaluating the lifting of the Evacuation Order in Burns Canyon. Significant demob to start today. Significant increase in relative humidity today.The Sawtooth Zone is part of the Sawtooth-Millard-Heart Complex. This 209 only contains Sawtooth Zone information. The Sawtooth Zone is under a Unified Command consisting of the California Department of Forestry and the United States Forest Service. Governor Schwarzenegger came to the incident yesterday and was briefed on the status of the fire. The damage assessment team update reported 50 residences destroyed, 12 residences damaged, and 171 out building/other destroyed: 8 mobile homes, 13 garages, and 150 out buildings. They also reported 191 vehicles, 27 trailers, 3 RVs, 9 tractors, and 21 miscellaneous were destroyed by the fire. On 7-15-06 at 12:00 hrs. the evacuation declaration for the Morongo Valley was lifted, the general public may re-enter the area, no restrictions. On 7-16-06 at 18:00 hrs. the evacuation declaration for the Rim Rock area is still in effect and closed to the general public, land owners with I.D.s will be permitted into the area. One civilian fatality. Evaluating the lifting of the Evacuation Order in Burns Canyon. Significant demob to start today. Significant increase in relative humidity today.

Weather
Current Wind Conditions 8 mph W
Current Temperature 106 degrees
Current Humidity 18-24 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 5-10 mph SE
Forecasted Temperature 89-95 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 45-70 %

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/280/

Summary

The Millard Complex is burning in rugged terrain in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is currently estimated at 15,572 acres and is 10% contained. There is no expected date of containment at this time.

The Millard Complex merged with the Sawtooth Complex in the Mission Creek drainage late Friday afternoon. As the fires progress toward the west and northwest they will be managed as the Heart Incident, which is focusing on protection of the Big Bear community.
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-16 09:54:19 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives
Management Objectives: 1. Provide for firefighter and public safety. 2. Utilize minimum impact suppression tactics in wilderness areas. 3. Avoid and report archaeological sites. 4. Develop and maintain a cost containment strategy for the incident. Control Objectives: 1. Keep fire north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Reservation Boundary. 2. Keep fire south and west of the Pacific Crest Trail. 3. Keep fire east of Mill Creek jump off.

Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/09/2006 at 0833 hrs.
Location 7 Miles north of Cabazon
In San Gorgonio WIlderness, north of I-10 and west of Highway 62
Incident Commander Norm Walker
Current Situation
Size 15,572 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel 896

Fuels Involved The fires are burning within old decadent stands of intermixed timber, Douglas fir, sugar and jeffrey pine above the 6000' elevation. There is high mortality in the fuels due to drought and bark beetle infestations. Lower elevation fuels are chapparal and grass.

Fire Behavior Extreme fire behavior was observed today with plume dominated fire behavior this afternoon. The fire will continue to be dominated by topography and wind. During the night, down slope winds are expected tonight, the fire will progress toward the southeast. The north perimeter of the fire remains very active. Active fire movement was present overnight above Whitewater Canyon and Cottonwood Creek.

Today's Significant Events Unified Command established between U.S.D.A. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Riverside County Fire at 1600 hrs on 07-12-06. Constant communication between Incident Management Teams on Millard Complex, Sawtooth Complex, and Heart Fire. MIssion Creek serves as the administrative boundary between the two complexes, although the fires have merged together. As the fire progresses toward the Northwest, it is being managed by the newly established Heart Fire incident management team which is based in the Big Bear area.

Outlook
Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions Structure protection remains in place in Whitewater Canyon. Today line was successfully constructed along the southeast flank of the fire. Tonight's efforts will focus on holding that line.

Projected Movement Fire continues to be active in Whitewater Canyon and Mission Creek drainage. Plume development occurred today and for the last several days and is expected tomorrow as well.

Growth Potential Extreme

Terrain Difficulty The San Gorgonio Wilderness is characterized by inaccessible, steep and rugged terrain. Air operations continue to play a significant role with 16 helicopters and 6 airtankers assigned, although no aircraft will be flying tonight.
Containment Target

Remarks No immediate threats to any communities at this time. Threats are to watersheds, wilderness, and tribal interests. Whitewater Road, Mission Creek Road, and San Gorgonio Wilderness remain closed to public use. The fireline on the southeast side of the fire held well over night. Overall, the fire had minor movement overnight.

Weather
Current Wind Conditions 3-5 mph SW
Current Temperature 82 degrees
Current Humidity 25 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 5-10 mph SW
Forecasted Temperature 93-103 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 25-35% %
Unit Information

San Bernardino National Forest
602 S. Tippecanoe Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92408

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/276/

Incident: Sage Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-07-16 11:58:00

Date: July 16, 2006 Time: As of 08:00 am

Fire Information Contact: Marilyn Krause (406) 784-2040 (Note new contact number)

There is a red flag warning in effect from 10 am until 9 pm which means there is a possibility of extreme fire behavior with temperatures near 100 and low relative humidity. Gusty winds associated with thunderstorms are also a possibility for later today. Fire crews were told to expect active fire behavior today.

Watt Draw:

- This fire burned actively into Saturday evening and is now estimated at 8,000 acres with 25% containment. Most of the growth was to the south and west. Dozers and single engine air tankers (SEATs) were used to slow the growth of the fire.

- Nearly 190 fire fighters are assigned to Watt Draw on Sunday.

- Today specially trained “hot shot” crews will be working with engines and other heavy equipment to secure and hold the line in anticipation of the passing weather front.

- This lightning caused fire is located 13 miles southeast of Ashland burning on the Custer National Forest and private land.

Sage Fire:

- Good progress was made on the Sage Fire Saturday and it is now considered 75% contained. This lightning caused fire is 1,069 acres.

- All evacuations have been lifted.

- About 50 fire fighters and 3 engines will continue to work on smoldering sawdust piles at an abandoned saw mill. Hazardous cottonwood trees will start to be removed from the river bottom.

- The fire is located adjacent to Ashland on Northern Cheyenne Tribal land as well as some private land.

King Mountain Fire:

- The King Mountain Fire has been mapped at 234 acres and is 40% contained. This lightning caused fire is burning on the Custer National Forest and private land about 5 miles south of Ashland, MT.

- Currently no structures are threatened.

- Today nearly 50 fire fighters will work to secure and hold containment lines with assistance from 2 engines.

Stage I Fire Restrictions are now in place. Campfires and other fires are prohibited excepted in developed recreation sites and smoking is also prohibited outside vehicles or buildings unless you are in a 3 foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/292/568/

Incident: HORTON HAY COMPLEX Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-07-16 11:01:00

FACT SHEET Horton-Hay Complex

July 16, 2006 10:00 AM

Contact: Information Officers Ted Pettis @ (208) 660-5740 cell phone or Terina Mullen @ (406) 208-0934 cell phone.

Location: 35 miles southwest of Miles City, MT

Jurisdiction: Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation

Cooperating Agencies: Rosebud County, Custer County, BLM

Incident Commander: Mark Grant, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team. The ICP is located at the Moon Creek School, 10 miles south of I-94 on Moon Creek Road.

Current Size: 19,500 acres Containment: 25%

Estimated Containment Date: Unknown Estimated Control Date: Unknown

Status: The Horton-Hay complex consists of three lightning fires that started on July 12th. The Horton-Hay and Spring Creek fires are located 7 and 19 miles, respectively, south of Hathaway, MT. The Iron Jaw fire is 4 miles southwest of Hathaway, MT. Fuel types are Ponderosa pine, sagebrush and grass. The structures in the Moon Creek area are no longer threatened.

Yesterday’s Activities: The Iron Jaw fire (120 acres) is 100% contained and in patrol status. The Spring Creek fire (530 acres) is 100% contained; firefighters will continue to mop up hot spots. The Horton-Hay fire (18,900 acres) grew to the northwest during the evening hours. Emphasis is on containing the fire on the northern flank. Rough terrain is making containment difficult in this area.

Current Resources: There are 246 total personnel, including five 20-person crews, assigned to these fires. Equipment includes 8 dozers & graders and 23 engines & water tenders.

Today’s Activities: All fire areas received 50 mph winds in the early morning hours today. Early reports are that significant spread occurred on the northwest corner of the Horton-Hay fire. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for low relative humidity, high temperatures and windy conditions with a chance for afternoon dry thunderstorms.

Firefighters are re-evaluating all fire perimeters this morning after last night’s wind event. The focus will be to construct machine firelines on the north and west flanks of the Horton-Hay fire and other unsecured areas. Firefighters will hold and patrol existing fireline and mop-up spots next to unburned fuel or near the perimeter. Helicopter support is available as needed.

For further information on Fires, contact www.inciweb.org or contact the

Northern Rockies Coordination Center website at http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/287/576/

(AP) Gerald Guthrie was last heard from when he called a relative from his 10-acre property to say that a wildfire was close and he was preparing to evacuate.

The body of the 57-year-old Guthrie was found by rescuers in a charred area less than a half mile from his home, said Cindy Beavers of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. His death appeared to have been fire-related, sheriff's Detective James Porter said.

As nearly 4,000 firefighters prepared for another day of battling a huge complex of fires in rugged wilderness, weather forecasters predicted a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms Sunday, accompanied by lightning that could start new blazes.

"We're definitely concerned," California Department of Forestry spokeswoman Karen Guillemin said.

Fire officials Saturday reported some progress in battling the blazes, which covered more than 110 square miles in Southern California about 100 miles east of Los Angeles.

A 60,000-acre fire was 50 percent contained, its eastern flank no longer a problem but its western side still a major concern. An evacuation remained in effect in one area, but were lifted in several others. Ignited by lightning a week ago it roared to life a few days later, destroying 58 desert homes.

An adjacent complex of fires that merged with the larger fire Friday grew to more than 15,572 acres but was 10 percent contained. Crews protected a handful of homes in a canyon, but there were no evacuations.

The fires were burning below the flanks of the San Bernardino Mountains, but as of Saturday were not considered immediate threats to resort communities in the Big Bear Lake region atop the range.

"There is no evacuation or potential evacuations at this time for Big Bear," said Wayne Barringer, a fire information officer for the California Department of Forestry.

Firefighters were being airlifted to the inaccessible western flank of the larger fire or were being driven in and hiking the rest of the way. Some crews were having to camp in remote locations.

Cate Baker-Hall, 55, an artist, said her three-story home burned to the ground. She lost a collection of more than 100 paintings, lithographs and other art, and a manuscript of a book she had just completed on the 1960s British band, The Zombies, she said.

The house "is just gone," she said. "I'm trying to take the Buddha approach and deal with today. There's only so many tears you can cry."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who visited a command post at Yucca Valley High School with wife Maria Shriver, said their helicopter tour had flown close enough to see firefighters working on the ground.

"It is a huge fire. It is really extraordinary how quickly it has spread out," he said. "And that's why I say it is very dangerous and they have to contain it as quickly as possible."

Fire commander Rick Henson told the governor the threat to structures in Yucca Valley communities was over, but he noted that when the fires merged they began moving a bit north and west, toward the mountains.

"It's really not moving toward Big Bear right now but it is a threat," he said.

Elsewhere in Southern California, a 500-acre blaze in Redlands was 20 percent contained after destroying one building. It broke out Friday night and threatened 100 homes but there were no evacuations.

In San Diego County, a 260-acre fire in Cleveland National Forest was fully contained and hand crews were finishing off the remains of a 20-acre blaze that spread over both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border in Tecate, said state fire spokeswoman Audrey Hagen.

Meanwhile, in southern Montana, firefighters mostly east of Billings were battling major large fires that charred about 185,000 acres. About 125 homes were potentially threatened, officials said.

In Wyoming, a wind shift helped firefighters keep a wildfire from advancing toward Devils Tower National Monument. Four fires about 5 miles southwest of Devils Tower have burned about 13,700 acres, about 21 square miles, of mostly shrubs and ponderosa pine. About 10 percent of the fires were contained.

In northern Minnesota, a more than 1,400-acre fire in a wilderness area near was worrying authorities, who feared it could be fueled by millions of trees that blew down in a 1999 storm. Temperatures were near 100 in nearby Duluth.

©MMVI CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/16/national/main1807184.shtml

Weather May Pose Problems; Risk of Flooding and Slides

By RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
Sunday, July 16, 2006

Smoke drifted across much of the Inland Empire today including most mountain communities. Several fires burning in Southern California have contributed to the smokey morning. Firefighters will focus direct firefighting efforts near the Coon Creek Campground today. Their indirect efforts will consist of continuing to cut "contingency lines" between the fire and the populated communities.

Evacuations are still in place for the Onyx Summit area. They are mandatory for non-residents and voluntary for residents. Highway 38 remains open at this time, but that may change if increased firefighting equipment crowds the roadway or the fire continues to approach.

Much of the fire is in inaccessible terrain leaving firefighters to cut fire lines and aircraft to perform much of the firefighting. According to the Forest Service, "The north perimeter of the fire remains very active. Active fire movement was present overnight above Whitewater Canyon and Cottonwood Creek." One of the dangers has been from rolling debris. According to Jeff Willis, Assistant Chief of the Big Bear City Fire Department, the extension of the Heart Complex portion of the fire into Coon Creek may have been from spotting or rolling debris.

Because the fire is so large, it is being managed by three incident management teams. The Sawtooth Complex Fire is being managed from Yucca Valley. The Millard Complex Fire — which consists of fire south of Mission Creek — is being managed from Cabazon. The Heart Complex Fire — which consists of fire north of Mission Creek — is being managed from Bear Mountain.

Weather today may pose the biggest problem, according to the National Weather Service. While higher humidities may slow the general movement of the fire, thunderstorms could produce strong winds and flooding — and some thunderstorms may become severe. "The main threat will be from strong downdraft winds, which will adversely affect firefighting efforts," said National Weather Service forecaster Mark Moede. There will be the risk of thunderstorms nearly every day this week, according to Moede, "With an elevated flash flood potential in the burn areas (Sawtooth, Millard, Edgemont, Heart and Pine) where as little as a quarter inch per hour over the denuded landscape could lead to flash flooding and debris flows."

http://www.rimoftheworld.net/columns/rotw/weather

Montana Fires:

NEW) Birthday 2 – Crow Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is located 10 miles south of St. Xavier, MT along Highway 313. Numerous residences, commercial properties and outbuildings are threatened. 6,194 acres, 30% contained.

Bundy Railroad – Billings Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (McNitt) is assigned. This fire is 8 miles northeast of Worden, MT in timber, grass and sagebrash. Evacuations are in effect. Several residences, ranches, rangeland, livestock, timber and high voltage powerlines are threatened. Low relative humidities and drought conditions continue to allow intense burning. Wind and slope driven fire spread observed. 60,000 acres, 20% contained.

(NEW) Butte Cr – Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is located 8 miles north of Busby, MT in timber, heavy grass, dead downed woody debris and logging slash. Minimal fire activity observed. 200 acres, 60% contained. Expected containment 07/18/06.

Horton – Hay Complex – Eastern Land Office, Montana Dept. of Natural and Conservation. This complex is comprised of the Horton-Hay, Iron Jaw and Spring Creek fires is located 35 miles southwest of Miles City, MT in timber, grass and sagebrush. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Grant) is assigned. Numerous residences, outbuildings, livestock, utilities, rangeland and timber are threatened. Isolated torching was observed on the Horton-Hay. 19,500 acres, 25% contained.

King Mountain – This fire started on private land being managed by the Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This fire is located 5 miles south Ashland, MT in timber and grass. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is managing this fire. Grazing allotments are threatened. Creeping and smoldering with single tree torching was observed. 234 acres, 40% contained. Decrease in previously reported acreage due to better mapping. Expected containment 07/17/06.

Pine Ridge Complex – Southern Land Office, Montana Dept. of Natural and Conservation. A Type 1 Incident Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. This complex is comprised of 7 fires located 30-60 miles east of Billings, MT along I-94 and N of I-90 near Harden, MT in timber and agricultural fields. Evacuations are in effect. Numerous residences, ranches, rangeland, agricultural crops, timber, powerlines, and Interstate 94 rest areas are threatened. Surface fire spread with periodic torching and active fire on east flanks. High temperatures combined with low fuel moistures are making for extreme fire behavior burning conditions. 87,500 acres, 20% contained. Expected containment 07/19/06.

Sage – Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. This fire is 1 mile west of Ashland, MT in timber. Hazard trees throughout mature cottonwood grove, saw dust, chip piles and hazardous materials associated with sawmill are of concern. Smoldering and open flame in and around chip piles observed. 1,069 acres, 75% contained. Expected containment 07/17/06.

Shane Ridge – Southern Land Office, Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Heintz) is managing this fire. This fire is 10 miles southeast of Columbus, MT in timber. Isolated smokes in the interior were observed. 806 acres, 100% contained.

Watt Draw - This fire started on private land being managed by the Miles City Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Reid) is assigned. This fire is 13 miles southeast of Ashland, MT in grass, sagebrush, timber, and dead down woody debris. Numerous residences, outbuildings, cattle, and grazing allotments are threatened. Short crown runs with extreme rates of spread in light fuels. 7,900 acres, 25% contained. Expected containment 07/22/06.

http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm

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