GIN FIRE

All closures associated with the Shissler fire have been rescinded.

Officials working the Shissler fire on the Red River Ranger District report no growth on the fire over the last few days. Forest Service Road (FSR) 285 (The Green Mountain/Elk Mountain Road) is open to the public. Forest Service employees remain on site to give updated information on safe passage, and the public is encouraged to use caution when traveling the road. The Magruder Road (FSR 468, Montana Road) remains open to the public with no restrictions or advisories. Those traveling through high elevations this weekend should be aware of the possibility of precipitation, including snow at higher altitudes, and plan accordingly.

Acreage on the Shissler fire has been reduced from approximately 11,000 acres to 10,680 acres based on more accurate mapping.  Forest Service Road (FSR) 285 (The Green Mountain / Elk Mountain Road) on the Red River Ranger District is open to the public.  Forest Service employees are on site to give advice and updated info on safe passage where the fire has impacted the road.  Forest Service officials urge the public to use caution when travelling the road.  The FSR 468 / Montana Road remains open to the public with no restrictions or advisories. 

Rain fell on the Shissler fire near Elk City this weekend, which lessened fire behavior. Officials were able to conduct a reconnaissance flight on the fire Sunday afternoon for the first time since early September. The Shissler fire is now estimated at 11,000 acres based on more precise mapping available via aerial reconnaissance. Crews continue to strengthen point protection in the Red River Valley and assess options for safely responding to areas of fire growth. Fire managers expect to see minimal to moderate growth on all sides of the Shissler fire this week.

Fire managers on the Red River Ranger District expect the Shissler fire to be active again today based on the potential for windy weather and continued warmer temperatures. Currently, crews are focused on proactive structure protection in the Red River Valley and containing the fire perimeter where it crossed containment lines in the 505 Trail System. No structures are at an immediate threat of damage by the Shissler fire at this time. Cooler weather and the possibility of wetting rains this weekend could lessen fire behavior. As flying conditions improve and resources become available, officials will conduct a reconnaissance flight to assess updated fire size, perimeter, and behavior.

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests' Red River Ranger District will hold a public meeting September 17 regarding the Shissler fire. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. (PDT) at the upper Red River Campground. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs as this event will be held outdoors.

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests has assigned additional resources from a local Type 3 organization to the Shissler fire near Elk City in response to recent increased fire activity and growth. Fire managers plan to host another public meeting for the incident soon in order to address public questions and provide more information. Details on this public meeting will be announced once logistics are finalized.

Officials have been unable to conduct infrared reconnaissance this week on the Shissler fire, which would provide a precise acreage update, due to poor flying conditions in the fire area and limited resource availability as fires burn across the country. Based on satellite heat detection, which offers a broader estimate of fire size, officials estimate the Shissler fire to be approximately 11,500 acres. This number may change, in either direction, once officials are able to more precisely size up the fire. The Shissler fire is now approximately 10% contained.

Recently, the Shissler fire has been active on all sides, primarily to the north and northeast and within the Three Prongs Creek drainage. The fire was very active over the weekend as it moved towards Green Mountain, and has since quieted and slowed its movement. Sunday evening, firefighters strategically removed wildfire fuels to protect structures on Green Mountain as the fire reached the lookout. The fire continues to burn away from private residences and structures in the Red River Valley. The possibility of precipitation this weekend could lessen fire behavior. Fire crews continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety and the protection of structures and other values at risk while responding to this fire.

Green Mountain Road #285 remains closed to the public at this time, except for by Forest Service escort, due to the Shissler fire. Moving forward, fire managers may have to adjust this closure for public safety in response to changing fire activity in the area. Officials intend to continue to provide access on this route to the extent possible while providing for the safety of the public while there is active wildfire in the area. If you have questions about the status of Green Mountain Road, please contact the Red River Ranger District at (208) 842-2245. For more information about this and other Shissler fire closures, please see the Closures tab.

The Shissler fire near Elk City on the Red River Ranger District has grown substantially over the last two days. Green Mountain Road #285 has been closed to the public except for by Forest Service escort, and structure protection measures have been implemented on Green Ridge, on the east flank of the fire. Due to heavy smoke in the area, aircraft have not been able to fly reconnaissance or conduct water bucket drops for the last two days. Fire managers are sending additional resources to the Red River area in response to the increased fire activity and growth. Fire weather is going to continue to be hot, dry and windy through the week, with a possibility of precipitation on Saturday. Fuels continue to dry, adding to fire behavior and growth. Fire managers will consider all of these factors and how they may impact the Shissler fire as they continue to work to protect values at risk while providing for firefighter and public safety.

Low humidity and high temperatures in the area yesterday caused the Shissler fire to burn actively in the Butter Creek and Cabin Creek drainages. The fire is currently estimated at 6,000 acres; future reconnaissance flights, when possible, will provide a closer estimate. With the increase in fire activity and consistent west wind in the Cabin Creek drainage, the fire moved within half a mile of Green Mountain Lookout. Ground crews were able to prepare the structures at Green Mountain in anticipation that the fire will encroach the lookout and nearby Forest Service Road #285.

Forest Service Road #285, aka Green Mountain Road, has been closed for public safety due to the Shissler fire moving into the area. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) daily, the road will be open with Forest Service escort only. For more information, contact the Red River Ranger District at (208) 842-2245. See closure information under the Closures tab and view a map of the closure area under the Maps tab.