Single Publication

Ross Fork Fire Daily Update 
September 19, 2022

Fire Information: Email: 2022.rossfork@firenet.gov 
Phone: 208-329-6044 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. 
Sawtooth National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

YouTube:https://youtu.be/Ll7iJz55hnIInciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8375

Containment: 44%

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 37,795 acres

Location: Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Fuel Type: Timber Litter/Timber/Short Grass
 

There continues to be some, but minimal fire activity over the last few days.  The winds picked up in the area, but no new growth was noted.  More winds are expected over the next few days because of a weather system off the Pacific Coast.  

Cool, dry weather will continue the next few days.  The fire is still active in some of the dry heavy fuels, with minimal spreading within the fire perimeter.  Winds will be picking up and gusting up to about 40 mph in certain areas.  There is a chance of measurable rain predicted over the fire area on Wednesday and Thursday.  Temperatures will also cool off over the coming week. 

Firefighters continue to patrol, mitigate hazards, and mop-up locations throughout.  Crews will be evaluating the risks as the winds pick up today and proceed cautiously.  The forest fire closure is still in effect to protect both firefighters and the public from harm.  One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of new fires in the area due to the winds that are forecast. Be aware that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Please be safe to prevent any new starts.

Chipping and fireline repair work continues throughout the fire area and will continue for the next few days. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is now at work in the area.  BAER teams are resource specialists who determine the need for emergency treatments to prevent more costly damage to public lands, infrastructure, or natural and cultural resources.

This will be the final update from Great Basin Team 3. We thank the community for its support of the firefighters and the fire team.  Sierra Nevada Team 3 will be “shadowing” today to receive all the information that they need to successfully assume command of the Ross Fork Fire on Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00 a.m.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands implemented fire restrictions for the Sawtooth North Zone. Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for new updates.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Sawtooth National Forest has reduced the area that is closed because of the Ross Fork Fire, effective Saturday, 9-17-22. All public lands east of Highway 75 are now open, as is Pettit Lake. Alturas Lake remains closed. The full closure language and map can be seen as pdf files at this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8375/71996/

EVACUATIONS:  All areas that had evacuation warnings have been reduced to “READY” status. Visit https://www.blainesheriff.com/152/Sheriff for more information. 98ew0 for more information.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel 462

Hand Crews 6

Engines 12

Helicopters 4

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/Sawtooth and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest