Long Draw Fire Update July 15, 2012 9:00am P T
Incident: Long Draw Wildfire
Released: 7/15/2012
Firefighters were able to make considerable progress Saturday on the active southeast front of the Long Draw Fire.
"We feel really good about today's progress, said Jeff Pendleton, Incident Commander. "The hard work our firefighters have been doing is really paying off."
Full containment is expected by Monday evening, July 16, 2012. A local fire management team will begin to take over management of the Long Draw Fire incident on Tuesday morning, July 17, 2012.
The Long Draw Fires current size is estimated at 588,715 acres. The increase in acreage due to improved mapping accuracy.
Two initial attack forces are stationed at Jordan Valley and McDermitt to respond to new starts.
The protection and safety of the public and firefighters remain the number one priority. Firefighters continue to patrol the north and west side of the fire. Mop up continues on the south and east sides of the fire near the Owyhee River.
The weather is predicted to be mostly sunny with a slight chance for isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temperatures are expected to be between 93F to 98F with a minimum relative humidity of 12% to 18%. Winds will be southwest 5 to 12 mph with local gusts to around 20 mph. Highway 95 is open.
Drivers are asked to please slow down, use their headlights and be aware of increased fire traffic. Highway 95 is the main route of travel between Idaho and the Oregon-Nevada border.
There is confirmed loss of cattle within the perimeter of the fire. The numbers are unknown at this time. CLOSURES Area & Road: Highway 95 is open.
