Single Publication

Incident Commander: Chris Hericks
Location: Southwest of Branham Lakes Campground
Start Date: 09/04/2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: estimated at 152 acres
Resources on Site: 2 Initial Attack Modules
Total Personnel: 8

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:
Resources had an abbreviated shift on the fire today. Plentiful snow and rain was received throughout the morning. 1” of moisture was measured in the rain gauge as of 02:00 PM. The fire experienced no growth or activity because of the moisture and cold temperatures. 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. This will remain until crews can make sure snags are removed from the campground and where firing operations occurred along Mill Creek Road. This is anticipated to take through the weekend.

The fire will be un-staffed tomorrow to let conditions dry out. Crews will be doing other project work on the district and rehabbing gear and equipment. As significant moisture was received this will be the last evening update for the Pedro Mine Fire.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
The fire received 1” of moisture as of 02:00 PM today. Forecasts are for an additional 0.5-1.0” tonight. As most of the fire area is above 8,500’ measurable snow could cover the entire fire by tomorrow morning. If this forecast plays out it will be considered at least a season-moderating event and may be a 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.