Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Fire Update

October 9, 2024

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

Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov

Middle Fork Complex: 61,495 acres, 90% completed, 138 personnel

Snag Fire: 33,437 acres, 90% completed, 26 personnel

Goat Fire: 33,450 acres, 24% completion, 211 personnel

Weather for today is expected to remain warm and dry with winds from the southwest. There is a possibility of gusts up to 25mph or more in the fire areas. The forecast for Thursday and Friday is to be a little cooler.

On the southeast flank of the Goat Fire, firefighters will continue conducting a burnout operation to reduce fuels between the fire and the contingency line near Silver and Bridge Creeks. The operations have been very successful. Firefighters will continue working in this area today, weather permitting. 

On the northeast end of the Goat Fire, firefighters have built several layers of contingency line and have strategically located hose and pump equipment that can be quickly put to use if fire activity starts to move closer to the Warm Lake community. The Goat fire behavior remains to be mainly flanking and backing with limited tree torching and little short-range spotting. Firefighters are continuing to assess structure protection needs for values at risk in the Warm Lake area as well as the Silver Creek area. 

 On the Snag Fire, fire activity yesterday was minimal. Crews are working to evaluate the northern most part of the burn area to be sure there aren’t any areas of activity that need to be addressed. Because of the difficult terrain in that area, much of that work must be performed by hiking the perimeter and will be ongoing for the next few days. Aircrew flying over the area have reported seeing little to no visible activity.

In the Middle Fork Complex, a few isolated hot spots saw increased activity in the middle of the burn area, but activity along the perimeter remained relatively low. The potential remains for some areas that still hold heat to become more active with surface fire and isolated torching especially from wind gusts. Firefighters assigned there are closely monitoring the area and are ready to respond should that occur. 

Night shift crews continue to patrol and monitor the fire areas, watching for any increases in fire activity. 

Closures: The Boise National Forest has issued a revised Area, Road, and Trail Closure Order for the Middle Fork Complex, and Snag and Goat fires. The newly revised closure order and map can be found at the following link: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.

 Please check the Valley County Idaho Facebook page for any updates on evacuation readiness level changes. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Code Red Emergency Alerts to stay informed. For any questions or updates on evacuation readiness, please contact the Valley County Dispatch Center at 208-382-5160. Currently, Warm Lake Road remains open for travel without restrictions.

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