Trinity Ridge Fire Update August 15, 9:00pm
Incident: Trinity Ridge Fire Wildfire
Released: 8/15/2012
Fire Facts:
Date started: August 3, 2012
Number of Personnel: 934
Location: Featherville, Idaho
Crews: 1 Type 1, 22 Type 2
Size: 68,284 acres
Engines: 33 Dozers: 2
Percent Contained: 3%
Water Tenders: 17
Estimated Containment: 10/01/12
Helicopters: 1 Type 1 and 1 Type 3
Cause: Human
Injuries to Date: 3
Structures Lost: 4 Outbuildings Lost: 4
Cost to Date: $6,833,297
Tomorrow, there will be a community meeting at 10:30am at the Pine Senior Center.
There will be a community meeting in Idaho City on Friday, August 17, at 6:00pm at the Idaho City Community Hall. Fire managers will be present to give an overview of the fire and answer questions.
Current Situation:
Today's fire behavior was not as extreme as we have seen in the last few days. The fire has reached the ridgeline on Sheep Mountain on the west side of the fire. Growth around the perimeter included some extreme fire behavior where fuels and topography were aligned with prevailing winds. In some areas, torching, crown runs, and spotting of up to one-half mile were observed. On the south end of the fire, the rate of spread slowed compared to yesterday's activity. The fire is burning in all fuel types with minimal decrease in activity as the fuel types change from mixed conifer to pine. Smoky conditions in the morning limited visibility. Air support was able to fly the fire in the mid and late afternoon. Firefighters started burnout operations to protect cabins around Alexander Flats. In the Rocky Bar area, structure protection and burnout operations have so far been successful in protecting historic structures. Weather for the next few days will continue to be hot, dry, and windy.
The Elmore County Sheriff is re-evaluating the mandatory road closure and is considering extending the window of opportunity for residents only to access their property for a limited time tomorrow. The sheriff's office will issue a press release if there is a change in the road closure.
Voluntary evacuations for residents of the Pine/Featherville corridor are in effect. Roads are currently closed to all traffic to Pine, Featherville and Atlanta except for fire suppression resources assigned to the fire.
Closures and Public Safety:
Evacuations: Dutch Creek, Swanholm, Weatherby and Queen River Campground have all been evacuated. Those with respiratory health conditions in Atlanta are advised to evacuate the area. Many roads are currently closed as outlined in the Boise National Forest Trinity Ridge Fire Road Closure Order Number 0402-00-21 signed by Boise Forest Supervisors on August 10th, 2012.
The road closure is in effect at the following locations:
-Intersection of Highway 20 and FH 61 (Pine-Featherville Rd)
-Intersection of Lester Creek Rd and Lake Creek Rd
- Forest Service Shake Creek Guard Station East of Featherville, ID.
The roads, as described above, enter into an area with ongoing wildfire activity. The area is closed for public safety and protection from hazards associated with wildfire.
###
