Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Update
Sunday, August 25, 2024

Fire Size: 45,992 Acres
Completion: 5%
Resources: Helicopters: 5, Engines: 18, Hand Crews: 12
Total Personnel: 566

A community meeting will be held tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the white barn, 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley, Idaho. Incident Commander, key team members, and representatives from the Boise National Forest will provide updates on the Middle Fork Complex Fire and address any questions.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cooler temperatures, cloudy skies, light winds, and a chance of showers will continue due to the low-pressure system that remains in the fire area. Significant fire spread is not expected due to these continued conditions.

Operations: The current weather over the area has improved firefighting conditions, allowing crews to strengthen existing containment measures, place new fire lines and improve lines around the fire.

Crews continue to engage in efforts along FS Road 698 to contain the Bulldog Fire, focusing on the western edge. Structure protection measures in addition to the placement of pumps, hand lines, and dozer lines, have been implemented along the southwestern perimeter. Crews will soon begin establishing indirect line along the northern and northeastern edge of the fire.

Indirect lines are being established on the western edge on the Nellie fire to halt the westward progression of the fire. Ongoing efforts are focused on protecting homes, and infrastructure along Highway 17 corridor with protection measures implemented on the southern edge of the fire working toward Lowman. This closure is to ensure firefighter and public safety.

The several spot fires that became established on the northwestern side of Deadwood Reservoir in the past few days have become a top priority, with and crews are actively working to contain them. Additionally, lines are being constructed along the Deadwood Reservoir, with the goal of keeping the Nellie Fire within previously burned areas and from moving further north. No homes or infrastructure in the Deadwood reservoir area have been lost.

Closures: The Boise National Forest has issued Order Number 0402-06-59, effective August 23, 2024. For additional details, please visit the Boise National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. Hwy 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 and Warm Springs Airstrip. Visit https://511.idaho.gov/ for more info.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A TFR is issued over the fire area. It is illegal for members of the public to fly drones over or near wildfires because of the potential for accidents and disruption of suppression operations.