Wildfires on The Salmon-Challis National Forest
Incident: 2012 Salmon-Challis General Fire Update Wildfire
Released: 8/30/2012
NEWS
RELEASE
United States
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Salmon - Challis National Forest
1206 South Challis St.
Salmon, Idaho 83467
Contact: Amy Baumer (Public Affairs Officer) 208-756-5100
August 30, 2012
Wildfires on the Salmon-Challis National Forest
Fires burning on the Salmon-Challis National Forest are burning in steep, inaccessible terrain. Firefighters continue to be challenged by bug killed trees, dry fuels, rugged terrain, and frequent adverse fire weather conditions. Firefighters are using a variety of strategies to manage the fires, including direct attack, indirect attack, and point protection. A mix of these strategies will be used to protect values in the fire's path in a combination that provides the best chance of being successful while minimizing firefighter exposure to risk. Fire managers will continue to assess the long term outlook by prioritizing specific areas of the fires and allocate resources and evaluate opportunities to engage the fires safely. "Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority in fighting all wildfires burning on the Salmon-Challis National Forest," says Forest Supervisor Frank Guzman.
The goal of fire managers is to manage the fires in such a way that there are no serious injuries or fatalities, no critical values have been adversely impacted and the public and cooperators are supportive of fire management operations. "Coordination with Law Enforcement and Local Fire Departments has been successful and is ongoing," says Frank Guzman.
Containment of the large fires will be difficult in the absence of substantial precipitation.
The Current Size of the Mustang fire is approximately 196,451 acres with about 11% containment. The Salmon River remains open to rafting and jet boat recreationist. All recreationists are encouraged to stop at the North Fork Ranger Station before proceeding down river. The Salmon river Road remains open to local residents and river recreationists; however, the public is discouraged from using the road due to heavy use associated with fire suppression and rolling debris. Area closures are in effect to protect the public from hazards associated with fires. For more fire and road, trails, and area closure information, visit http://inciweb.org/incident/3100/. For further information related to the Mustang Complex is also available by calling 208-865-2207.
The Current Size of the Halstead fire is approximately 111,838 acres with about 7% containment. There was active fire spread to the east and south. Structure protection and evacuation of civilian personnel occurred along Highway 75. Fire is established in Kelley Creek, Noho Creek, Basin Creek, and west of Yankee Fork. Firefighters continued burnout operations in Stanley Creek along with a direct line above Stanley Creek are being utilized to slow the fire spread toward Highway 75. Burnout operations to protect the powerline were successful near Cape Horn. Area closures are in effect to protect the public from hazards associated with fires. For more fire and road, trails, and area closure information, visit http://inciweb.org/incident/3062/. For further information related to the Halstead Fire is also available by calling 208-774-0011.
The Merino Fire, within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the Middle Fork Ranger District, is approximately 5,392 acres. The fire remains approximately three (3) air miles southeast of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. For more general fire and closure information, visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3061/. For further information related to the 2012 Salmon-Challis General Fire Update is also available by calling 208-756-5100.
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