Trinity Ridge Fire Update August 18, 2012 Am
Incident: Trinity Ridge Fire Wildfire
Released: 8/18/2012
Community Meeting will be held at the Pine Senior Center today at 10:30AM.
Residents will have another opportunity today to access their property between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. today, August 18, 2012. The Elmore County Sheriff re-evaluated the mandatory road closure and has extended the window of opportunity for residents to access their property. Residents wishing to access their property should do so early in the day. The road closure status will be re-evaluated throughout the day as fire conditions change.
Roads to Atlanta remain closed to all traffic except for fire support personnel.
Current Situation:
The fire continued to grow yesterday as a result of high temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty winds. Fire size has increased by over 10,000 acres around the entire perimeter of the fire. The fire is predicted to reach Featherville in the next 24 hours due to active fire behavior. The fire advanced towards the North Fork of the Boise River on the northwest flank and southwest into the old Roaring River Fire. The fire has wrapped around Rocky Bar and continues moving to the south along Rocky Bar road
Today, structure protection in Featherville and many other areas of the fire is top priority. Fire resources continue efforts to keep the fire advancement out of Barber Flat and away from the North Fork of the Boise River. Additional aerial support received will assist firefighters with their objectives.
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 0402-00-22 signed by Boise Forest Supervisors on August 16th, 2012.
The road closure is in effect at the following locations:
-Road 227 at the county line east of Baumgartner Campground (Campground is closed)
-Intersection of Highway 20 and FH 61 (Pine-Featherville Rd)
-Intersection of Lester Creek Rd and Lake Creek Rd
The roads, as described above, enter into areas with ongoing wildfire activity. The area is closed for public safety and protection from hazards associated with wildfire.
