Incident Publication

Dixie and Jumbo Daily Update 
 
Overall, recent weather and smoke conditions have decreased fire activity
allowing crews to increase progress on fire suppression efforts on the Dixie
and Jumbo Fires. However, a large quantity of wildland fire activity has
presented many challenges that are being experienced across the region
and nation including, limited fire staffing resources and supplies . The
Northern Rockies Incident Management Team continues to focus
primarily on structure protection, constructing and strengthening fuel
breaks where feasible.

Dixie Fire
The fire is remains to north side of the Salmon River and yesterdays’
progress along the 421 road allowed crews to reach whitewater ranch
allowing crews to start burnout operations and structure protection in
the area today. Heavy mop up and fire line created by heavy equipment
is being monitored on the north west side of Dixie. Three heavy
equipment task forces are currently working around the Jack Mountain
Road area to help slow fire spread to the north. Mallard creek is still
being monitored and structural protection is still underway. Around the
Comstock area handline is being strengthened and monitored. Fire
around the southwestern portion of Dixie in the Comstock area is being
monitored for possible movement. Rhett Creek had fire spread from
the. Rhett Creek is an area of concern for the day due to possible fire
spread as it moves into lighter fuels that could potentially spot across
the Salmon River. Night operations are still ongoing.

Jumbo Fire
A small of crew of smoke jumpers and helitack personnel continue to
perform structure protection to the west of the Jumbo fire and work
toward completing preparations for possible fire movement in the
area. Once completed, crews are expected to be demobilized from the
area within the next day or two.

Weather and Smoke
A new RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Station) has been placed in the north end of big mallard creek
to provide improved accuracy in fire weather. Temperatures for the day are staying consistently around
85-95 degrees across the area. A dip in temperature is expected for today and a rise in humidity. Gusty
winds were experienced on the north western end of the Dixie fire. Higher humidity’s helped slow fire
growth along Dixie. However, in the coming days a mild wind event is expected accompanied by dryer
temps. For more information on smoke visit
https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Fire Restrictions
Based on current fire activity, STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect as of 12:01 A.M., today
Friday, July 16. The fire situation across the region has lead land management agencies and fire
managers in the Grangeville area to implement these Fire Restrictions.
See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.

Salmon River “Keep on Floating” Order
Recreators on the Salmon River are reminded there is a “Keep on Floating” order is still in effect. The
order directs floaters to not camp near the fire perimeter on the north side and south side of the river. A
new revised order will be issued to better accommodate rafters and floaters.

Evacuations and Closures
Evacuation orders continue to be in place in the communities around the fire perimeter including
Dixie/Comstock Area, Mallard, White Water Ranch. For evacuation information and updates, please call
208-983-1100.

In addition to existing area closure in effect around the fire area, a new closure is in effect for multiple
trails south of the fire and Salmon River, including the Idaho Centennial trail.
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.”

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.

KAMIAH, Idaho: July 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m. PDT - The Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area entered Stage II fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. this morning.  With no forecasted relief in sight for our current fire conditions, fire managers are urging the public to be aware of the potential for new and emerging incidents that any thunderstorms accompanied by lightning could produce.  Extra precaution is needed when recreating outside of traditional communications. Emergency resource agencies are focusing their efforts on keeping the public safe. However, due to the growing number and intensity of the wildfires, there are few resources available to alert individuals of an impending incident in the backcountry or away from populated areas.

Official forest closure orders are referenced below for multiple fires. Please refer to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests’ website for the Stage II Fire Restrictions and official closure orders: http://www.fs.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices

Red River Ranger District – Phone Number for fire restrictions and closure information-208-842-2245

Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team is managing the Dixie and the Jumbo fires, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Grangeville and 15 miles south of Elk City near the community of Dixie.  An area closure order #01-17-05-21-001 is in effect for these fires.   

For more information about the Dixie fire:

·       Fire Information Phone Number: 208-207-7417

·       Fire Email Address: 2021.dixie@firenet.gov

·       Dixie-Jumbo Fires InciWeb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7608

·       Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Facebook Page: @NPClwNFs
 
 

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Fire Information hotline is 208-494-1661. This line will be staffed from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. daily for general forest closure questions and general fire information questions. More specific question on fires managed by the incident management teams will be directed to call that specific fire’s information number. The public may also call their local district ranger’s office for closure information.

Temporary flight restrictions are in place over fire areas for the safety of the public and aerial firefighting resources. These restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). Remember; “if you fly, we    can’t.”
 

Please continue to check for updated information on emerging fires on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website (https://bit.ly/NPCFireInfo), on social media at www.facebook.com/NPClwNFs and www.twitter.com/NPClwNFs, on the forest’s official mobile app (search “Nez Perce Clearwater” in your app store), or by calling your local ranger station. Report all wildfires to the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch Center (208-983-6800) or call 911.

Fire

The Dixie Fire is currently 26,348 acres. The largest area of growth continues to be the southeast portion along the Salmon River heading northeast. A spot across Grouse Creek in the northeast also grew and is established at about 10 acres. The Jumbo Fire is 1,358 acres. The biggest areas of growth were in the south and southeast portions of the fire. Minimal growth was detected around the perimeter in small patches.

Smoke

Hazy skies will persist today as southwest winds bring smoke aloft from regional and local fires to the south/southwest of the Dixie and Jumbo Fires, namely the Bootleg Fire in Oregon. Lower elevations are expected to stay relatively clear while some of the thicker smoke may settle in valleys and drainages. Increased fire behavior is also expected, which could increase smoke production. Overall, conditions have improved over the area and concentrations should range from Good to Moderate with potential for Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in those areas closest to the fires.

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.

Fire crews continue to make progress on both incidents. Today, winds are expecting to shift from the northeast to the southwest with gusts up to 25 mph on ridgelines. Fire activity is expected to increase over the next few days with lower relative humidity and higher temperatures. Structure protection remains a high priority in the Dixie/Comstock communities, near Concord, Mallard Ranch and along the Salmon River. Boaters are being asked to stop at the Allison Ranch for the latest fire information prior to continuing downriver. Along the northern edge of the fire closure area, the Magruder Corridor remains open to travelers.

Dixie Fire

Crews are continuing to work in and around the communities of Dixie and Comstock improving existing lines and prepping structures in the Comstock area. Structure protection around Mallard Ranch is being monitored daily. Three additional portable dipping sites for helicopters have been established at Mallard Ranch, at the airstrip at Comstock and near the Red River Ranger Station to support air operations. Along the southern edge of the fire, structure protection efforts are focusing on structures along the Salmon River from Allison Ranch to Mackay Bar.

Jumbo Fire

All structure preparation on the Jumbo fire was completed yesterday which allowed crews to be reassigned to other areas. The fire continues to be monitored and suppression tactics will be reassessed if conditions warrant change.

Weather and Smoke

Slightly warmer and drier conditions can be expected with temperatures consistently between 80-90 degrees across the fire area. Today, winds are expected come out of the southwest with gusts up to 15 mph and shift northeast late afternoon to early evening. Hazy skies will persist today as southwest winds bring smoke aloft from regional and local fires to the south/southwest of the Dixie and Jumbo Fires, namely the Bootleg Fire in Oregon. For more information on smoke conditions visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Fire Restrictions

Based on current fire activity, STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect as of Friday, July 16. The fire situation across the region has lead land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville area to implement these Fire Restrictions.

See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.

Salmon River Recreation Advisory

Boaters on the Salmon River are directed to stop at Allison Ranch for updated fire information prior to continuing downriver. Expect active fire on the north side of the river from Allison Ranch down toward Mackay Bar. Designated camping areas along the fire are open for camping, however, be alert for rolling, flaming debris on river canyon slopes.

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuation orders continue to be in place in the communities around the fire perimeter including the Dixie/Comstock Area, Mallard and Whitewater Ranch. For evacuation information and updates, please call 208-983-1100.

The Payette National Forest has issued a closure order south of the Dixie fire for multiple trails on the Krassel Ranger District, including a portion of the Idaho Centennial Trail. Copies of the official closure orders and maps of the closed areas are available online.

• For the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices under “Public Notices.”

• For the Payette National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/payette/alerts-notices under “Closures.”

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.

ATTENTION

SALMON RIVER BOATERS

Active Fire from Whitewater Ranch
to Mackay Bar   
 
The “Keep on Floating Order has been lifted between Whitewater Ranch and Jim Moore Place on the main Salmon River; however, the Dixie Fire remains active on the north side of the river from Allison Ranch to potentially Mackay Bar. Boaters are directed to STOP at Whitewater Ranch for additional briefing and updates on the fire situation. 

 

• Active fire is on the north side of the river from Allison Ranch to potentially Mackay Bar.

• Fire danger is very high, and firefighting activities are in progress.

• STOP at Allison Ranch for additional briefing and updates on the fire situation.

• Designated camping areas along the river are open for camping; however, fire may occur on either side of the river.

• Be alert for rolling, flaming debris in river canyon slopes.

• Be advised that the current fire situation is an evolving and ever-changing situation.
  
  

Elk City Area Recreation Advisory

Dixie and Jumbo Fires Forest Closures on the U.S. Forest Service - Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are still in effect.

However: Magruder Corridor remains open! Enjoy the weekend, but please remember that Road 222 is closed south of the Magruder Corridor Junction.

Discover Bitterroot National Forest
#magrudertrail
#magrudercooridor
 
For more information you can call the Dixie & Jumbo Fire Information phone line at (208) 207-7417 or email 2021.dixie@firenet.gov. 

Critical fire weather conditions are present across the fire with southwest winds at 10-15 mph, low relative humidity, and high temperatures. This will be the hottest, driest, and windiest day since the fire was discovered. Firefighters are expecting an increase in fire activity today with the change in weather.  

The Dixie Fire

Dixie fire grew by 1,134 acres with most of the growth along the Salmon River and in the northeast corner. Heavy equipment task forces continue to work on a fuel break along Jack Mt road (FS Road 1190) above the northern perimeter of the fire. Mallard Ranch and the campground have structure protection in place and are being monitored. Along the eastern edge, crews are removing hazard trees on the 421 where the fire crossed the road between Vitta Point and White Water Ranch. To the south, the fire continues to spread along the Salmon River from Mallard Creek to just past Rhett Creek. Crews are continuing to do structure protection preparation along the river corridor. Within the communities of Dixie and Comstock, firefighters continue to hold and improve line, and do structure preparation on the west side of Dixie and down in the Comstock area. 

The Jumbo fire grew by 62 acres. It will continue to be monitored daily and suppression tactics will be reassessed if conditions warrant.

Weather and Smoke

Today temperatures will be in the 90’s across the fire, with relative humidity around 15%. Winds are coming out of the southwest at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20-25 mph on ridgetops. Hazy skies will persist as southwest winds bring smoke aloft from regional and local fires. For more information on smoke conditions visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Fire Restrictions

Based on current fire activity, STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect as of Friday, July 16. The fire situation across the region has lead land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville area to implement these Fire Restrictions.

See Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7608/60737/.

Salmon River Recreation Advisory

Boaters on the Salmon River are directed to stop at Allison Ranch for updated fire information prior to continuing downriver. Expect active fire on the north side of the river from Yellow Pine Bar down toward Mackay Bar. Designated camping areas along the fire are open for camping, however, be alert for rolling, flaming debris on river canyon slopes.

Evacuations and Closures

Evacuation orders continue to be in place in the communities around the fire perimeter including the Dixie/Comstock Area, Mallard and White Water Ranch. For evacuation information and updates, please call 208-983-1100.

The Payette National Forest has issued a closure order south of the Dixie fire for multiple trails on the Krassel Ranger District, including a portion of the Idaho Centennial Trail.

Copies of the official closure orders and maps of the closed areas are available online.

• For the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices under “Public Notices.”
• For the Payette National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/payette/alerts-notices under “Closures.”

Fire

The Dixie Fire is 27,287 acres with not as much growth as we've been seeing. In the southeast, the fire held at Mallard Cr. In the southwest, it continues to burn in the trail 212. There is also significant growth between those two areas. The northeast area between Lost Hunter Creek to Grouse Cr area also saw some growth. The Jumbo Fire also had minimal growth putting it at 1,397 acres. Growth was spread around the perimeter in small patches.

Smoke

Today's weather will bring hotter, dryer, and windier conditions than we've seen this past week. Southwest winds will bring smoke from local and regional fires to the south and southwest of the Dixie and Jumbo Fires. Smoke concentrations will increase and those areas closest to the fires will see the greatest impacts. Any new starts will create new smoke that may affect more/new locations. Changes in weather conditions and fire behavior may also impact this forecast.

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.

Special Statement
Red Flag Warning in effect from 11AM-8PM for thunderstorms

Fire
Both fires saw growth yesterday putting the Dixie Fire at
29,309 acres and the Jumbo Fire at 1,624 acres. The
perimeters of both fires continue to creep out and scattered
heat continues to cool. Scattered perimeters appear to be
similar to previous nights.

Smoke
Erratic winds and thunderstorms are possible. Winds from the
south will be gusty at times and central Idaho will continue to
be impacted by smoke from local and regional fires to the
South and Southwest. Transport winds have been doing a good
job of keeping smoke aloft, but areas close to the fires will see
smoke continuing to settle in drainages, especially along the
Salmon River. Any weather events may impact fire behavior.

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.