Single Publication

                                                                          INCIDENT COMMANDER:  Kevin Barger ICT3

                                                                                                                                        Graydon Galloway ICT3(t)

                                                                                   Midnight Fire

                                                             Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

                                                                   Salmon River Ranger District

                                                                  Fire Information Line - 208-935-6134

                                         https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idncf-midnight-fire

July 21, 2023

Location: Forest Service Road (FSR) #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) 1 mile east of China Point, 3 miles Northwest of Pilot Knob near Mountain House Site

Start Date: 7/10/23      Cause: Lightning        Size: 179 acres               Completion/Containment: 25%

Total Personnel: 182      Engines: 3 Wildland Engines and 4 Tactical Water Tenders  Dozers: 2   Forest Masticators: 2 Helicopters: 1    Retardant Tankers: As Needed   Hand Crews: 5 on scene including 3 Interagency Hotshot Crews   

CURRENT SITUATION

A local Type 3 Incident Command Team has assumed command of this fire as of Thursday, July 13. Heavy firefighting traffic is still expected to continue through the week on Forest Service Roads (FSR) #244, #284, and #1852 as more resources arrive and continue to contribute to the suppression efforts. A fire camp is still established near McComas Meadows (Camp 58) to support the ongoing suppression efforts.  

PLANNED ACTIONS

Direct attack, full suppression, continue with hand line on eastern and western sides of the fire and continue opening and assessment of existing road and trail systems for heavy equipment use.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

High pressure continues to dominate the weather with possible cumulus cloud build up from the south. At the surface, a warming and drying trend continues through the weekend with terrain driven winds. Fire behavior is moderate with torching, group torching, and creeping. Fire growth has been minimal over the last few days but could change with weather conditions.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

Fire managers on Midnight Fire are asking travelers and motorists to avoid the National Forest Service Road (NFSR) #244, starting from Highway 13 to McComas junction this morning, due to heavy fire traffic.

There are currently no closures in place, but firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy along FSR # 244 (Lighting Creek Road) and FSR# 284 (Elk City Wagon Road) between China Point and Lytle Cow Camp, while suppression operations are taking place. Fire Management Officials urge the traveling public to please avoid this area both on the ground and in the air. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Midnight Fire area for the safety of the aviation resources on scene.