Twin Falls District Fire Management is HIRING!!

Hey dispatchers! Twin Falls District Fire Management is looking for a Dispatch Center Manager! Click the link below to apply! 


Logistics Management Specialist, Dispatch Center Manager, GS-0346-11

Announcement No: ID-Merit-2019-0081

Opens: 09/30/2019  Closes:  10/07/2019

Location:  Shoshone, Idaho

Full Performance Level:  GS-11

Moving expenses ARE NOT authorized.

Open to:

- All current BLM employees only with competitive eligibility.
- CTAP eligibles within the local commuting area.

To apply, click on this link:  USAJOBS

For more information about BLM:  BLM Careers Page

Caribou-Targhee National Forest hiring for 2020 seasonal firefighters

Caribou-Targhee National Forest hiring for 2020 seasonal firefighters

Job postings close Oct. 15

Idaho Falls, ID - The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is now hiring seasonal wildland firefighters for the 2020 fire season. Job applications will be accepted until Oct. 15 through www.usajobs.gov.

“Working as a wildland firefighter is a very rewarding and challenging job,” said Martell Gibbons, Assistant Forest Fire Management Officer. “We are always looking for hard-working, physically fit individuals to join our team.” This year the forest has approximately 30 seasonal positions available.

Pay starts at $12.33 with the opportunity for overtime and hazard pay. To qualify you must be 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a valid driver’s license. Positions range from engine crew members to helitack crew members. Learn more about wildland fire positions on our website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ctnf/about-forest/jobs.

Duty stations are available in Montpelier, Soda Springs, Malad, Pocatello, Driggs, Swan Valley, Ashton, Island Park and Dubois. We strongly encourage those interested in applying to contact the local duty station prior to submitting their application.

Portneuf Zone (Malad and Pocatello): Dan Bartel, 208-236-7513, Daniel.bartel@usda.gov

Henry’s Fork Zone (Ashton, Island Park and Dubois): Jeff Hill, 208-652-1205, jeff.hill@usda.gov

South Fork Zone (Driggs and Swan Valley): Spencer Johnston, 208-523-1412, spencer.johnston@usda.gov

Bear River Zone (Soda Springs and Montpelier): Garth Alleman, 208-847-0375, garth.alleman@usda.gov

For more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf.

Looking for a new career with the BLM? Twin Falls District Fire Management program is hiring a Natural Resource Specialist.

Natural Resources Specialist, GS-0401-11

Announcement No: ID-Merit-2019-0079

Opens: 09/30/2019  Closes:  10/15/2019

Location:  Twin Falls District, Division of Fire and Aviation

Twin Falls, Shoshone, Burley, or Jarbidge, Idaho

Full Performance Level:  GS-11

Moving expenses ARE NOT authorized.

Open to:

- All current or former federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility.
- CTAP/ICTAP eligibles within the local commuting area.
- Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) Eligibles.
- Persons eligible under Special Hiring Authorities

- Current or former time-limited employees eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)

To apply, click on this link:  USAJOBS

For more information about BLM:  BLM Careers Page

Media Advisory
Twin Falls District, Idaho

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     Contact: Heather Tiel-Nelson, (208) 736-2352

Sept. 27, 2019

What: The Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District Fire Management program will formally transfer excess BLM Type 4 wildland fire engines to the Bliss Rural Fire District, Notch Butte Rangeland Fire Protection Assoc., Raft River Rural Fire Protection District, Saylor Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Assoc., and Shoshone Basin Rangeland Fire Protection Assoc. during a ceremony at the Twin Falls District Office. This transfer of engines embodies the spirit of being a good neighbor as part of the Rural Fire Readiness program. An opportunity for interviews will occur following the ceremony. 

Where: Twin Falls District BLM Office, 2878 Addison Ave. E., Twin Falls, Idaho, 83301

When: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Who:  Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Twin Falls District Fire Management

Contact: Heather Tiel-Nelson, Twin Falls District Public Affairs Specialist (208) 736-2352  hnelson@blm.gov

###

Nature Conservancy Plans Controlled Burn at Flat Ranch Preserve

Nature Conservancy Plans Controlled Burn at Flat Ranch Preserve

Burning Will Improve Rangelands for Cattle, Elk, and Other Animals

Island Park - Today (September 25, 2019) The Nature Conservancy will burn approximately 220 acres of pasture at its Flat Ranch Preserve, located east of Henry’s Lake. The burn is largely designed to improve plant diversity and grazing for cattle, but it will also benefit elk, moose, pronghorn and other wildlife species.

Fire is a natural part of this grassland ecosystem and helps maintain its health and vigor. It warms up the soil and reduces the leaf litter that accumulates each year, allowing sunlight to penetrate. Warming the soil increases microbial activity, which releases nutrients from decaying plant material that new grasses and flowers need to grow. After a fire, grazing animals are attracted to the lush re-growth of grass and concentrate their grazing in that burned area.

Fire can also be used to increase wildflower diversity in grasslands, which benefits butterflies, moths and other pollinators, providing a variety of food sources throughout the growing season. Diverse grasslands also provide the different types of vegetation and structure that pollinators need during different times in their life-cycles.

Controlled burns are only lit when weather conditions are favorable for the burn to remain at low intensity. Those conditions look favorable for today - September 25^th. All burns require extensive planning. Safety of participants and nearby human communities are the number one concern in all controlled burns.

In addition to The Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Island Park Fire Department will participate in the burn.

BLM transfers wildland fire engine to Inkom Fire Department

POCATELLO, Idaho— The Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District transferred a surplus wildland fire engine to the Inkom Fire Department today as part of BLM’s effort to respond to rural wildland fires. This program allows BLM the ability to give excess equipment and supplies to local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations.

Under BLM’s new Rural Fire Readiness program, local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations that meet certain requirements may receive at no cost wildland fire engines, pumps, hose, chainsaws, hand tools and other items the BLM no longer needs.

“We appreciate the assistance of our local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in wildland firefighting in eastern Idaho,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Joel Gosswiller. “The Rural Fire Readiness program allows us the opportunity to augment their response to wildland fires safely and effectively.”

The transferred engine is BLM’s retired Engine 3482, which spent 18 years stationed in Malad. Engine Captain Wade Christophersen picked up the engine from the factory in Indianapolis and captained it for its entire life of service with the BLM.

“The Rural Fire Readiness program helps both the BLM and Inkom respond to local wildfires,” said Johnny Ketner, Inkom Fire Chief. “This engine will enhance the Inkom Fire Department’s program and we will put it to good use.”

This year, eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center has responded to 80 fires that burned 138,534 acres. The BLM works closely with other federal and state agencies, local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations to respond to wildland fires. 

Transferred BLM wildland fire engine to Inkom Fire Department

Left to right: Joel Gosswiller (BLM Idaho Falls District Fire Management Officer), Dean Hazen (Inkom FD Volunteer), Johnny Ketner (Inkom Fire Chief), Rob Armstrong (Inkom FD Volunteer), Melissa Warren (BLM Pocatello Field Manager), Blaine Newman (BLM Pocatello Assistant Field Manager), Mike Kuyper (BLM Pocatello Assistant Field Manager), Brian O’Donnell (BLM Fire Operation Specialist)

Twin Falls and Idaho Falls District is looking for Engine Captains

Looking for a career position within the BLM? Twin Falls and Idaho Falls BLM Districts are looking for Engine Captains! Click the link below to apply! 




Forestry Technician (Fire) (Engine Captain), GS-0462-06/07

Announcement No: ID-Merit-2019-0074

Opens: 09/18/2019  Closes:  10/01/2019

Location:  Twin Falls District, Idaho Falls District

Twin Falls, Shoshone, Burley, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Idaho

Full Performance Level:  GS-07

Moving expenses ARE NOT authorized.

Open to:

- All current or former federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility.
- CTAP/ICTAP eligibles within the local commuting area.
- Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) Eligibles.
- Persons eligible under Special Hiring Authorities

- Current or former time-limited employees eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)

To apply, click on this link:  USAJOBS

For more information about BLM:  BLM Careers Page

Twin Falls District Fire Management is HIRING!

Forestry Technician, Senior Wildland Firefighter, GS-0462-05

Announcement No: ID-Merit-2019-0076

Opens: 09/18/2019  Closes:  10/01/2019

Location:  Twin Falls District

Twin Falls, Shoshone, or Burley, Idaho

Full Performance Level:  GS-05

Moving expenses ARE NOT authorized.

Open to:

- All current or former federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility.
- CTAP/ICTAP eligibles within the local commuting area.
- Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) Eligibles.
- Persons eligible under Special Hiring Authorities

- Current or former time-limited employees eligible under PL-114-47, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)

To apply, click on this link:  USAJOBS

For more information about BLM:  BLM Careers Page

News Release
                          Idaho State Office / 1387 S. Vinnell Way / Boise, ID 83709 / Phone: 208-373-4000 / www.blm.gov/id/st/en/

September 12, 2019

For Immediate Release                                                                 Contact: Jennifer Myslivy, (208) 373-3963

Hunters and Wildfire Safety

Shoot Responsibly - Idaho

STATEWIDE, Idaho - As the weather starts to cool and fire conditions decrease, please don’t be complacent about the importance of fire prevention and safety. Recreationalist continue to enjoy public lands during the fall, appreciating brisk mornings and warm afternoons, but the potential to start a wildfire still exists.

“Wildfire conditions are dynamic this time of year,” said BLM Idaho State Fire Management Officer Dennis Strange. “We are still seeing wildfires make runs in the afternoon when weather conditions are prime, but the cooler temperatures are helping fire resources achieve a quicker containment.”

On May 10, 2019, BLM Idaho State Director John F. Ruhs issued a Fire Prevention Order to prohibit the possession or use of steel core/incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets. 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. The Fire Prevention Order remains in effect until Oct. 20, 2019.

Before you head out to your favorite hunting spot 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.

Finally, everyone enjoys a campfire, but the devastating effects of an unattended campfire could last for many years. Please take the proper steps to completely extinguish your campfire and any warming fires before leaving the area.

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.

WESTSIDE RANGER DISTRICT TO INITIATE PRESCRIBED FIRE PROJECTS

POCATELLO, ID:  The Westside Ranger District will begin prescribed burning fire operations this fall starting as early as mid-September and continuing through December depending on weather conditions. Approximately 1,334 acres will be treated. During this time, smoke may be visible to nearby communities and public recreating in the areas.

The proposed burns are part of the forest service’s ongoing multi-year projects to improve wildlife habitat and manage forest fuels. These activities are occurring during the fall when ground moistures are high and fire danger is low. Fire managers can control the pace at which they ignite prescribed fires, and carefully consider current and predicted weather during implementation.  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.

Nordic Center Area (30 acres): Prescribed burning activities will be conducted for several days during the fall when weather conditions allow in the Scout Mountain and Nordic Center Area along FS road 001.  This pile burn is to reduce piles of fuel accumulated from previously thinned conifers within the aspen stands surrounding the Nordic Center.  Smoke may be visible from Pocatello and Inkom areas.

Stone Reservoir Area (20 acres): Piles will also be burned in the headwaters of the Stone Reservoir area of the Curlew National Grassland near Holbrook, ID.  This pile burn will reduce fuel loading by removing Russian olive trees to promote and restore watershed health and improve sage grouse habitat.  Smoke may be visible from Stone/Holbrook, Malad, and Arbon Valley area.

Toponce Area (1,276 acres): A broadcast burn is scheduled for the East Hills of the Toponce Basin off FS Road 375 west of Chesterfield, ID to aid in wildlife habitat enhancement efforts as well as to promote aspen regeneration. Smoke may be visible from Lava, Inkom, Chesterfield and Bancroft.

If weather conditions do not allow for ignition, the Forest Service will continue to monitor for an extended clear weather pattern that will meet the combination of fuel moisture, temperature, wind, and smoke dispersal conditions necessary for a successful prescribed burn. 

For more information, contact the Westside Ranger District office at 208-236-7500.

Montpelier Ranger District to begin prescribed burning in the Self Help area

Montpelier, ID— Beginning this week, the Montpelier Ranger District will begin prescribed burn operations in the Self Help area approximately seven miles east of Preston, Idaho. The project is expected to finish up the first of October. The district hopes to treat approximately 1,296 acres to reduce the amount of dense maple cover, fuel loading and regenerate existing aspen stand by mimicking a mixed severity fire.

This proposed activity is occurring in the fall when ground moisture is high and fire danger is low. Prescribed burning allows fire manager the opportunity to control the pace at which they ignite material and carefully consider current and predicted weather during operations. Operation strategies are dynamic and may adjust or stop all together should ground conditions change.

“We do anticipate the prescribed fire to produce minimal smoke in the surrounding areas,” said District Ranger Mike Duncan. “The public may at times also see isolated single-tree torching, however, this is normal fire behavior and is what we expect.” Firefighters have prepared the area to reduce the potential for an escaped burn by constructing fuel breaks along the unit perimeter and hand thinning other areas.

If weather conditions do not allow for ignition, the Forest Service will continue to monitor for an extended clear weather pattern that will meet the combination of fuel moisture, temperature, wind, and smoke dispersal conditions necessary for a successful prescribed burn. 

For more information contact the Montpelier Ranger District at 208-847-0375.

Palisades Ranger District completes 2400-acre aspen restoration project

Idaho Falls, ID— The Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) Palisades Ranger District completed prescribed fire operation in the Fall Creek Basin near Commissary and Fourth of July Ridges on Sept. 6. Implementation of the prescribed fire occurred over two weeks when fire managers could carefully assess daily weather conditions to determine the exact timing and location for hand and aerial ignitions.  During predicted red flag warning periods, ignition operations ceased, and firefighters held the fire within pre-established containment lines.

Example of mosaic burn pattern in Fall Creek

In partnership with the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation the CTNF successfully treated 2,400 acres to improve aspen stand and wildlife habitat.  “By introducing wildland fire back on the landscape fire managers can begin to restore and maintain aspen across the CTNF,” said Fire Management Officer Spencer Johnston.  “The success of this multi-year project is largely contributed to the firefighters on the ground, aviation resources, dispatch, support personnel and our partnership support.”

Residual smoke and fire activity are expected in the area. The fire will continue to smolder and creep with the occasional single tree torching possible as weather conditions warm and dry into the weekend. No trail or area closures are in effect; however several hazards exist within in the prescribed fire area including falling snags, rolling rock or debris and an increase in smoke. The public is urged to maintain their situational awareness. The CTNF strongly encourages forest users to stay informed and use caution if recreating in the vicinity of the prescribed fire area that includes Commissary Road 017, Fourth of July Ridge Trail 262 and Commissary/Fourth of July connector trail 260.

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

Final Boone Fire Update

Boone fire receives over an inch of precipitation

South Boone Trail (003) closure rescinded

ASHTON, ID— The Boone fire received substantial precipitation with the recent weather front moving across southeastern Idaho. Fire management officials anticipate even more precipitation as wetting conditions persist through Friday. “Considering the increased moisture over the next few days and reduced fire activity, we felt it appropriate to allow the public back into the area,” said Liz Davy, Ashton-Island Park District Ranger. “However, we strongly urge the public to be cautious and cognizant of their surroundings if they choose to access the South Boone Trail.” Many of the trees along a portion of the trail are compromised and could easily fall with a wind event. Firefighters may be in the area assessing some of the risk this week.

The latest perimeter map estimated the Boone fire to be 117 acres. This small mosaic burn promotes increased plant and animal diversity by creating different age and sizes of vegetation within the burned area.

Smoke from the fire may be visible as conditions dry out; however, significant growth is unlikely. This will be the final update on the Boone fire unless a significant change occurs. Fire officials will continue to monitor weather and fuel conditions to predict the fire’s spread until the fire is extinguished this winter.

More information is available on inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6547/.

-USFS-

Malad Summit Fire Final Update

For Immediate Release: September 04, 2019, 5:30 p.m.

Contact: EIIFC Fire Information, 208-497-5934

Malad Summit Fire

Facebook: Idaho Fire Info
(#MaladSummitFire)

The Malad Summit Fire has been mapped at 133 acres and 70% contained. There is some remaining hot spots within the fire’s perimeter that firefighters are extinguishing. Full containment is expected tonight, September 4 at 10 p.m. Crews will remain on the fire tomorrow until full control is reached. This is the final update unless significant activity occurs. Containment will be posted to social media.

Start Date: September 3, 2019 at approximately 2 p.m.

Location and Jurisdiction: North of Malad Summit, west side of I-15. Started off the interstate burning onto USFS and private land.

Cause: Human caused, vehicle

Fire Size:  133 acres

Percent Contained:  70% contained, containment estimated for 9/4/19 at 10 p.m.

Fire Behavior: Some remaining heat within the fire perimeter.

  

Fuels and Terrain:  Juniper and grass on steep terrain.

Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 1 dozer, 1 water tender, 2 handcrews and helicopter.

Structures Threatened: No structures threatened.

Evacuations: No evacuations.

Closures: No closures

  

*Photos posted at @BLMIdahoFire Twitter & Idaho Fire Info Facebook*