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.

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.

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.

Fire
 
At 25,211 acres, the largest area of growth on the Dixie Fire is in the southeast along the Salmon River heading northeast in the Robertson Creek drainage above Whitewater Ranch. It is also pushing southwest along the Salmon from the Widow Bar and Lemhi Bar areas. The Jumbo Fire is 1,296 acres with minimal growth and spread around the perimeter in small patches. There were only two areas that had small patches of intense heat; one in the north tip and one in the south tip, both going east. 

Smoke

Regional fires continue to put out smoke, which has mostly remained aloft. Some lingering smoke also cleared out, improving visibility. This morning, monitors are ranging from Good, closer to the southern WA/ID border, to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups farther east. Smoke closest to the fires continues to settle in nearby drainages especially overnight. Near surface conditions should remain slightly clearer than recent days in other locations. Changes in weather or fire behavior could 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.  

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.  

  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. 

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.

  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.”

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.

 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-