BLM NEWS
Twin Falls District, Idaho

DATE:  Aug. 30, 2018

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

BLM to initiate emergency closure for area near Stewart Creek Fire

            FAIRFIELD, Idaho - Effective immediately, the BLM Shoshone Field Office is temporarily closing public lands in and around the Stewart Creek fire area in Camas County for public and firefighter safety. Approximately 3,840 acres of BLM-managed public lands are affected by this closure, which covers all BLM-managed lands located south of the National Forest (Fairfield Ranger District) boundary and generally north of State of Idaho Endowment lands within the “Chimney Creek” area north of Hill City. The main access into this area is the Chimney Creek Road, which is currently closed by Camas County.

            This closure is in effect until rescinded by Shoshone Field Manager Codie Martin.

            “As fire crews are working in this area, it is important that members of the public avoid this portion of public land for the time being,” said Shoshone Field Manager Codie Martin.

A map and a description of the emergency closure are available here:  https://www.blm.gov/idaho and at www.idahofireinfo.com

-BLM-

Stage One Fire Restrictions to be lifted in eastern Idaho

For Immediate Release: August 29, 2018

Contact: BLM- Kelsey Griffee, 208-521-8709

                USFS- Katie Gorby, 208-497-7270

                  IDL- Emily Callihan, 208-334-0236

                 

Stage One Fire Restrictions to be lifted in eastern Idaho

Website: www.idahofireinfo.com

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - The Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District, Idaho Department of Lands and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are lifting Stage One Fire Restrictions effective Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. This affects BLM-managed public lands, IDL lands and Caribou-Targhee NF lands in nine eastern Idaho counties.

Stage One Fire Restrictions will be lifted on BLM-managed public lands, IDL lands and Caribou-Targhee NF lands in Bannock, Bonneville, Bingham, Jefferson, Madison, Power, Oneida Counties and a portion of Butte and Blaine Counties.

Lifting the restrictions means the public is free to build a campfire, use a charcoal barbecue, or smoke outside of designated campgrounds and recreation sites. Fire managers are reminding people that eastern Idaho is still in High Fire Danger, and to use water to put out all campfires and to soak all charcoal and hot ash from barbecue grills and stoves.

The BLM Fire Prevention Order remains in effect for all BLM-managed lands within Idaho. This order prohibits discharging, using or possessing fireworks, discharging a firearm using incendiary, steel core or tracer ammunition, or burning, igniting or causing to burn explosive material, including exploding targets.

Please check if fire restrictions are in place before heading out to enjoy your public lands. Many areas in Idaho still have fire restrictions in effect. For additional information, please visit https://www.idahofires.com or call the Idaho Fire Restrictions Hotline at 1.844.433.4737.

County and local officials should be contacted regarding fire restrictions outside the described areas.

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Stage I Fire Restrictions to be Rescinded in Central Idaho in time for the Holiday Weekend

Contact:  Amy Baumer (Public Affairs Officer)                                              208-756-5145

August 27, 2018

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS TERMINATED

Salmon, Idaho:  The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone in Idaho will end Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective at one minute after midnight (12:01 AM) on Friday, August 31, 2018.  The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses all Forest Service (outside of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-Salmon and Challis Field Offices, along with State Lands and privately owned forested lands within the Central Idaho Dispatch Zone. 

#KnowBeforeYouGo.  A campfire can be one of the best parts of camping, or provide necessary warmth to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.  Just don’t forget your responsibility to maintain and extinguish your campfire to prevent wildfires.  Fires can start quickly and will burn in vegetation that seems green but is drying out. 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.  Never leave a campfire unattended. 

Although fire danger across east-central Idaho is HIGH, fire management officials opted to move out of restrictions because fire danger indices, which is a relative number indicating the severity of wildland fire danger as determined from burning conditions and other variable factors of fire danger, are moving downward and fall is less than a month away. 

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Fire Restrictions across Northern Idaho will be Rescinded in time for the Holiday Weekend

CONTACTS
Bureau of Land Management
  Coeur d’Alene District Office (208) 769-5004
Coeur d’Alene Tribe Fire Management (208) 686-1199
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho (208) 267-3519
Idaho Department of Lands (208) 334-0233
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
  Panhandle Region (208) 769-1414
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (208) 378-5243
U.S. Forest Service
  Priest Lake Ranger District (208) 443-2512
  Bonners Ferry Ranger District (208) 267-5561
  Sandpoint Ranger District (208) 263-5111
  Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District
  Fernan (208) 664-2318
  Silver Valley (208) 783-2363
  St. Joe Ranger District
  St. Maries (208) 245-2531
  Avery (208) 245-4517
  Supervisor’s Office (208) 765-7223


COEUR D’ALENE, ID -Agencies responsible for managing tribal, state, private, and public lands and for providing wildland fire protection in the Coeur d’Alene Dispatch Area will lift fire restrictions for northern Idaho effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018. While the cooler temperatures and precipitation no longer warrant extreme fire danger, the public is urged to be careful with fire. 

Fire danger continues to be rated as “high” across the Idaho Panhandle. Warm, dry conditions are expected to return to the area later this week and the fuel moisture content of large diameter material on the forest floor will remain as available fuel for fires.  While campfires will be allowed beginning on Friday morning they should never be left unattended at any time until they are cool to the touch; drown, stir, and repeat until cold.

Fire managers would like to thank everyone for their patience during fire restriction periods and for their help in preventing wildfires.

Local burn restrictions may be in place for other reasons so be sure to check with your local fire protection office..

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Hudlow Fire Closure Area Rescinded

Hudlow Fire closure area rescinded - Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (August 27, 2018) - The closure in the Hayden Creek area prompted by the Hudlow Fire has been lifted. The Hudlow Fire, located just north of Hudlow Mountain and less than one mile east of Hayden Lake, was reported on August 22 and has since been controlled.

 

Forest Service Road #437 (Hayden Creek) and the Hayden Creek area are again open to the public. Crews will continue to patrol the area. Please be aware the hazards of recent fire areas, such as burned out stump holes, loose rocks and logs, and unstable dead trees.

Please contact the Fernan Ranger Station with any questions at 208-664-2318.

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Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Lifted

Idaho DEQ extended the Air Quality Forecast and Caution for the Twin Falls area and surrounding counties

The Idaho DEQ is extending the Air Pollution Forecast and Caution for Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties due to continued degraded air quality from wildfire smoke.  The next update is Monday, August 27th  at 12: p.m.

Rattlesnake Creek Fire Update - August 24

Summary: The Rattlesnake Creek Fire is now 35% contained. Yesterday, three helicopters dropped water and completed reconnaissance missions, supporting firefighters on the ground. Spike camps have been set up in four locations around the fire. Spike camps are remote camps, located closer to the fire that allow firefighters to limit driving, and enable them to spend more time on suppression response.

Crews continue to work directly on the fireline on the west, south and east portions of the fire. Heavy equipment is also constructing a contingency fireline to protect communities south and east of the fire perimeter. Firefighters are working to help limit fire spread to the east, and are completing structure mitigation in and around the Elk Creek, Hillman Basin and Boulder Creek areas. Air resources will be used to assist with suppression efforts where needed today. Breezy winds from the southwest winds are predicted this morning and afternoon, shifting to winds from the northwest in the evening.

Resources Threatened: Private property and structures in the Pollock, Pinehurst, Hillman Basin and Elk Lake areas remain threatened, as well as state and federal infrastructure (Highway 95) and natural resources.

Evacuations: In Adams County, areas from mile marker 181 north to the county line are under Level 1 evacuation restrictions (Be Ready). Hillman Basin and Boulder Creek roads are under Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation restrictions. In Idaho County, North Elk Lake Road, Lower Ranch Drive and High Meadow Lane are under Phase 1 (Ready) evacuation restrictions. All evacuation restrictions are lifted for White Water Wilderness and North Pollock residents. Residents should continue to monitor Adams and Idaho county alerts: https://www.facebook.com/ACSO911/ (Adams County) or https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-County-Sheriffs-Office-178393728844032/(Idaho County). Both Idaho and Adams counties use AlertSense for emergency alerts. In Idaho County, call the Sheriff’s Department @ 208-983-1100 to enroll; in Adams County, visit https://bit.ly/2AU0C5R to enroll.

Closures: Smokey Boulder Road to Railroad Saddle is closed. The Nez Perce-Clearwater and Payette National Forests have area closures in effect, including portions of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA); see https://bit.ly/2ATSand, https://www.fs.usda.gov/payette or Inciweb for more details.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area.

Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones), so if you fly, we can’t!

Announcements: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect; use the following link for specific restriction information https://bit.ly/2ag2SUy. For public and firefighter safety, please adhere to all safety signage and speed reductions. Do not stop along the highway corridor near the fire. For road conditions and closures http://511.idaho.gov/.

For smoke and air quality information, see https://bit.ly/2nooV2z or https://bit.ly/2tm1VG6

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5999 (maps, photos, links, etc.)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RattlesnakeCreekFire/ (daily updates & video updates)

Sharps Fire Closures- Reminder

BLM Closures:

Beginning Aug. 15 at 12:01 a.m., the BLM Shoshone Field Office is lifting the emergency closures on public lands in and around the Sharps fire area in Blaine County. Upper Quigley Canyon and Cove Creek Roads will remain temporarily closed. “As crews are in the mop up stage, the concern for hazardous conditions and firefighter safety has lifted significantly, so it’s time to lift the closure in these areas,” said Shoshone Field Manager Codie Martin. Contact: Kelsey Brizendine, 208-732-7315

Sawtooth Natioal Forest Closures -Sharps Fire Area Closure Terminated, Roads and Trail Closure Put in Place

JEROME, ID - The Sawtooth National Forest will be terminating the Area Closure for the Sharps Fire and implementing an Area Road and Trail Closure. This Closure will be in effect until October 31, 2018 or until rescinded by the Sawtooth National Forest Supervisor. This closure is for the safety of firefighting personnel that continue to work in the area. It is also for the safety of the public. There are still hot spots in the fire area. As soon as it is safe the Forest will determine the opportunity to rescind the order.

ROAD AND TRAIL CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:

National Forest System (NFS) Road #134 (Garfield/Copper Creek Road) Beginning at the Sawtooth National Forest boundary located in Township 3 North, Range 21 East, Section 11 continuing North/Northwesterly to the intersection of and including NFS Road 130 (Mormon Hill) and NFS Road 228 located in Township 3 North, Range 21 East, Section 10 ending at the terminus of NFS Road 130 and 228.

NFS Road #115A (Baugh Creek) Beginning at the Sawtooth National Forest boundary located in Township 3 North, Range 19 East, Section 13 continuing North/Northwesterly ending at the terminus located in Township 3 North, Range 19 East, Section 12.

NFS Road #116 Beginning at the Sawtooth National Forest boundary located in Township 3 North, Range 19 East, Section 14 continuing North ending at the terminus located in Township 3 North, Range 19 East, Section 11.

NFS Trail #172 (Porcupine Trail) The entire length of the trail is closed starting at the Sawtooth National Forest boundary located in Township 3 North, Range 20 East, Section 17 and continuing North to the intersection with NFS Trail #313 (Timber Draw Trail) located in Township 4 North, Range 19 East, Section 25.

NFS Trail #314 (Fisher Canyon Trail) The entire length of the trail is closed starting at the Federal Gulch campground located in Township 4 North, Range 19 East, Section 23 and continuing Westerly to the intersection with NFS Trail #173 and NFS Trail#170 (Long Gulch) located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 26.

NFS Trail #178 (Kale Creek Trail) The entire length of the trail is closed starting at the Sawtooth National Forest boundary located in Township 3 North, Range 20 East, Section 14 and continuing North to the Mormon Hill Trail Head located in Township 4 North, Range 21 East, Section 32.

NFS Trail #169 (Federal Gulch Trail) The entire length of the trail is closed starting at the intersection with NFS Trail #169 (Federal Gulch) located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 24 and continuing South and then Northwest to the intersection with NFS Trail #169 (Federal Gulch Trail) located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 19.

NFS Trail #313 (Timber Draw Trail) The entire length of the trail is closed starting at the intersection with NFS Road #118 (East Fork of the Wood River) located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 8 and continuing West to the intersection with NFS Trail #173 located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 23.

NFS Trail #174 (Iron Mine Creek Trail) The entire length of the trail is closed starting at the NFS Road #118 (East Fork of the Wood River) located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 8 and continuing Westerly to the intersection with NFS Trail #173 and NFS Trail#170 (Long Gulch) located in Township 4 North, Range 20 East, Section 26.

Media Contact: Julie Thomas 208‐423-7559 or 208-731-8604

Rabbit Foot Fire Update - August 24th

Summary: On the Panther/Morgan Creek (055) and the Silver Creek (108) roads, tree processors and chipping operations have been cleaning debris left by feller-bunchers as they  improved the roadside to be used as a primary control line. Crews continue to work with Resource Advisors to improve indirect suppression lines; creating the least impact to the landscape while also setting up firefighters for success. Around the fire perimeter 95% of the indirect line and roads have been improved.  Crews have been able to go direct on the southern portion of the fire and extending west from Morgan Creek to Woods Peak. Yesterday, firefighters scouted potential locations for additional contingency lines due to the expected increase fire behavior. This is expected over the weekend due to rising temperatures and lower humidity levels. An infrared flight occurred this early morning showing fire growth yesterday to be about 300 acres. Today, with fire weather expected to increase and there may be visible smoke to the public for the first time in a few days. Wind speeds will increase with gusts up to 34 mph. A morning convoy has been occurring daily on Morgan Creek road in order to shuttle crews, supplies, and mail deliveries through the fire area and closure. Lead elements of the Type 2 Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 will begin arriving today  in preparation for the transition of fire management. The formal inbrief of Team 4 by Salmon-Challis Agency Administrators is scheduled for this evening. Weather: Temperatures will rebound to the low 80’s and clear skies are expect throughout the day. The approaching high pressure air mass will be dry but stable and should generate little wind. Closures: Stage One fire restrictions remain in effect on National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, State, and County lands. Fire related area closure orders remain in effect. For more information on fire restrictions and area closures, visit Inciweb: (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6090/) or the Salmon-Challis Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/). Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for non-incident aircraft, including drones, is in place over the fire area. Pilots see NOTAM #8/1105. Evacuation Notices: The Lemhi County Sheriff’s department will continue to notify residents regarding any level of evacuation planning. Please contact the Lemhi County Sheriff’s department for any questions related to evacuations at (208) 756-8980. Email: RabbitFootFire2018@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6090/ Closures: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6090/ TFR: http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_8_1950.html August 24, 2018. Perimeter Map

Idaho DEQ extended the Air Quality Forecast and Caution for the Twin Falls area and surrounding counties

@IdahoDEQ is extending the Air Quality Forecast and Caution for Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties due to continued degraded air quality from wildfire smoke. The next update is Friday, August 24th at 12:00 p.m.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest - Hudlow Fire Update

Hudlow Fire

August 23, 2018 - 9:30 AM

Information Contact: 208-334-0233; fireinformation@idl.idaho.gov

Cause:  Under investigation.

Start Date/time: August 22, 2018, 12:15 AM

Location: Hayden Creek Road, approximately one mile NE of Hayden Lake.

Jurisdiction: US Forest Service

Cooperating Agencies: US Forest Service and Hauser Lake Fire Protection District

Current Size: 10 acres

Current Containment: 10%

Resources on Fire:

·         Total personnel: 70

·         2 hand crews

·         5 engines, 1 water tender

Remarks: Firefighters constructed a line surrounding the Hudlow Fire and installed a series of hoses to deliver water to the fire line. Today, crews will strengthen the line and use water to cool hotspots. The fire is burning in timber on steep terrain, located on US Forest Service ownership.  No structures are threatened.

The US Forest Service has closed a portion of the Hayden Creek Road and National Forest System lands north of Hudlow Mountain for the protection of public health and safety due to wildfire activity and the presence of crews and equipment working on fire suppression. The following are closed:

•          Forest Service Road #437 (Hayden Creek) from its intersection with County Road 3090 to its junction with FSR #206 (Ohio Match)
• ·         National Forest System lands from the Forest Boundary on the west of Section 26 (T 52 N, R 3 E) north of Hudlow Mountain, Hayden Creek to the north, Ohio Match Road to the east (FSR #206), and the Forest Boundary to the south, including the Hayden Creek Pit.

For questions on this closure, please contact the Fernan Ranger Station at 208-664-2318

For question on the fire call: 208-334-0233.

# # #

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest - Local Fire Update

Rattlesnake Creek Fire Update - August 23rd

Rabbit Foot Fire Update - August 23rd

A community meeting is scheduled at the Challis Middle School, 721 E. Main Ave. Challis Idaho, August 23, 2018 at 6:00 pm. Summary: Firefighters were fully engaged working on the fire yesterday. The earlier communication problems did not reappear and technicians are optimistic that the system is fully operational.  As the fire activity has slowed due to some showers and higher humidity, crews were focused on improving and strengthening lines by clearing and chipping excess materials. Afternoon weather forced some crews to seek cover as rain and hail descended on the fire. A weather station near the fire perimeter measured 4/100 th of an inch of precipitation and wind gusts as high as 47 miles per hour. Today, a high pressure system will be entering the area and the weather is predicted to become warmer and drier, with light southwest wind.  Crews will continue chipping operations on the east, south, and north containment lines. Chipping reduces the amount of available fuels from trees cut by the feller buncher machines and it helps to limit fire movement.  Work will continue along the FS 055 road to remove hazard trees in preparation for chipping. Work will also continue securing and mopping up the line near the Van Horn burn scar and Woods Peak. A morning convoy has been occuring  daily on Morgan Creek road in order to shuttle crews, supplies, and mail deliveries through the area closure. Helicopter activities are now coordinated through the Challis Helibase reducing travel times from Salmon.. A greatly appreciated helicopter mission last evening delivered hot meals to crews stationed at the Moyer Creek spike camp. Weather: Temperatures will rebound to the low 80’s and clear skies are expect throughout the day. The approaching high pressure air mass will be dry but stable and should generate little wind. Closures: Stage One fire restrictions remain in effect on National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, State, and County lands. Fire related area closure orders remain in effect. For more information on fire restrictions and area closures, visit Inciweb: (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6090/) or the Salmon-Challis Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/).   Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for non-incident aircraft, including drones, is in place over the fire area. Pilots see NOTAM #8/1105. Evacuation Notices: The Lemhi County Sheriff’s department will continue to notify residents regarding any level of evacuation planning. Please contact the Lemhi County Sheriff’s department for any questions related to evacuations at (208) 756-8980.

Email: RabbitFootFire2018@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6090/ Closures: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6090/ TFR: http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_8_1950.html August 23 2018. Perimeter Map

Air Quality Forecast and Caution- Stage 1

Rattlesnake Creek Fire Update - August 22nd

SOUTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #1

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 9:00 a.m.

Rattlesnake Creek Fire Information Phone Number (208) 495-6934

CHANGES IN EVACUATION STATUS

Size: 8,136 acres                                                         Containment: 28%                     Cause: Human

Location: West of Pinehurst and Gotzinger, Idaho    Structures Destroyed: 0

Total Personnel: 386 including 8 hand crews, 19 engines, 3 dozers, 11 water tenders, 2 masticators and 4 helicopters

Summary: This morning the Adams County Sheriff’s Office downgraded all fire evacuation notices from mile marker 181 north to the county line to Level 1 (Be Ready). Hillman Basin and Boulder Creek roads were downgraded to Level 2 (Be Set) status yesterday. The Idaho County Sheriff’s Office reduced evacuation notices for North Elk Lake Road, Lower Ranch Drive and High Meadow Lane to Phase 1 (Ready) status. Residents should continue to be ready to evacuate should conditions change.

Yesterday, firefighters made good progress with direct suppression efforts on the White Bird Ridge north of Pollock Mountain and indirect suppression efforts on the southern perimeter of the fire.

Today, moderate to active fire behavior is expected as temperatures increase and relative humidity levels drop. Firefighters continue to construct handline along White Bird Ridge to prevent movement into the Rapid River drainage. Firefighters will continue using heavy equipment to build fireline on the southern perimeter of the fire. The most active part of the fire is near Chokecherry Flats on the southern end. Firefighters will continue to work in and around the Hillman Basin and Boulder Creek areas today. Air resources will assist with suppression efforts when needed.

Resources Threatened: Private property and structures in the Pollock, Pinehurst, Hillman Basin and Elk Lake areas remain threatened, as well as state and federal infrastructure (Highway 95) and natural resources.

Closures: Smokey Boulder Road to Railroad Saddle is closed. Additionally, the Nez Perce-Clearwater and Payette National Forests have area closures in effect, including portions of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA); see https://bit.ly/2ATSand, https://www.fs.usda.gov/payette or Inciweb for more details.

Follow Emergency Evacuation Information on: https://www.facebook.com/ACSO911/ (Adams County) or

https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-County-Sheriffs-Office-178393728844032/ (Idaho County). Both Idaho and Adams counties use AlertSense for emergency alerts. In Idaho County, call the Sheriff’s Department @ 208-983-1100 to enroll; in Adams County, visit https://bit.ly/2AU0C5R to enroll.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area.

Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones), so if you fly, we can’t!

Announcements: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect; use the following link for specific restriction information https://bit.ly/2ag2SUy. For public and firefighter safety, please adhere to all safety signage and speed reductions. Do not stop along the highway corridor near the fire. For road conditions and closures http://511.idaho.gov/.

For smoke and air quality information, see https://bit.ly/2nooV2z or https://bit.ly/2tm1VG6

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5999 (maps, photos, links, etc.)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RattlesnakeCreekFire/ (daily updates & video updates)