Be fire safe this holiday weekend on public lands

As the final holiday weekend of the summer approaches, and plans are being formulated for that last big hurrah outdoors, fire agencies are asking the public to take that extra precaution when recreating on Idaho’s #publiclands.  Temperatures and fuel conditions in grass and brush continue to be conducive for fire starts and rapid rates of spreads.  The devastation from a wildfire caused by a spark from a dragging chain, or an ember from an unattended campfire can take generations to recover.  Here are some fire safety tips to follow while enjoying Idaho’s #publiclands this holiday weekend:

ü  Know before you go.  Check regulations and rules. Remember to check for fire restrictions including the BLM Fire Prevention Order that is in effect from May 10th-October 20th. Currently, there are NO fire restrictions in effect for campfires.

ü  Stay on designated roads and trails.  Equipment such as cars and ATV’s can have extremely hot exhaust systems that can ignite dry vegetation.

ü  Maintain your equipment such as ATV’s and chainsaws with USDA approved spark arresters to prevent exhaust particles igniting dry vegetation.

ü  Conduct a 360’ vehicle safety check before you depart. Ensure safety chains are not dragging, tires are properly inflated, and wheel bearings have been greased.

ü  Be prepared for fire!  Always bring water, a fire extinguisher, and a shovel.

ü  Campfires wanted dead out! Drown your fire with water, stir with a shovel, and feel that it is cold.

ü  Shoot responsibly and spread the word to other shooters.  

ü  Clear the area of all vegetation around your targets when target shooting.

ü  Check weather conditions.  Hot+ Dry+ Wind = Quick Spreading Wildfires.

ü  Pack it in, pack it out! Make an effort to keep public lands clean. This includes cleaning up garbage or debris that is a result of target practice and camping.

ü  Report any wildfire or illegal activity. See something, say something!

For more fire information and prevention tips:

Idaho Fire Info Facebook - idahofireinfo.com  

Idaho BLM Fire Twitter - @BLMIdahoFire

Fall Creek Aspen Restoration Project still going strong

 

The Fall Creek Aspen Restoration Project is sponsored and supported by several organizations including the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. By increasing aspen stands and enhancing vegetation diversity and composition through this prescribed fire effort, the IDF&G, CTNF and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation seek to improve big game habitat.

Fire Managers will continue to evaluate conditions with the intent to continue actively burning through Sept. 6 should weather conditions allow. The Forest and IDF&G is aware that a small portion of Hunting Unit 66 is affected between 4^th of July and Commissary Ridge. However, the majority of the area is still open to archery enthusiasts. FS 260 OHV trail is temporary closed for public safety as firefighters work to clean out snags along the trail.

During red flag conditions or high wind days this week, the forest halted firing operations and continued to hold previously created containment lines to make sure the fire didn’t escape the burn unit boundaries. Work resumed when conditions were conducive to burning. Prescribed fires must occur at specific times of the year when weather and fuel conditions are conducive to meeting project objectives.

Fire managers can control the pace at which they ignite prescribed fires, and carefully consider current and predicted weather during implementation.  Smoke can be expected to settle in drainages and low-lying areas during the evening and early morning hours.  By proactively managing forest fuels, fire managers are attempting to mitigate the future risk of prolonged smoke events from high intensity wildfires and create healthier and resilient landscapes.

We anticipate interior pockets will continue to burn once the burning operations are complete. Smoke will be visible until a major weather event with measurable precipitation.  Approximately 800 acres have been completed as of August 29^th. 

Boone Fire burning near Jedediah Smith Wilderness

The Boon fire ignited August 16 and is located approximately 25 miles north of Driggs, ID on the Wyoming border. The fire is estimated to be 26 acres in size. Fire behavior is minimal with isolated group and single-tree torching and smoldering and creeping along the forest floor.

“Fire serves many roles in the ecosystem,” said Jeff Hill, Fire Management Officer. “Due to the location of this fire and limited private values at risk, managers felt this fire would be good to reduce existing biomass, recycle nutrients into the soil, and regenerate vegetation, along with increase plant and animal diversity.” Management activities will focus on preventing fire spread toward private lands and public land infrastructure. Currently the fire is five miles South and West of the BSA, Camp Loll.

Smoke from the Boone Fire will be visible likely until a major precipitation event occurs or until it snows. Fire managers urge individuals to use caution when recreating or hunting in the area due to fire hazards. Currently the 003, South Boone Trail is Closed to protect the public.

FS lands often have vegetation and wildlife habitat that require fire to remain healthy. On forested lands, up to 60 percent more of the landscape burned historically than now, especially in the West. To diminish the “fire deficit” and thereby mitigate fire risk, the FS and partners are using this fire management strategy that protects values from harm, but also reduces future wildfire risk from excessive fuel accumulation. Fire officials will continue to monitor weather and fuel conditions daily to predict the fire’s spread.

More information is available on inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/

6547/.

Caribou-Targhee National Forest to conduct prescribed burns to improve forest health

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is implementing several prescribed burns this week to improve forest health. Both prescribed burns will consist of broadcast burning using hand ignition with drip torches and/or aerial ignition using a helicopter and a helitorch or plastic sphere dispenser (PSD).  A helitorch is an aerial ignition device attached below a helicopter that dispenses ignited gelled gasoline.  A PSD disperses small plastic balls from a helicopter or drone that ignite after hitting the ground.  These two devices can be used to ignite canopy and ground fuels to create the desired fuels reduction and canopy openings.  Numerous fire management resources will be on scene before, during and after ignition to monitor and manage fire activity.

St. Charles Prescribed Burn: The Montpelier Ranger District will begin igniting the St. Charles prescribed burn beginning Aug. 27. Hand burning operations will occur throughout the fall as conditions allow. The project area is located approximately eight miles west of St. Charles, Idaho. The objectives of this burn are to eliminate dense fuel loading to reduce the risk of a high-intensity fire in the area, regenerate aspen stands to promote wildlife habitat and increase overall plant diversity. For more information, please contact the Montpelier Ranger District at 208-847-0375.

Fall Creek Prescribed Burn

Fall Creek Aspen Improvement Project: On Thursday, Aug. 22, the Palisades Ranger District started prescribed burn operations in the Fall Creek Basin near Commissary and Fourth of July Ridges. Work will continue throughout the week of Aug. 26 as conditions allow. The Fall Creek Aspen Improvement Project was initiated by the CTNF in partnership with the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game in 2008 with the purpose of improving aspen stands and diversifying vegetation communities to support wildlife. Forest officials have treated 3,870 acres of the 24,000-acres project area since 2008. Three more units remain to be treated over the next few years. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided support and funding to complete this project. “Everything is going really well on the ground,” said Martell Gibbons, Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Palisades Ranger District. “The fire is meeting our objectives and performing like we anticipated.”

Residual smoke will remain in the area as interior pockets continue to burn. Expect smoke following implementation until a significant wetting weather event occurs. For more information contact the Palisades Ranger District at 208-523-1412.

Fall Creek Project

Tincup fire grows to 72 acres over the weekend

Tincup fire grows to 72 acres over the weekend

SODA SPRINGS, ID— The Tincup fire remains active and continues to consume dead and down fuel. High winds propelled the fire to 72-acres over the weekend (August 24-25), which spotted over the 444 trail to the east. Higher fuel moistures and significant live vegetation on the north facing slopes are slowing fire spread. South facing slopes are more susceptible to the fire’s spread and forest managers continue to anticipate smoldering and creeping with minor spotting and single/group tree torching in these areas. The slow surface fire is rejuvenating the forest.

Firefighters are still actively implementing management strategies, including building fire line around private property and other public land values. No closures are in place, although the forest urges those recreating and hunting in the area to use caution due to fire hazards and potential falling trees.

A dry and stable northwest flow is expected today (August 26) resulting in seasonable temperatures and local gusty winds in the afternoon. A ridge of high pressure is expected to expand across the region Tuesday and Wednesday bringing warmer and drier conditions in the area.

Smoke from the Tincup Fire will be visible likely until a major precipitation event occurs or until it snows. Fire managers urge individuals to use caution and stay out of the area due to fire hazards. Currently no closures are in effect.

The Tincup Fire was discovered on July 30 approximately 30 miles northeast of Soda Springs near the Grays Lake Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. The lightning-caused fire is slowly spreading towards the northeast away from private property, burning in rugged terrain within the Caribou Mountain Range.

For more information on the Tincup Fire please visit inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6489/.

forest after mastication work is complete

Fuels before mastication work 

Prescribed Fire Operations in the Upper Fall Creek Area on the Caribou-Targhee NF

Prescribed Fire Operations in the Upper Fall Creek Area on the Caribou-Targhee NF

SWAN VALLEY, ID -- On Thursday August 22, 2019 the Palisades Ranger District on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations in the Fall Creek Basin near Commissary and 4th of July Ridges. Ignition operations are expected to extend into the weekend. The intent of this project is to improve wildlife habitat by promoting Aspen regeneration. Supporting partners on this project included the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Smoke may be visible from Swan Valley, Idaho and Alpine, Wyoming areas during implementation. Residual smoke and fire activity can be expected in the area for several weeks following implementation until significant weather changes with rain or snow occur.

We encourage Forest users to stay informed and use caution if recreating in the vicinity of the prescribed fire.

For additional information please contact the Palisades Ranger District at 208-523-1412. 

Weekends and after hours contact EIIFC Fire Information 208-497-5934

Boise District BLM Fire Update

News Release

For Immediate Release: August 16, 2019

Contact: Jared Jablonski, 208-384-3378

Boise District BLM Fire Update

Facebook: www.facebook.com/idahofireinfo/

Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire (#BLMBODFire)

The Boise District BLM is fighting three wildfires near the Blacks Creek and Mayfield Road area southeast of Boise. Fire crews worked hard through the night to stop fire spread and will continue securing containment lines throughout the day

Mayfield Fire

●       Location: approximately 17 miles southeast of Boise, Id near the intersection of Slater Creek and Mayfield road

●       Size: estimated 850 to 1,000 acres

●       Containment: estimated 8/16 at 8:00 p.m.

●       Control: estimated 8/17 at 6:00 p.m.

●       Resources: four BLM engines, one Forest Service engine, one BLM dozer, Mountain Home RFPA engines and dozers, one BLM water tender, 1 hotshot crew, and 1 helicopter.

●       Fire behavior: smoldering

●       Structures threatened: None 

●       Cause: human - under investigation

Prospect Fire

●       Location: approximately 14 miles southeast of Boise, Id near the intersection of Blacks Creek and Mayfield road

●       Size: estimated at 500 acres

●       Containment: estimated 8/16 at 10:00 p.m.

●       Control: no estimated control time

●       Resources: four BLM engines, one Forest Service engine, two BLM dozers, Mountain Home RFPA engines and dozers, one BLM water tender, 1 hotshot crew,  and 1 helicopter.

●       Fire behavior: smoldering

●       Structures threatened: none 

●       Cause: human - under investigation

Pole Fire

●       Location: approximately 14 miles southeast of Boise, Id near the intersection of Blacks Creek and Mayfield road

●       Size: estimated at 5 acres

●       Containment: 8/16 at 1:45 a.m.

●       Control: estimated 8/16 at 6:00 p.m.

●       Resources: one engine strike team

●       Fire behavior: smoldering

●       Structures threatened: none 

●       Cause: human - under investigation

For More Information,

·         Jared Jablonski, Fire Information and Prevention Officer, jjablonski@blm.gov

·         208.384-3378

·         Idaho Wildfires visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

Treasureton Fire Final Update

For Immediate Release: August 16, 2019, 8 a.m.

Contact: EIIFC Fire Information, 208-497-5934

Treasureton Fire

Facebook: Idaho Fire Info(#TreasuretonFire, #BLMIFDFire)

Firefighters stopped the Treasureton Fire's forward progress Thursday evening. The fire has been mapped at 363 acres and is 75% contained. Today, firefighters will extinguish hot spots and any remaining heat within the burned area. Fire managers expect full containment this evening, August 16 at 10 p.m. This is the final update unless significant activity occurs.  

 

Start Date: August 15, 2019 at approximately 3:30 p.m. 

Location and Jurisdiction: 13 miles north of Preston, near Treasureton. Located between Treasureton Road and Johnson Road. Private forested land. 

Cause: Human caused, started by farm equipment.

Fire Size: 363 acres (mapped)

Percent Contained:  75% contained, containment estimated for 8/16/19 at 10 p.m.

Fire Behavior: Smoldering hot spots. 

  

Fuels and Terrain:  Rugged terrain covered in grass, brush and juniper. 

Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tender, 1 helicopter and 2 handcrews (BLM & USFS). Franklin County resources. 

Structures Threatened: Structures not threatened. 

Evacuations: No evacuations.  

Closures: No closures

Treasureton Fire 8/15 Evening Update

For Immediate Release: August 15, 2019, 8:15 p.m.

Contact: EIIFC Fire Information, 208-497-5934

Treasureton Fire

Facebook: Idaho Fire Info(#TreasuretonFire, #BLMIFDFire)

The Treasureton Fire has grown to 500 acres and is 50% contained. Firefighters have been able to slow the fires progress and will continue to build containment lines around the Treasureton Fire through the night, conducting burn out operations as needed. 

 

Start Date: August 15, 2019 at approximately 3:30 p.m. 

Location and Jurisdiction: 13 miles north of Preston, near Treasureton. Located between Treasureton Road and Johnson Road. Started on private forested, threatening BLM. 

Cause: Under investigation

Fire Size: 500 acres

Percent Contained:  50% contained, containment estimated for 8/16/19 at 10 p.m.

Fire Behavior: Running and torching trees. 

  

Fuels and Terrain:  Rugged terrain covered in grass, brush and juniper. 

Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tender, 4 single engine air tankers, 2 heavy air tankers and a helicopter. Franklin and Caribou County resources assisting. 2 handcrews ordered. 

Structures Threatened: Structures are not immediately threatened, but are in the area. 

Evacuations: No evacuations. If evacuations are necessary those affected will be notified, they will be conducted by the local county sheriffs office. 

Closures: No closures

Treasureton Fire

For Immediate Release: August 15, 2019, 5:30 p.m.

Contact: EIIFC Fire Information, 208-497-5934

Treasureton Fire

Facebook: Idaho Fire Info(#TreasuretonFire, #BLMIFDFire)

Start Date: August 15, 2019 at approximately 3:30 p.m. 

Location and Jurisdiction: 5 miles north of Preston, near Treasureton. Started on private forested, threatening BLM. 

Cause: Under investigation

Fire Size: 200 acres and growing

Percent Contained:  0% contained, containment estimated for 8/16/19 at 10 p.m.

Fire Behavior: Running and torching trees. 

  

Fuels and Terrain:  Rugged terrain covered in grass, brush and juniper. 

Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tender, 4 single engine air tankers, 2 heavy air tankers and a helicopter. County resources on scene. 

Structures Threatened: Structures are not immediately threatened, but are in the area. 

Evacuations: No evacuations

Closures: No closures