Single Incident Information

The Payette National Forest will be conducting multiple prescribed fires this fall that may take place anytime from late September to early November when the right weather conditions exist to ensure the safety of the burns and to accomplish resource objectives.

The decision to ignite a prescribed fire depends on favorable weather conditions and the need to reduce smoke effects as much as possible.  While smoke from prescribed fires is much less than that from a typical wildfire, if smoke concentrations approach air quality standards ignition will be delayed until air quality improves.  While smoke from prescribed fires usually dissipates within a few days, residual smoke may be visible for up to 2 weeks in some cases.

Prescribed fire is an important forest management tool that helps us protect communities by reducing surface fuels, increasing the height of the tree canopy, reducing small tree densities, and promoting fire resilient tree species.

The risk of high-severity wildfire fire is also reduced as prescribed fire improves wildlife habitat, promotes and long-term ecosystem integrity and sustainability.  Prescribed fire is an important component of natural resource management and part of the comprehensive fire management program on the Payette National Forest.

The New Meadows Ranger District plans to burn approximately 3,000 acres in Boulder Creek drainage (13 miles northwest of New Meadows); 4,000 acres in the Cold July project area. (2 miles south of Tamarack Mill), and up to 100 landing piles in the Rusty Goose Timber Sale (3 miles east of New Meadows).

The McCall Ranger District plans to burn 500 acres of broadcast hand piles in the Brundage-Bear Basin project area. (3 miles northwest of McCall).

The Council Ranger District plans to apply fire to approximately 3,500 acres in the Weasel project area (13 miles northwest of Council, and 3,000 acres in Mill Creek-Council Mountain project area (5 miles northeast of Council).

The Weiser Ranger District plans to apply fire to approximately 1,200 acres in the Robinson project area (22 miles north of Weiser).

The Krassel Ranger District plans to apply fire to approximately 5,500 acres within the Bald Hill project area (east of Yellow Pine); 3,800 acres in the Four Mile project area along the South Fork of the Salmon River near the 4-mile campground (Approximately 18 miles east of McCall); 500 acres near the Big Creek Guard Station; and 70 acres around Krassel Work Center.

Caution signs and maps will be posted at Trail heads and roads that lead into areas where prescribed fire is being used.

Individuals may contact Patrick Schon (208-634-0724) all with any concerns they may have about the planned prescribed fires. The public may also call the Weiser, Council, New Meadows, McCall, or Krassel Ranger Districts for more information. Council RD: 253-0100; Krassel RD: 634-0974; McCall RD: 634-0400; New Meadows RD: 347-0300; Weiser RD: 549-4200.

For the most current information about prescribed fire projects please visit the Payette Facebook page, Inciweb, and refer to the Southwest Idaho Prescribed Fire story map at https://bit.ly/IDprescribedfire