Single Publication

Heavy smoke was prevalent over the Four Corners Fire area today.  Winds were light, which led to decreased visibility and limited aviation operations.  Overall, the fire was far less active today than it was yesterday.  Firefighters were able to better assess yesterday’s fire growth and continue planning the best strategies to contain the fire.  The fire has burned very rapidly through subalpine fir but slows when it reaches draws with green vegetation and more moisture.

More fire crews and engines arrived on the fire today and began work on the eastern edge of the fire, where the fire is closest to the lake.  They are constructing fireline and removing vegetation on public lands adjacent to private property in order to slow the fire’s spread as it advances and allow firefighters to more easily contain it on the eastern edge.  On the northern side of the fire, crews made good progress in constructing containment lines and working directly along the fire’s edge.  On the west, the fire has burned into very rocky terrain, where it is spreading slowly through sections of timber.  Firefighters will use existing roads and trails as fire containment lines, where they have a higher chance of success in containing the fire.This evening, thunderstorms passed to the south of the fire area, raising humidity.  Gusty winds have been observed but have not significantly impacted the fire directly.  Milder weather conditions will remain for the next few days, then warmer and drier air will return.  

 Lake Cascade is open; however, boaters should be cautious on the water and aware that the aircraft may use any area of the lake as needed to draw water.  Additionally, use caution when along Lakeshore Drive due to the increase in traffic.  Travel slowly and with lights on for safety.  

 Virtual Information Meeting:  On Sunday, August 21 at 7 PM, a virtual meeting will be held to share an overview of the fire situation.  More information on accessing the meeting will be provided tomorrow.

 Evacuation Information:  Residences in God’s Acres and French Creek are under evacuation status (Go) and the area is closed except to firefighting traffic and local officials.  The Campbell Creek area is under pre-evacuation notice (Set).  Others in the vicinity are encouraged to consider evacuation preparations (Ready).  Please visit https://www.wildlandfirersg.org/ for information on packing and preparing for evacuations.  Kelly’s Whitewater Park is open to evacuees.

 Closure Information:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Payette and Boise National Forests enacted an area closure order.  The complete closure order – including a full description of the trails, roads, and areas closed and an accompanying map – is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/8331/.