Single Publication

            Middle Fork Complex Fire Update         

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Crews Assess Conditions After Rain and Lightning

The Middle Fork Complex is 61,159 acres, remaining at 30% completion. There are 592 personnel currently assigned to the complex, including 12 hand crews and 28 engines. Rain is likely this morning, with a chance of rain continuing into the evening. Temperatures are below normal for this time of year with a relative humidity remaining at or above 60%. This weather will reduce fire activity to smoldering and creeping along the forest floor with possible pockets of increased activity in areas with large dead and down vegetation.

After yesterday’s weather event, today’s focus is assessing safety conditions of the Bulldog and Nellie Fire areas to ensure any hazards are mitigated prior to reengaging in firefighting operations. Crews continue removing fuels to create defensible space around the Silver Creek Plunge and Boiling Springs areas. Heavy equipment and crews continue chipping along the 698 and 671 roads to further strengthen contingency lines. 

Crews have completed a portion of burn out operations on Scott Mountain ridge and continue to assess mitigation efforts to help protect Scott Mountain lookout. The Nellie Fire perimeter along Highway 17 (Banks Lowman Road) continues to have little to no fire activity. 

Firefighters continue to strengthen firelines on the Nellie Fire around the Deadwood Reservoir area. They are prepared to protect Whitehawk lookout if the fire progresses east. Today firefighters will assess the access to the 555 Road in the burn area to determine conditions after yesterday’s heavy rains. Operations continue on the 555 Road north of the fire’s edge strengthening contingency lines toward Deadwood Outfitters.

Yesterday crews were available to assist with initial attack. They remain available to assist with new starts in the area.

There will be a community meeting Friday, September 13, at 6 p.m. at the White Barn Building, near 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley, Idaho. 

An updated Boise National Forest Closure Order Number 0402-06-64 is 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/ 

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