Incident Publication

Railroad-Daly Fires 

Bitterroot National Forest

Fire Information: 458-218-2328

2024.dalyrailroad@firenet.gov

https://linktr.ee/sharrottjohnsondalyrailroad 

October 6, 2024

Type 3 Incident Command Team, Incident Commander Matt Young  

Location: Railroad Creek/ Skalkaho Creek confluence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton

Start Date: 7/25/2024  

Cause: Undetermined                

Daly Fire Acres: 8,188  Completion: 56%;  Railroad Fire Acres: 1,279  Completion: 35%

Total Personnel: 120

Current Status 

A reconnaissance flight conducted yesterday revealed moderate growth on the Railroad and Daly Fire but has moderated since the recent wind event. The most significant activity was observed north of Fuse Lake/Duncie Creek area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest side and below Gird Point on the Bitterroot National Forest side along State Highway 38.

Firefighters are actively working to assess and protect structures along the HWY 38 corridor and Gem Mine area. Opportunities for indirect lines from Highway 38 East and North into Stoney Creek drainage are being scouted. Fire progression will continue to be monitored below Gird Point while implementing direct & indirect control lines to stop progression to the west.

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Warm, dry, and breezy conditions are expected this afternoon. As high pressure builds, the humidity levels will drop, which can make conditions more likely for wildfire spread.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, fire activity and potential will remain elevated for at least the next two weeks. Burn periods in the West will be significantly longer than normal and will intensify during wind events. In the Great Lakes, fire potential is expected to rise as leaf fall increases and significant precipitation remains unlikely. Anomalously dry conditions in the West will lead to increased fire activity for October, even without wind. During wind events, fire behavior may resemble that of August, with large runs and burn periods potentially exceeding 24 hours. Despite these challenges, the Railroad-Daly fire is showing moderate progress, particularly when compared to other wildfires in the region encountering similar conditions.

EVACUATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, CLOSURES  

All areas along State Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) starting at mile marker 26.5 near Skalkaho Pass, turning north at the junction with Rock Creek Road (County Road 102), and continuing to the junction of State Highway 348 and Rock Creek Road. From there, it proceeds northwesterly on Rock Creek Road to USFS Road 241 (Stony Creek Road), moving southwest to the junction of Little Stony Creek and Stony Creek. Following Little Stony Creek west to the ridge where Trail 313 (Bitterroot Rock Creek Divide Trail) begins and continuing south along Trail 313 to the intersection with State Highway 38.

Middle Fork Complex: 61,490 acres, 90% completion, 227 Personnel 

Snag Fire: 33,435 acres, 90% completion, 71 Personnel 

Goat Fire: 31,345 acres, 41% completion, 103 personnel

The weather event on Friday pushed the northeast end of the Goat Fire approximately four miles to the Yellow Jacket Trail area. Firefighters were able to get into the area yesterday and worked to protect structures and bridges northeast of there. They were also able to directly engage some of the hot spots and are working to establish a contingency line further north toward the Warm Lake area in case the fire moves again.

The northeast most end of the Goat Fire is now in the middle of an old burn scar and fire activity was greatly reduced. Crews will remain in the area watching for activity late into the night and for the next few nights. The southern end of the Goat Fire in the Silver Creek area was also fairly active during the weather event. 

The Middle Fork Complex and the Snag Fire areas did not see a significant increase in fire behavior during the weather event. Fire activity in all three fire areas may continue to be active as the extended hot weather continues to dry out fuels.

The next four days are forecast to be unseasonably warm and dry. Temperatures are expected to be mid-60s to 70 and humidity in the upper teens. Southwest winds will mainly be at the ridgelines with some terrain driven gusting. No significant fire growth is expected at this time, but crews will remain vigilant and continue to work on suppression and containment efforts.

Suppression repair work on the west side of the Middle Fork Complex and Snag Fire is mostly complete and crews working there expect to be done this week.

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.

Forest area and road closures remain in effect. Visit the Middle Fork Complex Fire Facebook page for a detailed description of where those closures are.

###

Homestead/Diamond Complexes Fire Update

Oct. 6, 2024

Fire Information: 541-208-7100, 8 AM - 8 PM

InciWeb-Homestead: https://t.ly/syeHa and InciWeb-Diamond: https://bit.ly/4gCfLsp

Six fires within the Homestead and Diamond Complexes remain under active management by Northwest Team 12. Firefighting resources from the Homestead/Diamond Complexes remain available for initial attack response to new fire starts in the area as needed. 

The Oregon Department of Transportation temporarily lowered the speed limit on Hwy 138 in front of the Fire Incident Command Post just east of Glide to 45 MPH for the safety of firefighters and community residents.

Homestead Complex: 10,552 acres, 35% contained │ Diamond Complex: 11,141 acres, 90% contained │ Total personnel: 291

Another day of warm and dry conditions contributed to an increase in fire activity yesterday as well as minor fire growth on a portion of the Homestead Complex. Fire managers took a reconnaissance helicopter flight to evaluate fire activity across the fires that remain under active management.

There was little fire activity on the Horse Heaven Fire yesterday, helping firefighters to successfully hold the fire on the east side of Horse Heaven Creek. Crews are making progress in seeding and spreading straw over dozer lines, in an effort to prevent erosion. Grading continues along multiple Forest Service Roads (FSRs) and an excavator is cleaning out woody debris from ditches on FSR 3831.

The Fuller Lake Fire was active again with spotting, isolated tree torching, and backing fire within the Boulder Creek Wilderness. Firefighters detected multiple small spot fires yesterday and quickly secured them. Crews remain extra vigilant in their patrols, as heavy duff layers on the forest floor can harbor undetected smoldering fire, and changing weather conditions could lead to unexpected flare ups. On the Bullpup Fire, roads continue to be graded and cleaned up from chipping and previous mastication operations.

Smoke was visible again on the No Man Fire yesterday, but fire activity remained minimal. Firefighters proactively reopened fireline to the south to ensure the fire stays in check.

Two fires remain uncontained on the Diamond Complex. On the Potter Fire, excavators are clearing ditches along FSR 100 and grading operations are ongoing. The Pine Bench Fire continues to show no visible smoke.  

Closures: The Umpqua National Forest revised the fire closure area on Friday. The updated Umpqua National Forest closure and map can be found at https://tinyurl.com/bmtfvvz6. The BLM Roseburg District closure order also remains in place https://t.ly/uWX6l. A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect https://bit.ly/3XJL0cD. 

Weather: High pressure will remain in place over the Pacific Northwest through Monday. Expect conditions to be warmer and drier than normal for this time of the year, with temperatures forecasted to be 75-82 degrees in the valleys.

Elk Fire Update – October 6, 2024

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3

Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander

Date Reported: Friday, September 27, 2024

Cause: Undetermined 

Size: 72,998

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 597

Location: Approximately 6 miles northwest of Dayton, Wyoming

Key Messages: Smoke is settling over the Elk Fire area from fires further to the west. This is expected to continue and is likely to decrease fire activity today. This smoke may also impact air operations as helicopters need a minimum of one mile visibility to operate on wildland fires.

Last night’s operational shift found heat coming from a structure on the eastern side of the fire; heavy equipment was used to remove burning hay inside a barn. The fire was extinguished outside of the structure.

An overnight flight was able to provide more precise mapping capabilities, resulting in a new fire size of 72,998 acres.

Current Situation: 

Structure protection work will continue on the northwestern side of the fire in Little Horn Canyon and crews will be looking for favorable conditions to burn unconsumed vegetation south of Hwy 144. On the eastern side of the fire, crews will continue to extinguish areas of heat along established firelines; that area has been holding with no further fire progression past the firelines. 

Crews will continue structure protection work in the subdivisions along US HWY 14 and patrol and mop up any heat sources around structures. Structure protection tactics have been utilized to prepare the Big Goose Water Treatment facility for any fire that may move into the area. Efforts are continuing to mitigate fire damage to the Big Goose Creek watershed, which feeds the water treatment facility.

Fire crews continue structure protection work in the Burgess Junction area; this work includes multiple structure preparation techniques such as removal of vegetation near structures, construction of fireline, and placement of hose and sprinklers where possible.

Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority. The tactics used to suppress the fire will be determined by the terrain, fire and weather conditions, and medical response time with a focus on implementing plans and tactics that have a high probability of success.

Closures and Evacuations: The newest evacuation map can be found at the Sheridan County Emergency Management website, Sheridan County (sheridancountywy.gov). US Highway 14 remains closed from Dayton to Burgess Junction. Please contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 307-672-3455 or Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174 for more information on evacuations and road closures.

The Bighorn National Forest Closure has been expanded to include the closure of Red Grade Road. Please view the updated order on the Bighorn National Forest website, Bighorn National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov).

Weather & Smoke Information: Today is the start of a warming, drying trend over the fire area as a high pressure system moves into the area. Winds are expected to be light and terrain-driven over the course of the day. Smoke that is anticipated to move into the area from fires further to the west may cause smoke shading and keep temperatures lower than the forecasted highs ranging in the mid 60s to low 70s.

It is anticipated that the Elk Fire will continue to put up a smoke column; please go to the AirNow website (https://www.airnow.gov/) for smoke information.

Frog Fire Statistics

• Size: 3,114 acres
• Containment: 77%
• Total Personnel: 35
• Location: east of Clayton, ID
• Reported: September 7, 2024
• Cause: Lightning

For More Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idstf-frog 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

Current Situation: An infrared flight was flown over the Frog Fire last night. Crews will be verifying the containment lines and searching for the heat signature found in the Red Ridge area. Crews planned to recheck fire line on the north end of the fire.  

Evacuations:  There are currently no evacuations related to the Frog Fire. 

Closures:  The area closure in place around the Frog Fire includes FS 667 (Big Boulder Creek Road) and Trail 047 where adjacent to the closure boundary.  The closure excludes FS Roads 669 and 670 and Trail 682. Hunters and recreationalists should familiarize themselves with this closure information prior to entering the vicinity.  Please reference the map and read the full closure description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idstf-frog. 

Special Emphasis: Yesterday evening, Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) #3 took command of the Wapiti and Frog Fires. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Stanley Basin is rated green today which indicates good air quality.  You can check air quality and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map at https://www.airnow.gov/.

With the changing of the closure areas, please ensure you check the boundaries prior to recreating or traveling.  Many trails remain closed for public safety because they have not been cleared of potential hazards.  The collection of firewood within the closure areas is prohibited; any firewood collection in open areas must be done with a valid firewood permit. For questions on firewood collection on the Sawtooth National Forest, please contact the Stanley Ranger Station at 208.774.3000.

Weather:  Saturday’s winds were much calmer in the afternoon, with gust around 10 -15 compared to Friday’s gusts of 20 to 40 mph over the Wapiti Fire. Frog Fire also had calmer winds. Today temperatures will be in the high 60’s and 70’s with higher humidity. 

Wapiti Fire Statistics

For More Information

Size: 125,965 acres

Completion: 80%

Total Personnel: 194

Location: near Grandjean, ID

Reported: July 24, 2024

Cause: Lightning

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-wapiti-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wapitifireinfo2024

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/WapitiFireInfo2024

Current Situation:  Yesterday, fire crews and engines were spread throughout the fire area to monitor and patrol fire activity and implement suppression actions if needed to protect values.  Saturday afternoon minimal fire behavior was observed as the fire was creeping and backing down areas well within the interior and some smoldering of heavy fuels on the ground. 

Today crews will be working in several areas. The Iron Creek area is available to firewood collecting for those with a permit and exemption to be in that area. A group will be placed in the Grandjean area including an engine to remove hazardous trees and debris. They will also be working on a project to restore access to the Grandjean water system. Firefighters will also be removing snags and debris along the Hwy 21 corridor. Please be cautious while traveling along Hwy 21. 

Evacuations: Evacuation status for Stanley Zone 1 is currently at READY. All residents should remain alert for any change in conditions that may reinitiate an evacuation status. Sign up for Custer County CodeRED emergency notifications:  text CUSTER to 99411 or enroll at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BF28E45537FF. Sign up for Boise County Alert Sense emergency notifications at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/publicUser.aspx?regionid=1163.

For evacuation information on the Wapiti Fire, please see the Custer County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/p/Custer-County-Sheriff-Idaho-61558947312289/, and the Boise County Sheriff’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/boisecountysheriff/.

Closures:  The Wapiti Fire area closure has been reduced on the southern end, excluding the Lowman, Ten Ax, Two Raven, and Sourdough communities. The closure still covers portions of the Sawtooth, Boise, and Salmon-Challis National Forests. Please reference the map and description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idbof-wapiti-fire. Recreationalists and hunters should reference this map and obey all posted signage regarding the closure area and any related road, trail, and campground closures.

An interactive map for all closures on the Boise National Forest is found at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/642380b0eb124c8cab6bd9ad3d7146ad/page/Overview/#data_s=id%3AdataSource_5-1888bd00a2c-layer-13-1888bd00b53-layer-16%3A82.

Frog Fire Statistics

For More Information

Size: 3,114 acres

Containment: 77%

Total Personnel: 35

Location: east of Clayton, ID

Reported: September 7, 2024

Cause: Lightning

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idstf-frog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

Current Situation: An infrared flight was flown over the Frog Fire last night. Crews will be verifying the containment lines and searching for the heat signature found in the Red Ridge area. Crews planned to recheck fire line on the north end of the fire. 

Evacuations:  There are currently no evacuations related to the Frog Fire.

Closures:  The area closure in place around the Frog Fire includes FS 667 (Big Boulder Creek Road) and Trail 047 where adjacent to the closure boundary. The closure excludes FS Roads 669 and 670 and Trail 682. Hunters and recreationalists should familiarize themselves with this closure information prior to entering the vicinity.  Please reference the map and read the full closure description at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idstf-frog.

Persistent heat exists within the fire interior. Friday’s strong winds fanned pockets of heat, increasing fire activity inside containment lines. The fire will continue to smolder and creep within the existing perimeter, consuming available fuels. With this slightly increased fire behavior, increased smoke production has been observed west of Lake Cascade. Smoke production will continue within the fire perimeter until significant winter snows fully extinguish remaining heat. 

Current Situation:

• The Lava Fire is 88% contained at 97,560 acres with 416 personnel assigned. Continued changes in acreage are due to daily updates from fire line mapping by ground-based resources. 
• A small 1/10-acre spot fire on the east side of the fire was discovered outside the fire perimeter yesterday and was quickly attacked and contained by firefighters. Pockets of fuel continue to burn in the fire’s interior.
• The fire on the northeast corner continues to slowly back down to the 435 road, which will be used as a containment feature once fire reaches it.
• Helicopters delivered 15,000 gallons of water to the fire line yesterday and the unmanned aerial system (drone) was used on the fire perimeter to detect heat sources to assist ground forces with locating hot spots.

Weather: High temperatures will be in 50s at ridgetops, 60s over rest of fire, with light winds. Southwest winds increasing on ridgetops overnight up to 20 mph. On Sunday, winds will be higher on ridge tops, with southwest winds gusting to 12 mph in the valleys, occasionally to 20 mph. Relative humidity will fall into the upper teens Sunday during the peak heat of the day. Fire behavior remains minimal, with creeping and smoldering observed. As fuels continue to dry out under unseasonably warm and dry weather, they are more likely to carry fire.

Evacuations: In Gem County, a Level 1 “READY” notice remains for residents south of South Grays Creek, along Little Weiser River Road in Indian Valley, north of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and the Mesa Area. Learn more at Gem County Sheriff's Office. In Valley County, Zones 4 – 6 remain in a LEVEL 1 “READY” status. Learn more at Valley County Sheriff's Office.

Closures: The Boise and Payette National Forests adjusted the Lava Fire area closure on September 30, increasing access for the public to access areas north and south of the fire perimeter. For updated map and closure information visit Closure areas | Boise National Forest | Facebook.

Road Closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. Check out updated Gem County closure information at Gem County Sheriff's Office.

Temporary Flight Restrictions:A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect. View a map of the TFR and details at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_8199.html. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if unauthorized aircrafts, including drones, enter the TFR. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.

Fire Info Phone: 208-780-5003  Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Email: 2024.Lava@firenet.gov 

Facebook: @LavaFire Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-lava-fire

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Pintler Ranger District

DALY FIRE-AREA, ROADS, AND TRAILS CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads and trails on the Pintler Ranger Districts, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Area, Roads, and Trails"):

Going into or being upon the area described in the Order. 36 CFR 261.53(e) Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
2.  Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

Described Area/Roads/Trails

The closure applies to the following National Forest System (NFS) lands, including roads and trails in the interior boundary of the area closure, depicted on the attached map (Attachment A).

All areas along State Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway) beginning at the top of Skalkaho Pass near mile marker 26.5 (T6N,R17W, SEC 30) along State Hwy 38

to the East and turning to the north at the junction of State Hwy 38 and Rock Creek Road (T6N, R15W, SEC 31). From State Highway 38 and Rock Creek Road (County Road 102) turning north to the junction of State Highway 348 and Rock Creek Road (T7N, R16W, SEC 25) and proceeding northwesterly on Rock Creek Road (County Road 102) to the junction of USFS Road 241 (T7N, R16W, SEC 21). Following USFS Road 241 (Stony Creek Road) moving southwesterly to the junction of Little Stony Creek and Stony Creek (T6N, R17W, SEC 11). Following Little Stony Creek to the west to the top of ridge where Trail 313 Bitterroot Rock Creek Divide Trail (T6N, R17W, SEC 17). Proceeding south along Trail 313 to the intersection of State Highway 38 (Skalkaho Highway).

Trail Closure. All miles of Forest Service System trails on the Pintler Ranger District:

• Crystal Creek Trail (Tri. 8010)
• Fuse Lake Trail through Basin Gulch Trail (Tri. 8011)
• Coal Gulch Trail (Tri. 8129)
• Saphire Trail (Tri. 130)
• Stony Lake Trail (Tri. 8002)
• Bitterroot Rock Creek Divide Trail (Tri 313)

Road Closures. Forest Service System roads on the Pintler Ranger District:

• FS Road 5029
• FS Road 5028
• FS Road 78581
• FS Road 1559
• FS Road 129
• FS Road 78554
• FS Road 78555
• FS Road 78556
• FS Road 5069
• FS Road 78557
• FS Road 78563
• FS Road 5002
• FS Road 5062
• FS Road 5027
• FS Road 78562
• FS Road 78561
• FS Road 78560
• Basin Gulch Road
• FS Road 5012
• FS Road 5014
• FS Road 241

Area Closure. All of the National Forest System lands within:

• T6N, R17W, SEC 30
• T6N, R15W, SEC 31
• T7N, R16W, SEC 25
• T7N, R16W, SEC 21
• .    T6N, R17W, SEC 11
• T6N, R17W, SEC 17

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to ensure public health and safety during fire suppression efforts of the Pintler Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from October 4, 2024 at 0600 until November 30, 2024 at 0001, or rescinded, whichever occurs first.

A map identifying the Described Roads and Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to Beaverhead-DeerlodgeNational Forest -Alerts & Closures (usda.gov)

Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.

A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.

§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Contact the Pintler Ranger District in Philipsburg, MT, (406) 859-3211, or Beaverhead­ Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor's Office in Dillon, MT, (406) 683-3900, for more information about this Order.

This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the same Described Area/Roads/Trails.

The Tiger Creek Fire saw some growth today due to higher winds. Size at approximately 475 acres with moderate fire activity. Fire crews are continuing to work from an established anchor point on the fire and create containment line where it is feasible. Aircraft continue to be used to limit fire spread and spot fire growth in the Mill Creek Watershed. Halting the growth, active suppression of this fire and public safety will continue to be a priority task for fire crews, while limiting environmental impacts to the watershed.

Correction: A correction from prior news releases about roads closures. Access through Forest Service Road 65 up through FSR 64 to the junction with Indian Camp is closed. Government Mountain Road/FSR 6511 is closed from North Fork Walla Walla trailhead to the junction with FSR 65 at Tiger Saddle. Government Mountain Rd/FSR 6511 is open from the west up to North Fork Walla Walla trailhead.

California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team 15 has taken command of the Tiger Creek Fire as of 6:00 P.M. PST, October 5th. Additional information can be found at:

Phone number: 509-213-5793
Email: 2024.tigercreek@firenet.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TigerCreekFire2024
InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incid.../orumf-tiger-creek-fire

Weather: Weather over the weekend predicts mostly clear to sunny weather. With the humidity to rise up to 38 percent over Saturday night, with east winds up to 7 mph shifting to southeast winds up to 9 mph. Sunday is expected to keep the humidity at or above 31 percent with south winds up to 9 mph shifting to west winds up to 7 mph around 2 p.m.

Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good and remains steady, some residents along Mill Creek may experience smoke as the fire continues to burn. Check out https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1 for more information.

The current fire danger rating is at MODERATE and public use restrictions phase A for Umatilla National Forest are in effect.

More information regarding restrictions, please contact:
Umatilla National Forest:
Information Hotline: Toll-Free (877) 958-9663
www.facebook.com/UmatillaNF  
X: @UmatillaNF
http://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla

The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow this blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/

Fire Name: Garden Fire 

Fire Size: 6,000 (estimated) 

Cause: lightning 

Location: approximately two (2) miles southwest of the confluence of Panther Creek and the Main Salmon River on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  

Fuels: grass, brush, dead and down fuels, and timber

Resources: 1 Type 1 Crew, 1 Type 2 Crew, 8 Engines, 4 overhead, and 2 Type 2 crews are enroute.   

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idscf-garden-fire  

Fire situation:  Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority for the Garden Fire.  Fire behavior on the Garden Fire was active yesterday, the fire was creeping and running with single and group tree torching and uphill runs.  Wind driven runs were associated with front moving into area.  The fire was active on all sides with movement into Garden and Clear Creeks.  Fire managers estimate the fire doubled in size yesterday.  

Fire managers are using a point protection strategy (a wildfire response strategy, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire) to minimize exposure to fire personnel while protecting identified values, including private property and Forest Service infrastructure.  Today, fire growth has been minimal due to the inversion layer over the fire area.  Fire is anticipated to grow in the Garden Creek drainage to the ridge to the north and towards the Salmon River.  Fire is currently holding in Clear Creek but is expected to grow towards Panther Creek.  The presence of firefighters, primarily in the Panther Creek and Salmon River areas, is ongoing.  Fire managers are continuing to look for opportunities to engage the fire direct as fuels and weather conditions change and it is safe to do so.

Evacuations:  Lemhi County Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, and the Salmon-Challis National Forest have established 2 evacuation zones for the Garden Fire.  

Zone 1: From Cove Creek to Ebeneezer Bar, downriver along the Salmon River Road #030.

Zone 2: On Panther Creek Rd #055, a half mile south of Beaver Creek Rd #057 to the Salmon River Rd #030 confluence.

ZONE 1 is in “READY” status

ZONE 2 is in “GO” status

Weather: High pressure is building in today behind an exiting cold front bringing overall light winds and much cooler temperatures.  However, the cold air behind the front is very dry. So, even though afternoon highs will cool 10 to 15 degrees F from yesterday, some locations will see afternoon humidity once again below 15 percent. Humidity will increase again starting Sunday, even as temperatures warm.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on X @salmonchallisnf.  

####