Fire Watch: July 2023
As we delve deeper into the summer months, here's your quick guide to staying informed about the latest developments in wildland fires is crucial. Stay up-to-date on the latest July wildland fire activity in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, along with additional fires to watch within the US. Be aware of active fire incidents, firefighting efforts, prevention measures, and ways to support affected communities.
Washington
Tunnel Five Fire
Status: Active
Location: Near White Salmon, WA
Size: 529 acres
Containment: 80%
Reported Date: 7/10/2023
The Tunnel Five Fire west of White Salmon, WA, has burned about 529 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 80% contained with minimal fire behavior. Any smoldering logs and stumps will be monitored with a low chance of flare-ups.
Oregon
Flat Fire
Status: Active
Location: Near Agness, OR
Size: 15,217 acres
Containment: 0%
Reported Date: 7/15/2023
The Flat Fire near Agness, OR, has burned 15,217 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 0% contained with moderate fire behavior, and the cause of the fire is unknown. Crews are performing burnout operations to slow the fire spread and prevent contact with nearby structures.
Idaho
Midnight Fire
Status: Active
Location: SE of Clearwater, ID
Size: 179 acres
Containment: 25%
Reported Date: 7/10/2023
The Midnight Fire caused by lightning southeast of Clearwater, ID, has burned about 179 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 25% contained with minimal to moderate fire behavior. Heavy suppression efforts will continue with no current road closures. However, fire managers are asking travelers in the area to avoid National Forest Service Road #244 due to fire traffic.
Hayden Fire
Status: Active
Location: NW of Leadore, ID
Size: 3,026 acres
Containment: 0%
Reported Date: 7/19/2023
The Hayden Fire northwest of Leadore, ID, has burned about 3,026 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 0% contained with extreme fire behavior, and the cause of the fire is unknown. Heavy fire activity has made it challenging to engage with the fire directly. Over the weekend, possible thunderstorms and high temperatures could fuel the fire.
Consalus Fire
Status: Active
Location: West of Coolin, ID
Size: 467 acres
Containment: 20%
Reported Date: 6/30/2023
The Consalus Fire, caused by lightning west of Coolin, ID, has burned about 467 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 20% contained with minimal to moderate fire behavior. Containment should increase; however, due to the high temperatures and dry weather, it's possible the fire could go over primary lines that are not fully contained.
Little Bear Fire
Status: Active
Location: SW of Powell, ID
Size: 350 acres
Containment: 0%
Reported Date: 7/3/2023
The Little Bear Fire, caused by lightning southwest of Powell, ID, has burned about 350 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 0% contained with minimal to moderate fire behavior. The fire is removing scraps from the 2012 Freezeout Fire. Fire activity could increase as the weather becomes hotter and drier.
Bee Top Fire
Status: Active
Location: near Bee Top Mountain
Size: 45 acres
Containment: 88%
Reported Date: 7/1/2023
The Bee Top Fire, caused by lightning northeast of Clark Fork, ID, has burned about 45 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 88% contained with minimal fire behavior using dead fuels to control the fire behavior.
Wildland Fires to Keep an Eye On
Arizona
Adams Robles Complex Fire
Status: Active
Location: West of Dragoon, Arizona
Size: 5,100 acres
Containment: 0%
Reported Date: 7/19/2023
The Adams Robles Complex Fire, caused by lightning west of Dragoon, AZ, has burned about 5,100 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 0% contained with moderate to extreme fire activity. The Robles Fire and Adams Peak Fire haven't merged but will be managed as one fire. Heavy winds created intense fire activity, destroying previous containment lines.
Guzzler Fire
Status: Active
Location: NW of Heber-Overgaard
Size: 1,469 acres
Containment: 16%
Reported Date: 7/19/2023
The Guzzler Fire, caused by lightning northwest of Heber-Overgaard, has burned about 1,469 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 16% contained with moderate fire activity. Crews are working to keep the fire west of Chevelon Canyon with the potential to move north and east. No evacuations are in place; however, there are road closures at Forest Service roads 504 and 153 and 504, and 191 with local traffic access only. State Route 99 to Chevelon Crossing is also closed.
Pilot Fire
Status: Active
Location: Arizona
Size: 34,810 acres
Containment: 95%
Reported Date: 7/1/2023
The Pilot Fire near the Monhon Mountains was human-caused and has burned about 34,810 acres as of 7/21/2023. It's currently 95% contained with minimal fire activity. No evacuation orders are in place due to its remote location with few populated areas.
Colorado
Spring Creek
Status: Active
Location: Colorado
Size: 3,256 acres
Containment: 72%
Reported Date: 6/24/2023
The Spring Creek Fire south of Parachute, CO, has burned 3,256 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 72% contained with moderate fire activity, and the cause of the fire is unknown. No evacuation orders are currently in place, but there are public land closures by the BLM Colorado Field Office and White River National Forests for public safety.
New Mexico
Davis Fire
Status: Active
Location: Gila National Forest
Size: 900 acres
Containment: 0%
Reported Date: 7/15/2023
The Davis Fire caused by lightning in Gila National Forest, New Mexico, has burned about 900 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 0% contained with moderate fire behavior, but the chance of rain could provide relief.
Status: Active
Location: Elk Mountain/T Bar Canyon
Size: 1,792 acres
Containment: 0%
Reported Date: 7/13/2023
The Divide Fire caused by lightning in Gila National Forest, New Mexico, has burned about 1,792 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 0% contained with moderate fire behavior because of high humidity levels. Rain is projected; however, it might not be enough to assist in suppression efforts.
Status: Active
Location: New Mexico
Size: 59,883 acres
Containment: 55%
Reported Date: 5/18/2023
The Pass Fire caused by lightning in Gila National Forest, New Mexico, has burned about 59,883 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 55% contained with moderate fire behavior but does not pose a threat to communities. Fire officials are monitoring and patrolling the Pass Fire and allowing the fire to remove natural fuels to increase forest health.
California
Pika Fire
Status: Active
Location: NW of North Dome
Size: 840 acres
Containment: 20%
Reported Date: 6/29/2023
The Pika Fire, caused by lightning northwest of Notre Dome, has burned about 840 acres as of 7/21/2023. It’s currently 20% contained with moderate fire behavior. Crews are working to keep the fire within the contained lines. Trail closures are in effect at North Dome Trail and Lehamite Creek.
