Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Fire Update  

Tuesday September 17, 2024  

Thunderstorms and Rain to Persist Over the Fire  

The Middle Fork Complex is 61,482 acres with 32% completion. Thunderstorms will continue to persist in the area through the afternoon. At least half an inch of rain fell across the fire area yesterday, with over an inch in other places. Several debris slides continue to occur on the forest roads, including the 678 and 555 roads.  Due to ongoing weather, more debris slides are likely throughout the burn area and crews must wait until conditions improve and roadways dry to begin assessing and repairing roads. Safety for firefighters is the number one priority as road conditions change. There are currently 546 resources assigned to the incident.  

A new start was reported approximately four miles northwest of Deadwood Reservoir in the Rabbit Creek area. A second start was reported southwest of the 555 Road. If conditions allow, a fly over is planned for today to assess the fires. Firefighters are prepared to respond to any additional new starts in the area. 

Fire activity remained minimal yesterday and some moderate growth was seen in the fire area in the afternoon as temperatures began to rise, fuels dried, and winds increased ahead of the storms. After the storms arrived, fire activity decreased and is expected to remain low in the coming days. The fire continues to smolder and creep through the heavy fuels in areas that are protected from the rain. 

Great Basin Team 2 is shadowing Great Basin Team 5 today and will be transitioning command tomorrow morning.  

Boise National Forest Closure Order Number 0402-06-64 remains in effect. An interactive forest closure map is available on the Boise National Forest Alerts & Closures website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. 

Hunters are not allowed access to these closed areas.  

Highway 21 is closed from the Sourdough Lodge in Lowman to Stanley Lake Road (MP 84 to 126) due to nearby wildfire activity. Only local traffic is allowed between the Sourdough Lodge and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Boundary Creek, Cape Horn, or Seafoam. For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Transportation website, https://511.idaho.gov/ 

Take wildfire risk reduction steps to make your home safer during a wildfire: Visit the Firewise website for information: https://www.nfpa.org/en/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire 

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area.  Visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect in the fire area. 

Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8am – 8pm) Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov  

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-and-nellie 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Middle-Fork-Complex-Fire-Boise-National-Forest/61565022204468 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2024.middleforkcomplex