News Release -

Fall prescribed burning planned for Kamiah and Orofino areas

Date: September 30, 2016

Area agencies and private landowners are in the process of conducting prescribed fire treatments in many locations.  Prescribed fire is an important tool that benefits the ecosystem by destroying diseases, stimulating growth, and reducing the potential for catastrophic wildfires.

Smoke is a byproduct of all sources of fire.  To determine if burning will be allowed, we consider:

• the number of fires burning or planned in the area
•  the amount of smoke already present in the airshed
•  the current and projected weather and air quality conditions
•  coordination between agencies that conduct and/or oversee burning

Our agencies are working together to minimize smoke and share information with the public. For all smoke comments and complaints, please call the Smoke Hotline: 800-345-1007.

To find out about prescribed fires in your area, visit the Idaho Fire Information Blog at www.idahofireinfo.com or the WRAP FETS map at www.wrapfets.org/map.cfm?NezPerce=True

Burn Approvals:

For prescribed or backyard burning on the Nez Perce Reservation, please remember to obtain an EPA/Nez Perce Tribe air quality burn permit.  An additional permit is also required from the Idaho Department of Lands or Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association when burning outside of city limits until October 20^th.  Residents in Kamiah, please also contact the City of Kamiah or the Kamiah Fire Chief before igniting.  Residents in Orofino, please also contact the City of Orofino.  For burning outside of the Nez Perce Reservation: Montana/Idaho Airshed Group members, please also contact the Airshed Group; non-members or for general opening burning, please contact the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

Visit These Websites for Air Quality & Burn Information:

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality: www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/burning.aspx

Montana/Idaho Airshed Group: www.smokemu.org

Nez Perce Tribe Air Quality: www.nezperce.org/AirQuality/

United States Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands:  

http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/dc/idgvc/index.htm

Additional Contacts:

Dennis Behler, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 208-799-4370

Johna Boulafentis, Nez Perce Tribe Air Quality Program, 800-720-4089

Nick Carter, Idaho Department of Lands, 208-935-2141

Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, 208-476-5612

City of Kamiah, 208-935-2672

City of Orofino, 208-476-4725

Jeannette Dreadfulwater/Bob Lippincott/Kevin Chaffee, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, 208-983-1950

Dan Fogleman, Bureau of Land Management, 208-962-3245

Jeff Handel, Nez Perce Tribe Forestry and Fire Management, 208-843-2827

Erin Law, Montana Idaho Airshed Group, 406-329-4952

Dan Musgrave, Kamiah Fire Department, 208-935-5231

Twin Falls District BLM Open House Celebration

* Note to the Media: This press release is being sent from a group account. Any follow-up questions should be directed to the individual noted on the contact information, rather than directly back to this email. 

    

News Release

Idaho

DATE: September 28, 2016

CONTACT: Heather Tiel-Nelson, (208) 736-2352

Public Lands Appreciation Open House Celebration

TWIN FALLS, ID — The BLM’s Twin Falls District is hosting an open house on October 4^th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM to celebrate public lands and to honor those who value and care for those lands.  The open house will be held at the District’s new office building at 2878 Addison Ave. E., Twin Falls.    

"It's a real privilege to serve with the BLM in this part of Idaho," said Mike Courtney, Twin Falls District Manager.  "A lot of people in southern Idaho genuinely care about our public lands, and they make our jobs easier."  

One year ago, 60 BLM staff members from the Jarbidge Field Office, Twin Falls Fire and Twin Falls District all moved into the new building.  These employees were formerly located in three different offices across Twin Falls as each location lacked adequate space to consolidate staff. The new building also accommodates 30 - 40 seasonal fire and natural resource staff each summer. 

The open house is all the more special because this year marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of the BLM's bedrock legislation, the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act of 1976.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands. 

Military Training to be Conducted in Owyhee County’s Hunt Unit 40

* Note to the Media: This press release is being sent from a group account. Any follow-up questions should be directed to the individual noted on the contact information, rather than directly back to this email. 

    

News Release

Idaho

DATE: September 22, 2016

CONTACT: Jeremy Bluma (208) 384-3348

Military Training to be Conducted in Owyhee County’s Hunt Unit 40

Are you hunting in Unit 40 this October? There may be more birds in the sky.

During the month of October, the National Guard will be conducting helicopter maneuvers and training in and around the mountains near Silver City and South Mountain in Owyhee County. These areas fall within Idaho’s Hunt Unit 40 and hunters may experience increased noise, traffic and disturbance during their October hunts.

From Sept. 20 through Nov. 8, helicopter maneuvers and training may occur at any time, night and day. Maneuvers will include eight landings each day and another eight each night among nine different landing zones. Due to the nature of these activities, specific times and locations of training activity are not available.

The Bureau of Land Management, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Idaho Army National Guard hope this information will be useful to Unit 40 hunters. Have a safe and enjoyable fall hunting season. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands. 

Pioneer Fire Update for Friday, September 23

First Day of fall brings rain over Pioneer Fire

Lowman, Idaho - The first day of fall brought wetting rains to the Pioneer Fire. This will slow firefighters today as they must first assess road conditions prior to using heavy equipment needed to repair containment lines. Until they can see the results of the rain, the Fire’s containment will remain at 64%.

Rain and fog is helping extinguish the fire; however, it is not enough to reach areas of heat under the timbered canopy. The Fire is still smoldering in pine needles, duff and fallen branches.  A drying trend is setting up for the weekend and into the week. These warmer and drier conditions will help firefighters detect hotspots.

Now that repair work is complete below Deadwood Reservoir, crews are removing pumps, hoses, dip tanks and other unnecessary equipment. Equipment used to protect the Deadwood Outfitters and Jenson Cabin structures will be hauled back to camp today. Other crews will check the fire’s edge near Six Mile.

Hand crews are clearing snags along the 549 and other spur roads. This will reduce blowdown and make it safer for travel in the future.

Dozers and excavators were moved down the 555 Road to the Lowman Incident Command Post yesterday in preparation for repair work that will begin above Warm Springs Creek and North of Deer Flats. This equipment will be moved on Hwy 21 and up to the 579 Road today. If traveling on Hwy 21, please drive slowly and use caution as this heavy equipment will be moving slowly along the winding canyon roads.

Wood gatherers and hunters are asked to be very cautious using the 579 Road as it is heavily used by firefighters and security personnel still working in the fire area.

A feller-buncher with a processor head arrived Thursday to repair the 316 Road off of Hwy 21. This equipment will be used to cut, limb and stack fallen trees that are dangerous for firefighters. If the equipment operator feels safe to proceed, repair work will begin in the area today.

Aviation managers removed the temporary flight restriction over the fire area Thursday, freeing up airspace that will give greater access to the back-country.

EVACUATION NOTICES: The Summer Homes area in Long Creek remains at a Level 2 Notice.

FIRE AREA CLOSURE remains in effect. A map and detailed information is located at:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.

HUNTING INFORMATION: https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2016/08/get-current-fire-information-here

Fire Restrictions in Idaho have been lifted

All fire restrictions in the State of Idaho have been "lifted" and campfires are allowed outside of designated campgrounds/campsites. 

Fire managers ask that you stay vigilant with all campfires and warming fires with the potential to cause a wildfire still prevalent. Cooler, fall weather has arrived but afternoon warmer temperatures and breezy conditions have the potential to start a wildfire where campfires have been left unattended or not completely extinguished. Until significant rain or snow fall occurs that would provide moisture for both our forested and ranglands the potential is still present for a wildfire.

One Less Spark = One Less Wildfire!

Pioneer Fire Update - Low Pressure System Moves over Fire, Bringing a Chance of Moisture

Lowman, Idaho - A low pressure system moving into the area off of the Oregon Coast is expected to arrive over the fire area today. The main force of the system will arrive Thursday, bringing with it a 70% chance of rain which could drop .25-.5” of moisture.

Firefighters are successfully meeting management goals by keeping the fire south of the Little Beaver Complex fire scar; east of the 555 Rd, Wild Buck Peak, and Lightning/Rattlesnake fire scars. The East flank of the fire is being held in check by the Lowman Fire scar. By using existing fire scars, firefighters are better able to take action in areas where it is safer to do so. In areas where it is more appropriate to let fire come to firefighters to extinguish it on their terms, firefighters are keeping close eyes on it.

Isolated heat was detected in a couple areas of the fire yesterday. Hand crews are extinguishing hot spots located on the 500 and 510 Road, which they will monitor for a few shifts to ensure they are out.

Approximately 12,000 feet of hose was removed from the 545 Road yesterday near the eastern perimeter. Trail and hand line repair are ongoing in this area as well.

Infrared technology was used in the area above the Long Creek Summer Homes to check for heat Monday. A substantial amount of hotspots were detected. Firefighters will work 100 feet in from any containment lines to ensure the fire cannot smolder to areas where the fire can ignite again. Once all remaining heat is extinguished, firefighters will feel comfortable dropping the evacuation notice that is in place down to a Level One.

Those not extinguishing hot spots are focusing on repairing dozer and handlines. The dozer line near Deadwood Lookout is nearly complete. When the equipment completes that dozer line, they will begin working on the two remaining dozer lines located west of Warm Spring Creek ridgeline and North of Deer Flat.

Additional repair work in the southern area of the fire was discovered Monday. Once equipment complete repair work in the northern reaches of the fire, it will be moved south to start projects located along the 316 Rd, 397Rd and the Golden Eagle Mine area.

While there are no fire restrictions in place on the Boise National Forest, all recreational users are asked to please be very careful to extinguish campfires for the safety of all.

Two additional fires near Arrowrock Reservoir were initial attacked last night. The Arrow Fire, more than 60 acres was contained last night. The Irish Fire, approximately 30 acres is expected to be contained later this afternoon. Both fires are under investigation.

Please Be Aware of Your Surroundings During This Hunting Season

Fire Restrictions Lifted for all Payette Zones

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been recinded for all Payette Zones effective 0001 hours, September 19, 2016.

Lifting the restrictions means the public is free to build a campfire, use a charcoal grill or sheepherder stove outside of designated campgrounds and recreation sites.  Fire managers remind poeple to use water to put out all campfires and to soak all chacoal and hot ash from barbeques and stoves.

Fall-like Weather Keeps Pioneer Fire Quiet

LOWMAN, Idaho - Fire behavior is becoming minimal as fall weather deepens; however, like many years before, quiet fires on the Boise National Forest are known to rapidly change behavior with minor changes in weather. This is why firefighters are keeping a close watch on uncontained fire line that is showing signs of even the most minimal fire activity.

 

Firefighters were able to extinguish additional hot spots found yesterday in the vicinity of the Long Creek Summer Homes. They will use a handheld infrared camera today to find and extinguish remaining heat, further ensuring the safety of the cabins. 

 

Firefighters are assessing hoselays on the eastern flank. Hoses that have been exposed to freezing temperatures will be replaced today. Where they are no longer needed, firefighters will remove hoses and haul them back to camp. 

 

Suppression repair work on dozer lines near the Deadwood Lookout is ongoing. This work entails firefighters spreading seed on steep slopes, prior to an excavator covering it with a stabilizing layer of cut vegetation and leveling the berms. While this section has taken nearly a week to complete, there are still one or two days of work remaining. 

 

On the south end of the Fire, piles of trees that were pushed by bulldozers into large windrows during the construction of containment lines were discovered Sunday along the 316 Road. To repair the Road, engine crews and a processor will be cutting limbs and other debris away from the road. When the processor is done, an excavator will grade and smooth the road, making it safe for wood gatherers. 

 

Three 20-person hand crews will replace three crews that will be going home today after two weeks of hard work. The departing crews will have a chance to rest before being sent on their next fire assignment. 

Today’s weather is expected to be mostly cloudy and a little cooler than Monday. Winds may be gusty at times ahead of a low pressure system that will be moving through this area over the next few days.

TWO NEW FIRES START IN EASTERN IDAHO

Idaho Falls, ID - Federal firefighting resources have responded to two fires this afternoon.  Both fires are currently under investigation.


Warm conditions coupled with winds contributed to rapid fire growth on the Birch Creek Fire.  The fire started southeast of Ririe just before 2 o’clock this afternoon on private lands.  Three engines from Idaho Falls District BLM were requested to assist the local fire departments already on scene.  The fire has been contained at approximately 550 acres. 


The Mink Fire was detected south of Pocatello at around 3:30.  It is about two acres in size, burning in timber.  It started on Caribou-Targhee National Forest lands just south of the Mink Creek Guard Station.  It began directly adjacent to the Mink Creek Road, which is currently closed for the safety of the public and the firefighters.  Multiple resources are on scene, including two air tankers, engines, and a helicopter.


Recent rains along with the shorter fall days have limited fire activity across eastern Idaho.  However, these new fires emphasize the fact that fuel conditions are still dry, and fire potential will remain moderate to high until a longer duration weather pattern brings more moisture to the region.  Continue to be cautious when working or recreating outdoors. 

One Less Spark = One Less Wildfire

Landscape Burn Scheduled on the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District

Kamiah, Idaho (September 15,2016) - As part of the North Lochsa Face Project, the Lochsa Ranger Station on the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District, is planning a landscape burn in the Middle Butte area north of FS road 483 as early as Friday, September 16, 2016.  Roads and trail heads that lead into these areas will be posted with caution signs and a map of the prescribed fire locations. 

The prescribed fire treatment will reintroduce fire to the landscape under prescribed conditions, reduce woody fuel loadings which also reduces the potential for large, catastrophic wildfires, and allow vegetation, naturally found in these areas, to return.  The prescribed fire treatment is estimated to be 1,000 acres although not every acre will burn.

The prescribed fire treatment will also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, increase browse for elk, and create snags for cavity nesters.

Smoke from these prescribed fires will be much less than what would be expected from a wildfire.  If smoke concentrations affect air quality standards fire ignition may be delayed until air quality improves.  Residual smoke may be visible for up to 2 weeks following ignition, but most of the smoke from the fires will dissipate 1-2 days after ignition. 

For more information on the location and timing of the prescribed burn please call the Sean Gaines or Neal Cox at 208-926-4274.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Fire Update

Kamiah, Idaho (September 16, 2016) - Wetting rains, and snow in some locations, in early September has reduced fire behavior on all fires located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.  Minimal fire activity has been observed and no growth recorded in the last week.

 

Warm and windy conditions are predicted for today, followed by additional precipitation Saturday night and into Sunday.  Additional precipitation is expected to continue to reduce fire activity.

 

Minimal fire activity has reduced smoke within the fire perimeters and its impacts to local communities.  To access information on air quality for Idaho please visit:  

http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/burning/current-wildfire-smoke-info/ and for Montana:  http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/smokereport/mostRecentUpdate.aspx

 

Current status of active fires that are being managed for resource benefits:

 

Moose Creek Ranger District - 

Moose fire -The August 15, Lightning-caused fire is located 13 miles northeast of the Moose Creek Ranger Station and 8 air miles west of the Idaho-Montana border.  The fire is approximately 8,695 acres with limited growth to the east due to old burns and rocky patches.  No additional growth occurred on the fire in the last week due to minimal fire activity and changing weather conditions.

 

The following trail closures are in place for public health and safety due to wildfire: 

East Moose Trail 421 - from the junction of Double Creek Ridge Trail 442 upriver to the junction of Little Dead Elk Pass #2 Trail 5. 

Cedar-Moose Creek Trail 486 - from the junction of East Moose Trail 421 to the junction of Maple Lake Lookout Trail 939. 

Fire and closure information will be posted on InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5002/ .

 

Elk Ridge fire - The Elk Ridge fire is approximately 1,223 acres and is located 15 miles east of the Moose Creek Ranger Station.  Minimal fire activity in the last week was observed and no growth was recorded along the fire’s perimeter. 

 

Fires on the Moose Creek Ranger District are remote with no threats to life or property and no potential values at risk are identified.  Fires will continue to be managed for resource benefits and monitored daily.  For more information on the Moose and Elk Ridge fires, or other general fire information on the Moose Creek Ranger District, please call (208) 926-4258.

 

Lochsa/Powell Ranger District - 

Cedar - July 17, 2016, lightning-caused fire, burning in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, is estimated to be 4,868 acres.  Fire activity is minimal with only several small smokes observed and no additional growth in the last week.

 

The fire is close to the intersection of FS road 358 and 360.  FS road 358 remains closed for public health and safety due to wildfire and hazard tree concerns.  Other closures include  Forest Service trail #30 (in its entirety), trail #45 (from the trailhead at the junction of road #358 to the junction of trail #30) and Forest Service trail #6, Cedar Ridge.  

 

Fire and closure information will be posted on InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4874/, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Savage Pass, Elk Summit, the junction of the Forest Service road 358 and Forest Service road 360 and on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website. For more information, please call (208) 942-3113. 

 

Currently, the forest does not have any fire restrictions.  Fire Danger levels vary across the forest from low to very high.  Visitors and sportsman are reminded to please be careful with any equipment that could produce a spark.  Also, never leave campfires unattended.  Pour water and add dirt to your campfire until your campfire is cold.  Remember:  If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Fall burning program to start in early October on the Boise National Forest

BOISE, Idaho, Fire officials on the Boise National Forest will soon begin their annual fall prescribed burning program of nearly 3,100 acres this year, which could last for several weeks depending on weather and fuel conditions.  

Fire crews anticipate favorable weather conditions by early October, as temperatures continue to drop allowing them to ignite low-intensity prescribed fires that reduce potential wildfire fuel, improve wildlife habitat and reduce threats to nearby communities. 

Specific information is available by contacting the local ranger districts, the Boise National Forest Headquarters at 208-373-4100, online at www.rxfire.com or by calling the prescribed fire hotline at 208-373-4208.  

Fire officials strongly advise hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to determine the location and anticipated times of burns before heading out into the forest.  

Fire personnel will attempt to contact people who might be hunting or recreating in an area before a planned ignition.  Impacts to recreational users on the forest are anticipated to be very minimal. 

Lowman Ranger District (530 acres): 

• Bear Creek (500 acres) about 20 air miles east of Lowman and near Grandjean will be ignited using a helicopter to reduce fuels and restore the area;

• District Pile Burning (10 Acres) will involve fire crews burning slash piles in a variety of locations across the district. This type of burning usually occurs after heavy precipitation or with snow on the ground;  

• Cache Creek Whitebark Pine (20 acres) will burn a series of hand piles created from thinning vegetation from around Whitebark Pine trees. The project is located approximately 15 air miles northeast of Lowman. 

Cascade Ranger District (440 acres): 

• Crawford Aspen (7 acres) is located about four miles northeast from Cascade and the goal is to improve aspen habitat and reduce wildfire risk to the urban area;

• Horsethief (360 acres) located about three miles northeast of Horsethief Reservoir will involve a helicopter and hand lighting to reduce fuel by igniting a landscape burn;  

• West Side Restoration Broadcast Burn (50 acres) is located about 10 miles west of Cascade, and fire crews will treat timber landing slash piles;

• District Pile Burns (23 acres) will involve fire crews burning slash piles in a variety of locations across the district. This type of burning usually occurs after heavy precipitation or with snow on the ground. Locations will include 15 miles west of Cascade and areas surrounding the FAA shed 10 miles southwest of Cascade. Other areas include single slash piles at Warm Lake, Crawford, Landmark and Yellowpine.

Emmett Ranger District (869 acres):

• West Scriver Pile Burn (364 acres) is located about seven miles north of Crouch and fire crews will burn slash piles near Forest Road 695 that are remaining from the West Scriver logging operations. This type of burning usually occurs after heavy precipitation or with snow on the ground;

• Pinney Slope Pile Burn (500 acres) is located about seven miles north of Crouch and fire crews will burn slash piles that are remaining from the Pinney Slope logging operations. This type of burning usually occurs after heavy precipitation or with snow on the ground;  

• District Pile Burning: (5 acres) will involve fire crews burning slash piles near Garden Valley. This type of burning usually occurs after heavy precipitation or with snow on the ground.  

Mountain Home Ranger District (1267 acres):

• Cottonwood II (1,000 acres) This broadcast burn is located 22 miles northeast of Boise and will involve a helicopter and hand lighting to maintain current desired vegetative conditions and fuel loadings by igniting a landscape burn;

• Boise Ridge Pile Burn (225 acres) located in the Shafer Butte area will involve slash pile burning;

• Trinity Salvage (42 acres) located west of Featherville will involve slash pile burning.  

Signs will be posted on roads near all burn areas prior to and when burning is in progress.

Site-specific burn plans have been developed to address potential smoke management concerns. All burns will be conducted when there is favorable atmospheric ventilation to minimize smoke impacts to local communities. Local residents may notice smoke from these prescribed burn projects for a few days following ignition, particularly in the evening hours.  

Fire Restrictions to be lifted in West Central Idaho Mountains late Thursday night

BOISE, Idaho - With the reduced risk of wildfires due to cooler temperatures and precipitation in the area, state and federal wildfire officials will lift Stage 1 Fire Restrictions within the West Central Idaho Mountains effective Thursday, Sept. 15, at 11:59 p.m.  

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be lifted on forest and rangelands managed by the Boise National Forest, Boise District BLM, Idaho Department of Lands and other state and private lands within:

• Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, Elmore, Boise, Valley and Washington Counties
• Within Washington County all Bureau of Reclamation Lands surrounding Mann Creek Reservoir
• Within Valley County all Bureau of Reclamation Lands surrounding Cascade Reservoir
• Within Elmore and Boise Counties all Bureau of Reclamation Lands surrounding Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch Reservoirs

For a map of the Treasure Valley and West Central Mountain Zones visit:  Idaho Fire Information.

For a map of the West Central Mountain Zone visit:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/payette;

Lifting the restrictions means the public is free to build a campfire, use a charcoal barbeque or sheepherder stove outside of designated campgrounds and recreation sites. Fire managers remind people to use water to put out all campfires and to soak all charcoal and hot ash from barbeques and stoves.

The BLM Fire Prevention Order remains in effect for all BLM managed lands within the state of Idaho. This order prohibits discharging, using, and possessing fireworks; discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition; burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, plastic or explosive material, including exploding targets that may cause a fire.

More information is available at Forest Service, BLM and IDL offices. Current fire restrictions throughout the state are available a http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/fire/restrictions.html and http://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com/fire-restrictions.html.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  13 September 2016     
Contact: Lynn Ballard          (208) 313-7737

EASTERN IDAHO INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER FIRE UPDATE

IDAHO FALLS, ID:  All fire areas received some level of moisture in the past 24-hours.  There is minimal change in acreage burned from yesterday’s update.  A majority of our firefighting resources are released for 1-2 days of rest during this cooling period. 

All fires still exhibit creeping, smoldering and occasional single tree torching.  All areas will experience isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening and a chance of rain showers through the night and Wednesday.  Drier conditions and the start of a warming trend will follow Thursday through Saturday.

·         The Tincup Mountain Fire (783-acres) is located approximately 6 miles northwest of Freedom, Wyoming on the Soda Springs Ranger District.

·         Black Fire located 12 miles northwest of Swan Valley, Idaho on the Palisades Ranger District.  (770 acres). 

·         Carrot Fire located in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness 27 miles northeast of Tetonia, Idaho on the Ashton/Island Ranger District (606 acres).

·         Lanes Creek Fire located 15 miles SW of Freedom, Wyoming (295 acres) on the Soda Springs District.  The Lau Creek Trail Closure has been lifted.

·         Tie Fire located 10 miles southwest of Victor, Idaho on the Palisades Ranger District (1,031 acres).

·         Treasure Fire locate 17 miles east of Driggs, Idaho in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness on the Teton Basin Ranger District (approx. 1/10^th acre).

Wildfire updates and fire prevention tips are available on www.IdahoFireInfo.com. 

Cooler temperatures continue to aid firefighters on Pioneer Fire

BOISE, Idaho, September 13, 2016 - Cooler temperatures in the low 60s raised humidity levels on Monday, bringing slightly beneficial moisture to the southeastern corner of the Pioneer Fire. 

Today’s weather will continue these conditions and fuel moisture levels are expected to rise, which will make fire spread less likely. There is a 20 percent chance of showers later in the day and expected high temperatures in the 40s and 50s.  Overall, these weather conditions provide an opportunity for firefighters to gain the upper hand on the spread of the fire.

Monday’s winds pushed a few spot fires into the Scott Creek drainage, but firefighters and aerial operations successfully suppressed these spot within containment lines. Moderate weather aided fire management and helped facilitate suppression repairs; today resources will advance these efforts.

In the fire’s upper region in Bear Valley, crews will continue to strengthen containment lines to prevent further northeastern movement of the fire. They will continue to improve indirect fire lines along National Forest System (NFS) Roads 591 and 555, east and northeast of Deadwood Reservoir. 

Throughout the southern portion of the fire, below highway 17, resources will monitor and prepare the area for repair activities. Residents and travelers to these regions should be alert for the presence of firefighting crews and heavy equipment.

The Boise National Forest has issued a revised closure order for the southern portion of the fire. The current closure order and map are available on online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices.

The daily outlook for air quality is available at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

 FAST FACTS:  The Pioneer Fire is 186,192 acres and 56% contained. 1,110 personnel are assigned to the fire. Resources include: 29 crews, 6 helicopters, 28 engines, 3 dozers, 6 water tenders and 3 masticators.

 @BoiseNF       #PioneerFire          Pioneer Fire

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS:  http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_6_6910.html

FIRE RELATED QUESTIONS: Email pioneerfire2016@gmail.com

HUNTING INFORMATION:  https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2016/08/get-current-fire-information-here

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  idahofireinfo.com

 FIRE RELATED QUESTIONS: Email pioneerfire2016@gmail.com

CLOSURE INFORMATION: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices

HUNTING INFORMATION:  https://idfg.idaho.gov/blog/2016/08/get-current-fire-information-here

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  idahofireinfo.com