Badger Fire Daily Update for October 3, 2020
    Public Fire Information: (208) 308-5991     Email: 2020.Badger@firenet.gov   
   InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7196/      Twitter:@SawtoothNatlFS
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest/
 

  Activity on the Fire:  Fire activity remained light yesterday, with some interior burning occurring. Crews continue to mop up hot spots and patrol containment lines. Weather is expected to remain the same, with some increase in afternoon winds, which could encourage more active interior burning. Smoke from west coast fires in California is settling into the area, creating low air quality. Road and campsite repairs continue throughout the burn area. The Sawtooth National Forest Fire Area closure remains in effect. A new version of the area closure map can be found on Inciweb and on our Facebook page.

Badger Fire Daily Update for October 2, 2020

   Public Fire Information: (208) 308-5991                                         Email: 2020.Badger@firenet.gov

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7196/                     Twitter:@SawtoothNatlFS

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest/

  Activity on the Fire:  The local Type 3 Team assumed control of the Badger Fire at 6 a.m. this morning. Warm weather will continue over the next several days, allowing for more active interior burning. Crews continue to monitor and improve containment lines. Crews may use burnout operations to improve and create containment lines along the more active sections on the fire. Some smoke maybe visible throughout the day today. Road and campsite repairs continue.  The Sawtooth National Forest Fire Area Closure remains in effect.

Weather:  Warm and dry trend is expected to continue through the weekend. Winds are expected to remain moderate, with a chance of higher gust. This can cause some increase in fire activity.

  Area Closure: The Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure is still in effect. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts and endanger personnel.

  Hunting: Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope has begun in Game Management Unit 54, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6. For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.

Acres:  89,847     Containment 91%     Crews:  4     Helicopters:  5     Dozers:  2     Engines:  13     Personnel:  351


Command of the Badger Fire will transfer from Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 Commander Sam Hicks to IMT3 Commander Clay Stephens this evening at 8:00 pm.

Activity on the Fire: On Tuesday, firing operations were conducted in the drainages of Third Fork of Rock Creek, Little Fork Creek, and Buttars Creek to reinforce existing line and remove fuel adjacent to the line. Dropping of snags along roads and campgrounds continued. Areas of recent burnout operations will be patrolled and mopped up today. Mop up and patrol of fireline will also occur from Sagehen Flats through to Buck Brush Flats and south to Magpie Basin along Rock Creek Road. Other areas of the lined fire perimeter will be patrolled by air.

Weather: High pressure is bringing a drier air mass. Relative humidity will drop to near critical levels across valley areas. Temperatures will be in the 80s. Winds will be light and variable.

Area Closure: The Sawtooth National Forest is reassessing the area closure. The Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure is still in effect. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts and endanger personnel.

Hunting: Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope has begun in Game Management Unit 54, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6. For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359

Acres: 89,847  Containment: 89%  Crews: 4  Helicopter: 5  Dozer: 3  Engines: 18  Total Personnel: 368

Activity on the Fire: With warmer and drier conditions, fire behavior has increased.  Interior pockets of fuel continue to burn and fire was checked with air support near Bear Gulch.  This activity is mainly present in the southern half of the fire, with the northern half being mostly quiet.  Along the southwest side of the fire, near Magic Mountain, crews plan to continue with burning operations to reinforce and hold existing fire lines.  Road and campsite repair is ongoing.           

Acres:  89,847     Containment 89%     Crews:  4     Helicopters:  8     Dozers:  3     Engines:  19     Personnel:  362

Activity on the Fire: Crews working in the area east of Magic Mountain were able to gain more depth on the line yesterday and prepared for firing operations. If fuels and weather permit, crews will begin firing operations today to join the line with the main body of the fire in that area. Crews and aerial observers patrolling the rest of the fire perimeter have reported no heat on the line. They will continue to mop-up and patrol the fire perimeter today. Aerial support will be standing by to assist with firing operations if needed.

Weather: The new high pressure system has moved in and we expect to see temperature increases of 7-9 degrees over yesterday, with minimum relative humidities falling below 20%. Winds will be light and terrain driven. This trend is expected to continue throughout the week.

Area Closure: The Sawtooth National Forest is beginning work on reassessing the area closure. As of this morning, the Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure, is still effective. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts.

Hunting:  Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope has begun in Game Management Unit 54, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6.  For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.

Acres:  89,847     Containment 89%     Crews:  6     Helicopters:  9     Dozers:  6     Engines:  29     Personnel:  448

Activity on the Fire: Existing lines continued to hold well yesterday, and firefighters were able to gain depth on the line east of Magic Mountain. Aerial operations patrolled the fire perimeter and backhauled firefighting equipment and rubbish. The repair crew continued rehabilitating dozer line in the Fuller Flat area and the Rock Creek area. Repair crews began assessing the southeast corner of the fire for dozer line rehabilitation.

Today fire crews will continue to focus on patrolling, improving, and mopping up existing fire lines. Repair crews throughout the fire area will be rehabilitating dozer line and removing snags along roads and in campgrounds. Possibilities for firing operations will be assessed in the area east of Magic Mountain, while hand crews will work to improve the existing line.

Weather: Winds will steadily decrease today, and temperatures will remain mild. Relative humidities are expected to stay above 25%. A high pressure system is moving into the region which will bring light, variable winds and warm temperatures.

Area Closure: The Sawtooth National Forest issued the Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure, effective September 15, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth.  A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts.

Hunting:
Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope has begun in Game Management Unit 54, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6.
For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.

Donations: Firefighters on this incident have all the food and supplies they need.  If you would like to donate, please consider the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.  https://wffoundation.org/.

Acres:  89,623     Containment 84%     Crews:  6     Helicopters:  9     Dozers:  7     Engines:  35     Personnel:  462

Activity on the Fire: Despite yesterday’s winds, minimal fire activity was seen yesterday, and some light rain fell in the fire area. Crews improving and mopping-up along existing lines were able to gain more depth. In the area east of Magic Mountain, crews were able to strengthen the existing dozer line. The repair crew worked on rehabilitating dozer line in
the Rock Creek area and elsewhere within the fire perimeter.

Thanks to mellowing weather, another day of minimal fire activity with moderate-to-limited spread is anticipated. Crews and aerial operations will continue to patrol mop-up, and improve existing line all along the fire perimeter. Preparation work for future firing operations will take place along the west flank of the fire. Repair crews will be rehabilitating dozer line in the northwest of the fire and the area between Fuller Flat and Durfee Meadow, as well as continuing to remove snags along roads and in campgrounds.

Weather: The cold front is passing out of the area today. Strong west to northwest winds blowing 15-25 mph, with gusts up to
35 mph, are expected. However, these winds are predicted to diminish over the course of the day. Relative humidities should stay above 35%.

Area Closure: The Sawtooth National Forest issued the Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure, effective September 15, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of
firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth.  Atemporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area.  Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts.

Hunting:
Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope has begun in Game Management Unit 54, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6.
For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.

Donations: Firefighters on this incident have all the food and supplies they need.  If you would like to donate, please consider the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.  https://wffoundation.org/.

Acres:  89,452     Containment:  62%     Crews:  6     Helicopters:  9     Dozers:  7     Engines:  35     Personnel:  422

Activity on the Fire: Existing containment lines held well through another windy day yesterday, with crews patrolling and mopping up throughout the fire perimeter. In the area east of Magic Mountain, crews performed successful firing operations off dozer line to combat the active edge of the fire.

Another windy day is expected, making patrol and mop-up a continued emphasis. On the more active edge of the fire east of the Magic Mountain area, crews will hold secured line following yesterday’s firing operations. The road crew will continue working on snagging and prepare to start rehabilitating dozer line within the fire perimeter.

Weather: As the cold front continues to move through the area, winds of 15-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected. Cooler daytime temperatures and cloud cover will continue to improve relative humidity recoveries, keeping them above 40%.

Area Closure: The Sawtooth National Forest issued the Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure, effective September 15, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts.

Hunting: Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope begins in Game Management Unit 54 today, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6. For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.

Donations: Firefighters on this incident have all the food and supplies they need.  If you would like to donate, please consider the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.  https://wffoundation.org/.

This morning, firefighters discovered that a feller buncher assigned to the Badger Fire had been vandalized sometime last night. The equipment had been felling snags along roadways and in campgrounds for firefighter and public safety. The machinery sustained upwards of $10,000 in damage to the processing head.  The incident is under investigation and anyone with any information about this crime is asked to contact Sawtooth National Forest law enforcement at steven.sumsion@usda.gov.  The Sawtooth National Forest issued an area closure for most of the Cassia Division on September 15, and it remains in place.  

Acres:  89,389     Containment:  61%     Crews:  5     Helicopters:  8     Dozers:  8     Engines:33     Personnel:  404

Activity on the Fire: Yesterday’s passage of a cold front saw increased fire activity, but existing containment lines held well. Crews continued to patrol and mop-up along the existing line throughout the day in all areas of the fire. Terrain alignment with wind gusts saw increased fire activity in the area east of Pike Mountain. Crews worked hard to stay on top of hot spots with the help of aerial support. Twin Falls County Sherriff advised residents of cabins in the Magic Mountain area to leave as a precaution.

In light of similar weather conditions today, crews will continue to patrol and mop-up along current lines, as well as working on putting in new line in the southwest quadrant of the fire. The road crew will be transitioning into repair work, rehabbing dozer line within the fire perimeter.
 

Weather: A second cold front is moving in today and will impact local weather through Saturday. Westerly winds are expected to increase to 15-20 mph, with gusts around 30 mph at high elevation. Cooler temperatures and cloud cover, leading to improved relative humidity recovery overnight, will likely help to keep relative humidities above 25% throughout the day.
 

Area Closure: The Sawtooth National Forest issued the Badger Fire Road, Trail, and Area Closure, effective September 15, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be viewed on Inciweb and the Sawtooth NF’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in place over the fire area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”) are prohibited; they interfere with helicopters and air tankers conducting suppression efforts.
 

Hunting: Muzzleloader and rifle season for antelope begins in Game Management Unit 54 today, much of which is in the fire closure area. Hunting is not permitted within the closure area, above. Those who wish are being offered the opportunity to exchange or rain check their tags by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. To read their press release, go to https://bit.ly/3i1jqk6. For more information, call the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.
 

Donations: Firefighters on this incident have all the food and supplies they need.  If you would like to donate, please consider the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.  https://wffoundation.org/.