Grouse Fire Update - September 14th, 2020

·         3,686 acres

·         5 percent contained

·         Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

·         Start: Sept. 6

·         Cause: Under investigation

 

Crews are continuing mop up operations on the northern edges of the fire, holding the perimeter as well as securing the line deeper into the interior. Hot shot crews are gridding around the fire to locate and extinguish spot fires, while additional resources are building indirect fireline down the western flank, going direct where safe to do so.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open at this time.

Today’s Objectives: Fire resources will continue to hold and secure the perimeter of the fire, concentrating efforts in the northwestern portion. Handcrews are tasked with extinguishing spot fires, while heavy equipment and supporting resources push south along the western flank to continue building indirect line.

Weather: Temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week, while RH values drop. A chance of rain at the end of the week could bolster firefighting progress. Smoke will linger in the area from fires in western Idaho, Oregon, and California may affect firefighting efforts and visibility.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post.  Public entry into the closures only hampers firefighting efforts and can be a safety hazard for fire personnel and the public.

Personnel and resources: 261 people are assigned to the fire. Six 20 person crews, 11 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 5 bulldozers, and 4 water tenders.

For public safety: All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency and please sign in at trailheads.

Know before you go. All Forest visitors are reminded to check with their local forest districts concerning forest closures and restrictions. For further inquiries about the Grouse Fire and adjacent areas, please call the Mountain Home District office at: (208) 587-7961.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

Acres:  3,367 acres

0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

Start: Sept. 6

Cause: Under investigation 
 
Crews are holding the fire east of National Forest System road 166 and have completed and/or improved line along the Northwest and Northeast edges of the fire. Firefighters will continue to secure the line and mop up in these areas. Additional resources will move down the western flank of the fire, building indirect line and going direct where safe to do so.

A firefighter was injured yesterday, and the emergency response was immediate and efficient. The individual was quickly transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads.

Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek, Baumgartner and all dispersed sites are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open at this time.
 

Today’s Objectives: Firefighters assisted by heavy equipment will focus on constructing line farther down the western flank of the fire and scout possibilities for additional fire control lines. Firefighters will continue to hold and secure fireline and mop up in the northwest area of the fire.
 

Weather: Temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week, while RH values drop. Smoke from fires in western Idaho, Oregon, and California may affect firefighting efforts and visibility in the area.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. Public entry into the closures only hampers firefighting efforts and can be a safety hazard for fire personnel and the public.
 

Personnel and resources: 261 people are assigned to the fire. Six 20 person crews, 10 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 5 bulldozers, and 4 water tenders.
 

For public safety: All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency and please sign in at trailheads.
 

Forest patrols are still finding abandoned campfires. All Forest visitors are reminded to douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.
 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/ Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

Acres:  3,367acres

0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

Start: Sept. 6

Cause: Under investigation

Crews continue to hold the fire east of National Forest System road 166, and have completed and/or improved line along the Northwest and Northeast edges of the fire. The fire acreage increased as a result of firing operations. Resources arrive daily as firefighters move to construct line around the more western portions of the fire.
 

A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek and Baumgartner are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open at this time.

Objectives: Firefighters assisted by heavy equipment will focus on constructing line farther down the western flank of the fire and scout possibilities for additional fire control lines.

Weather: Temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week, while RH values drop. Predicted winds from the west will aid firefighters as they continue to construct fireline.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all firefighting personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area and the Incident Command Post. Public entry into the closures only hampers firefighting efforts, and can be a safety hazard for fire personnel and the public.
 

Personnel and resources: 192 people are assigned to the fire. Four 20 person crews, 9 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 5 bulldozers and 1 water tender.

For public safety: All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency and please sign in at trailheads.

Forest patrols are still finding abandoned campfires. All Forest visitors are reminded to douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/
 

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

3,067acres

0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

 Start: Sept. 6

Cause: Under investigation

Firefighters, bulldozers, and air resources are making good progress building and securing direct and indirect firelines around the fire. Crews continue to hold the fire east of National Forest System (NFS) road 166, utilizing heavy equipment as well as firing operations where applicable to help secure more line. Additional initial attack crews arrive today and will assist in improving firelines.

 

A joint area closure of NFS lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Visitors are reminded that Sawtooth National Forest Campgrounds Abbot, Chaparral, Bird Creek, Shake Creek and Baumgartner are closed. Boise National Forest Elks Flat Campground remains open at this time. Acreage dropped due to better mapping.
 

Today’s Objectives: Bulldozers will continue to flank the fire where possible, building line in locations where appropriate. Fire crews, with additional resources, will be burning off NFS road 166.
 

Weather: Temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week, while RH values drop. However predicted winds from the Northwest will aid firefighters as they continue to work on the North and Western most parts of the fire.
 

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. The Incident Commander and all personnel appreciate the public’s cooperation in staying out of the forest closure area as well as the Incident Command Post. Public entry into the closure only hampers firefighting efforts, and can be both a safety hazard for fire personnel as well as the public.
 

Personnel and resources: 187 people are assigned to the fire. Three 20 person crews, 9 engines, 1 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 6 bulldozers and 1 water tender.
 

For public safety: Be aware that winds may have dropped trees throughout the Forest. All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency and please sign in at trailheads. Forest patrols are still finding abandoned campfires.

All Forest visitors are reminded to be cautious with flammable materials and completely douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

3680 acres

0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

Start: Sept. 6

Cause: Under investigation

Firefighters and bulldozers are making good progress building and securing direct and indirect firelines around the fire. Late yesterday Fire Crews tied in a slop over which burned across National Forest System road 166. A joint area closure of National Forest System Lands between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 (Pine/Featherville Highway) remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. Acreage dropped due to better mapping.
 

Today’s Objectives: Bulldozers will continue to flank the fire where possible, building line in locations where appropriate. As a precaution, fire crews will look for opportunities to burn off fuels where the slop over occurred on NFS Road 166 in order to reduce the potential for fire spread to the west Aircraft continue supporting ground efforts as needed.

Weather: Temperatures are cooler at about 61-66 degrees and winds are out of the southwest from 5-10 mph in the afternoon with possible gusts up to 17 mph.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area.

Personnel and resources: 135 people are assigned to the fire. Three 20 person crews, Five engines, 1 Air Attack, 2 helicopters, 6 bulldozers, 1 water tender, 4 SEATS (single engine air tankers) and support as needed from large air tankers.

For public safety: Be aware that winds may have dropped trees throughout the Forest. All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where they are going in case of emergency and please sign in at trailheads. Forest patrols are still finding abandoned campfires. All Forest visitors are reminded to be cautious with flammable materials and completely douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

Visit the Interactive Closure map to see closures organized by Ranger District.

5700 acres

0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

Start: Sept. 6 

Cause: Under investigation

Cooler temperatures are expected to slow the spread of the Grouse Fire. The fire is expected to continue to move to the east away from the Pine and Featherville area. A joint area closure between the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests was put in place for public safety. Forest System road 227 and Forest Highway 61 remain open and the closure does not apply to private land adjacent to these roads. A local Type 3 IMT continues managing the fire for full suppression.
 

Today’s Objectives: Hand crews and bulldozers continue building line in locations where appropriate. Aircraft are supporting ground efforts and assisting with mapping the fire perimeter. Fire crews continue prepping NFS road 166 to reduce the potential for fire activity to the west.

Weather: Temperatures are cooler at about 61-66 degrees and winds are out of the southwest from 5-10 mph in the afternoon with possible gusts up to 17 mph.

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. Closure Order 0402-01-92 will be posted on Inciweb and at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices, shortly.

Personnel and resources: 99 people are assigned to the fire. Five engines, 1 Air Attack, 2 helicopters, 6 bulldozers, 1 water tender, 4 SEATS (single engine air tankers) and support as needed from large air tankers.

For public safety: Be aware that winds may have dropped trees throughout the Forest. All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where you are going in case of any type of emergency and please sign in at trailheads. Please be cautious with flammable materials and completely douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.
 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

 5200 acres

 0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

Start: Sept. 6

Cause: Under investigation

Yesterday, strong wind gusts up to 40 mph grounded aircraft and increased fire activity substantially with the Grouse Fire growing to 5200 acres. The fire grew into the Sawtooth National Forest and both forests are coordinating on the management of the fire. All visitors are being moved out of the area due to concerns of predicted winds. 
 

Objectives: Fire officials will be putting an area closure in place which would including a number of trails and roads. A bulldozer continues to put in line where possible with ground crews cutting line where the dozer is not able. Aircraft will continue to support ground efforts as needed. Fire crews are prepping NFS road 166 to reduce fire activity to the west if the fire progression changes.

Weather: Winds have subsided but remain breezy with gusts up to 14 mph in the valleys and 13 mph on the ridgetops.  Nighttime temperatures are dropping with predictions at about 28-40 degrees. An upper level ridge is bringing a warmer trend with dry conditions persisting.
 

Closures: For public health and safety, a multi-forest closure is in place for the entire fire area. Closure Order 0402-01-92 are posted on Inciweb and at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices. 
 

Personnel and resources: 96 people are assigned to the fire. Five engines, 1 Air Attack, 2 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 1 water tender, 2 SEATS (single engine air tankers) and support as needed from 2 large air tankers.

For public safety: Be aware that last night’s winds may have dropped trees throughout the Forest. All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where you are going in case of any type of emergency and please sign in at trailheads. Please be cautious with flammable materials and completely douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.
 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/photos/boisenationalforest/albums/72157715881178523

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

(New Boise NF Fire Start - 9-6-2020)

200 acres

0 percent contained

Location: 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho

Start: Sept. 6

Cause: Under investigation
 

The Grouse Fire started Sept. 6, 2020, about 7:30 p.m. The fire’s location is the boundary of the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests about 6 miles northeast of Pine, Idaho, in the area of National Forest System (NFS) roads 166 and 166e. Campers were evacuated from the NFS 166 road system. Crews are on scene with additional resources ordered. A type 3 team is managing the fire for full suppression and coordinating with the Sawtooth National Forest.

Today’s Objectives: Fire officials will be closing access to the all of NFS 166 roads. A bulldozer is working to put in line that reinforce actions from ground crews and aircraft. The fire has spotted over NFS road 166 and crews are responding. This fast moving fire presents significant safety concerns to fire personnel, including: gusty afternoon winds, spotting and running in grass, shrub and dead and down ponderosa pine.

Weather: A red flag warning has been issued for high winds and low relative humidity just south of the fire. A strong cold front with significant winds will arrive early this afternoon. Northwest winds are expected to increase to 19-25 mph with gusts to about 30 mph in the afternoon and decreasing Monday night. Day time temperatures are expected to be from 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Closures: Closures are pending to the NFS 166 road system and forest officials are assessing the need for an area closure.

Personnel and resources:  72 people are assigned to the fire. Three engines, 2 Air Attack, 3 helicopters, 1 bulldozer, 1 water tender, 7 SEATS (single engine air tankers) and support as needed from 2 large air tankers.

For public safety: All Forest visitors are reminded to let someone know where you are going, to be cautious with flammable materials and completely douse fires with water or dirt, stirring the mixture to completely put the coals out.

Visit Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7154/

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/US-Forest-Service-Boise-National-Forest-1449890585280097/

 

- Routt National Forest lifts Middle Fork Fire area closure