Single Publication

Chimney Fire containment rises to 21 percent

Daily Update – Saturday, September 14, 2024       

Acres: 6,517                                                                                                

Start Date: 9/2/2024

Location: 9 miles northwest of Fairfield, ID                                      

Personnel: 361

Containment: 21%                                                                                    

Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, understory

Highlights: Due to continued suppression efforts along the southern perimeter, fire containment has increased to 21 percent. A new fire start was detected 5 miles west of Fairfield, just east of the Incident Command Post. Firefighters assigned to perform initial attack of new fires quickly responded to contain this new start. 

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters worked alongside Resource Advisors to identify potential suppression repair needs on the southern end of the fire. These efforts aim to remove, repair, or minimize evidence of fire suppression actions on the landscape. On the western flank, firefighting equipment including pumps and hoses that were no longer needed were airlifted out in cargo nets using helicopters. In addition to backhauling, helicopters were also used to complete a communication repeater mission, release water bucket drops, and identify several suitable helicopter landing spots. The initial attack group of firefighters on the ground, along with a bulldozer and a helicopter, worked together to successfully suppress the new fire start east of the command post. Due to a warming and drying trend today through the weekend, more active fire behavior is expected along with additional smoke production. Potential fire activity will likely be limited to dead and down timber along the fire edges that are most exposed to wind. Firefighters remain ready to quickly respond to any new fire starts. 

Weather: Today, mostly sunny skies will continue to allow the air to change, becoming warmer and drier. The afternoon high temperatures should range between 62 and 72 degrees. Afternoon humidity should range from 18 to 27 percent. Wind will increase to afternoon gusts between 20 and 26 miles per hour.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from the Fairfield area, with possible haze in the afternoon today. An interactive smoke map located at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest conditions.

Closures: The Sawtooth National Forest has issued an emergency temporary closure area for the Chimney Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect firefighters and the public during wildfire suppression activities occurring in and around the area. The full closure order (No. 0414-05-065) and map are available on the Sawtooth National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/. 

More Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ideix-chimney-fire / 

208-246-8292 / https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest / 2024.chimney@firenet.gov / https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands/