Single Publication

Flat Fire Update

August 20, 2024

Email: 2024.flat@firenet.gov

Incident Information Phone Line: 208-923-1265 – daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Flat Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-2024-flat

Smoke Report: https://www.airnow.gov

Flat Fire Facts

Location: Approx. 1-mile northeast of Pioneerville in Boise County, Idaho

Reported: August 5, 2024 

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Acres: 3,641

Containment: 14%

Personnel: 483 (11 hand crews, 12 engines, 6 water tenders, 4 dozers, 1 masticator and 5 helicopters)

Fuels: Timber with grass and understory

Highlights: Yesterday was a very productive and successful day on the Flat Fire. Crews continued mop-up on the western flank of the fire and used existing roads to secure the northwestern side. The burn scar from the 2016 Pioneer Fire has limited fuel for fire spread on the northeastern side of the fire, but presents hazardous conditions for firefighters because of hazard trees and snags. Indirect dozer line is being constructed where crews cannot safely work. A spot fire on the southeastern side of the fire area is a top priority for both aircraft and firefighters on the ground. A successful burn-out operation on the southern edge removed fine fuels for fire spread and mop-up will begin today.

Overall, the fire has seen moderate activity with minimal growth. Today, crews will patrol, monitor and continue to secure west side of the fire. Resources working along the north will continue to secure the perimeter and construct containment line to the south towards the Wilson Peak Roadless Area. Crews will construct direct line around the spot fire, with support from aerial resources if needed.

Flat Fire Community Meeting: A meeting to update Centerville residents will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20 at the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department in Centerville. Fire personnel will provide the latest update on Flat Fire activity.

Fire Behavior & Weather: Warm and dry conditions experienced yesterday will continue through most of the week with daytime temperature 73-82 degrees and relative humidity 17-24% through Thursday. Yesterday’s gusty winds of 20 mph will diminish to 12-18 mph through Thursday. A cooler, moist weather pattern is expected in the fire area on Friday with temperatures 62-71 degrees and humidity 30-45% with a 30-37% chance of precipitation.

Road and Trail Closures and Restrictions: The Boise National Forest has implemented an Area Closure for the Flat Fire. See link for additional information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. The Summit Flat Road (#380) between Pioneerville and Coulter Summit is closed for public and firefighter safety.

Fires Burning in the Vicinity: There are other fires that are burning in the vicinity of the Flat Fire. See link for additional information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idbof-middle-fork-complex-fire-bulldog-nellie-anderson.