Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Daily Update

September 20, 2024

Fire activity is expected to remain minimal today throughout all fires as high humidity and cooler temperatures remain. A warm, drying trend is expected to begin on Tuesday and continue for the remainder of next week. Firefighters continue to work and strengthen control lines in preparation for drier weather.  A lot of great work has been done and the team will begin focusing on the transition from suppression to suppression repair.  This will entail downsizing suppression resources and an uptick in suppression repair resources.

The Middle Fork Complex is 61,484 acres with 35% completion. 

Today firefighters continue masticating and chipping on the Bulldog and Nellie Fires along the Forest Service Roads 678, 671, and northern section of the 555 road to finish clearing debris within the fuel breaks.  Indirect lines are being cleaned up, so lines will be around Silver Creek, the lookout tower, the plunge and the hot springs so they will be ready to go for repair efforts and in case there is an Indian Summer in October.  On the Nellie Fire, crews will continue strengthening fire line on the Southwest side of Deadwood Reservoir and are beginning repair work. 

The Snag Fire is 33,300 acres with 33% completion.

Where the fire crossed over the Warm Lake Highway, scouts have checked that area, and we expect to see more containment in that area.  Equipment that is no longer needed will be removed from that area.  Firefighters will continue to use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to see if there is any heat remaining on the side that impacted the Cascade Area. 

The Goat Fire is 26,466 acres with 0% contained.

Firefighters are tying in direct line from old forest roads on the western and southern portion of the Goat Fire to protect values at risk. Preparations are being made in case this fire tries to move south. Crews are cleaning up dozer and hand lines and working towards suppression repair in those areas. 

A new closure order for the Middle Fork Complex Fire is in place opening several areas within the Boise National Forest. Closure changes specific to the Boise National Forest include opening roads 582, 563, and 579 that now allow access to lower Bear Valley Creek area, which is also now open. As a reminder, while the roads themselves are open, the lands west of 582 and 563 are still closed due to the Middle Fork Complex. This closure change goes into effect on Sept. 20 at 8 a.m.  An interactive forest closure map is available on the Boise National Forest Alerts & Closures website and see the current closures for the Cascade Ranger District.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices

Hunters are not allowed access to closed areas. The Boise National Forest is re-evaluating closure orders across the forest due to firefighting progress and recent precipitation. The public can expect to see further changes later this week. 

In the meantime, we ask the public to adhere to the closures as they currently exist; in particular, Trail Creek Hot Springs is currently within the closure area for the West Mountain Complex and is closed.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been rescinded for the Boise National Forest at 8 a.m. Sept. 20, 2024. For more information on the restrictions visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area.  Visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect in the fire area.

Middle Fork Fire Information: 208-992-3045 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)                     Email: 2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov 

Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-and-nellie

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Middle-Fork-Complex-Fire-Boise-National-Forest/61565022204468

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@2024.middleforkcomplex