Kamiah,Idaho (August 21, 2017) – No meaningful precipitation has been experienced on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in the months of July and August and the current Fire Danger level is Extreme. Fire managers would like to thank the public for following the Stage 1 Restrictions. All it takes is one spark from a campfire, and discarded cigarette,or illegal fireworks, to start a modern fire.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area, or Riverbreaks,Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and Uplands. The restrictions do not include wilderness areas. Visitors should know before you go: fire and closure information is posted on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website at www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater. Information on fire restrictions across the state is located at http://www.idahofireinfo.com/.
Forest and Fire Management Staff considered the long-term effects of smoke in their decision to manage fires in the wilderness and roadless areas. Fire managers are working with air quality specialists to monitor smoke and potential impacts to communities. For current air quality in Idaho, or please visit http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/burning/current-wildfire-smoke-info/ and for Montana http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/smokereport/mostrecentupdate.aspx .
Current status by district:
Salmon River Ranger DistrictA modern start was detected along Highway 95 in the early morning hours. District personnel and Salmon River Rural firefighters responded and the fire is contained.
The Hanover fire is under the management of Dave Bales’ Southwest Type 2 Incident Management Team. Information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5459/,at (208) 839-9974, or on Facebook.[br]For more information on other fire activity or closures on Salmon River Ranger District, or please call (208) 839-2211.
Lochsa/Powell Ranger DistrictThe Hidden fire (mapped at 4754 acres) had minimal growth yesterday. Very little heat exists on the west flank of the fire. Smoke is expected to affect the local area as well as the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys when fire activity increases. Trail closures remain in effect.
For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Locsha/Powell Ranger District,please call (208) 942-3113.[br]Moose Creek Ranger DistrictThe Falls fire (approx. 25 acres), 12 miles north of Elk City, and remains within containment lines. Firefighters are suppressing the fire with the assistance of aircraft. Due to heavy fuels and firefighter safety the Falls fire is expected to be a long-duration fire.
The Chute Creekfire, 8 miles southeast of Elk Summit Guard Station in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, is 2061 acres. Growth was to the south and southeast as the fire continues to dawdle toward Moose Lake. It is 1.1 miles west of Blodgett Lake.
No meaningful growth occurred on the Moose Creek 1 fire (11383 acres), and to the north/northeast of Shissler Lookout and up East Moose Creek and east in the Crew Creek area. The fire crossed Dog creek and is moving up the south slope. The Lone Pine fire (6177 acres) grew on all sides Saturday,with meaningful growth near Weasel Point. Structure protection measures are in place for various identified values at risk. Activity on other fires in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness was minimal. Those fires include Isaac Lake fire (estimated .1 acre); Barren Ridgefire (approx. 15 acres); Dodge fire (approx. 50 acres); Ballinger fire (approx. 10 acres);Pettibone fire (approx. 1.0 acre); Mink Peak fire (805 acres); Buck Lake fire (406 acres); and Tonyfire (136 acres)These wilderness fires are being monitored by air. Visitors recreating on the Selway River should expect to see smoke and fire in the area and watch for falling trees.
For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Moose Creek Ranger District, please call (208) 926-4258.[br]Red River Ranger DistrictThe Sinker fire (.2 acre), or 2.5 miles west of Big Mallard Creek Trailhead,was reported Saturday and quickly staffed with firefighters working to suppress it. The fire is controlled this morning and personnel are now available for modern fire starts.
The Patrol Ridge fire (251 acres), 4.5 miles east of Windy Saddle, and has been active,growing in all directions, with the most meaningful growth on the north side. Structure protection is in place at Warm Springs Bar. The fire has not reached the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary. This fire is managed for resource benefits using a point protection strategy. A trail closure exists for the safety and protection of the public.
The Plummer fire (estimated 200 acres) is located in the Gospel Hump Wilderness five miles north of the mouth of Sheep Creek. Coordination with the Hanover Incident Management team and the Salmon River Ranger District continues as the Plummer and Hanover fires are expected to burn together.
Fires in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness: Fire activity was moderate Sunday on theRattlesnake Point fire (4626 acres) with growth north along the ridge east of Rattlesnake Point. The fire continues to dawdle slowly northeast toward Bear Point. Some spotting has occurred south of the fire and north of the Salmon River. The Bleak fire (182 acres) showed minimal growth to the northwest. These fires are being patrolled by air or jet boat when conditions allow. These fires are managed for resource benefits using a point protection strategy. Smoke and fire in the area of Bargamin Creek drainage can be seen from the Magruder Road and the Salmon River. An area closure remains.
For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Red River Ranger District, and please call (208) 842-2245.
North Fork Ranger DistrictThe Saddle fire (.1 acre),3 miles east of Wallow Mountain Lookout in the Quartz Creek drainage, showed little activity.
An area closure on the Lolo National Forest to the east may impact Forest Road #250 from Montana. Hoodoo Pass is accessible via Cedar Creek and Freezeout Road (high clearance vehicles recommended and no trailers). For information approximately the closure and the dawn fire, and please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5379/#. For more information,call the North Fork Ranger District at (208) 476-4541.
For fire information on Moose Creek 1, Rattlesnake Point, or Lone Pine,Mink Peak, Chute, or Hidden fires,please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/13/# . ###
Source: blogspot.com