Bear Creek Fire Update August 302020 Evening Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
FIRE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
August 30, 2020 8:00 p.m.
Phone Number: 406-683-3984
Email: arlee.staley@usda.gov
(Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,900 acres
CONTAINMENT: 85%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles east of Salmon, Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources officially assigned to the fire include two helicopters and 46 total personnel. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized.
Northern Rockies Team 5 will officially transfer command of the fire back to the local Forest (Incident Commander Dave Paden) on Monday, August 31st at 6:00 a.m. This will be the last Fire Information Fact Sheet from NR Team 5.
TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews focused efforts on mopping-up and securing the line on the northwest corner of the fire, where the fire was somewhat active yesterday. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews and heavy equipment completed suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms, installing water bars, smoothing out the constructed firelines, and back-hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed.
WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for much cooler temperatures and precipitation, with a chance of snow at the higher elevations tomorrow night. Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate, with potential for single tree torching, minimal smoldering along the edges, and burn-out of pockets of larger fuels interior to the fireline. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity, given the influence of predicted breezy winds. The area will see a return to warmer, drier, and breezy conditions on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: All remaining resources will mop-up hot spots, patrol the line, and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the northwest corner of the fire. Helicopters will be available to assist with bucket drops, if needed.
SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
The Lemhi Pass Road is OPEN.
Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
Bear Creek August 30 2020 Morning Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,900 acres (overnight infrared mapping flight)
CONTAINMENT: 80%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles east of Salmon, Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources officially assigned to the fire include two helicopters, one Type 2 IA crew, and 71 total personnel. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized. Those resources will travel to home units or be available for reassignment to other fires. Northern Rockies Team 5 will officially transfer command of the fire back to the local Forest on Monday, August 31st at 6:00 a.m.
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews focused efforts on mopping-up and securing the line on the northwest corner of the fire, where the fire was somewhat active under the Red Flag conditions. Gusty winds resulted in short crown runs and active backing fire on the surface of the ground in the Bear Creek drainage. Nearly all activity was interior to the constructed firelines; however, crews located one spot outside the line but were successful in suppressing it with assistance from a helicopter. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews and heavy equipment completed suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms, installing water bars, smoothing out the constructed firelines, and back-hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed.
TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cooler temperatures, with relative humidity around 20%. Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate, with potential for single tree torching, minimal smoldering along the edges, and burn-out of pockets of larger fuels interior to the fireline. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity, given the influence of predicted breezy winds. Monday’s forecast calls for much cooler temperatures and precipitation, with a chance of snow at the higher elevations. The area will see a return to warmer, drier, and breezy conditions on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: All remaining resources will mop-up hot spots, patrol the line, and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the northwest corner of the fire. Crews will relocate their “spike camp” to a lower elevation in the fire area, given the predicted weather. Two helicopters will be available to assist with bucket drops, if needed.
SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
The Lemhi Pass Road is OPEN.
Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
Fire Update August 29 2020 Evening Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Bear Creek Fire Information Fact Sheet
August 29, 2020 8:00 p.m.
NEW Phone Number: 406-683-3984 (Hours 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,728 acres
CONTAINMENT: 80%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles east of Salmon, Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources officially assigned to the fire include two helicopters, one Type 2 IA crew, and 71 total personnel. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized. Those resources will travel to home units or be available for reassignment to other fires. Northern Rockies Team 5 will officially transfer command of the fire back to the local Forest on Monday, August 31st at 6:00 a.m.
TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews focused efforts on mopping-up and securing the line on the northwest corner of the fire, where the fire was somewhat active under the Red Flag conditions. Gusty winds resulted in short crown runs and active backing fire on the surface of the ground. Nearly all activity was interior to the constructed firelines; however, crews located one spot outside the line but were successful in suppressing it with assistance from a helicopter. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews and heavy equipment completed suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines and back-hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed.
TOMORROW’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The Red Flag Warning is in effect through midnight tonight. Winds gusting to 30 mph are expected to continue as the dry cold front passes through the area. No precipitation is expected. The breezy conditions could result in poor relative humidity recovery overnight. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for cooler temperatures, with relative humidity around 20%. Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate, with potential for single tree torching, minimal smoldering along the edges, and burn-out of pockets of larger fuels interior to the fireline. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity, given the influence of predicted breezy winds. Monday’s forecast calls for much cooler temperatures and precipitation.
TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: All remaining resources will mop-up hot spots, patrol the line, and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the northwest corner of the fire. Two helicopters will be available to assist with bucket drops, if needed. Gusty winds could limit air operations.
SPECIAL CONCERNS & CLOSURES: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
The Lemhi Pass Road is OPEN.
Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.
Fire Update August 29 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources officially assigned to the fire include two helicopters, one Type 2 IA crew, and 99 total personnel. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue as the organization is downsized. Those resources will travel to home units or be available for reassignment to other fires.
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest corner of the fire, where a small amount of residual heat exists. This area saw a slight increase in acreage, where green pockets of fuel interior to the fireline burned out yesterday afternoon. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews and heavy equipment completed suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines and back-hauling equipment and supplies no longer needed.
TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: There is a Red Flag Warning in effect for this afternoon through this evening. The forecast calls for slightly warmer and drier conditions, prior to the passage of a dry cold front this evening and into early Sunday. Winds are expected to gust up to 30 mph. No precipitation is expected. Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate, with potential for isolated torching, smoldering along the edges, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity, given the influence of predicted breezy winds.
TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: All remaining resources will mop-up hot spots, patrol the line, and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the northwest corner of the fire. Two helicopters will be available to assist with bucket drops, if needed. Gusty winds could limit air operations as the cold front enters the fire area. Northern Rockies Team 5 will officially transfer command of the fire back to the local Forest on Monday, August 31st at 6:00 a.m.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
CLOSURES: Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
Officials have lifted the Lemhi Pass Road closure, effective this morning.
Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
SalmonChallis NF Road Closure Terminated on August 29 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: Closures
News Release
BEAR CREEK FIRE EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE TERMINATED ON AUGUST 29, 2020
The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger.
Salmon-Challis National Forest is in Stage I Fire Restrictions
On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951/
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Fire Update August 28 Morning Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
BEAR CREEK FIRE
FIRE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
August 28, 2020 8:00 a.m.
Phone: 406-284-5602 (Information line, call or text: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
406-417-0415 (media line)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,634 acres (overnight infrared mapping flight)
CONTAINMENT: 75%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources officially assigned to the fire include three helicopters, one Type 2 IA crew, and 170 total personnel. Demobilization of resources, including one helicopter, no longer needed will continue this morning as the organization is downsized. Those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires.
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews and heavy equipment worked to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Light precipitation fell over the fire area overnight.
TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for slightly warmer and drier conditions. Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate, with isolated torching, smoldering along the edges, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity, despite the couple days of cooler weather. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, outflows associated with passing thunderstorms, and the proximity to the Continental Divide. Saturday’s weather will continue with the warmer and drier pattern, followed by a dry cold front on Sunday.
TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will continue with similar operations as in previous days; the majority of resources will be working to coordinate and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation with resource advisors and landowners. Northern Rockies Team 5 will officially transfer command of the fire back to the Forest on Monday, August 31st.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
CLOSURES: Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Officials in Montana and Idaho are coordinating to lift the Lemhi Pass Road closure, effective at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29th. Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
Fire Update August 27 Evening Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
BEAR CREEK FIRE
FIRE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
August 27, 2020 8:00 p.m.
Phone: 406-284-5602 (Information line, call or text: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
406-417-0415 (media line)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,614 acres
CONTAINMENT: 75%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include three helicopters, one Type 2 IA crew, and 170 total personnel.
TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews worked to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Passing storms resulted in wind gusts up to 30 mph, with relative humidity readings in the 40% range.
TOMORROW’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for warmer and drier conditions. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate, with isolated torching, smoldering along the edges, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity, despite the couple days of cooler weather. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, outflows associated with passing thunderstorms, and the proximity to the Continental Divide. Saturday’s weather will continue with the warmer and drier pattern, followed by a dry cold front on Sunday.
TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will continue with similar operations as in previous days; the majority of resources will be working to coordinate and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation with resource advisors and landowners. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue over the next few days, as the organization is downsized. Those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps. The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
CLOSURES: Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Officials in Montana and Idaho are coordinating to lift the Lemhi Pass Road closure, effective at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29th. Area closures are still in effect; agencies are meeting to discuss any modifications and/or rescissions for the near future.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
Fire Update August 27 Morning Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
BEAR CREEK FIRE
FIRE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
August 27, 2020 8:00 a.m.
Phone: 406-284-5602 (Information line, call or text: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
406-417-0415 (media line)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,614 acres
CONTAINMENT: 70%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include five helicopters, two Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, and 262 total personnel.
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews worked to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Measurable precipitation fell over the fire area (.08 “on Lemhi Pass) last night, and relative humidity recovered to 94%.
TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and rainy conditions, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. There is an only a 20% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the high 60s to low 70s, with relative humidity in the low to mid-30s. Stormy weather could bring erratic outflow winds from the northwest, with gusts expected up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Fire behavior is expected to be low, with isolated torching, smoldering, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, outflows associated with passing thunderstorms, and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The weather will be warmer and drier Friday and Saturday, followed by a dry cold front on Sunday.
TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will continue with similar operations as in previous days; the majority of resources will be working to coordinate and complete suppression repair and rehabilitation with resource advisors and private landowners. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will continue over the next few day, as the organization is downsized. Those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
Fire Update August 26 Evening Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
BEAR CREEK FIRE
FIRE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
August 26, 2020 8:00 p.m.
Phone: 406-284-5602 (Information line, call or text: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
406-417-0415 (media line)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,590 acres
CONTAINMENT: 70%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include five helicopters, two Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, and 262 total personnel.
TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews mopped-up and held the northwest area of the fire, successfully mopping up all hot spots and “slop-overs” from the previous day’s burn operation. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews worked to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Demobilization of resources no longer needed will occur over the next few days; those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires. Measurable precipitation fell over the fire area in the late afternoon/early evening hours.
TOMORROW’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and unstable conditions, with thunderstorms, lightning and erratic winds expected this evening. There is an 80% chance of rain showers, with a 35% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the low 70s, with relative humidity in the mid-20s. Stormy weather could bring erratic outflow winds from the west/southwest, with gusts expected up to 25 mph. Fire behavior is expected to be low, with isolated torching, smoldering, and interior burn-out of larger fuels. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, winds associated with passing thunderstorms, and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The extended forecast calls for a cool and moist pattern through Friday, with a warmer and drier day on Saturday followed by a cold front by early next week.
TOMORROW’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: The majority of resources will be working to secure, patrol and mop-up the northwest corner. Crews will continue with similar operations as in previous days, working to complete suppression repair and rehabilitation on the northern, southern, and eastern flanks. Thunderstorms could limit aerial support.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/
Fire Update August 26 Morning Update
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
BEAR CREEK FIRE
FIRE INFORMATION FACT SHEET
August 26, 2020 8:00 a.m.
Phone: 406-284-5602 (Information line, call or text: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
406-417-0415 (media line)
DATE OF DETECTION: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
CAUSE: Lightning
CURRENT SIZE: 11,590 acres
CONTAINMENT: 70%
LOCATION: Lemhi Pass area (29 miles East of Salmon Idaho)
JURISDICTION: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
COOPERATING AGENCIES: Beaverhead County (MT), Lemhi County (ID), BLM, Montana DNRC, Salmon-Challis National Forest
PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES ON THE FIRE: Resources assigned to the fire include seven helicopters, three Type 2 IA crews, two Type 1 crews, three engines, and 316 total personnel.
YESTERDAY’S ACTIVITY: Crews, assisted by a helicopter, cleaned up areas where the fire crossed over the fireline in the northwest corner; effectively “picking up” all hot spots and removing residual heat. Early morning winds blowing across the slopes have resulted in these spots the last couple of days. Crews added a small amount of burn-out to the south along the Continental Divide to reinforce that section of line. Suppression repair continued along the constructed fireline on the eastern and southern sections. Crews to the north also began suppression repair. Winds gusted to 40 mph in the afternoon but did not cause problems for the crews on the ground. Though light rain was recorded at the Lemhi Pass area, no measurable precipitation fell over the fire.
TODAY’S WEATHER/FIRE BEHAVIOR: The forecast calls for cloudy and unstable conditions, with thunderstorms, lightning and erratic winds expected this evening. There is a 80% chance of rain showers, with a 35% chance of wetting rain greater than 1/10 of an inch. Temperatures are expected in the low to mid-70s, with relative humidity in the mid-20s. Stormy weather will bring erratic outflow winds from the southwest/west, with gusts expected up to 22 mph. Fire behavior is expected to be low, due to high overnight relative humidity (85-100%) with minimal single tree torching. Smoldering and interior burn-out is expected. In the Bear Creek drainage and previously burned out areas, fire activity is still expected. Winds over the fire area are highly variable due to topographic features, winds brought in by thunderstorms in the evening and the proximity to the Continental Divide. The extended forecast calls for a cool and moist pattern through Friday, with a warmer and drier day on Saturday followed by a cold front by early next week.
TODAY’S PLANNED ACTIVITY: Crews will mop-up and hold the northwest area of the fire. On the northern, southern, and eastern flanks, crews will use heavy equipment and dozers to complete suppression repair, pulling back berms and smoothing out the constructed firelines. Thunderstorms could limit aerial support. Additional helicopters will be released after today’s shift, and demobilization of other resources will occur over the next few days; those resources will be available for reassignment to other fires.
SPECIAL CONCERNS: Public and firefighter safety concerns are the top priority. Any public using the roads near the fire area should expect heavy fire traffic; please drive slowly for safety reasons. Hunters should check Inciweb and/or call for closure information and maps.
The fire is burning in timber/heavy fuels. These fuels will continue to dry out with low relative humidity. The area provides poor access and there is a lack of water in the immediate area of the fire. Crews will work to protect cultural and natural resources and other values at risk.
CLOSURES: Area, road, and trail closures are in effect. Refer to the “Closures” and “Photos” tabs of the Inciweb site for narrative descriptions and maps of all agency closures. Lemhi Pass Road is closed from its junction with Montana Highway 324 to Lemhi Pass. The public is strongly encouraged to refrain from entering the area/nearby road system due to heavy fire traffic. There are no official evacuation orders associated with the fire.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6951
or follow the Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfsbdnf or Twitter https://twitter.com/BvrhdDrldgeNF/