Single Publication

Saturday September 14, 2024

Overview: The Lava Fire is on the Boise and Payette National Forests and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire is located north of Emmet and west of Lake Cascade and started by lightning on Monday, September 2nd and is burning in tall grass, brush, and timber. 

The Lava Fire is currently 95,697 acres with 16 percent containment and 824 personnel assigned. 

Any property remaining in an area that is either evacuated or impacted by Forest Service closures will need to remain in place until fire managers, Sheriff’s departments, and emergency management departments deem the area is safe for reentry. 

Operations: Yesterday, structure protection was completed in God’s Acres Subdivision while continuing work in the church camp. Lines were completed on the west flank to the center of the northern flank near Indian Mountain Lookout Tower. The Four Corners Fire scar continues to mitigate fire behavior near Hazard Creek and Lookout Peak with crews establishing lines in places as needed. On the southwestern flank, fire crews mopped up east of Indian Valley Road, North Crane Road, and Spring Creek. The initial attack response, Red Fire, was controlled at the end of the day yesterday.

Night shift crews patrolled and monitored fire activity ready to respond to any concerns. Crews strengthened lines around structure work completed on day shift.

Today, fire suppression activities include handlines, dozer lines, and engine work on containment lines around the fire perimeter.

On the northern flank, personnel are scouting locations for containment lines from Grays Creek Road to the east in steep terrain and timber. Structure protection will work at the church camp and assess structures at the Tamarack Ski Resort.

On the eastern flank, Structure assessments and protection continues around Lake Cascade. Chipping operations have started around the structures on the southeast corner along the Forest Service Road 404. Firefighters are working on Forest Service Road 404, Willow Creek and Le John Road holding and securing line. Crews are working to improve structure protection at the Willow Creek community. Securing along the fire perimeter north of Boulder Creek continues. 

On the southern flank, personnel will be mopping up FS 653 Road west to FS 618 Road. Line scouting continues eastward to the southeast corner. Scouting line construction along 601 Road to the north continues. 

On the western flank, firefighters will continue to mop up isolated areas of heat on the western edge from Dodson Pass north to Little Weiser Road protecting the range allotments, grasslands, and private property outside the fire perimeter line. Crews will also begin road repair in areas that have been impacted by firefighter traffic. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Weak high pressure and southwest flow will continue a warming and drying trend today. Afternoon temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees warmer and humidity around 10 to 15% lower than yesterday. Winds this afternoon will be out of the southwest and breezier than yesterday. Fire behavior will consist of smoldering heavy fuels and ground fuels. There will be an increase in fire behavior this afternoon in ground litter and under timber stands. 

Evacuations and road closures: 

Adams County Sheriff’s Office issued a LEVEL 3 “GO!” Evacuation notice to residents south of South Grays Creek and along Little Weiser Road in Indian Valley. A LEVEL 2 “SET” Evacuation has been issued for residents North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and a LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation has been issued for the Mesa area.

Gem County Sheriff’s Office Has downgraded to a LEVEL 2 “SET” Evacuation notice to residents on Third Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), Second Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), and the Sage Hen Reservoir area. A LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation has been issued for Nesbitt Lane residents. 

Gem County Road and Bridge issued the following road closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. The Sweet-Ola Highway is closed at the High Valley intersection in Ola. Please be advised that the Gem County Sheriff’s Office is staffing the road closure check points.

Valley County Sheriff’s Office zones 4 – 11 are in a LEVEL 2 “SET” Evacuation notice. 

Forest Closures and Restrictions: The Boise and Payette National Forests implemented a joint Lava Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure for public and firefighter safety. The closure includes Forest Service lands north of the 601 Road (approximately 7 miles southwest of Smiths Ferry) and north all the way to the northernmost extent of Lake Cascade. This expanded closure order supersedes previous closure orders and will be in place through December 31, 2024, unless rescinded. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes the use of personal drones. If you fly, we cannot fly.