Monday, July 26, 2021 - The Dixie and Jumbo Fires are managed by a local Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT). The team is focused on firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk.
Dixie Fire 
The Dixie Fire increased 1,339 acres yesterday, for a total of 38,571 acres. The fire is growing to the south along the Salmon River and around the Blowout and Mammoth Mountain areas. The fire is at 18 percent containment.  
The primary focus continues to be holding and strengthening approximately 10 miles of fireline along the Forest Road 1190 / Jack Mountain Road to the North of the fire, and northeast along Forest Road 421 in the Mallard Creek area.  Strategic firing operations, from the past three days, are holding and crews are working to prevent fire movement north.  A slop over along the Jack Mountain Road within the Red River drainage has mechanical contingency firelines in place, and firefighters are preparing to go direct.    
The Dixie Fire has not crossed the Salmon River but did move approximately ¾ mile south along the steep riverbanks.  It is slowly flanking south and if conditions allow it to align with topography and southerly winds it could threaten the communities of Dixie and Comstock.  Residents are reminded of the evacuation orders outlined below.
Fire professionals are evaluating tactics in preparation of projected fire movement and monitoring with aerial and ground personnel. They are also working to keep Forest Roads open and safe to travel on in the area.

Jumbo Fires 

The Jumbo saw an increase of 77 acres yesterday, for a total of 2,044 acres. The fire sits at zero percent containment and fire professionals are monitoring it.  The fire continues to be evaluated for further actions.

 

Sunday, July 25, 2021 - A local Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) assumed command of the Dixie-Jumbo Fire this morning at 0600.
 
“The Type 3 team is comprised of many of the same incident management team members and firefighters that worked to protect our communities following the lightning start in early July,” said Cheryl Probert, Forest Supervisor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. “They will continue all of the great work and progress the Type 1 team made and continue to protect the highest values at risk within the communities, with the available resources.” 
 
The Forest would like to thank the Northern Rockies Team 2 for their hard work in protecting the communities impacted by the Dixie and Jumbo Fires. 
 
Dixie Fire -  The Dixie Fire increased 5,191 acres yesterday, for a total of 37,161 acres. This increase in growth is due to successful strategic firing operations in recent days. The fire is at 18 percent containment.  The primary focus remains on holding and strengthening firelines along the Forest Road 1190 / Jack Mountain Road to the North of the fire, and northeast along Forest Road 421 in the Mallard Creek area. Crews are holding and strengthening firelines in the communities of Dixie, Comstock, Black Diamond, Mallard, and along the Salmon River Corridor, improving containment lines and performing structure protection as necessary. Crews will continue take suppression action on spot fires as they occur. Fire professionals are monitoring fire movement with aerial and ground personnel and evaluating tactics for future operations.

Jumbo Fire - The Jumbo saw an increase of 133 acres yesterday, for a total of 1,967 acres. The fire sits at zero percent containment and fire professionals are monitoring it.  The fire continues to be evaluated for further actions.  

This will be the last Daily Update by the Type 1 Northern Rockies (NR) Team 2. Today, a Type 3 Team will transition with and shadow NR Team2 in all aspects of the fire, including fire information. The Type 3 Team will assume command of the fire on Sunday, July 25th.
 
Dixie Fire
The fire continues to burn in the interior area as unburned pockets of fuel ignite. Along the Salmon River Corridor, the fire is still holding on the north side of the Salmon River. Today, it is expected the fire will be backing down into the Blowout Creek area.  On the western side of the fire, snag trees in the Dixie and Comstock area have been falling. Crews are removing hazard trees next to the road and as they come down. Aircraft supported operations on the northern end of the fire with several water drops throughout the day.

Jumbo
Firefighters continue to monitor the Jumbo Fire daily, and suppression tactics will be reassessed if conditions warrant.  Yesterday the wind fueled burning activity for a slight increase in acreage.  

Fire
Successful burnout operations on the north end of the Dixie Fire added to its acreage bringing it to 31,970 acres. The Jumbo Fire, while not showing a lot of activity, also grew a bit and is currently 1,834 acres. The current warming/drying trend will make more fuel available and active burning is most likely to occur between 1pm and 7pm; increased smoke production can be expected during this time.

Smoke
Although successful burnout operations near the north portion of the Dixie Fire put up smoke, and southwest transport winds brought smoke from other active regional and local fires, most of the smoke stayed aloft. Areas near the fires saw smoke concentrations ranging from Good to Unhealthy with overall Moderate averages. Similar conditions can be expected today as westerly transport winds move smoke to the east. More smoke will be present as conditions become warmer and dryer making more fuels available. Communities closest to the fires will see greater impacts as smoke lingers in the area especially in nearby drainages.

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.

Yesterday the Mission Critical Response Group (MCRG) prepped along Forest Road 421 and conducted burning operations.  This task was supported by air operations.  Today, they will continue firing operations and work along Jack Mountain Road.  A MCRG consists of two Type 1 (Hotshot) crews, two Type 2 Initial Attack crews and two Type 6 engines arrived yesterday.  They are a specialized group that spends a few days completing a specific task before moving on to the next incident.  
 

A Mission Critical Response Group (MCRG) consisting of two Type 1 (Hotshot) crews, two Type 2 Initial Attack crews and two Type 6 engines arrived yesterday. The MCRG is a specialized group that spends a few days completing a specific task before moving on to the next incident. Their primary task on this incident will be securing the northeastern portion of the fire and holding it south of Jack Mountain Road and east of Mallard.

Dixie Fire 
Fire activity increased yesterday afternoon around 1:00pm. The northern edge of the fire saw the most activity as it pushed toward Jack Mountain Road. Conditions were favorable for burning operations and firefighters were able to successfully hold the fire at the road. To the east side of the fire, crews made progress constructing line on the upper northeastern end. The section of fire north of Jack Mountain Road was secured. Down along the river corridor the fire did not make much progress up or down river and is still holding on the north side of the Salmon River. It is slowly moving north up Rhett Creek toward the southern end of Comstock. Crews are completing additional work near the southern end of the community. On the western side of the fire, crews are continuing to secure the line and remove hazard trees next to the road. Aircraft supported operations on the northern end of the fire with several water drops throughout the day.

Jumbo Fire
Firefighters continue to monitor the Jumbo Fire daily, and suppression tactics will be reassessed if conditions warrant. Acreage will be updated after next IR flight.

Fire
Last night's infrared flight only picked up the eastern portion of the Dixie Fire and none of the Jumbo Fire due to cloud cover. The Dixie Fire stands at 29,360 acres and the Jumbo Fire, which remains active around the edges, is around 1,624 acres.

Smoke
A chance of rain and the possibility of thunderstorms over the fire area still remain, although less so than yesterday. Monitors near the fire saw smoke concentrations ranging from Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, staying mainly Moderate. Similar conditions are expected to days as southwest transport winds continue to push smoke to the north/northeast and bring in smoke from local and regional fires. Localized smoke continues to settle in drainages, namely along the Salmon River.

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.  

Daily Update - July 21, 2021
Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity across the area resulted in minimal fire activity yesterday. Crews made good progress on the northern end of the fire where it crossed Jack Mountain Road and will continue to put in fireline around it until they tie it back into the road. Today is a critical fire weather day with temperatures in the mid-eighties, relative humidity at 25-30% and southwest winds 10-15mph. Fire behavior is expect to increase, especially on the southeastern end near White Water Ranch and the northeast side of the fire.

Dixie Fire 

The southwest corner of the fire continues to push downriver and up into Rhett Creek drainage. Firefighters are continuing to use boats to move personnel and equipment up and down the Salmon river to secure structures and complete fuels mitigation work ahead of the fire. Crews will be working in the Comstock and Dixie communities improving fireline, completing additional structure preparation and patrolling. The northern end of the fire is still mostly south of the Jack Mountain Road. Cloud cover cancelled the scheduled infrared flight (IR); acres will be updated after the next IR flight scheduled for later tonight.
 

Daily Update- 07/20/2021

During yesterday’s Red Flag Warning, there was observable growth on the
Dixie Fire, particularly to the north as the fire continued toward Jack
Mountain Road. There was a spot fire north of Jack Mountain Road, and
resources were quick to respond. Efforts continue to focus on responding
to this. There is a higher chance for thunderstorms today, with a 60% of
rain and the possibility lightning of strikes over the fire area.

Dixie Fire
The Dixie Fire grew a total of 2,022 acres yesterday, mostly to the
north. Crews in the Dixie/Comstock area, and along the Salmon
River, continue to strengthen lines and fuel breaks. There was a spot
fire on the north side of Jack Mountain Road. Resources were
diverted to combat it, and will continue to do so. Firefighters are
using a combination of air support (including retardant and bucket
work) and heavy equipment, engines, and hand crews to limit fire
spread. However, smoke/cloud cover and chance of precipitation
may allow some moderation of fire activity. The night shift
continues to patrol the Dixie/Comstock area, and firefighters
continue to monitor the Mallard Creek area. The Dixie Fire remains
North of the Salmon River.

Jumbo Fire
Firefighters continue to monitor the Jumbo Fire daily, and suppression
tactics will be reassessed if conditions warrant. The Jumbo fire grew by
227 acres yesterday.

Weather and Smoke
Temperatures today are expected to be in the mid-to-high 80s in most areas. Winds are expected
from the south today, around 3-6 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. There is an increased chance
of precipitation in the fire area, with a 66% of rain and a 40% chance of wetting rain. Cloud cover
will continue to result in smoky conditions. For more information on smoke conditions visit
https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Fire Restrictions
Based on current fire activity, land management agencies and fire managers in the Grangeville Area
implemented STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS effective Friday, July 16. 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 south to
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 Idaho County Sheriff’s Office at 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.”

Morning Facebook Live Briefings Ends Wednesday
Tomorrow is our final live daily briefing. Join us at 9:00 AM PDT through FacebookLive (no account
required). https://www.facebook.com/DixieJumboFire/