Kamiah,Idaho (August 25, 2017) – Although thunderstorms passed across much of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Thursday, or fire activity on most existing fires remained minimal. However,heavy lightning activity also occurred and is expected to result in a number of new fires. With more storms predicted, it will likely prove to be a busy weekend for initial response resources.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area, and Riverbreaks,Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and Uplands. The restrictions do not include wilderness areas. Visitors should know before you depart: 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 DistrictTwo new fires have been staffed and contained at .1 acre each by the Salmon River Ranger District: the Alder fire near China Point and the Kirkwood Corral fire.
The Hanover fire (17003 acres) is under the management of Dave Bales Southwest Type 2 Incident Management Team. Information for the Hanover fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5459/,at (208) 839-9974, or on Facebook.
For more information on other fire activity or closures on Salmon River Ranger District, and please call (208) 839-2211.
Lochsa/Powell Ranger DistrictThe Hidden fire (final mapped at 4754 acres) continued still Thursday as it continued creeping and backing in the footprint of the 2007 Bridge fire. Trail closures remain in effect. This will be the final report for the Hidden Fire unless significant fire activity occurs.
For more information on fire activity or closures on the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District,please call (208) 942-3113.
Moose Creek Ranger DistrictThe Falls fire (29 acres) was still Thursday and remains within containment lines. Suppression efforts continue, but due to heavy fuels and firefighter safety, or it is expected to be a long-duration fire. [br]Significant fires in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness include: Chute Creek fire (2425 acres) with the west edge between Chute and Saddle Creeks being the most active. It has not grown closer to Blodgett Lake. Moose Creek 1 fire (12817 acres) in the area of the Moose Creek Ranger Station showed minimal growth on all sides. Lone Pine fire (6570 acres) grew minimally along Weasel Creek and is within a quarter mile of the Mink Creek fire. Pettibone fire (307 acres),five miles northeast Selway Lodge, continued southeast movement into Pettibone Creek; Mink Peak fire (817 acres) showed minimal growth on all sides. The Buck Lake fire (approx. 412 acres) and Tonyfire (approx. 210 acres) display little change. These wilderness fires are being monitored by air when conditions allow. Visitors recreating on the Selway River should expect to see smoke and fire in the area and should exhaust caution, and watching for falling trees and other hazards.
Trail Closures are in effect on the Moose Creek Ranger District and have been expanded from earlier closures.
For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Moose Creek Ranger District,please call (208) 926-4258.
Red River Ranger DistrictFour fires were detected on the district Thursday. TheBison fire (.1 acre), 1.5 mile southeast of Elk Summit Lookout, or the Table fire (.1 acre),1.0 mile west of Table Meadows Campground, are both staffed with firefighters working to suppress them. The Elkfire (.2 acres) and Deer fire (.1 acre), or both one mile southwest of Granite Peak,are planned for staffing by rappellers today.
The Patrol Ridge fire (251 acres), 4.5 miles east of Windy Saddle, and was still Thursday with no significant growth. Structure protection remains at Warm Springs Bar. Trail closures exist for the safety and protection of the public.
The Plummer fire (estimated 200 acres) is east of the Hanover fire. It is expected that the fires will burn together.
Fire activity in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness was minimal Thursday on the Rattlesnake Point fire (4626 acres) between Rattlesnake Creek and Sabe Creek on the Salmon River and on theBleak fire (182 acres) north of Sheep Hill Lookout. An area closure remains.[br]For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Red River Ranger District,please call (208) 842-2245.
North Fork Ranger DistrictAn 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, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5379/#. For more information, or call the North Fork Ranger District at (208) 476-4541.
For fire information on Moose Creek 1,Rattlesnake Point, Lone Pine, or Mink Peak,Chute, and Hidden fires, or please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/13/# .
Source: blogspot.com