Single Publication

Incident Commander: Chris Hericks
Location: Southwest of Branham Lakes Campground
Start Date: 09/04/2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: estimated at 130 acres
Resources on Site: 3 Initial Attack Modules
Total Personnel: 14

The Pedro Mine Fire, located nine miles east of Sheridan in the Mill Creek area, is burning in steep, rocky terrain with little to no access for firefighters. The area contains a large concentration of standing dead trees (“snags”) that pose challenges to ensuring firefighter safety and in responding to potential medical emergencies, jeopardizing the well-being of firefighters and other responders.

Fire managers from the Forest, working in collaboration with local Madison County officials have identified and prioritized critical values at risk in the fire area. Firefighting efforts will focus available resources on the protection of structures on private inholdings, active mining claims, and Branham Lakes Campground. All these values are approximately .1-.6 miles from the fire.

There are several factors involved in making wildfire management decisions. These factors include, firefighter safety, resource availability and threats to public safety and property. As well as, terrain, fire behavior, fire season outlook and modeling, and past prescribed fire units and vegetation management projects in the area. Fire managers are strategic in their approach and continually reassess conditions and alter management strategies to protect critical values.

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:
The spot fires that were north of the fire were active and grew together. Crews planned and completed a firing operation adjacent to Branham Lakes. This buffer will protect the infrastructure and vegetation in the campground. These actions also provide a place of refuge for recreationists and first responders for fires in the future. The cabin closest to the fire continued to have sprinklers operated around it all day. The barricade remains in place at the intersection of Mill Creek Road (FS RD 111) and the Middle Fork Mill Creek Road (FS RD 7313) to limit public access into the fire area and Branham Lakes Campground. An overnight mapping mission using infrared has been ordered again for tonight.

Tomorrow’s actions will continue with structure protection of the cabin closest to the fire and the campground by patrolling for spot fires and operating the sprinkler systems. Fire personnel will also assess and potentially finish, the burning around Branham Lakes Campground to bring it to the road system and secure it. The main fire will continue to be monitored for fire spread and threat to identified values.

These actions are designed to allow fire personnel to protect the identified values at risk while operating in areas that have much better access and egress to safety.

Agency representatives continue to compile contact information for affected landowners immediately adjacent to the fire area.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Today was another dry, warm, and windy day. This pattern will change starting tomorrow with slightly cooler temperatures, much higher relative humidity, and chance of rain by the evening. This system has approximately 0.5” of rain forecasted through Friday with snow levels dropping to 7,000’. If this forecast plays out it will be considered at least a season-moderating event and may be a fire-season ending event for the fire area.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:
The Forest is in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Campfires are allowed only in a permanent metal fire grate/ring provided by the Forest Service in a designated, developed recreation site. Smoking is restricted to vehicles, in buildings, or in an area clear of flammable materials. Devices with an on/off switch that use LPG fuels are allowed in an area clear of flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.