(Ahsahka, ID- 2 miles north of Orofino) Crews continue to construct and reinforce fireline on the Whitetail Loop Fire. Containment is now listed at 15%. More than 200 personnel are assigned to the fire with ground forces working on both hand and dozer line. The fire is mapped at 450 acres.

Weather today will bring higher temperatures, lower humidity, and winds out of the west. These conditions have the potential to increase fire activity in the afternoon as fuels dry from morning moisture.

Work today in the southern portions of the fire, is focused on mopping up and cold-trailing (the process of extinguishing hot spots and checking for any remaining heat by hand). This morning an IDL unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with an infrared camera was flown over the fire area to search for pockets of heat in the interior of the fire. By locating these heat sources, firefighters can more efficiently attack potential for flare ups. Aviation resources remain available for water drops to cool interior heat.

On the northern portion of the fire, crews will reinforce and plumb firelines bringing water up the grade to cool the fire perimeter and work toward interior heat.

Evacuations remain in effect. The Clearwater County Sheriff will contact evacuated residents when it is safe for them to return home.

The following roads remain closed for firefighter and public safety: Whitetail Loop, Old Ahsahka Grade, Turkey Run, and Summit View.

Big Eddy Marina and Viewpoint Road are open to the public. Please be aware that fire crews will still be in the area. Use caution when accessing these areas.

Update
September 1, 2020, 8:50am

(Ahsahka, ID) Cooler temperatures and Monday night's rain aided in fire suppression efforts on the #WhitetailLoopFire. Crews made substantial gains on lining the fire perimeter with both hand and dozer line. With more than 140 personnel assigned to the fire ground forces were able to accomplish more than 1.75 miles of line. The fire is currently mapped at approximately 450 acres.

The following roads remain closed for firefighter and public safety: Whitetail Loop, Old Ahsahka Grade, Turkey Run, and Summit View.

All residents who have been evacuated will remain so until contacted by the Clearwater County Sheriff.

A local IDL Type 3 incident management team (IMT) assumed command of the fire yesterday. Today's activities will be a continuation of the ground crews cutting in and re enforcing fireline and plumbing with fire hose to bring in water along the fire's edge. Aviation resources will be available for water drops today to cool interior heat so that crews can safely access further in from the fire's perimeter.

The IMT appreciates the public's patience as additional resources arrive and the organization gets established.
 
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The Smith Canyon Fire is 11,348 acres, 100% contained. Resources will continue to monitor it for the rest of the day before turning it back over to the local fire department.

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,348 acres, 95% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

Yesterday, there were very few smokes on the fire. Resources were able to continue their progress with mop up of the fire. All resources have returned this morning and will patrol for any hot spots close to the fire perimeter to mop up.

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,348 acres, 95% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

Resources have made significant progress with mop up of the fire. All resources have returned this morning and will continue to patrol for any hot spots to mop up.  

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,348 acres, 95% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

This morning, there was light precipitation over the fire area. Resources returned to the fire to continue suppression efforts. Dozer crews improved containment line. Engine crews patrolled and mopped up hot spots. Aerial resources were utilized to cool down hot spots. Resources will return tomorrow to continue mopping up.

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,348 acres, 90% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

Today, resources were successful with holding the fire and mopping up. Dozer crews constructed and improved containment line. Engine crews patrolled for hot spots and spot fires over the containment line. Aerial resources were utilized to cool down hot spots. Resources will return tomorrow to continue fire suppression efforts.

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,348 acres, 60% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

All resources have returned to the fire line. Dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment line. Engine crews will continue to patrol for hot spots and spot fires over the containment line. Aerial resources will be utilized as needed.
 
Fire Weather: Temperatures will get into the mid 90s today with partly cloudy skies. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms today. Winds will be out of the east around 8-13 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be near 30%.

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,348 acres, 60% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

Fire activity was low today. Crews made significant progress with containment line construction and fire suppression. Aerial resources were utilized to assist with containment line construction by cooling down hotspots. 

Planned Actions for 9/4: Dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment line. Engine crews will continue to patrol for hot spots and spot fires over the containment line. Aerial resources will be utilized as needed.

Smith Canyon Fire: estimated 11,000 acres, 25% contained
Location: approximately 4 miles south of Iraan, Texas 

Resources have returned this morning to continue fire suppression efforts. Dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment line. Engine crews will continue to patrol for hot spots and spot fires over the containment line. Aerial resources will be utilized as needed.  
 
Fire Weather: Very little change since previous forecast this morning. RHs this afternoon at the burn site will drop to around 23%, with 20ft winds expected to remain around 10mph, varying between the southeast and northeast through this evening. Isolated thunderstorms are possible just south/east of the wildfire this afternoon and evening, thus while immediate impacts are uncertain, erratic gusty outflow winds and lightning strikes cannot be ruled out. Recovery tonight will be very good, with similar conditions expected on Friday.