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)

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.

Help prevent the spread of wildfires this holiday weekend

BOISE - Hot and dry weather is predicted for the upcoming holiday weekend, and firefighters are asking for your help to prevent human-caused wildfires from spreading in Idaho.  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) works to promote safety and reminds everyone that this summer there is an abundance of tall and thick grass, creating extreme burning conditions for the wildfire community.

“We are asking the public to be extremely vigilant when out recreating this holiday weekend, and to take all safety precautions to keep from igniting a wildfire,” said BLM Idaho State Fire Management Officer Michael Morcom.

On May 20, Idaho State Director Timothy Murphy issued a Fire Prevention Order making it a misdemeanor to carry, discharge or otherwise use fireworks on BLM-managed lands.  Violations of the order can result in fines and more severe penalties, and offenders who start wildfires can also be held liable for damage and suppression costs. The safest way to enjoy fireworks this holiday weekend is to attend a public display sponsored by your local community.

In addition to fireworks, the use of incendiary/tracer/steel-core ammunition and exploding targets are prohibited.  In general, please be proactive and take precautionary measures while shooting. Clear all flammable materials and rocks away from the target area, and be sure to have fire safety equipment  (shovel, fire extinguisher and/or water) on hand. Sparks from steel core/steel jacketed fragments have been found to cause vegetation fires as much as lead core/copper-jacketed and solid copper jackets fragments.

During the summer, Kongming lanterns, wish lanterns, sky candles, fire balloons and sky lanterns are used at a variety of celebrations. Although they are not specifically prohibited, they are a fire hazard when they come into contact with dry vegetation. 

Before you depart, 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 can be thrown from a vehicle or trailer that is not properly maintained, potentially causing roadside fires without knowledge of the driver.

The devastating effects from an escaped campfire can last for many years, so please completely extinguish your campfire before you leave. Currently, there are no fire restrictions in effect but in the future please KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

For more information on current area wildfires and fire prevention information visit www.idahofireinfo.com and follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter!

Campfire Ban at Celebration Park

Due to high fire danger and dry conditions, campfires are currently banned at Celebration Park. We ask that visitors please use gas stoves and gas grills only for cooking purposes. Thanks for helping us keep our visitors and our beautiful park safe from wildfires! This ban will remain in effect until it is determined that the wildfire danger has decreased.

The past two summers, this has meant that the ban has been in place from June thru September at a minimum. If there are any questions please visit the Canyon County website, Facebook page or call the Celebration Park directly at 208.455.6022

(Website) http://www.canyonco.org/elected-officials/commissioners/parks/

(Facebook) www.facebook.com/canyoncountyparks

(Facebook) www.facebook.com/canyoncrossroadsmuseum

Kootenai County Burn Ban in Effect

Effective June 23, 2015, the summer burn ban is now in effect for all outdoor burning, with exception to recreational/cooking fires.  For those who received a burn permit prior to June 23rd, you will be allowed to burn until your 10-day permit expires.  

We are expecting an extremely dry summer this year with above average temperatures.  Please take extra precautions with any open flames outdoors (campfires, cooking fires, BBQ's, etc.)  Always make sure that your fire is attended at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.