BEAVER AND MARION FIRE UPDATESaturday, September 12, 2020

Fire E-mail: 2020.Beaver@firenet.gov
Facebook: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Twitter: @NPClwNFs

Start date: Beaver Fire and Marion Fire detected August 19, 2020
Location: 5 miles East of Lochsa Powell Ranger District, adjacent to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary and within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho County
Cause: Beaver Fire, lightning; Marion Fire, cause unknown
Current Size: Beaver Fire, 1147 acres, Marion Fire, 308 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 134

ALERT: Expect hazy skies from fires burning in Idaho. The general haze is likely to turn into thick smoke late Saturday night into Sunday as smoke from fires burning on the west coast makes its way to Idaho and Western Montana. For more information: Montanawildfiresmoke.org www.todaysair.mt.gov airquality.deq.idaho.gov

Current:
Beaver Fire – Fire has spotted across road #368 and has become established along the road. Active fire behavior along USFR #368 is slowing the removal of fuel decks from fuel break. Fire fighters had to pull back from the area yesterday due to heat from the flames. The fire will continue to move uphill and to the NE threatening to spot and cross Rd 5683 below Roundtop Lookout. Snags and steep rugged terrain present hazards to fighters
Marion Fire – Active surface fire in down woody material continues. Fire will continue to move to the SW and E, SE with tree torching and surface spread uphill.

Planned Actions:
Beaver Fire – Firefighters will create and improve containment lines to keep the fire south and east of private property and Round Top Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) site to the West and South to tie into the 368 road. Steep terrain makes building suppression lines difficult. Nighttime operations are in place using log trucks and loaders to remove log decks which could provide fuel for fire spread. A Helicopter for water drops is available if needed.
Marion Fire – Firefighters will extinguish any new spots to keep the fire west of Sneak foot Meadows and North of Savage Pass Trail.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closure includes portions of Forest Service Road #368 (Beaver Ridge Road), FSR #369, for public safety due to active wildfire in the area. Trail #79 is closed from Savage pass to Walton Lakes.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution today for the Coeur d’Alene area (Kootenai, Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties outside of tribal boundaries) and the Lewiston area (Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho Counties off of the Nez Perce Reservation). Due to wildfire smoke, air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive groups and burning restrictions are in effect. Learn more on our Smoke Information page at  http://ow.ly/WLty50BoF1M

 Before heading out this weekend check Idaho DEQ's real-time air quality map at http://ow.ly/tNfU50BoF1O and smoke blog at http://ow.ly/diFD50BoF1P.

BEAVER AND MARION FIRE UPDATE
Friday, September 11, 2020
 
Fire E-mail: 2020.Beaver@firenet.gov
Facebook: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Twitter: @NPClwNFs

Start date: Beaver Fire and Marion Fire detected August 19, 2020
Location: 5 miles East of Lochsa Powell Ranger District, adjacent to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary and within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho County
Cause: Beaver Fire, lightning; Marion Fire, cause unknown
Current Size: Beaver Fire, 882 acres, Marion Fire, 254 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 133
 
ALERT: A significant smoke event from the west coast fires is predicted to move east and mix with smoke from smaller fires in Idaho to impact the air quality. 
For more information: Montanawildfiresmoke.org  www.todaysair.mt.gov  airquality.deq.idaho.gov 

Current: 
Beaver Fire – Fire has spotted across the USFS road #368 and has become established along the road. Active fire behavior along USFR #368 is slowing the removal of fuel decks from fuel break. Fire fighters had to pull back from the area yesterday due to heat from the flames. Retardant was dropped in the area to slow the spread of fire. Continued warming and drying trend with poor RH recoveries will lead to active fire behavior and spread with long range spotting possible. The fire will continue to move uphill and to the NE threatening to spot and cross Rd 5683 below Roundtop Lookout. Significant growth in the fire perimeter is anticipated.
Marion Fire – Active surface fire with tree torching and short range spotting. Fire will continue to move to the SW and E, SE.
 
Planned Actions: 
Beaver Fire – Firefighters will create and improve containment lines to keep the fire south and east of private property and Round Top Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) site to the West and South to tie into the 368 road. Steep terrain makes building suppression lines difficult. Nighttime operations are in place using log trucks and loaders to remove log decks which could provide fuel for fire spread.
Marion Fire – Firefighters will extinguish any new spots to keep the fire west of Sneak foot Meadows and North of Savage Pass Trail.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closure includes portions of Forest Service Road #368 (Beaver Ridge Road), FSR #369, for public safety due to active wildfire in the area. Trail #79 is closed from Savage pass to Walton Lakes.

BEAVER AND MARION FIRE UPDATE
Thursday, September 10, 2020
 
Fire E-mail: 2020.Beaver@firenet.gov
Facebook: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Twitter: @NPClwNFs
 
Start date: Beaver Fire and Marion Fire detected August 19, 2020
Location: 5 miles East of Lochsa Powell Ranger District, adjacent to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary and within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho County
Cause: Beaver Fire, lightning; Marion Fire, cause unknown
Current Size: Beaver Fire, 719 acres, Marion Fire, 220 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 122
 
Current Status
Beaver Fire - Fire has burned to the 368 road and is expected to continue to bump up against the road. Firefighters are positioned to keep the fire from crossing the road. Poor relative humidity recovery is causing the fire to be active at night. Expect active surface fire with small group-tree torching and short range spotting. Significant growth in the fire perimeter is anticipated today.
Marion Fire – Expect limited surface fire activity with tree torching and short range spotting Low rates of spread given current site specific weather variables. Little growth in fire perimeter is expected.
 
Planned Actions:
Beaver Fire – Firefighters will scout for additional areas to construct line. Brush clearing to open existing road system continue to create a fuel break from Round Top Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) site to the West and South to tie into the 368 road. Steep terrain makes building suppression lines difficult. Nighttime operations using log trucks and loaders are being used to remove log decks which could provide fuel for fire spread.
Marion Fire – Firefighters will monitor and extinguish any new spots to keep the fire west of Sneakfoot Meadows and east of Tom Beal Rd 320 and south of Salvage Pass Trail.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closure includes portions of Forest Service Road #368 (Beaver Ridge Road), FSR #369, for public safety due to active wildfire in the area. Trail #79 is closed from Savage pass to Walton Lakes.

Beaver & Marion Fire Update
September 9, 2020

E-mail: 2020.Beaver@firenet.gov
Facebook: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests 
Twitter: @NPClwNFs
 
Start date: Beaver Fire and Marion Fire detected August 19, 2020
Location: 5 miles East of Lochsa Powell Ranger District, adjacent to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary and within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho County
Cause: Beaver Fire, lightning; Marion Fire, cause unknown
Current Size: Beaver Fire: 719 acres, Marion Fire: 220 acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 122
 
Current Status:
Beaver Fire- The fire has burned to the 368 road. Helicopters worked the westside of thefire yesterday. Fire poses a threat to cross Road 368 in several locations. Crews are positioned to keep the firefrom crossing he road. Hgh pressure continues to build. Warming and drying can be expected each day.Expect active surface fire with small group-tree torching and short range spotting. Modest growth in fireperimeter anticipated.
Marion Fire – Expect limited surface fire activity with tree torching and short range spotting Low rate of spread and little growth in fire perimeter anticipated. Crews will monitor for and extinguish any new spots east of Sneakfoot Meadows. 

Planned Actions:
Beaver Fire - Crews continue to brush and open existing road system to create a fuel break from Round Top Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) site to the West and South to tie into the 368 Rd. Scout and possibly create a second fuel break. Nighttime operations using log trucks and loaders are being used to remove log decks which could provide fuel for fire spread. 
Marion Fire -Monitor for and extinguish any new spots east of Sneakfoot Meadows.

Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closure includes portions of Forest Service Road #368 (Beaver Ridge Road), FSR #369, for public safety due to active wildfire in the area. Trail #79 is closed from Savage pass to Walton Lakes.

BEAVER AND MARION FIRE UPDATE
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Fire E-mail: 2020.Beaver@firenet.gov
Facebook: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests  
Twitter:         @NPClwNFs

Start date:            Beaver Fire and Marion Fire, detected August 19th, 2020
Location:               5 miles East of  Lochsa Powell Ranger District, adjacent to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary and within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
Cause:                   Beaver Fire, lightning; Marion Fire, cause unknown
Current Size:         Beaver Fire, 719 acres & Marion Fire, 220 acres
Containment:         0%
Total Personnel:    138

Current Status:  Gusty winds from the NE cold front yesterday created hazards and down trees hazards for firefighters on the fire today.  Strong gusty NE winds will be strongest on ridge tops today.  Higher relative humidity and cool temperatures will moderate fire behavior.  Planned Actions: Crews continue to create and improve containment lines to keep the Beaver Fire south and east of private property and the Round Top Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) site to the West and South to tie into the 368 Road.  A fuel break from 368 Road to tie in with existing fuel break to keep fire South and East of private property and the Round Top RAWS. 

Crews on the Marion Fire will look for and extinguish any new spot fires east of Sneakfoot Meadows. 

Night operations with log trucks and loaders are being used to remove log and reduce fuels.
 
Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closure includes portions of Forest Service Road #368 (Beaver Ridge Road), FSR #369, for public safety due to active wildfire in the area. Trail #79 is closed from Savage pass to Walton Lakes.

BEAVER AND MARION FIRE UPDATEMonday, September 7, 2020
 
Facebook: Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests  Twitter: @NPClwNFs
 
Start date: Beaver Fire, August 19th; Marion Fire, detected August 19th
 Location:  5 miles East of  Lochsa Powell Ranger District, adjacent to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary and within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Granite County
 Cause: Beaver Fire, lightning; Marion Fire, cause unknown
 Current Size: Beaver Fire, 575 acres & Marion Fire, 203 acres
 Containment:  0%
 Current Status: If the predicted precipitation forecasted is not received, the Beaver Fire and Marion Fire are expected to have active surface fire within the down/woody material and dense pockets of trees. Short range spotting is possible withing the Beaver Fire.  Spotting in the Marion Fire is  not expected to a due to high Relative Humidity.
 Planned Actions: Crews will continue to brush and open existing road system from Round Top RAWS site to the West and South to tie into the 368 Rd.  The objective is to create a fuel break from 368 Road to tie in with existing fuel break to keep fire South and East of private property and the Round Top Remote Weather Station.   
 Closures: An emergency closure is in place for National Forest System lands on the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District, within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The closure includes portions of Forest Service Road #368 (Beaver Ridge Road), FSR #369, for public safety due to active wildfire in the area. Trail #79 is closed from Savage pass to Walton Lakes.

The National Weather Service is forecasting the current timing for the arrival of potentially strong east winds on the Beaver fire is between 0900 and 1000 PDT. The precipitation will be very showery and of short duration near the fire, however, the humidity will likely rise throughout the day. Longer, the ridge of high pressure builds back in, especially Wednesday and later. This will cause a return to warm, dry weather with terrain driven winds.

Hobo Fire

• Date Reported: September 1, 2020
• Acres Burned: 413 acres
• Percent Contained: 90%
• Cause: Under investigation
• Location: Barney Gulch 4 miles north of Helena

Resources

• Crews: 2
• Engines: 3
• Helicopters: 2
• Total Personnel Assigned: 40

Current Fire Situation: The Hobo Fire has burned on steep rugged terrain in Barney Gulch, about 7 miles northwest of Junction City since it was discovered on September 1, 2020. The fire remains at 413 acres and is 90% contained.

The fire has remained within containment lines for the past several days. With the current fire situation in Northern California, additional resources were sent to assist with emerging and expanding fires. 40 personnel are assigned to the Hobo to continue mop up and holding.

Closures and Fire Restrictions: Last evening, the southern portion of County Road 421 (East Fork Road) from Highway 299 to the junction with Forest Road 34N07Y was opened and the evacuation warning for residents of Barney Gulch was lifted. East Fork Road above the junction remains closed, with access limited to residents or persons with official business beyond that point.

As of 5:00 pm yesterday, the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) closed developed recreation areas including campgrounds and day use sites in all national forests in California, including the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. In addition, all fires, including campfires, gas stoves, and smoking are now prohibited in all areas of the forest. The closure orders remain in effect until Monday, September 14, 2020 or until fire and weather conditions improve. To see the current closure orders, go to https://go.usa.gov/xGZYe

Smoke Advisories: Smoke from fires in Northern California continues to affect the area. For more information about the air quality in your area, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/, https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/, or the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) at http://www.ncuaqmd.org.

Fire Information: Shasta-Trinity NF fire information is available at 530-628-0039 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7126/.

To view or download a .pdf of this News Release, click here.
 
 

Hobo Fire

• Date Reported: September 1, 2020
• Acres Burned: 413 acres
• Percent Contained: 90%
• Cause: Under investigation
• Location: Barney Gulch 4 miles north of Helena

Resources

• Crews: 5
• Engines: 12
• Watertenders: 2
• Helicopters: 3
• Total Personnel Assigned: 210

Current Fire Situation: The Hobo Fire is burning on steep rugged terrain in Barney Gulch, about 7 miles northwest of Junction City. The fire size is estimated at 413 acres and is 90% contained. During the day yesterday, the fire showed minimal activity, staying within control lines. Today firefighters will continue to drop trees that pose a threat for fire spread and safety. Mop up operations will continue including preparation for the predicted Red Flag Warning tonight through Wednesday morning. Fire is expected to stay inside containment lines, with smoldering continuing within the perimeter.

Closures and Fire Restrictions: Today East Fork Road (County Rd 421) remains closed at Highway 299. As of 6:00 pm this evening, the southern portion of County Road 421 from Highway 299 to the junction with Forest Road 34N07Y will be opened and the evacuation warning for residents of Barney Gulch will be lifted. East Fork Road above the junction will remain closed, with access limited to residents or persons with official business beyond that point.

As of 5:00 pm this evening, the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) has closed developed recreation areas including campgrounds and day use sites in all national forests in California, including the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. In addition, all fires, including campfires, gas stoves, and smoking are prohibited in all areas of the forest. This order will remain in effect until September 14, 2020 or until fire and weather conditions improve. To see the full News Release regarding these closures, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd799168.pdf

Smoke Advisories: Smoke from fires in Northern California continues to affect the area. For more information about the air quality in your area, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/, https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/, or the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) at http://www.ncuaqmd.org.

Fire Information: Shasta-Trinity NF fire information is available at 530-628-0039 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or online at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7126/
 
To view a .pdf of this News Release, click here. 
 
To see current Regional and Forest Orders, click here.