8-26 PM Trinity Ridge Fire Update
Incident: Trinity Ridge Fire Wildfire
Released: 8/26/2012
Once the smoke inversion lifted early today fire activity increased in the unburned area between Featherville and Rocky Bar. A large smoke column developed with the hotter afternoon temperatures. The fire did not cross the area that was burned out last week adjacent to Featherville. On the east flank, fire line was initiated along Fairview Creek, but the fire spotted across it, and burned south toward the ridge between Fairview and Wagontown Creeks. Crews and dozers late today began line construction on the ridge between the creeks. On the northwest flank, line construction near Black Rock campground on the NF Boise River is nearly complete. The fire did not make any significant runs.
Four new lightning-caused fires have been reported late this evening. Three are 20 miles east of Idaho City, and one is 18 miles east of Lowman. Initial attack is occurring tonight. The new 220 acre Twin Springs fire which broke out late Saturday 3 miles west of Twin Springs in the Middle Fork Boise River drainage is expected to be fully contained by noon tomorrow.
Thunderstorm cells did cross the fire area with wind gusts above 20 mph which increased fire activity north of Featherville. Thunderstorms are still possible this evening and overnight. Over the next couple of days, warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels will challenge firefighters' efforts.
Closures and Public Safety:
The Elmore County Sheriff evacuation order continues from Featherville to the Paradise area due to thick smoke and reduced visibility. Although the Pine Featherville Road remains closed, the Sheriff may allow those with a critical need to access their properties for a short period of time each day up to 7 PM on a case- by-case basis. Residents must call 208-587-2100 to see if access is granted. An Evacuation Center has been set up by the Red Cross at the Pine Senior Center and the Pines Resort.
Evacuations: Dutch Creek, Swanholm, Weatherby and Queen River Campground have all been evacuated. 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 and Sawtooth 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 Forest Highway 61 (Pine-Featherville Rd)
-Intersection of Lester Creek Rd and Lake Creek Rd
