Lightning-Caused Yale Fire Burning Near Sawtell Peak

Idaho Falls, ID - Lightning passed through portions of eastern Idaho Wednesday evening, igniting at least one wildland fire.  The Yale Fire was located by fire crews in the early morning hours of June 30.  It is about one mile southwest of Sawtell Peak at the head of Hell Roaring Canyon.  The fire is burning in a small group of whitebark pine and subalpine fir trees.  Due to the remote location of the fire, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest will allow the fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem.  Whitebark pine has historically been the dominant tree species at such high elevations.  Decades of aggressive fire suppression have allowed other species such as lodgepole and subalpine pine to encroach upon and compete for nutrients with the whitebark pine.  Naturally-occurring fires can increase the health of the forest. Fire managers consider a number of factors when choosing to manage a fire rather than fully suppress it.  With cooler, moist weather predicted for the weekend, minimal growth is expected on the Yale Fire.  The relatively moist conditions still present in the higher elevations will also limit fire activity.  Additionally, one of the objectives of the managing the fire is to limit the impacts of fire suppression in the roadless area.  View looking south from Yale Fire. The fire is burning on the east aspect, meaning that smoke may be visible from the Island Park area in the coming days.  Fire personnel from the Island Park Ranger District will be closely monitoring the Yale Fire, so additional reporting is not necessary.  Future fire updates will be provided as conditions change.  If you have any questions, please call the Ashton Ranger District at (208) 652-7442.  Future updates will be posted as available.

Be Proactive and Help Prevent Wildfires!

As the Fourth of July weekend draws near and Idaho experiences hot and dry weather, the Bureau of Land Management is asking you to help protect Idaho’s public lands.  Please be aware of the risk of wildfire and use extreme caution when enjoying our great state.

Historically, less than half of wildfires in Idaho have been caused by humans.  However, in 2015, almost 60 percent of BLM fires in Idaho were human-caused.  Those 84 fires burned over 31,000 acres.

Do your part, and carry out a safety check before you leave. Check tire pressure on vehicles and trailers, and ensure safety chains are secure. Be sure to stay on designated trails and check for fire restrictions before you go. And remember, if your campfire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire.

In an effort to prevent human-started fires, BLM Idaho Director Tim Murphy signed the 2016 Fire Prevention Order. This order states that the use of fireworks, exploding targets and tracer rounds are prohibited on Idaho’s public lands. This order is in effect from May 10 to October 20.

Visitors are reminded: No fireworks allowed on the Boise National Forest

BOISE, Idaho, June 28, 2016 -- The Boise National Forest is reminding visitors and campers that the use of all fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices is prohibited on National Forests lands regardless of weather conditions or holidays. The forest is expecting large numbers of visitors to recreation areas over the Fourth of July weekend and this increased activity could lead to human caused fires.

With the recent Banks Fire and other smaller starts, the potential for wildfires is escalating and conditions are high. Fire officials ask visitors to be especially careful when towing trailers or boats.

"If you plan to tow a boat or RV, please check your safety chains before heading to the forest or any major highway corridor," said Tony DeMasters, a member of the Boise National Forest fire staff. "The chains sometimes hang too low and have the potential to spark a wildfire if they drag on the ground while towing."

When building campfires, look for a place at least 15 feet from trees, shrubs, tents or other flammable objects; be aware of low hanging branches. Don't leave campfires unattended and make sure they are dead out when you leave.

Internal or external combustion engines, like those found on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles, without a spark-arresting device properly installed and maintained are strictly prohibited on National Forest lands, along with the use of explosives and exploding targets. These devises are designed to explode when shot with a rifle. The resulting explosions have been known to cause wildfires.

  

Campgrounds are expected to fill up rapidly and reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made at: www.recreation.gov. Motor Vehicle Use maps (MVUM) are available at Ranger District offices, the Boise Interagency Visitor Center or on the Boise National Forest webpage. The maps show designated routes for motorized recreation users.

While the Banks Fire is 100 percent contained, visitor's traveling along Forest Highway 17 (Banks / Lowman Road) and Idaho State Highway 55 may still see smoke as crews conduct burn out and mop-up operations.

For additional information, call the Interagency Visitor Center at 208-373-4007, located at 1387 South Vinnell Way in Boise or contact the Ranger District offices.

Eastern Idaho Moves to High Fire Danger

Idaho Falls, ID - Thousands of Idahoans are expected to take advantage of the extended Fourth of July weekend to hit the road.  Whether you are traveling on the highways or back roads, keep fire prevention in mind as you go. 

There is an abundance of grass across eastern Idaho thanks to the cool, wet spring.  And following two weeks of hot, dry conditions, the fuels are drying out quickly.  The Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has moved into High Fire Danger.  And while the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is still in Moderate Fire Danger, it is important to practice the same care with fire while on the Forest lands.

Both the BLM and Forest Service are reminding everyone that fireworks are prohibited on lands managed by both agencies across the state.  Additionally, many counties have now instituted open burn bans due to the conditions.  Check for restrictions in your area before burning or lighting fireworks. 

Ask yourself these questions as you travel, recreate, and celebrate this holiday weekend:

On the road:

• Are your tires properly inflated?
• When was the last time you greased your wheel bearings?
• Are your trailer safety chains dragging on the pavement?
• Are you driving or parking in tall, dry grasses? 

At home:

• Have you mowed the tall, annual grasses around your home before they cure out?
• Is your lawn green and maintained or dry and brown?
• Is your home Firewise?  [Visit www.IdahoFirewise.com to find out!]

At the campground:

• Are you building your campfire in a ring and away from flammable materials?
• Do you have a shovel, bucket, and water nearby? 
• Is your campfire completely out?  If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter and search #BLMIFDFire for updates on fire conditions in eastern Idaho.



Payette National Forest Enters Fire Season - Sources for Fire Information Available

So far this year, the Payette National Forest has responded to two lightning caused and one human caused wildfires. All three fires were kept to less than .10 of an acre and suppressed with our initial attack resources. The Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association has also responded to three wildfires - all lightning caused and kept to less than .10 of an acre.

We expect a “normal” wildland fire season across the Payette National Forest this fire season, which typically starts in June and ends in late September or early October with a “season ending” weather related event. The height of the fire season in central Idaho typically begins in mid to late July.

“A normal fire season for us means that we will have wildfires across the Forest,” said Sean Johnson, Payette National Forest Fire Management officer. “In a normal fire season we see as many as 100 wildfires.” Predicted weather over the summer months indicates that we may have large fire activity on the Forest, but the danger for large wildfire activity is less this year than it was last year.

“We had a good snow pack in the mountains this past winter, but the hot weather we had in early June quickly melted the snow in higher elevations. Those warm temperatures increased water runoff from the mountains during late May and early June, which is not good for keeping heavy fuels wet as the heat of summer approaches,” added Johnson. The early runoff promoted the growth of fine fuels such as grasses across the Forest which can cause a wildfire to spread quickly.

For members of the public that want to know about wildfires occurring across the Forest, several method are available. To report a wildfire, be sure to call Payette Interagency Dispatch at 208-634-2757

• Fire Information Hotline: 208-634-0820
• GovDelivery, send an email request to payettefireinformation@gmail.com. 
• Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov 
• IdahoFireInformation: https://www.idahofires.com
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, (search for U.S. Forest Service - Payette National Forest), and on Twitter (‪#‎payetteForest‬).

For Information about smoke, visit these web sites: 

• Statewide Daily Air Quality and Forecast provided by Idaho DEQ:http://www.deq.idaho.gov/…/moni…/daily-reports-and-forecasts
• National Smoke Information provided by the US Department of Environmental Quality: https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state

For Information on potential highway closures or restrictions, visit the Idaho Department of Transportation road report page at:http://www.511.idaho.gov

UPDATE: Banks Fire Nearly Contained

 Firefighters working fire in Ponderosa Pine habitat

BOISE, Idaho, June 27, 2016 -- Fire crews report the Banks Fire near Forest Highway 17 and Idaho State Highway 55 is 90 percent contained.

The Banks Fire, which totaled 125 acres is expected to be 100 percent contained some time today. The fire continues to smolder and motorists may encounter smoke when driving through the area. In addition, there may be delays due to slower traffic speed. Signs alerting motorists to smoke are posted along the road and all lanes are open.

"We want to caution people to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in these smoky areas," said Deputy Fire and Aviation Staff Officer Ron Bollier. "While there are dead trees and snags as a result of the fire, these hazards are contained, but we may continue to see smoke for several days."

While the cause of the fire is unknown, human caused is suspected and the investigation is still underway.

Heading into the July 4th weekend, fire official ask visitors to be especially careful ensuring campfires are dead out, spark arresters are installed on all combustion engines and vehicles pulling trailers or boats are not dragging anything that could spark a fire. The public is reminded that absolutely no fireworks are allowed on National Forest lands.

The Boise National Forest would like visitors to have a safe and happy holiday and appreciates any assistance by the public in preventing wildfires.

Smoldering fire in Ponderosa Pine

Vale District BLM Implements Fire Restrictions

Vale, Ore. - With temperatures rising and relative humidity decreasing, the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Vale District is releasing Emergency Fire Prevention Orders which go into effect on June 29, 2016. The rules apply to all public lands managed by the Vale District BLM as well as project lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).

Beginning on Wednesday June 29 the following orders are in effect:

1.       You must not build, maintain or attend a camp, stove, or charcoal briquette fire. Liquid and bottled gas stoves and heaters are allowed. If these items are used outside of established recreationsites, they must be used within an area at least ten feet in diameter that is barren or clear of all flammable materials.

2.       Do not smoke outside of a vehicle, trailer or building except within areas free of flammable materials at least six feet in diameter or aboard boats on rivers and lakes.

3.       Do not use any kind of firework, pyrotechnics or exploding targets.

4.       Do not operate a chainsaw—these tools can throw sparks and cause fires.

5.       Do not park your vehicle or operate any type of internal combustion engines (generators, lawn equipment, etc.) in an area that is not free of flammable material.

6.       Do not operate any motor vehicles outside of existing roads or roadways—including cross-country travel until the order is rescinded.

7.       Do not operate any automobile or motorized equipment that is wider than 50 inches or has a dry weight of 800 pounds or more, on public lands without a shovel at least 26 inches in length witha blade at least eight inches wide. Also required is a container holding at least one gallon of water or a fully-charged fire extinguisher of at least two and a half pounds.

There are criminal penalties for violating the fire restrictions including fines and jail time.

“Wildfires are incredibly dangerous, destructive, and expensive,” said Don Gonzalez, Vale BLM District Manager. “We’re asking our community to help us protect lives, property and resources with these restrictions.”

These orders remain in effect until they are rescinded.

If you see or suspect a wildfire, call the Vale BLM Fire Dispatch Center at 541-473-6295. For more information on reporting wildfires in eastern Oregon visit: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/vale/fire/report-fire.php.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Fire North of Wendell

SHOSHONE, ID -   The Salvage Fire started around noon today, three miles north of Wendell. Wendell Rural Fire Department, Gooding Rural Fire Department, along with 11 Twin Falls District BLM engines, two dozers, two water tenders, seven overhead, three Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT), one heavy air tanker, one air attack, one lead plane, and  one helicopter. The wind driven fire is approximately 1,773 acres at this time.

The aircraft were able to knock down most of the active fire on the south side with several retardant drops. Engine crews, with the help of the dozers, are working to create and secure the fire lines along the west and east sides. Crews were able to tie the north side of the fire into the Gooding Canal.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and BLM investigators are on scene. The estimated containment is tomorrow, June 25^th at 8:00 p.m.; with an estimated control of Sunday, June 26^th at 8:00 p.m.  More information contact, Ryan Berlin, 208-308-5991.

BLM Plans Prescribed Fire in Cinder Butte Area - Project expected to reduce risk of large fires

The Twin Falls District Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to conduct a prescribed fire in the Cinder Butte area northeast of Hazelton anywhere from June 24 through July 30, depending on weather conditions. This project is expected to take three to four days of ignitions, with an additional one to two days to monitor and patrol after the fire has been completed.

The objective of the East Cinder prescribed fire is to reduce the risk of large fires and the subsequent conversion of sagebrush habitat to invasive annual grasses and weeds. The burn will also enhance wildlife habitat, restore native grasses and shrubs, and increase public safety.

There may be residual smoke that settles east of the project in the evenings, but the majority of the smoke will lift and move to the northeast. For more information, please contact Ryan Berlin, Twin Falls District Fire Information Officer, at (208) 312-1697.

Idaho Department of Lands Prepares For Coming Wildfire Season

With the onset of very hot temperatures increasing the potential for larger fires in Idaho, the wildfire season clearly is under way.

The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is finalizing its review for fire season preparedness with all the Idaho Resource Areas and the combinations of suppression resources are ready for the tough months ahead.

“Our goal is to take strong aggressive action with new fire starts and keep fires to less than 10 acres on State-protected lands,” State Forester David Groeschl said.

IDL protects 6.3 million acres statewide. Almost 200 permanent and seasonal fire personnel are getting prepared for action. The agency has 31 engines, two six-person hand crews, four State Correctional Crews and two helitack crews with statewide responsibility.

Groeschl said four Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS) deployed to McCall, Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene are very effective at aiding initial attack efforts, along with one Amphibious Water Scooper and the availability of Heavy Air Tankers.

“Public help in preventing forest fires is critical to reduce costs and new fires,” Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said. “Nearly half of new fires are person-caused, and they are preventable if recreationists, home owners and travelers use extra caution during the summer.” 

This year the excellent Rangeland Fire Protection Association program has expanded from six to now eight associations with approximately 250 ranchers trained and ready to provide help with rangeland fires in southern and southeastern Idaho.

“These ranchers are trained, have communication devices and usable equipment to quickly provide initial attack support to not only private lands but the BLM, USFS, and State protection lands as well,” Program Manager Julia Sullens said. “We have been delighted with their help and interest to work closely with state and federal firefighting agencies.”

With the Independence Day holiday approaching, IDL cautioned that fireworks are prohibited on all forest and range lands in Idaho during the closed fire season - May 10 through October 20.

Further information is available www.idahofireinfo.com.

Smokey Bear Bobblehead Night at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls

Tomorrow night, June 21st, Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management and Caribou-Targhee National Forest employees will be handing out Smokey Bear bobbleheads to the first 750 children coming through the gate to watch the Idaho Falls Chukars take on the Orem Owlz.  Smokey Bear will be greeting attendees and also throwing the first pitch of the evening.  There will be additional fire prevention giveaways and games throughout the evening.  Gates open at 6:00 PM. 

Follow us on Twitter:  @BLMIdahoFire and look for #BLMIFDFire for updates on current fires and other activities in eastern Idaho. 

Partnership in Pocatello Creates Defensible Space for Homeowners

Residents in Johnny Creek should feel a little safer going into fire season thanks to a cooperative effort by the Idaho Falls District BLM and High Country Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area, Inc.  A cost-share project between the two agencies provided funding for contract work that removed existing juniper trees and then applied native seed to the treated ground.  Fuels were removed around three homes last fall, and so far seven more homes are scheduled for this summer.  The homes all lie directly adjacent to one another, thus creating larger areas of defensible space than a single homeowner could.

The property in the foreground was treated last fall.  The property downhill will be treated this summer.

One of the homes treated last fall belongs to Chris Stevens, who said she was surprised she was even able to get homeowner's insurance when she purchased the home six years ago.  Since then, she estimates she has removed more than 250 juniper trees from her property.  As a reward, she saw numerous wildflowers blooming this spring, flowers that now had plenty of sunlight to grow and more water without the competing trees.

Homeowner Chris Stevens talks to KPVI Channel 6 about the project.

"It's not just my house," Stevens said about the work completed so far.  "Whatever I do for my house benefits my neighbors.... and the whole city.  We're saving tax payer money by decreasing the fuels available to a wildland fire." 

Stevens added that removing so much fuel is not easy or cheap, adding,"I can't say enough about how glad I am that this program exists."  As the chair of the Johnny Creek Firewise Community, Stevens is actively reaching out to her neighbors, encouraging them to create defensible space around their homes and to take advantage of programs that offer financial assistance or other incentives.

Owyhee Canyon Fire Contained

Vale, Ore. - The Owyhee Canyon Fire which burned 21,776 acres along the Owyhee River Canyon has been contained.

The Owyhee Canyon Fire’s northwestern perimeter burned as far as a mile and a half south of Rome, Oregon.

The fire has also been downgraded from a Type 3 to a Type 4 fire. Fire types gauge complexity, with Type 1 fires being the most complex and Type 5 the least complex.

The terrain of the Owyhee River Canyon has been difficult to traverse according to Sam Delong, the former Incident Commander on the Owyhee Canyon Fire.

Demobilization on the Owyhee Canyon fire began yesterday, though five engines and crews remain on site. Those resources remaining on site will continue to patrol the fire perimeter and look for trouble spots which could potentially threaten the fire’s ongoing containment.

“Demobilization is an important part of fire operations,” said Tracy Skerjanec, Deputy Fire Management Officer at the Vale District BLM, “it ensures that we have resources on hand for the next potential fire.”

Cooler temperatures are forecasted for today along with rising relative humidity. Higher temperatures and low relative humidity along with wind had made fire suppression efforts difficult over the past week as hot, dry, and windy conditions are ideal for fires to start and to spread.

Cooler temperatures are forecasted throughout the Vale District. However, lightning is forecasted in the northern part of the District around Baker City this afternoon.

More information on the Owyhee Canyon fire can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4763/.

If you suspect a wildfire or see suspicious smoke, report it to the Vale BLM Dispatch Center at 541-473-6295.

-BLM-

Owyhee Canyon Fire at 50 Percent Containment

The Owyhee Canyon Fire that is burning 38 miles southwest of Jordan Valley, Oregon has been 50 percent contained.

Resources on site have increased drastically with a combined 25 engines from the BLM and contracted firefighting services. Also on site are four Snake River Valley (SRV) hand crews, one hot shot crew, four water tenders, two bulldozers and air attack aircraft coordinating efforts from the air.

Also assisting with suppression is the Jordan Valley Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA).
The Owyhee Canyon Fire size had previously been estimated to be nearly 23,000 acres in size. That has been revised to 20,500 acres. The size did not grow overnight, as suppression efforts were highly effective.

Vale District Dispatch has forecasted high winds and lightning in the area today—this coupled with high temperatures and abundant fine fuels in the area means that the likelihood of this fire spreading is very high.

More information on the Owyhee Canyon fire can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4763/.

If you suspect a wildfire or see suspicious smoke, report it to the Vale BLM Dispatch Center at 541-473-6295.

Two Fires Start in BLM Vale District

Vale, Ore. - Lightning storms yesterday evening started two fires on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Vale District.

The smaller of the two fires is being called the Palomino Hills Fire. It is approximately 50 acres in size and is expected to be contained today.

The larger fire is being called the Owyhee Canyon Fire, located approximately 38 miles southwest of Jordan Valley, Oregon. It is currently estimated to be nearly 23,000 acres in size. On site are six engines, a water tender, a bulldozer, three Snake River Valley (SRV) hand crews and one hot shot crew. Air attack is also on site conducting aerial coordination of suppression activities. More resources are on order. Two type-6 engines are en route to the fire. The fire is at zero percent containment.

Vale District Dispatch has forecasted winds upwards of 45 miles per hour—this coupled with high temperatures and abundant fine fuels in the area means that the likelihood of this fire spreading is very high.

“Despite the wet weather earlier in the year, we still have some areas that are dangerously dry,” said Pat Ryan, Field Manager for the Vale District’s Malheur Resource Area. “It just goes to show that with the right weather event, fires can develop quickly and spread just as fast.

More information on the Owyhee Canyon fire can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4763/.

If you suspect a wildfire or see suspicious smoke, report it to the Vale BLM Dispatch Center at 541-473-6218.

Idaho Falls District BLM Employee Honored with National Award



Following World War II, visitation to public lands increased significantly.  One of the negative results was a corresponding increase in the number of human-caused forest fires, most due to escaped campfires.  When a little cub rescued from the Lincoln National Forest became the symbol of fire prevention in the United States, the number of human-caused fires dropped.  Today, Smokey Bear is among the most recognized figures in America.

 

To honor outstanding fire prevention efforts, scrolls were given out as awards.  In 1957, those scrolls were replaced by gilded Smokey Bear statuettes which have since been bestowed on well-deserving groups and individuals annually.  The Smokey Bear Awards are the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildfire prevention.  There are three levels - Gold, Silver, and Bronze - which represent different geographical spheres of work.  The awards are sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters, the USDA Forest Service, and the Advertising Council.

 

Kevin Conran, Fire Mitigation and Education Specialist for Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management (BLM), was awarded a Silver Smokey Bear Award at a ceremony on Thursday, June 1.  The Silver Award recognizes sustained outstanding regional impact in wildfire prevention over a period of at least two years.  A maximum of five silver awards may be given annually.

 

 

 

Forest Supervisor Garth Smelser with Conran.

“This award reflects a great deal of personal achievement,” said Caribou-Targhee Forest Supervisor Garth Smelser.  “To me, it is also indicative of the successful, long-term partnerships that we share with agencies and departments throughout eastern Idaho.  Kevin has been an integral part of building and maintaining those relationships.”