Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Update
Saturday, August 31, 2024

Fire Size: 54,333
Completion: 10%
Total Resources: 973

Community Meeting
A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 2nd, at 6 p.m. at the White Barn Building, near 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley, Idaho. The Incident Commander, key team members, and Boise National Forest representatives will provide updates on the fire and answer any questions. 

Weather and Fire Behavior
High pressure aloft with weak winds will cause another day of strong inversions with poor visibility. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s, with continued low afternoon humidity. The widespread inversion covering most of the fire area will moderate fire behavior. If the inversion lifts, there could be a return to active fire behavior compounded by very dry fuels.

Operations
Moderate fire behavior is allowing fire crews to make significant progress by improving existing containment line and implement new line around critical areas in the west and southwest of the Bulldog Fire.

Crews continue to strengthen line completed after tactical firing operations along the southwestern edge of the Nellie Fire. The completed line near the highway and farther north will reduce the threat of fire and improve safety along the highway corridor.

Crews are making extensive progress on Deadwood Reservoir operations on spot fires on the western shore. Hotshot crews are working directly on the eastern shore and near Wilson Creek to establish additional line throughout the northeastern edge of the fire. They will use a standard anchor and flank method, attempting to tie the fire into existing burn scars.

Closures
The Boise National Forest has issued Order Number 0402-06-60, effective August 23, 2024. Highway 21 is closed from the Sourdough Lodge in Lowman to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough Lodge and Warm Springs Airstrip. For additional information, visit https://511.idaho.gov/

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)
A TFR is in effect over the fire area. It is illegal for the public to fly drones over or near wildfires due to the risk of accidents and interference with firefighting efforts.