Single Publication

Fire activity is expected to remain minimal today throughout all fires as high humidity and cooler temperatures remain. A warm, drying trend is expected this weekend and into next week. Firefighters continue to work diligently as they strengthen control lines to combat drier weather. Throughout all fires, larger fuels and needle cast from fire weakened trees will continue to be consumed, producing smoldering, and creeping within fire perimeters. Needle cast is when fire weakened trees drop their needles, creating a duff layer on the ground. If the needles are not consumed by fire, they play an important role in reducing soil erosion. 

The Middle Fork Complex is 61,482 acres with 35% completion. Today firefighters continue masticating and chipping on the Bulldog and Nellie Fires along the Forest Service Roads 678, 671, and northern section of the 555 road to finish clearing debris within the fuel breaks started by previous teams. These shaded fuel breaks are intended to stop the fire from spreading regardless of the direction it came from. On the Nellie Fire, crews continue strengthening fire line on the Southwest side of Deadwood Reservoir and are beginning repair work around the historic structures.

The Snag Fire is 33,300 acres with 33% completion. Firefighters are using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to determine the amount of heat remaining in the northern portion of the Snag Fire along Warm Lake Highway. This information will help determine future tactics to prevent further spread. A UAS flight will also take place on the eastern side of the fire out of Stolle Meadows to verify any remaining heat, as that area has shown no movement in several weeks. Fire managers do not expect much movement on the eastern sides of the Snag and Goat Fires due to the rocky terrain creating a natural barrier.

The Goat Fire is 26,456 acres with 0% contained. Firefighters are tying in direct line from old forest roads on the western and southern portion of the Goat Fire to protect values at risk. Fire managers are using multiple techniques to protect the Boiling Springs and Silver Creek area by continuing clearing low to ground fuels around the values at risk as well as placing direct line on the southern edge of the goat fire. 

A new closure order for the Middle Fork Complex Fire is in place opening several areas within the Boise National Forest. 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 closed areas. The Boise National Forest is re-evaluating closure orders across the forest due to firefighting progress and recent precipitation. The public can expect to see further changes later this week. 

In the meantime, we ask the public to adhere to the closures as they currently exist; in particular, Trail Creek Hot Springs is currently within the closure area for the West Mountain Complex and is closed.

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.

Middle Fork Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)    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