Fire and Aviation resources are beginning to gain ground on some area fires ahead of predicted thunderstorm activity this week, which in turn will allow them to shift focus to other fires and also get local resources rested and reset for initial attack. Currently, the country is at a National Preparedness Level 5, the highest level for fire activity and deployed firefighting resources. Fire managers are sharing critical resources, such as aircraft, handcrews, and other assets across agency and jurisdictional boundaries. In some cases, surge forces are activated to augment crews to protect high values at risk, or to complete mission critical tasks before moving on to the next priority. “The concept of surge forces has been effective in helping to put the resources where they are needed most to complete critical missions” stated Barry Ruklic, Deputy Fire Staff Officer for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. “The ability to move our firefighting resources quickly between incidents as they emerge is very necessary during periods of increased fire activity like we are experiencing right now”.
*Note: Inferred mapping has not been available for all fires, so some acreages may not be exact or updated.
Red River Ranger District – Phone Number for fire restrictions and closure information-208-842-2245
The Lynx fire is approximately 100 acres and located 23 miles East of Elk City, Idaho. This fire was detected early Saturday morning by a fire lookout tower after a small thunderstorm passed through the southern a portion of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. A helicopter with firefighting personnel was dispatched to the incident and is in the process of assessing potential structure protection needs for an outfitter camp located in the vicinity.
Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team is managing the Dixie and the Jumbo fires, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Grangeville and 15 miles south of Elk City near the community of Dixie. An area closure order #01-17-05-21-001 is in effect for these fires.
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