Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Update
August 24, 2024

Fire Size: 41,519 Acres
Completion: 5%
Resources: Helicopters: 5 | Engines: 18 | Hand crews: 10 | Total Personnel 546
Location: Approximately nine miles east of Garden Valley, ID
Started: August 8, 2024
Cause: Naturally Caused, Lightning
Management: Great Basin Complex Incident Management Team 3

Community Meeting
A community meeting will be held today at 6 p.m. at the Garden Valley Hall, 342 Village Circle, Crouch, Idaho. Incident Commander Brett Waters, 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
A low-pressure system will provide relief from red flag weather, bringing mostly cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, much higher humidities, lighter winds, and scattered light showers to the fire areas. As a result, these conditions will moderate fire behavior at all elevations, limiting rates of fire spread.

Operations
A red flag warning (high temperatures, gusty winds, low humidity) was in place yesterday and contributed to fire growth on both the Nellie and Bulldog fires. Crews are actively engaged 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 established along the southwestern perimeter. The fire experienced moderate growth on the northern and southeastern sides.

The Nellie Fire was most active on both the northern and southern edges yesterday. No structures have been damaged or destroyed, and infrastructure at the Deadwood Reservoir remains secure. Ongoing efforts are focused on protecting homes, the Scott Mountain and Deadwood Lookouts, the communication tower, and structures along Highway 17 corridor with protection measures implemented on the southern edge of the fire.

Several spot fires became established on the northwestern side of Deadwood Reservoir during the last few days of dry, hot, and windy weather. Crews are actively working to contain them. Additionally, contingency lines are being explored along the Deadwood Reservoir, with the goal of keeping the Nellie Fire within previously burned areas. Power lines along Highway 17 were de-energized yesterday to ensure safe operations and have since been re-energized.

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 Sour Dough Lodge in Lowman to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sour Dough 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.
 
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Middle-Fork-Complex-Fire-Boise-National-Forest/61565022204468/

Information Line
208-992-3045 (8am – 8pm)

Email
2024.middleforkcomplex@firenet.gov