Single Publication

Evacuations reduced on Garden and Red Rock Fires

Red Rock Fire

Operations: Crews re-assessed conditions yesterday as the snow melted around the fire area. The landscape still has lots of fire and heat, although behavior remains moderated. Firefighters scouted for ways to tie together fire lines on the north/northeast along FR 101 east to Ridge Road. Feller Buncher and mastication continued removing hazard trees to ensure firefighter safety. Crews went in near Moyer Peak in the morning but had to leave as temperatures warmed and road conditions deteriorated. Near Yellowjacket, crews extinguished a 10x10 area where the fire crossed the line. Fire managers anticipate crews re-engaging more heavily today, constructing additional handlines and clearing vegetation along road systems with heavy equipment. Firefighters will continue to mop up areas where previous firing operations occurred. There were no crews on the Napias Creek Fire yesterday, but firefighters will re-engage today to address any areas of concern.

Garden Fire

Operations: Fire behavior remained moderated yesterday, and firefighters patrolled the Salmon River and Panther Creek corridors. There was still smoke up high where fire remained in heavy fuels such as logs, stumps, and trees, although light fuels such as grass were not carrying fire. Crews will continue to monitor the Garden fire and act if necessary.

Additional Information

Weather: For Saturday, another cold start is expected, but abundant sunshine will warm afternoon highs 10 to 15 degrees, with highs mainly 52 to 62. Humidity readings will only slightly decrease from the previous afternoon. Wind will continue light with gusts staying below 15 mph. The next storm expected Monday will bring little precipitation, some moderate gusty wind, and temperatures cooling 5 to 10 degrees.

Smoke: For smoke information, please go to: https://www.airnow.gov/education/what-you-can-do/, or  https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ded7837a 

Closures: The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a separate and reduced Red Rock and Garden Fire Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐24‐027 and Order Number 04-13-24-028, effective as of 8:00 pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2024. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices 

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Red Rock and Garden fire areas, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Reminder that if you fly we can’t, unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. 

Please stay out of the fire area. There is still active fire behavior in the fire area. There are multiple roads and bridges that have been destroyed or are impassable. The updated forest closure notice that encompasses both the Red Rock Fire and Garden Fire areas includes multiple road and area closures. Barricade closures will be posted at road intersections and forest boundaries. 

Evacuations: For evacuation information in Lemhi County regarding both the Red Rock and Garden fires please go to: https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/emergency-management-department.