Incident Publication
DixieJumbo Fires Daily Update July 10 2021
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Publication Type: News
Fire Information: (208)207-7417
Evacuation Information: Call Idaho County Sheriff, 208-983-1100
Fire Information Email: 2021.dixie@firenet.gov
Fire Information Facebook: @NPClwNFs
Fire Information Twitter: @NPClwNFs
Daily Update with fire statistics and summary information provided in the attachment.
River Recreators Know Before You Go
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Information for River Recreators regarding the Dixie Fire.
DixieJumbo Fires Daily Update July 11 2021
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Dixie-Jumbo Fires Daily Update
July 11, 2021- Today’s fire activity across both fires is expected to be lighter in the morning as drift smoke from other fires is creating a damping effect. As the inversion layer dissipates, there is the potential for extreme fire behavior. Gusty winds from the north may result in increased spotting. The remote terrain and communication challenges continue to make firefighting efforts difficult. Additional equipment is being brought in to improve communications for firefighters across both fires.
The Northern Rockies Area is now in preparedness level 5 with 44 new fires reported and 21 uncontained large fires. There are currently 7 Incident Management Teams committed within the Northern Rockies area.
Dixie Fire
The Dixie fire is now at 13,873 acres. Along the northern edge of the fire, growth was minimal as the fire spreads into older burn scars. The northeast corner saw the most growth as the fire moves through mature timber. Down along the southern end of the fire, firefighters are pre- positioning equipment near structures and areas of high value along the Salmon river corridor (including Mackey Bar, Jim Moore, Whitewater Ranch, Yellow Pine, and Allison Ranch). The fire is continuing to back down toward the Salmon river and boaters should be alert for rolling rocks and other debris. In the communities of Dixie and Comstock, firefighters are continuing to focus on structure protection and line construction along FS road 222. Starting tonight, there will be a night shift on the western edge of the fire. Their primary mission is structure protection and patrol. Additional resources have been ordered.
Jumbo Fire
The Jumbo Fire is located west of the Dixie Fire and is at 827 acres. Updated information from an infrared flight resulted in the adjustment in acreage. The fire is staffed with smokejumpers who will be evaluating the fire and focusing on structure protection and fuel mitigation in Concord Hill and Jumbo Camp. The Jumbo Fire also threatens the communities of Dixie and Comstock, as well as structures in the surrounding area. Air operations is flying in supplies and additional resources have been ordered for this fire.
Weather and Smoke
Temperatures should reach the upper 80s today across the fires, with humidity in the low teens. Expect to see changing smoke conditions as fire activity changes throughout the day. The smoke in the air is from several fires, across several states, including: Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California. Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ to learn more.
Fire Restrictions
Based on this recent fire activity and current EXTREME fire conditions across the region, land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area have decided to implement STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS starting at 12:01 A.M. on Friday, July 16. See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.
Evacuations and Closures
On July 6, the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the Dixie and Comstock area. For evacuation information and updates, please continue to follow the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-County-Sheriffs-Office- 178393728844032 or call 208-983-1100.
Closures
A portion of the Red River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is under a closure; a copy of the official closure order is available online
at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices under “Public Notices.”
Dixie Fire Update July 12 2021
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Dixie-Jumbo Fires Daily Update
July 12, 2021 - Northerly winds shifting towards the Northwest are expected to push both fires down slope to the south and east today. Weather conditions are favorable for increased fire behavior and poor relative humidity recovery within thermal belts will keep the fires active during the night. Resources continue to be in short supply with increased demand around the region. Management teams are coordinating across many of the fires in the area to prioritize the highest needs and sharing resources accordingly. Additional communications equipment has been received and is being installed to greatly improve communications for both fires.
The Northern Rockies Area remains at planning level 5, which is the highest level indicating significant fire activity and shortage of resources. There were 15 new fires reported and 25 uncontained large fires yesterday. There are currently 9 Incident Management Teams committed within the Northern Rockies Area.
Jumbo Fire
The Jumbo Fire is located west of the Dixie Fire and grew by 71 acres yesterday. Additional resources are being assigned to this fire as they are available to evaluate structure defensibility and begin preparing for structure protection. Equipment is being delivered to the area and as more resources become available this activity will increase.
Weather and Smoke
Temperature is expected to be similar today as yesterday with 80-90 degrees across the area. Winds are expected to be 6-9 mph, gusting to 15 mph in the afternoon with a shift in direction to the northwest. Smoke from several fires in the region will remain visible. For more information on smoke visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Daily Briefing
Join us for a live daily briefing on the Dixie and Jumbo Fires at 9:00 AM PDT through Facebook Live (no account required). https://www.facebook.com/NPClwNFs.
Donations
The many people working to manage these fires and keep everyone safe sincerely appreciate the outpouring of generosity from the communities and people in the area. We understand that many people want to do something to help the firefighters and give back what they can. Be assured that the firefighters are well cared for and have what they need provided to them. We respectfully request that members of the public not bring donations to command posts, fire camps, or areas where firefighters are working. In this time of pandemic and limited resources we have to be extremely cautious to prevent any chance of our firefighters getting sick. Instead, please consider donating to your local fire departments or consider a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (https://wffoundation.org/). Thank you!
Fire Restrictions
Based on current fire activity and the potential for additional fires across the region, land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area have decided to implement STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS starting at 12:01 A.M. on Friday, July 16. See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.
Evacuations
On July 6, the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the Dixie and Comstock area. For evacuation information and updates, please call 208-983-1100 or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-County-Sheriffs-Office-178393728844032.
Closures
A portion of the Red River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is under a closure; a copy of the official closure order is available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices under “Public Notices.”
Dixie Fire Update July 13 2021
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Publication Type: News
Dixie- Jumbo Fires Daily Report
July 13, 2021- A small shift in weather is expected today which will bring
slightly lower temperatures and higher relative humidity across the area with wind speeds slightly lower than yesterday. Strong thermal belts will continue to allow active fire behavior overnight with lower relative humidity. Resources across the area continue to be limited and significant coordination and sharing of resources is ongoing. Smoke from neighboring fires continues to impact the area.
The Northern Rockies Area remains at planning level 5, which is the highest level indicating significant fire activity and shortage of resources. There were 10 new fires reported and 25 uncontained large fires yesterday. There are currently 9 Incident Management Teams committed within the Northern Rockies Area.
Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire increased by 1,875 acres yesterday. Crews continued burnout operations on the east side of Dixie to strengthen control lines around the town. These operations will continue moving north today as crews complete their work further south. Heavy equipment is again being utilized to continue building contingency lines on the west side of Dixie to protect the town should fire wrap around or move east from the Jumbo Fire. As these lines are completed, the heavy equipment will continue moving north of the fire to establish and strength control lines in that area. Crews with additional equipment continue to make their way up the Salmon River conducting structure protection operations. Air operations were largely limited yesterday due to heavy smoke in the area. However, some bucket drops were able to be completed and several reconnaissance flights were conducted to gather updated information on the location and
Jumbo Fire
The Jumbo Fire is located west of the Dixie Fire and increased 64 acres yesterday. Several firefighters from a Helitack group are scheduled to arrive on the Jumbo Fire tomorrow and work with the group of smoke jumpers already there. They will continue to scout around the area and continue to prepare for structure protection should that become necessary.
Weather and Smoke
Temperature is expected to be 75-85 degrees across the area today. Winds are expected to be 6-9 mph with gusts to 15 mph. Smoke from several fires in the region will remain visible. For more information on smoke visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Daily Briefing
Join us for a live daily briefing on the Dixie and Jumbo Fires at 9:00 AM PDT through Facebook Live (no account required). https://www.facebook.com/NPClwNFs.
Salmon River “Keep on Floating” Order
Effective today, recreators on the Salmon River are asked to stop at Whitewater Ranch to obtain information about the fire and receive a safety briefing. Between Whitewater Ranch and Jim Moore Campsite, floaters are directed not to stop or camp on either side of the river in order to avoid fire activity and firefighting operations. The Jim Moore Campsite is included in the no-stopping area, please move past it to clear the restricted area.
Fire Restrictions
Based on current fire activity and the potential for additional fires across the region, land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area have decided to implement STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS starting at 12:01 A.M. on Friday, July 16. See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.
Evacuations
On July 6, the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the Dixie and Comstock area. For evacuation information and updates, please call 208-983-1100 or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-County-Sheriffs-Office-178393728844032.
Closures
A portion of the Red River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is under a closure; a copy of the official closure order is available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-
Smoke Report July 13 2021
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Fire
Both fires saw some growth last night with the Dixie Fire currently at 19,109 acres and the Jumbo Fire at 1,039 acres. Dixie: The largest area of growth is in the SE towards the Salmon where fire reached the river. There was also significant growth on the west side along Dixie road. Jumbo: Some growth in the SW as well as small growth around the rest of the perimeter with one small patch of intense heat in the north.
Smoke
Although temperatures are expected to be cooler than yesterday, hazy/smoky conditions will persist. Light N winds should help lessen smoke in the afternoon with the inversion expected to lift around 1-2 pm. Valleys and drainages can expect to be smoked in most of the day, limiting visibility. Additional smoke will move into the area later in the day as a result of other fires in the area.
Other
An Air Quality Alert and Caution has been issued through 10 AM PDT Wednesday: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Lewiston and the Nez Perce Tribe have issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke.
DixieJumbo Fire Update July 14 2021
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Dixie- Jumbo Fires Daily Report
July, 14, 2021- Increasing temperatures and lower humidities combined with increasing instability brings the potential for higher fire growth today. Several resources have reached their time on duty limits and are being released. With the current demand for resources around the area and the country, finding replacements continues to be challenging. Coordination with other incidents in the area is ongoing with joint strategic decisions being made to prioritize objectives and share resources where needed.
The Northern Rockies Area remains at preparedness level 5, which is the highest level indicating significant fire activity and shortage of resources. There were 35 new fires reported and 26 uncontained large fires yesterday. There are currently 9 Incident Management Teams committed within the Northern Rockies Area.
Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire grew by nearly 2000 acres yesterday. Crews were able to continue burnout operations on the east side of Dixie moving north from the areas previously burned. These operations were largely successful helping to reduce the threat to structures in the area. The ground crews were assisted by aircraft dropping water and retardant to help keep the burnout operations under control. Heavy equipment crews continued working down the west side of Dixie to extend and improve the containment lines there, as well as working on the north end of the fire to improve the fire line and protect structures. Along the Salmon River, crews continue to set up equipment and implement structure protection measures. The night shift worked last night primarily in the areas where burnout operations had taken place to ensure the containment lines were holding and the fire didn’t cross them. Today, crews will continue with similar assignments while watching for increased fire behavior due to expected weather conditions. Burnout operations may be necessary around structures near the Salmon River depending on fire activity in that area. Additional equipment is expected to be brought into the river area via helicopter if conditions allow.
Jumbo Fire
The Jumbo Fire is located west of the Dixie Fire and grew another 77 acres yesterday. Several firefighters from a Helitack crew were inserted on the west side of the fire yesterday to continue evaluating structures and beginning structure protection preparations. Several loads of equipment were delivered to this area via helicopter to support structure protection operations. Crews will continue preparations for structure protection today.
Weather and Smoke
Temperatures are expected to be 80-90 degrees across the area today. Winds are expected to be out of the north/northwest at 5-8 mph with gusts to 15 mph. Smoke from several fires in the region will remain visible. Air Quality Index values will be in the USG (Unhealthy to Sensitive Groups) to Unhealthy range across the area. For more information on smoke visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Daily Briefing and Facebook Location
Dixie and Jumbo Fire information will be moving to a dedicated Facebook page starting today! Our live daily briefing will still be held on the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest site at 9:00 AM PDT through Facebook Live (no account required) today but starting tomorrow that will shift to the new site.
Salmon River “Keep on Floating” Order
Recreators on the Salmon River are reminded there is a “Keep on Floating” order in effect between Whitewater Ranch and Jim Moore Campsite. Floaters are directed not to stop or camp on either side of the river. The Jim Moore Campsite is included in the no-stopping area, please move past it to clear the restricted area.
Fire Restrictions
Based on current fire activity and the potential for additional fires across the region, land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area have decided to implement STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS starting at 12:01 A.M. on Friday, July 16. See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.
Evacuations
On July 6, the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the Dixie and Comstock area. For evacuation information and updates, please call 208-983-1100 or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-County-Sheriffs-Office-178393728844032.
Closures
A portion of the Red River Ranger District, and portions of several other ranger districts of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are under a closure. Copies of the official closure orders and maps of the closed area are available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices under “Public Notices.”
Smoke Report July 14 2021
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Publication Type: News
Fire
The Dixie Fire grew by 1,838 acres putting it at 20,947 acres.
Yesterday, crews continued burnout operations on the east
side of Dixie to strengthen control lines around the town.
These operations will continue moving north. The largest areas
of growth are in the southeast along the Salmon River and to
the west along Dixie Road north of Dixie. Jumbo Fire is
currently at 1,138 acres with the largest area of growth in the
southwest. No intense heat was mapped, but there was slight
growth around the rest of the perimeter with one small patch
of intense heat in the southwest.
Smoke
Yesterday, monitors in the area saw lower levels of smoke
compared to Monday. Similar conditions can be expected
today. Widespread smoke will persist through the week as fires
from other states, Canada, and locally continue to put out
smoke. Thick smoke remains in the Salmon River area and
valleys and drainages may see higher levels as well for most of
the day. Ventilation should improve later in the morning
allowing for a few better hours in the afternoon. Weather will
be similar to Monday with hot and dry conditions which may
impact fire behavior.
Other
An Air Quality Alert and Caution has been issued through 10
AM PDT Wednesday: Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality in Lewiston and Idaho Falls and the Nez Perce Tribe
have issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify
residents of Latah, Lewis, Lemhi, Idaho, Clearwater, and Nez
Perce counties of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke.
DixieJumbo Fire Update July 15 2021
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Publication Type: News
Dixie- Jumbo Fires Daily Report
Dixie-Jumbo Fire Facebook is Moving! As of yesterday Wednesday, July 14th, a Facebook page dedicated to providing specific fire information for the Dixie-Jumbo Fires launched. #DixieJumboFires information is now posted on this site, including our live daily briefing at 9:00 AM PDT
Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire grew by 1,838 acres yesterday. The fire is still north of the Salmon River. Several resources including a Wildland Fire Module, which is a 10-person crew, are working in this area. A burnout operation near Jim Moore area reduced fuels around the area. Some portions of the fire, especially in the southwest near Rhett Creek were too smoky yesterday to use air support. To the west of the fire, crews are doing a mix of mop-up and continued structure prep in the Dixie area. Numerous structures, including those in the Comstock area, are still at risk. Firefighters also re-opened a former fuel break west of Dixie in efforts to protect the community further. Night shift continues to work in this area, especially near residences. A hot shot crew timed out yesterday, and a Type 2 Initial Attack crew is timing out today; resources are on order but are difficult to get because of the unprecedented fire activity all across the West.
Jumbo Fire
The Jumbo Fire is located west of the Dixie Fire and grew 99 acres yesterday. Firefighters are focused on structure protection, and are using hoses and pumps to aid efforts.
Weather and Smoke
Temperatures are expected to be 85-95 degrees across the area today. Afternoon winds are anticipated to be higher today, between 8-12 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. While thunderstorms cannot be ruled out of the local forecast for today, any emergent thunder activity is likely to remain east of the fire area. Increased smoke is expected, from several fires in the region. For more information on smoke visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Fire Restrictions
Based on current fire activity and the potential for additional fires across the region, land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area are implementing STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS starting at 12:01 A.M. on Friday, July 16. See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.
Evacuations
On July 6, the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the Dixie and Comstock area. For evacuation information and updates, please call 208-983-1100.
Closures
Copies of the official closure orders and maps of the closed area are available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices under “Public Notices.”
Regional and National Situation
The Northern Rockies Region remains at Preparedness Level (PL) 5, which is the highest level, indicating significant fire activity and shortage of resources. Regionally, there were 35 new fires reported and 26 uncontained large fires yesterday. There are currently nine Incident Management Teams committed within the Northern Rockies Area. As of today, we are now at a PL 5 nationally.
Smoke Report July 15 2021
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Fire
The Dixie Fire is now 23,706 acres and the Jumbo Fire is 1,244 acres. The largest area of growth on the Dixie is in the southeast along the Salmon River from Widow Bar to Whitewater Ranch and at Lemhi Bar. The Jumbo Fire saw the largest area of growth in the southwest. There was minimal growth and intense heat around the rest of the perimeter. Both fires have a lot of scattered and isolated heat throughout the fire but also some cool patches.
Smoke
Southwest winds this morning will turn north/northwest in the afternoon hopefully providing some relief for a few hours later in the afternoon. Smoke looks to clear slightly across northern and central portions of the fire and will continue to linger in the area, especially settling in drainages (namely the Salmon River area). Areas impacted by smoke from regional fires will continue to see levels from Moderate – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Unless there are changes in forecasted weather, fire behavior is expected to be similar to yesterday.
Other
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Lewiston and Idaho Falls has issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Latah, Lewis, Lemhi, Idaho, Clearwater, and Nez Perce counties of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. The Nez Perce Tribe issued an Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban. All are effective until further notice.