First Day of plunge brings rain over Pioneer Fire
Lowman,Idaho – The first day of plunge brought wetting rains to the Pioneer Fire. This will tedious firefighters today as they must first assess road conditions prior to using heavy equipment needed to repair containment lines. Until they can see the results of the rain, the Fire’s containment will remain at 64%.
Rain and fog is helping extinguish the fire; however, and it is not enough to reach areas of heat under the timbered canopy. The Fire is still smoldering in pine needles,duff and fallen branches. A drying trend is setting up for the weekend and into the week. These warmer and drier conditions will support firefighters detect hotspots.
[br]Now that repair work is complete below Deadwood Reservoir, crews are removing pumps, or hoses,dip tanks and other unnecessary equipment. Equipment used to protect the Deadwood Outfitters and Jenson Cabin structures will be hauled back to camp today. Other crews will check the fire’s edge near Six Mile.
Hand crews are clearing snags along the 549 and other spur roads. This will reduce blowdown and form it safer for travel in the future.
[br]Dozers and excavators were moved down the 555 Road to the Lowman Incident Command Post yesterday in preparation for repair work that will launch above Warm Springs Creek and North of Deer Flats. This equipment will be moved on Hwy 21 and up to the 579 Road today. If traveling on Hwy 21, please drive slowly and consume caution as this heavy equipment will be moving slowly along the winding canyon roads.
Wood gatherers and hunters are asked to be very cautious using the 579 Road as it is heavily used by firefighters and security personnel still working in the fire area.
A feller-buncher with a processor head arrived Thursday to repair the 316 Road off of Hwy 21. This equipment will be used to cut, and limb and stack fallen trees that are dangerous for firefighters. If the equipment operator feels secure to proceed,repair work will launch in the area today.
Aviation managers removed the temporary flight restriction over the fire area Thursday, freeing up airspace that will give greater access to the back-country.
EVACUATION NOTICES: The Summer Homes area in Long Creek remains at a Level 2 Notice.
FIRE AREA CLOSURE remains in effect. A map and detailed information is located at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.
HUNTING INFORMATION: https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2016/08/get-current-fire-information-here
Source: blogspot.com