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Idaho Fire Incident Map

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Ohio Gulch Fire Update


For Immediate Release: June 30, 2018
Contact: Kelsey Brizendine, 208-732-7315

Twin Falls District BLM Fire Update
Facebook: Idaho Fire Info
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#BLMTFDFire)
Ohio Gulch Fire
  • ·         Located five miles north of Hailey, Idaho Department of Lands  
  • ·         Size: approximately four acres
  • ·         Contain: unknown
  • ·         Control: unknown
  • ·         Resources: four engines, two water tenders, two excavators, one dozer, BLM type three camp crew
  • ·         Fuel type: compost
  • ·         Fire behavior: smoldering
  • ·         Structures threatened: no
  • ·         Cause: undetermined
  •  

Slow but steady progress is being made on the Ohio Gulch Fire. The compost piles continue to produce significant heat and firefighters are using water and foam to cool the piles as heavy equipment breaks them down.  

Smoke remains a factor to the surrounding community of Hailey. People who are sensitive to smoke should take precautions. Please visit http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality for information regarding air quality.

Finally, firefighters are working and operating heavy equipment near the roadway, BLM is urging passersby to use caution and travel slowly along the Ohio Gulch Road.  

For More Information-
·         Kelsey Brizendine, Fire Information and Prevention Officer, kbrizendine@blm.gov
·         208-308-5991
·         Idaho Wildfires visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com



Friday, June 29, 2018

Idaho BLM partners with the Idaho Conservation Corp to train wildland firefighters

This week, the Idaho BLM Fire program partnered with the Idaho Conservation Corp. (ICC) and trained six women to become #wildland#firefighters.
Kelly Woods and her awesome team spent the week educating these firefighters-in-the-making about fire behavior and weather, tools of the trade and instilling leadership qualities. In addition, they learned from different fire case studies about situational awareness, decision-making, and past wildfire fatalities. #southcanyon
BLM and the Idaho Conservation Corps.

They toured the National Interagency Fire Center, Boise Smokejumper Base, Lucky Peak Helibase, and Boise Dispatch to get a little better insight on the wildfire community.
Finally, when all the classroom work was complete it was time to get out into the field and put it all together. Field day consisted of multiple stations set up a long a route meandering through the U.S. Forest Service - Boise National Forest near Grimes Creek. These stations consisted of the following: pumps and hoselays, tool safety and familiarization (pulaski, combi, mccleod, and shovels), firing devices, weather observations, radio use, handline construction, gridding and fire shelter deployment training.
Once all their training is complete, medical exams cleared and pack test taken they will be ready to join a handcrew or engine this summer.
Thank you Great Basin Training Unit for providing excellent instructors and leadership to get these ladies started in the right direction! #womeninfire #GBTU #fireseason2018 #partnerships







Ohio Gulch Update

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2018
Contact: Kelsey Brizendine, 208-732-7315

Twin Falls District BLM Fire Update
Facebook: Idaho Fire Info
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#BLMTFDFire)
Ohio Gulch Fire
·         Located five miles north of Hailey, Idaho Department of Lands  
·         Size: approximately four acres
·         Contain: unknown
·         Control: unknown
·         Resources: four engines, two water tenders, two excavators, one dozer, BLM type three camp crew
·         Fuel type: compost
·         Fire behavior: smoldering
·         Structures threatened: no
·         Cause: undetermined

Crews continue to work with heavy equipment to extinguish the compost piles. Two excavators and one dozer are breaking up the piles, while engine crews are cooling the debris down with water and foam. 
Due to the significant size of the piles and the heat they are producing, BLM does not have an estimate on contain or control time.
As the fire is burning just north of town smoke is affecting the community of Hailey and surrounding neighborhoods. People who are sensitive to smoke should take precautions. Please visit http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality for information regarding air quality.
Additionally, as firefighters are working and operating heavy equipment near the roadway, BLM is urging passersby to use caution and travel slowly along the Ohio Gulch Road.  
For More Information,
·         Kelsey Brizendine, Fire Information and Prevention Officer, kbrizendine@blm.gov
·         208-308-5991

·         Idaho Wildfires visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com

Enjoy your public lands safely this Fourth of July

STATEWIDE, Idaho - With warm and dry temperatures predicted for the upcoming holiday, firefighters are asking for your help to prevent human-caused wildfires from spreading in Idaho.
In many places, the lush, thick grass of spring has dried out and has created extreme wildfire conditions, which is a real concern to firefighters.
“With the Fourth of July holiday, we typically suppress numerous wildfires caused by the misuse of fireworks or other careless actions,” said BLM Idaho State Fire Management Officer Michael Morcom. “These fires are preventable if people use caution.” 

On May 10, 2018, acting BLM Idaho State Director Peter J. Ditton issued a Fire Prevention Order making it a misdemeanor to carry, discharge or otherwise use fireworks on BLM-managed lands.  Violations of the order may bring fines and jail time, and violators who start wildfires can also be liable for the costs of damage and suppression. The safest way to enjoy fireworks this holiday is to attend a public display sponsored by your local community.
In addition to fireworks, the use of incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets is prohibited.  In general, please be proactive and take precautionary measures while shooting by clearing all flammable materials and rocks away from the target area, and make sure to have fire safety equipment on hand (shovel, fire extinguisher and/or water). Studies has shown that sparks from steel core/steel jacketed fragments cause vegetation fires as much as lead core/copper jacketed and solid copper jackets fragments.
Before you depart on your adventure, make sure your vehicle and trailers are properly maintained by ensuring the safety chain is not dragging, wheel bearings are well greased, and tires are inflated to the proper level to help prevent a blown tire. Sparks thrown from an improperly maintained vehicle or trailer can cause roadside fires without knowledge of the driver.
Avoid driving your vehicle off the road surface and into tall grasses.  Catalytic converters and exhaust systems heat up to very high temperatures, easily igniting dry grasses and shrubs.  Performing routine maintenance on your vehicle - or having it done by a professional, can help you avoid most of the problems that might start a fire.  Be sure to carry extra water or a fire extinguisher with you when recreating outdoors.  Practice responsible use of OHVs and ATVs.
Finally, everyone enjoys a campfire, but the devastating effects of an escaped campfire when left unattended could last for many years. Please take the proper steps to completely extinguish your campfire before leaving your campsite.

For more information on current area wildfires and fire prevention information visit www.idahofireinfo.com, Idaho Fire Info on Facebook, and follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Ohio Gulch Fact Sheet


For Immediate Release: June 28, 2018
Contact: Kelsey Brizendine, 208-732-7315

Twin Falls District BLM Fire Update
Facebook: Idaho Fire Info
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#BLMTFDFire)
Ohio Gulch Fire
  •  Located five miles north of Hailey, Idaho Department of Lands  
  • Size: approximately four acres
  • Contain: unknown
  •  Control: unknown
  • Resources: five BLM engines, one BLM dozer, four local fire department water tenders, one BLM type three camp crew
  • Fuel type: compost
  •  Fire behavior: smoldering
  • Structures threatened: no 
  • Cause: undetermined


Twin Falls District BLM Fire Management assumed command of the Ohio Gulch Fire Thursday morning. The fire is burning large compost piles, comprised of organic materials, such as yard waste. Full suppression activities have begun and fire fighters are working with heavy equipment to extinguish the burning piles. People sensitive to smoke should use precaution due to smoke settling in the valley


For More Information,
  • Kelsey Brizendine, Fire Information and Prevention Officer, kbrizendine@blm.gov
  • 208-308-5991
  • Idaho Wildfires visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com





Twin Falls District BLM assumes command of Ohio Gulch Fire

PRESS RELEASE June 28, 2018 12:00 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Mulch Pit fire located at the Winn Compost Facility, north of Hailey, will now be referred to as the Ohio Gulch Fire. Located on Idaho Department of Lands property but managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the fire continues to burn for its second day. This morning the BLM assumed full command of the fire from local assisting agencies and will respond to any inquiries. The Ohio Gulch fire continues to generate visible white smoke throughout the Wood River Valley. Individuals who are sensitive to smoke should take precautions.
Sheriff Steve Harkins wishes to thank all first responders from the Wood River Fire and Rescue, Hailey Fire, Ketchum Fire, Sun Valley Fire, Bellevue Fire, Carey Quick Response Unit, and West Magic Fire for their quick response which kept the fire from spreading into surrounding grass and sage.

For information about the Ohio Gulch Fire contact: Kelsey Brizendine, Twin Falls District BLM Fire Information Officer, 208-732-7315

Sheriff Steve Harkins
For current information follow us on: Facebook @BlaineCountySheriff
Twitter @BlaineCoSheriff
Website Information: www.blainesheriff.com
Holly Carter - Public Information Officer - Blaine County Sheriff’s Office End.###

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Fire Danger Increasing in Northern Idaho

FIRE DANGER UPGRADED TO MODERATE

OSBURN - The Shoshone County Fire Chiefs Association, which includes members from all local fire departments and wildland fire agencies, have determined that it is time to move the fire danger to Moderate for the local area (effective June 25, 2018).
Small permitted burn types, including residential yard waste are still allowed, but as conditions continue to change rapidly, the Association asks residents to please be extra vigilant and always monitor your small pile until it is dead out.
With Independence Day quickly approaching, the public needs to be careful with their camp fires and fireworks.
To ensure a safe holiday, please follow these rules:
•Ensure all campfires are kept to a reasonable size and extinguished completely if not attended. Smoldering campfires left unattended are still potentially dangerous. If you decide to have a campfire, it is required that you have a shovel and bucket on hand as they will help to put fire out.
•Fireworks, of any type, are NOT allowed on any forested land (private, industrial, state or federal) in Idaho during closed fire season- May 10 through October 20, as per Idaho Code, 38-117.
•Fireworks that shoot into the air are ILLEGAL everywhere and are especially dangerous. Use only “non-aerial common fireworks.” As defined by Idaho Code 39-2602: Non-aerial common fireworks are any fireworks (such as ground spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke devices or snakes) that are designed to remain on or near the ground and do not travel outside a 15 foot diameter circle, or emit sparks or other burning material which land outside a 20 foot diameter circle or above a height of twenty 20 feet. Non-aerial common fireworks do not include firecrackers, jumping jacks, or similar products.
•If you choose to use fireworks, make sure you use them in a safe area. Children should not be allowed to handle any fireworks without the supervision of an adult. Parents, guardians or other persons having custody or control of a minor will be liable for damage caused by the use of fireworks by the minor.
•Please be kind to your neighbors and remember fireworks can be stressful to our pets and animals.
Unfortunately, our recreational area has a huge problem with people leaving garbage in their campsites and along roadways. Please, take the time before you leave to dispose of all the garbage found in your recreational site.
Be careful and have a safe holiday.
For additional information or questions about permits, please contact your local fire district:
Shoshone County FD#1: 208-752-1101
Shoshone County FD#2: 208-784-1188
US Forest Service: 208-783-2100

Idaho Department of Lands- Cataldo: 208-682-4611

Kuhn Fire


Twin Falls District responded to the Kuhn Fire just south east of Flying J. Estimated 47 acres, containment set for tonight 6/27 at 5:00 pm. Control set for 6/28 at 6:00 pm.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Wildfire starts near Arrowrock Reservoir - Boise National Forest


BOISE, Idaho, June 25, 2018-- Forest Service fire crews are responding to the Twin Fire, located approximately 10 miles northeast of the intersection of Highway 21 and National Forest System road 268 (Middle Fork road leading to Atlanta). The fire is currently at 65 acres and 30 percent contained, with full containment expected late tomorrow afternoon. The cause is under investigation.

Approximately 90 firefighters are assigned to the fire: Three 20-person crews, 2 helicopters, 3 engines, and fire prevention and investigation personnel.

There are currently no road or area closures in place. However, all motorists traveling on NFS road 268 are advised to use caution due to fire personnel and equipment in the area.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Owyhee County declares burn ban starting June 25th


From June 25, 2018 until October 19, 2018, or such earlier date as set forth by  the Board, the Board hereby declares a ban on Open Fire, as defined in the Burn Ban Ordinance on all private property located  in  Unincorporated Areas  of  the  County  Outside  Fire  Protection District; excluding those improved campgrounds operated by the Idaho Power Company.
This area shall not include public lands belonging to the United States of America or the State of Idaho located within the Unincorporated Areas of the County.

Celebrate Fourth of July on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Kamiah, Idaho (June 22, 2018) - Fourth of July is a favorite time for Americans to visit their National Forests! The following information will help you plan your visit to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

Please be advised that Forest Service offices will be closed on Wed., July 4. Stop by before then to purchase a firewood permit, obtain a mushroom permit, acquire forest maps, or ask any questions you may have before the
holiday!

Recreation Information

Remember, fireworks are ALWAYS prohibited on National Forests and other public lands! There are no fire restrictions at this time, but recreationists are reminded to use caution with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark. Never leave campfires unattended; remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! Pour water and add dirt to your campfire until it is cold. One spark is all it takes to start a wildfire that could burn thousands of acres of our National Forests, impacting its wildlife, recreation opportunities, and beautiful landscapes.

Report all fires to 911 or the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch Center: (208) 983-6800.

Dozens of campgrounds will be open for visitors during the Fourth of July holiday, and many have helpful hosts who can provide information about outdoor recreation in the local area. Camping is also allowed at sites outside of developed campgrounds, known as “dispersed sites.” If you camp at a dispersed site, leave no trace of your stay; use existing fire rings if available, and pack out your trash.

Most campgrounds offer first-come, first-served site selection, but a few campgrounds have sites that you can reserve. To reserve a campsite, call toll free at 1 (877) 444-6777 or reserve online at www.Recreation.gov.

Trail crews have been working on many trails on the forest so far this season clearing brush and maintaining tread. Many forest trails are accessible at this time, but visitors should be prepared to encounter high creek crossings, downed trees, rocks, and debris; always travel with care.

Visit www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperceclearwater/home/?cid=fseprd506117 and check with your local ranger station for a complete list of trails that have been cleared to date. Not all trails are open to all uses, and trails are clearly marked for the type of use allowed. Please stay on trails designated for their intended use and notify other users and Forest Service personnel of any hazards you may encounter.

Conditions by District

PALOUSE RANGER DISTRICT: Giant White Pine, Laird Park, and Little Boulder campgrounds are great places to spend the holiday weekend. Lard Park Campground has fully re-opened for the season following hazard tree removal. Elk Creek Campground, one mile north of Elk River, accepts reservations and boasts good RV access as well as electrical hookup sites. The Palouse Ranger District also has three picnic sites that can be reserved for your fun-filled Fourth of July get-together.

Bald Mountain Lookout is on schedule to open on July 1. Lookout rentals are in high demand and reservations typically need to be made months in advance! There are still scattered dates available at Bald Mountain Lookout for this summer-please visit Recreation.gov to make a reservation.

NORTH FORK RANGER DISTRICT: Aquarius, Washington Creek, Noe Creek, and Kelly Forks campgrounds are currently open with potable water. Weitas Creek and Cedars campgrounds are also open but do not have water available; campers should plan to bring their own. Rocky Ridge Lake is still inaccessible due to snow. Cold Springs Peak Cabin can be reserved and is expected to open in mid-July once snow recedes; visit Recreation.gov to book your trip.

The Kelly Forks Visitor Center is now staffed for the season! Stop in to purchase a map, flies, refreshments, or souvenirs, including Kelly Forks and North Fork Ranger District apparel! Our staff at the visitor center look forward to helping you make the most of your visit to the North Fork.

Forest Service road (FSR) 250 (Pierce-Superior Road) and FSR 247 (Beaver Creek Road) have been cleared and graded, but conditions of spur roads vary. A detour is currently in effect on FSR 247 due to culvert replacement activities, but crews plan to pause operations during the week of Fourth of July and open the road for visitor travel.

Conditions at Hoodoo Pass are changing rapidly. Visitors are encouraged to call the North Fork Ranger District or the Superior Ranger Station (Superior, Mont.; 406-822-4233) for updates as to when the pass may be accessible to through travel.

LOCHSA/POWELL RANGER DISTRICT: Two campsites on the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District-Wilderness Gateway and Powell-accept reservations. Wilderness Gateway, Powell, and Whitehouse campgrounds all have good access for RVs. Powell Campground offers electrical hookup sites, and Apgar and Wild Goose campgrounds offer excellent opportunities for tent camping. All of these campgrounds are located along U.S. Highway 12.

Snow is likely to persist in the high country, and at lower elevations, mud and runoff from spring break-up conditions can limit travel. Visitors may encounter downed trees and debris, making travel difficult. Motorists are encouraged to pack a chainsaw. Call the Kooskia Ranger Station or Lolo Pass Visitor Center for the latest updates.

MOOSE CREEK RANGER DISTRICT: O’Hara Campground, located seven miles east of Lowell along FSR 223 (Selway River Road), accepts reservations and has good access for RVs. There are several campgrounds along the beautiful Selway River that can accommodate campers who would like a first-come, first-served site. This includes the Johnson Bar, Rackcliff, Boyd, Glover, and Selway Falls campgrounds. There are numerous dispersed campsites available on the district as well. 

Landslides and wash-outs have impacted several roads on the Moose Creek Ranger District. FSR 651 (O’Hara Road) is closed from milepost 6 to the junction with FSR 1129. FSR 319 (Fog Mountain Road) and FSR 290 (Indian Hill Road) are closed to vehicles greater than 50” wide. Call the Fenn Ranger Station for the latest updates.

SALMON RIVER RANGER DISTRICT: Campgrounds on the Salmon River Ranger District are open and welcoming visitors! A campground host is available at Fish Creek Campground, located seven miles out of Grangeville. Spring Bar Campground, located along the Salmon River, is open and potable water is available. A stay at the Adams Ranger Station cabin, located near Grangeville, is a great alternative to camping. To make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov.

The pavilion at Fish Creek Campground will be closed for maintenance starting June 25 and unavailable for visitor use. The pavilion is scheduled to re-open no later than July 6, and may open earlier if the project is completed sooner.

FSR 221 (Grangeville-Salmon Road) is open and in good condition. FSR 9338a (Jimmy Lee Road) and Adams Pit are currently closed due to timber harvest operations. FSR 444 (Square Mountain Road) is partially open; there are snowy sections, but conditions are improving. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Slate Creek Ranger Station for the latest updates.

For information about roads and trails in the Seven Devils, call the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area office in Riggins (208-628-3916) or the Slate Creek Ranger Station.

RED RIVER RANGER DISTRICT: Now is a great time to camp along the South Fork of the Clearwater River! South Fork and Castle Creek campgrounds have good RV access and potable water. A campground host is available at South Fork Campground to help you enjoy your stay. Red River Campground, located southeast of Elk City, is also open with potable water.

The popular Magruder Road (FSR 468, also known as the Montana Road) is not currently open to through traffic. As of June 21, travelers leaving Elk City can drive as far as Poet Creek (milepost 25). Please contact the Red River Ranger District (Elk City, Idaho) or the West Fork Ranger Station (Darby, Mont.; 406-821-3269) for updates, as conditions are changing rapidly on the Magruder Road.

More Information

The Lolo Pass Visitor Center and Lochsa Historical Ranger Station will be open on July 4 to welcome visitors, so make sure to stop by for a visit! The Lolo Pass Visitor Center, located on U.S. Highway 12 at the Idaho-Montana state line, is open seven days a week and transitions to full summer hours (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. [PDT]) on June 24. The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station, located 48 miles east of Kooskia on U.S. Highway 12, is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We encourage you to visit our website or contact your local ranger station for more information about the area you are interested in before you begin your trip. Contact information for your local ranger station can be found atwww.fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperceclearwater/about-forest/offices.

Trail conditions can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperceclearwater/home/?cid=fseprd506117.

The Alerts & Notices webpage (www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices) contains lots of important information, including road condition reports.

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests would like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July!

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Wildfire Awareness event planned for June 19 in Lewiston


Lewiston, Idaho - Wildfire season is upon us, and the Bureau of Land Management and North Idaho Fire Prevention Cooperative hope to spread the word on how you can help prevent fires on public lands. 
Human-caused fires continue to outnumber lightning-caused fire starts each season.  In an effort to help curb the number of human-caused starts, fire prevention representatives will hold a wildfire awareness event June 19 from 3-7 p.m., at the Lewiston North 40 Outfitters located at 2981 Thain Grade in Lewiston. 
Everyone is welcome to the free event, which will offer tips and recommendations for recreating on public lands without creating a spark.  Information on fire-tolerant landscaping and creating defensible space around homes will also be available.
The event also focuses on shooting responsibly with the goal of promoting good practices when target shooting. Simple measures such as avoiding shooting on hot, dry and windy days, refraining from shooting into rocks or metal objects, and placing targets in areas free of vegetation are just a few ways to help lessen the chances of causing a wildfire.
As the Fourth of July approaches, the Bureau of Land Management and North Idaho Fire Prevention Cooperative wish to remind visitors to public lands that the annual fire prevention order prohibits specific fire-related activities on public lands from May 10 to Oct. 20. This includes burning explosive materials or using fireworks, exploding targets or tracer ammunition on BLM-managed lands in Idaho. 
“The goal of the annual fire prevention order is to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires,” said Peter Ditton, acting BLM Idaho State Director, “The BLM appreciates your continued efforts to help protect our public lands, one of our nation’s greatest treasures.”

For latest information on fire restrictions, tips for fire preparedness and current information on active wildland fires, please visit www.idahofireinfo.com    

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Prepare for Fire Year 2018


Kamiah, Idaho (June 18, 2018) - Over 200 skilled firefighters, representing seven fire management units from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, attended an all-forest Preparedness event, ensuring their readiness for the upcoming 2018 fire year.  This, along with a refresher, hosted by the Grangeville Smokejumpers signifies the readiness of our firefighters and the beginning of fire season in our area.

The forest is currently staffed with approximately 260 highly trained firefighting personnel including hand crews, engine modules, two helitack crews, 30 smokejumpers, a Wildland Use Fire Module, and a variety of other support staff.

Firefighters representing their units demonstrated their knowledge and skills while participating in a variety of event stations including a Pumping Station, Engine, Equipment and Firefighter Review Station, Mobile Attack Station,Aviation / Helitack Station, and Medical Extraction/Emergency Station.  The intent of the pumping station is to review firefighter’s ability to setup a Mark III pump and hose lay; the Engine, Equipment and Firefighter station evaluates the readiness of an engine, the understanding of its capabilities and basic tactics, the engine is stocked with appropriate inventoried items, and each firefighter’s gear is in a state of readiness.  The engine crew must also demonstrate the deployment of hose lay for a mobile attack simulated fire scenario; The Aviation/Helitack station reviews pre-flight briefing and gear preparation to respond to an incident; the Medical Extraction/Emergency provides an overview and demonstration of preparing a person for medical transport.

The Grangeville Smokejumpers, located at the Grangeville Air Center, also hosted their annual refresher.  Approximately 40 jumpers from multiple locations including Missoula, McCall, and West Yellowstone participated in the refresher.  Smokejumpers across the country are transitioning to the Ram-air or square chutes from the traditional round chutes.  Although a few of the smokejumpers attending the refresher still jumped using the round parachutes, every jumper stationed in Grangeville has successfully transitioned to the Ram-air chutes.

Wondering what the fire year may bring?  Predictive Services recently released their wildland fire predictions for June - September.  The area that includes the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is expected to see Normal significant wildland fire potential June through mid-July because it will still be drying out due to the above average snowpack and recent rainfall events in late April into June.  By mid-July heavy fine fuels will be dried out at lower elevations in North Idaho and Western/Central Montana.  Higher elevations will be drier than average in the latter half of July, which warrants an increase to Above Normal significant wildland fire potential in Idaho and Western/Central Montana.  Above Normal potential will continue into August and September, but areas with elevated potential will be expanded to include southern Montana.  More information and wildfire predictions, including maps, can be found at http://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf.