Single Publication

Bluff Creek Complex

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Fire Information 208-557-8813 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-bluff-creek-complex 

July 28, 2024

Idaho Panhandle Type 3 Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Brian Hicks and Incident Commander Trainee Bryce Barth

Location:  The fires are burning along both sides of the Bluff Divide, approximately 13 1/2 miles southeast of Avery, ID; five and a half miles west from Gold Creek Campground; and approximately two miles northwest of Junction Ridge.

Start Date: 7/25/2024                                   Cause: Lightning                          Size: 425 acres 

Completion/Containment: 0% 

125 Total Personnel:   

1 Engine

1 Type 2 Hand Crew

2 Interagency Hotshot Crews

5 Heavy Equipment

1 Water Tender

Key Message:  

With the national Planning Level of 5

Current Status: 

The Bluff Creek Fire consists of four different fires: Junction Fire, East Fork Fire, Dominion Point Fire, and Buffalo Fire. As of last night, the Junction Fire increased to 250 acres; the East Fork Fire increased to 25 acres; the Dominion Point Fire increased to 150 acres; and the Buffalo Fire has remained around 1/10th of an acre.

All available resources are engaged in suppression, working on these fires based on priority order. Due to the immediate threat to values at risk, including private industry timberlands, active logging sales, and equipment, the Junction Fire remains priority. Active fire behavior led to spot fires crossing a road on the north end of the fire yesterday, but crews were able to contain the spot fires and hold the road. Heavy equipment utilization has increased accessibility for crews to more safely and effectively engage in the fire, and accessibility improvements will continue throughout today. Today’s focus will be on the eastern portions of the fire, where crews will be engaging directly where feasible to do so. 

On the East Fork Fire, one hotshot crew worked to gain safe access to the fire and were able to start engaging directly on the eastern portion. Today, professional fallers will further secure workable spaces, falling large dead standing snags that pose a significant risk to firefighter safety. On the Dominion Point Fire, crews worked on opening up access to the area and planning engagement tactics. Today, they will prioritize the southern portion of the fire, directly on Dominion Point. The Buffalo Fire remains at one tenth of an acre, burning in heavy dead and down fuels.

Weather and Fire Behavior

Temperatures today will be slightly cooler, ranging from 78-85 in the valleys and 68-78 in mountains. Relative Humidity is slightly increased, ranging from 25%-40%. Winds will be breezy, with potential for gusts up to 20 mph in the lower slopes/valleys and 25 mph in the upper slopes/ridges. Tomorrow there is a slight chance of rain showers in the late morning and afternoon.

Closures and Special Messages

Closures surrounding both fire areas are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/***** and https://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf as they are implemented. 

The Bluff Creek Complex closures include the following roads and area:

• CLOSED:
  • Forest Development Road 509 beginning at its junction with County Highway 50 and concluding at its intersection with Forest Development Road 201. 
  • Forest Development Road 1258 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 509 concluding at its intersection with Forest Development Road 201. 
  • Forest Service Development Road 1956F beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 509 and concluding at its junction with Forest Development Road 3338. 
  • Forest Development Road 322 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 201 concluding at Conrad Peak.
  • Gold Flat Camp Area: Gold Flat undeveloped campsite located 8.6 miles North on Forest Development Road 218 from Red Ives Cabin. Gold Flat undeveloped campsite is located within Section 23 and 24 in T16N, R30W. The area Gold Flat undeveloped campsite where defined on the map comprises of 6.2 acres bordered by the St. Joe River on the West and Forest Development Road 218 on the East.

At this time, a TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION is in place for 27NM SE KELLOGG, Idaho near MULLAN PASS VOR/DME (MLP). No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered, including drone pilots.