Single Publication

Bluff Creek Complex

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Fire Information 208-557-8813 

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

August 2, 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 of Gold Creek Campground; and approximately two miles northwest of Junction Ridge.

Start Date: 7/25/2024                                   Cause: Lightning                          Size: 432 acres 

193 Total Personnel:   

5 Engines

4 Type 2 Hand Crews

2 Interagency Hotshot Crews

6 Heavy Equipment

4 Water Tenders

Key Message:  

Updates will occur when conditions warrant, such as changes in acreage or containment.  

Current Status: 

The Bluff Creek Complex consists of four different fires: Junction Fire, East Fork Fire, Dominion Point Fire, and Buffalo Fire. The Dominion Point Fire held at 275 acres; the Junction Fire is 60% contained and 130 acres; the East Fork Fire is 80% contained and 25 acres; and the Buffalo Fire is 100% contained at 2 acres. An infrared flight in the early hours of August 1st resulted in a reduction in acreage due to more precise mapping. All available resources are engaged in suppression, working on these fires based on priority order. Due to the threat to values at risk, including private industry timberlands, active logging sales, and equipment, the Junction Fire and the East Fork Fire remain priority, but work continues on Dominion Point as well. 

Approximately 1” of rain was received across the Fire Complex on July 30th, greatly moderating fire behavior and providing an opportunity for firefighters to increase containment. Much of the fireline (constructed with hand tools, heavy equipment, or reinforced roads) is now plumbed, meaning hoses are set up to aid firefighters in holding these lines. 

WEATHER

Temperatures have increased again with 96-104 degrees in the valleys and 87-97 in the mountains. Relative Humidity decreased, ranging from 16%-26%. Temperatures will stay elevated through the weekend, with possible thunderstorms on Sunday. 

Closures and Special Messages

Closure orders are in place 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/incident-closures/idipf-bluff-creek-complex and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices as they are implemented. 

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

• CLOSED:
  • Order Number: # 01-04-04-24-005 (Bluff Creek Fire Road Closure)
    • 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 unction with Forest Development Road 3338.
    • Forest Development Road 322 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 201 concluding at Conrad Peak.
  • Order Number: # 01-04-04-24-006 (Gold Flat Area Closure): 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  comprises approximately 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.