Current Situation

• Containment increased to 51% on the Bedrock Fire with portions of the western edge contained, along with the southern edge near Lower Cream Ridge.
• The forecast calls for cooler temperatures today in the 70s, afternoon wind from the northwest with gusts to 25 mph is expected, with minimal rain.
• Safety for firefighters and community members continues to be the top priority. 

Operational Plan for Today

• Today crews will cold trail the west side of the incident (inspect by hand to detect fire and dig out live spots), and monitor fire activity on the northern edge. Mop up and cold trail work continues along the northeastern edge. Along the southern edge, crews will patrol and mop up areas that threaten structures and extinguish hot spots to hold the fire to the interior of the containment line.  Rehabilitation work to repair disturbance by firefighting activities is underway.
• Utility companies are finalizing restoration of power to the fire area as residents return home.

Area Fire Restrictions

• Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. For details, see https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/ 

Evacuations

• All evacuations have been transitioned to “Ready” status. See the Nez Perce County Emergency Management’s Facebook page for the latest list of evacuations and updates on current closures. https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement

Fire Conditions and Weather

• Temperatures will fall into the upper 60s tomorrow and the minimum relative humidity will drop to 50%. Northwest winds from 10-15 mph and gusts to 25 mph are expected. Isolated showers are possible, with a 50% chance of wetting rain.
  
• The fire continues to consume areas of unburnt vegetation within the fire perimeter.
  

Current Situation

·     The fire has reached 20% containment along the west side of the fire.

·     Operations will continue with full suppression tactics as previously planned. The weather today, while cooler, may cause an increase in fire activity due to anticipated upslope winds in the Bedrock Creek and Louse Creek drainages.

·     As a reminder, when individuals unassigned to the firefighting effort take action within the fire area, they put not only themselves at risk but also the firefighters working the incident. Please stay out of closed areas around the fire.

Operational Plan for Today

·     On the north side of the fire, operations will continue to be in patrol and monitor status with an emphasis on securing direct line and conducting continued mop up as needed.

·     All originally planned burnout operations have been completed. The eastern and southern sides of the fire will be in a hold, patrol, and monitor status. Additional priorities will be to continue to strengthen and secure fire lines along agricultural fields.

Area Fire Restrictions

·     Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. For details, see https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/

Evacuations

·       All evacuations have been transitioned to “Ready” status. See the Nez Perce County Emergency Management’s Facebook page for the latest list of evacuations and updates on current closures. https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement

Fire Conditions and Weather

·     Today, mostly sunny skies are expected with continued smoke haze in the area. Temperatures will be slightly lower and are only expected to reach a high of 90 degrees. Stronger winds are expected today ranging from 15-20 mph. The winds will again align with Bedrock Creek and Louse Creek drainages, which may cause an increase in fire activity where upslope winds occur.

While the forecasted winds are conducive for short-range spotting, timber stringers within the fire area have burned extremely clean, minimizing this possibility.

 Current Situation

·      The Rocky Mountain Type 2 Incident Management Blue Team officially assumed command of the Bedrock Fire effective 6am this morning.

·      Operations will continue with previously planned activities with full suppression tactics. The weather today may cause an increase in fire activity along the northeast and eastern parts of the fire.

·      Private property fire mitigation is always encouraged prior to a wildfire.  While it is appreciated, all the willingness to assist with firefighting operations, it is asked that this be left to the personnel assigned to the fire. Please avoid the areas that have been closed due to fire activity for your safety and those working the fire.

Operational plan for today

·      On the northwest and north side of the fire, operations will continue to be in a patrol and monitor status with an emphasis on locating hotspots and conducting mop up as needed.

·      The northeast and east side of the fire have the greatest risk of fire activity and fire spread. There have been multiple burnout operations throughout the past two days in order to remove unburned fuel along the Bedrock Creek drainage to prevent fire spread. Additional priorities will be to continue to strengthen and secure fire lines along agricultural fields.

  Area Fire Restrictions

·      Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. For details, see https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/

Evacuations

·         Several evacuations remain in effect. See the Nez Perce County Emergency Management’s Facebook page for the latest list. https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement

Fire Conditions and Weather

Similar to Saturday, mostly sunny skies are expected with the continued smoke haze in the area. There is a higher potential for stronger westerly winds today expected from 10-15mph. The winds will align with drainages along the east side of the fire and may cause an increase in fire activity where winds are more erratic. Temperatures will remain in the mid-90s.

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/

 

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has terminated the Boundary Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐21‐118.  

The following is now open:  

Closed Area:  All NFS lands in the Middle Fork District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area (FCNOR Wilderness Area) boundary and National Forest System Road (NFSR) #550 Artillery Dome Road, then following the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary south to the junction of National Forest System Trail (NFST) #4233 North Fork Sulphur Creek Trail, then following south on NFST #4233 North Fork Sulphur Creek Trail, west on NFST #4046 Sulphur Creek Trail, south and west on NFST #4027 Camptender Trail, and south on NFST #4028 Mountain Meadows Trail to its junction with NFSR #583 Bear Valley Mountain Lookout Road, then following a straight line southeast to NFSR #568 Dagger Falls Road, then following east and south along the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary to its junction with NFST #4021 South Fork Fall Creek Trail, the following north on South Fork Falls Creek Trail, northeast on NFST #4020 Fall Creek Trail to its junction with NFSR #010 Seafoam Creek Road, then following north and east on NFSR #010 Seafoam Creek Road, south on NFSR #008 Beaver Creek Road, east on #012 Sheep Mountain Road to its junction with NFST #4012 Duffield Creek trail, then following north and east on #4012 Duffield Creek Trail to its junction with FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary, then following the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary to its junction with NFST #4011 Blue Lake Trail, then following NFST #4011 Blue Lake Trail and NFST #4004 Little Loon Trail to its junction with the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, then following the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to its junction with Elkhorn Creek, then following west on Elkhorn Creek to the point of origin at the junction of the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary and NFSR #550 Artillery Dome Road. 

Closed Roads and Trails: All NFS roads (NFSR) and trails (NFST) within the Closed Area 

There may be hazards associated with traveling adjacent to and entering into burned areas.  Forest visitors must be prepared to stay longer than expected due to changing circumstances.  Weather conditions such as precipitation and wind can rapidly change conditions on the ground.  Wind can blow trees across roadways and trails and precipitation can wash debris across roadways and trails blocking access.  Forest visitors must be prepared to stay longer than expected due to changing circumstances.  Preparation for the unexpected is the best plan a Forest visitor can have. Items to consider include: 

• Adequate food, water, clothing, sleeping bags, and other provisions needed in case of inclement weather and extended stay is necessary in the area of travel.
• Chainsaw and fuel if traveling outside of a designated wilderness, handsaw, and shovel, in case trees or other debris blocks road or trail access.
• Forest visitors should inform someone they know about where they are going and when they plan to be back in case an emergency situation arises.
• Communications that will work in the area they plan to travel (cell phone, satellite phone, or satellite emergency notification device). 

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

This will be the last update for the Boundary Fire unless significant activity occurs

InciWeb updates will continue @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/

Date of Detection: August 10, 2021

Current Size:  87,778 acres

Completion of Incident Objectives: 80%

Location: 24 miles northwest of Stanley, ID; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Fuels: subalpine fir, spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine.

Resources on Fire: 65 

Type II Crews: 2

Type I Helicopter: 1

Type III Helicopter: 1

Engines: 1 

The Boundary Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  Firefighter and public safety are priority for the Boundary Fire.  A point protection strategy is being used for the Boundary Fire, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire.  Values at risk are defined as property, structures, physical improvements, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure, and economic, environmental, and social values such as the Middle Fork River corridor.  

Fire activity overall is moderate, the fire is smoldering and creeping with single tree torching.  Cooler air with minimal amounts of precipitation moved into the fire area yesterday.  Winds remain gusty with gusts up to 25 mph observed.  

In the Sulphur Group, the fire was most active in Dagger Creek.  There was minimal fire movement to the south due to the south winds in this area of the fire.  

In the Seafoam Group, firefighters continue to observe fire activity in the Lost Lake, Harlan and Sulphur Creek.  

In the Pistol Group, crews reported minimal activity in the upper reaches of Orelano Creek and in the Little Soldier Mountain area.  Crews are no longer staffing the Pistol Group and fire managers will be monitoring the fire by air.  

Crews continue to back haul unnecessary equipment and supplies off of the fire.  

Weather:  A moist southwest flow aloft will promote scattered shower activity across the region today and then more widespread Friday and Friday night as a low pressure trough pushes into the region.  

Closures and Restrictions: Closure Order #04-13-21-118 is in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  To view the closure area and map, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7795/67169/.  Rafters with a Middle Fork of the Salmon River launch permit can contact 208-879-4108 for information about how closures will impact their trips.  Hunters with special permits within the closure area are encouraged to call the Salmon office of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-756-2271 and visit their website at  http://idfg.idaho.gov.  Boise National Forest Area and Road Closure Order #0402-05-88 is in effect for Fir Creek Campground, Blue Bunch Trailhead, and the areas surrounding Forest Service Roads 579A and 579A1.  Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices to view the closure area and map.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/ 

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has reduced the Boundary Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, new Order Number: 04‐13‐21‐018.  

Description of Closed Area, Roads, and Trails (#04-13-21-018):  

Closed Area:  All NFS lands in the Middle Fork District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area (FCNOR Wilderness Area) boundary and National Forest System Road (NFSR) #550 Artillery Dome Road, then following the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary south to the junction of National Forest System Trail (NFST) #4231 West Fork of Elk Creek Trail, then following NFST #4231 West Fork of Elk Creek Trail to its junction with the FCNOR Wilderness Boundary, then following the FCNOR Wilderness Boundary east to the junction of National Forest System Trail (NFST) #4028 Mountain Meadows Trail and NFSR #583 Bear Valley Mountain Lookout Road, then following a straight line southeast to NFSR #568 Dagger Falls Road, then following east and north along the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary to its junction with NFSR #172 Beaver-Loon Road, then following the west side of NFSR #172 Beaver Loon Road to its junction with NFST #4011 Blue Lake Trail, the following NFST #4011 Blue Lake Trail and NFST #4004 Little Loon Trail to its junction with the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, then following the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to its junction with Elkhorn Creek, then following west on Elkhorn Creek to the point of origin at the junction of the FCNOR Wilderness Area boundary and NFSR#550 Artillery Dome Road. 

Closed Roads and Trails: All NFS roads (NFSR) and trails (NFST) within the Closed Area 

Note:  National Forest System Road #172 Beaver Loon Road is open. 

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Boundary Fire.  Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority for the Boundary Fire. 

 This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until rescinded.   

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.  
 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/

Date of Detection: August 10, 2021

Current Size:  87,314 acres

Completion of Incident Objectives: 72%

Location: 24 miles northwest of Stanley, ID; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Fuels: subalpine fir, spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine.

Resources on Fire: 76 

Type II Crews: 2

Type I Helicopter: 1

Type III Helicopter: 1

Engines: 1

The Boundary Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  Firefighter and public safety are priority for the Boundary Fire.  A point protection strategy is being used for the Boundary Fire, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire.  Values at risk are defined as property, structures, physical improvements, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure, and economic, environmental, and social values such as the Middle Fork River corridor.  

Fire activity overall is moderate, the fire is smoldering and flanking with group tree torching.  A warming and drying trend continues with a slight increase in winds Tuesday which will result in an increase in fire activity across the fire area.  

In the Sulphur Group, fire activity increased in northwest area of the fire in Half Moon Creek where the fire burned into an unburned pocket of fuel remaining from the 2017 Honeymoon Fire.  The majority of the smoke yesterday was from the southwest part of the fire.  Crews continued to mop backburn operations in the Sulphur Creek Ranch area and along the Boundary Creek road.  

In the Seafoam Group, firefighters continue to observe increased fire activity in the Lost Lake, Harlan Creek, and Hardscrabble Creek areas.  

In the Pistol Group crews reported increased activity in the upper reaches of Orelano Creek and in Little Cabin Creek.  

Crews continue to back haul unnecessary equipment and supplies off of the fire.  

Weather:  Another warm day is expected today in advance of a low pressure system moving northeast through southern California and into the Great Basin.  Associated clouds and shower activity will spread north overnight before lifting further north into southwest Montana.  Scattered showers are expected Wednesday as a broader low pressure trough shifts into the northwest coast. 

Closures and Restrictions: Closure Order #04-13-21-116 remains in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  To view the closure area and map, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices.  Rafters with a Middle Fork of the Salmon launch permit can contact 208-879-4108 for information about how closures will impact their trips.  Hunters with special permits within the closure area are encouraged to call the Salmon office of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-756-2271 and visit their website at  http://idfg.idaho.gov. 

Boise National Forest Area and Road Closure Order #0402-05-88 is in effect for Fir Creek Campground, Blue Bunch Trailhead, and the areas surrounding Forest Service Roads 579A and 579A1.  Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices to view the closure area and map.  

Nationally, there are 34 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 30 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  Information on wildfire smoke can be found at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/.  Information about air quality can be found at https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Forecast under Idaho Falls Region by selecting Salmon in the dropdown menu.   

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/

Date of Detection: August 10, 2021

Current Size:  85,405 acres

Completion of Incident Objectives: 68%

Location: 24 miles northwest of Stanley, ID; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Fuels: subalpine fir, spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine.

Resources on Fire: 77 

Type II Crews: 2

Type I Helicopter: 1

Type III Helicopter: 1

Engines: 1

The Boundary Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  Firefighter and public safety are priority for the Boundary Fire.  A point protection strategy is being used for the Boundary Fire, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire.  Values at risk are defined as property, structures, physical improvements, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure, and economic, environmental, and social values such as the Middle Fork River corridor.  

Fire activity overall is moderate, the fire is backing and creeping with single-tree torching.  A warming and drying trend continues with a slight increase in winds over the next couple of days will result in a slight increase in fire activity across the fire area.  

In the Sulphur Group, firefighters continue to improve and mop up the burning operation in the Sulphur Creek area.  Fire activity increased in northwest area of the fire between Full Moon and Moonshine creeks.  Fire activity also increased in the Blue Bunch Mountain area and crews continued to mop up along the Boundary Creek road and implemented additional firing operations along the bottom edge of Blue Bunch Mountain as appropriate.  

In the Seafoam Group, crews cleared the #009 road.  Firefighters observed increased fire activity in the Lost Lake and Harlan Creek area.  Fire activity in Lime Creek decreased from the previous day while there was limited movement in the Seafoam area.  

In the Pistol Group crews reported activity in the bottom of the Cabin Creek drainage approximately ¼ to ½ mile above the Cabin.  Smoke near Jackass Gulch was minimal and well within the interior of the fire.  There was limited smoke on the ridge above Orelano Creek, firefighters anticipate limited spread potential in this area.  

Crews continue to back haul unnecessary equipment and supplies off of the fire.  

Weather:  Dry weather will continue through the first half of the week.  Humidities will be near critical levels today and Monday with warm temperatures expected.  Expect breezy conditions Monday afternoon with some areas gusting to 20 mph.  A low pressure system will bring precipitation to the region for mid to late week. 

Closures and Restrictions: Closure Order #04-13-21-116 remains in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  To view the closure area and map, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices.  Rafters with a Middle Fork of the Salmon launch permit can contact 208-879-4108 for information about how closures will impact their trips.  Hunters with special permits within the closure area are encouraged to call the Salmon office of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-756-2271 and visit their website at  http://idfg.idaho.gov. 

Boise National Forest Area and Road Closure Order #0402-05-88 is in effect for Fir Creek Campground, Blue Bunch Trailhead, and the areas surrounding Forest Service Roads 579A and 579A1.  Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices to view the closure area and map.  

Nationally, there are 34 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 31 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  Information on wildfire smoke can be found at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/.  Information about air quality can be found at https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Forecast under Idaho Falls Region by selecting Salmon in the dropdown menu.   

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/

Date of Detection: August 10, 2021

Current Size:  84,756 acres

Completion of Incident Objectives: 68%

Location: 24 miles northwest of Stanley, ID; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Fuels: subalpine fir, spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine.

Resources on Fire: 82 

Type II Crews: 2

Type I Helicopter: 1

Type III Helicopter: 1

Engines: 1

A point protection strategy is being applied to the Boundary Creek Fire, which is burning in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The desired end state for this incident is that the fire will have taken its natural course while values-at-risk and firefighters have been protected.   

With slightly higher temperatures and lower relative humidity, firefighters saw another increase in fire activity across the fire.  

In the Sulphur Group, firefighters completed the burning operation north of the creek at Sulphur Creek Ranch.  Today, crews will continue to improve upon their fire lines and wrap up the operation.  Fire extended from Blue Bunch Mountain to the north end of Ayers meadow yesterday.  Crews worked to take advantage of the fine fuels in the meadow to contain the fire as much as possible.   

It was a relatively quiet day in Seafoam Group.  A squad of firefighters headed to Ruffneck Peak Lookout to observe fire activity on the west side of the fire.  While there was still some smoke in Lime Creek, Mountain King Mine was still looking good.  Crews also cleaned up Rapid River Road, where they found fire had burned a vehicle bridge to the point that it is no longer passable.   

Pistol Group crews spent much of the day working with Air Operations on logistical resupply missions.  Additionally, firefighters were able to get excess equipment from Thomas Creek Airstrip returned to the Incident Command Post.  In Jackass Gulch, where fire has been persistently active the last few days, only 30 percent of the area’s perimeter appears to still exhibit residual heat.   

With current and projected fire activity, the Forest will email a Boundary Fire update every other day.  The InciWeb page will continue to be updated daily.  

Weather – Today will be mostly sunny, then become partly cloudy.  Temperatures will again hover around 55-60 degrees.  Winds will again be light, with downslope winds of 4 to 8 mph becoming upslope in the afternoon and ridgetop level winds coming from southwest at 5 to 10 mph.  Overnight humidity recoveries will be good, but afternoon humidity values will be low as warmer air continues to work its way into the region. 

Closures and Restrictions: Closure Order #04-13-21-116 remains in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  To view the closure area and map, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices.  Rafters with a Middle Fork of the Salmon launch permit can contact 208-879-4108 for information about how closures will impact their trips.  Hunters with special permits within the closure area are encouraged to call the Salmon office of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-756-2271 and visit their website at  http://idfg.idaho.gov. 

Boise National Forest Area and Road Closure Order #0402-05-88 is in effect for Fir Creek Campground, Blue Bunch Trailhead, and the areas surrounding Forest Service Roads 579A and 579A1.  Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices to view the closure area and map.  

Backcountry airstrips are open to general aviation.  Pilots should coordinate with Central Idaho Dispatch and monitor the backcountry frequencies. 

Nationally, there are 33 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 31 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  Information on wildfire smoke can be found at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/.  Information about air quality can be found at https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Forecast under Idaho Falls Region by selecting Salmon in the dropdown menu.   

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/

Date of Detection: August 10, 2021

Current Size:  84,535 acres

Completion of Incident Objectives: 64%

Location: 24 miles northwest of Stanley, ID; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

Cause: Lightning/Natural

Fuels: subalpine fir, spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine.

Resources on Fire: 79 

Crews: 1

Type I Helicopter: 1

Type III Helicopter: 1

Engines: 1

A point protection strategy is being applied to the Boundary Creek Fire, which is burning in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The desired end state for this incident is that the fire will have taken its natural course while values-at-risk and firefighters have been protected.   

Firefighters saw a slight increase in fire activity as fuels dried out from Tuesday’s precipitation. 

In the Sulphur Group, snow melted on Blue Bunch Mountain, where firefighters saw residual heat surface again. Boise Crew 5 hiked into Sulphur Creek Ranch, set up for a burning operations, and completed about 1/3 of the planned activity. This work will continue today and is expected to be completed this week. Firefighters will also continue to keep Boundary Creek Road open and clear of obstructions. 

Crews in the Seafoam Group saw increased activity in Harlan Creek, Lime Creek and Sulphur Creek areas, and they will continue to keep an eye on those areas. Firefighters will once again head to Ruffneck Peak, where they will have the best vantage point should fire activity increase further. Crews will also ensure the road to Rapid River trailhead is open and evaluate the bridge. 

Pistol Group saw increased fire activity on Big Soldier Mountain. Crews consolidated excess equipment for backhaul from Little Creek Guard Station, Hood Ranch, and Sater Cabin. Today, crews will continue do the same at the Thomas Creek Airstrip.    

Air Operations flew a communications mission to check on the Boundary scene of action repeater, which went out of service Monday. Technicians found the solar panel knocked over and battery drained but managed to get the equipment back in working order. 

Weather – Today will be sunny and dry with temperatures around 55-60 degrees. Winds will be light, with downslope winds of 4 to 8 mph becoming upslope in the afternoon and ridgetop level winds coming from southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Cooler temperatures will produce good overnight humidity recoveries. However, afternoon humidity values decrease as warmer air works into the region later this week. 

Closures and Restrictions: Closure Order #04-13-21-116 remains in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. To view the closure area and map, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/scnf/alerts-notices.  Rafters with a Middle Fork of the Salmon launch permit can contact 208-879-4108 for information about how closures will impact their trips.  Hunters with special permits within the closure area are encouraged to call the Salmon office of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-756-2271 and visit their website at  http://idfg.idaho.gov. 

Boise National Forest Area and Road Closure Order #0402-05-88 is in effect for Fir Creek Campground, Blue Bunch Trailhead, and the areas surrounding Forest Service Roads 579A and 579A1.  Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices to view the closure area and map.  

Backcountry airstrips are open to general aviation. Pilots should coordinate with Central Idaho Dispatch and monitor the backcountry frequencies. 

Information on wildfire smoke can be found at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/. Information about air quality can be found at https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Forecast under Idaho Falls Region by selecting Salmon in the dropdown menu.   

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.