Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Update
Friday, August 23, 2024

Fire Size: 41,519 Acres
Completion: 5%
Resources: Helicopters: 3, Engines: 13, Type 1 Hand Crews: 1, Type 2IA  Hand Crews: 3, Type 2  Hand Crews: 4
Total Personnel: 434

In response to the increasing complexity of the fires in the Middle Fork Complex—Bull Trout, Wapiti, Bulldog, and Nellie—the Boise National Forest decided to allocate responsibility for managing these incidents to two Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMT). This management structure will enable the CIMTs to tailor their responses more effectively to the unique challenges of each fire and address the specific needs of the affected communities.

Today, Great Basin CIMT 3 assumed command of the Bulldog and Nellie Fires from the Northern Rockies CIMT 5. Moving forward, the Nellie and Bulldog Fires will be referred to as the Middle Fork Complex. 

On Saturday, August 24, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 5 will transfer responsibility of the Wapiti and Bull Trout Fires to Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 1.

A Community Meeting to introduce the Great Basin CIMT 3 will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, at the Community Center Garden Valley Hall, 342 Village Circle, Crouch, Idaho. Incident Commander Brett Waters, key team members, representatives from the Boise National Forest, and others will be present to provide updates on the Middle Fork Complex and address any questions. 

Yesterday, firefighters on the Nellie Fire observed extreme fire behavior with uphill runs, group torching, and spotting from one-third and half a mile ahead of the fire front. 

Pushed by winds out of the south, the Nellie Fire pushed north and reached the southern end of the Deadwood Reservoir. Overall fire growth yesterday was approximately 5,000 acres. 

The Bulldog Fire showed increased activity along its eastern flank as it burned into a previous fire scar. Containment lines on the southern edge of the fire remain secure. Currently, the fire poses minimal threat to the community of Crouch.

Additional work is being done in and around the community of Crouch and along the Highway 17 Corridor to assess structures and plan for their defense should they be threatened.

Weather: The Middle Fork Complex will be under a Red Flag Fire Weather Warning today. High temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds, and low fuel moisture will contribute to active fire behavior. Continued fire growth is expected along the eastern flank of the Nellie Fire and the eastern flank of the Bulldog Fire. Fire crews, supported by aircraft, will work to slow the spread of the fires, and protect at-risk values.

On Saturday, cooler weather and the possibility of measurable precipitation are expected across the Middle Fork Complex. These conditions are likely to moderate fire behavior and offer firefighters opportunities to advance their efforts. 

Closures: The Boise National Forest issued Order Number # 0402-06-59, which went into effect today at 8 am. The closure order and accompanying map will be posted on information boards throughout the community and on our social media channels: Facebook and InciWeb. Please visit the Boise National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices for additional information.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is in effect over the Middle Fore Complex Fire area. Using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS)/drones is illegal within the TFR.