InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
The Bench Lake Fire started Thursday, July 11, 2024, approximately 8 miles south of Stanley, Idaho.
| Current as of | Wed, 08/21/2024 - 21:15 |
|---|---|
| Incident Time Zone | America/Boise |
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Human |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | 8 miles south of Stanley, Idaho |
| Incident Commander | JOSH SWITZER, Incident Commander MIGUEL A MARTINEZ, Incident Commander (Trainee) |
| Coordinates |
44° 6' 55'' Latitude
-114° 57' 41
'' Longitude
|
| Total Personnel: | 11 |
|---|---|
| Size | 2,595 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 90% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 08/21/2024 |
| Fuels Involved | Light logging slash best describes the fuels which are comprised of downed timber from the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic in which 80% of the overstory died. The other fuel model, timber litter and understory is comprised of closed-canopy Douglas fir with grasses, forbs, and shrubs that have not fully cured but are aiding in fire spread. |
| Significant Events | Fire management transitioned from Nevada Team 1 to local unit incident commander Aug. 4. The Bench Lake Fire is showing minimal fire activity in the fire area. The Type 4 team has observed smoldering pockets of heat along the western shore line of Redfish Lake. A recon flight showed interior pockets of heat as well, and these are expected to continue within the fire perimeter as larger fuels continue to burn down. Repairs and maintenance to roads and trails have continued, with a portion of the Stanley to Redfish trail still needing some repairs. The initial Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment is scheduled for Aug. 9. The BAER process is crucial for identifying the potential long term affects of the fire. Visitors to the area are asked to be mindful of closure areas for the Bench Lake and Wapiti fires, both of which are posted to the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices. Check out the Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov) for more information on air quality. |
| Planned Actions |
Suppression and repair plan has been completed. Crews will patrol and monitor by air or ground as needed. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity |
Low potential for additional spread with the exception of the west flank of the fire which will continue to burn in isolated, sparse stands. Additional spread is currently confined by limited fuels and extensive rock features. |