Mustang Complex Update - August 31, 2012
Incident: Mustang Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/31/2012
Fire Information: 208-865-2207
E-mail: scnf.fire.info@gmail.com
For Immediate Release
Start Date: July 30, 2012 Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 205,144 acres Containment: 11%
Location: North of the Main Salmon River, currently 8 miles west of the community of North Fork, Idaho.
Jurisdiction: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region, Salmon-Challis National Forest
Resources: 779 personnel, including 11 hand crews, 59 engines, 6 dozers, 9 water tenders, and 2 helicopters.
Forecast: Cloud cover will increase throughout the day as monsoon moisture moves in aloft from the south. The added moisture will increase the chance of thunderstorms today and tonight. With the thunderstorms, we expect wind gusts up to 35 mph and a possibility of lightning. Additional cloud coverage will keep temperatures a little lower and increase relative humidity. Fuels remain in the 97th percentile. Haines index for today is 5.
Evacuations: Evacuations are currently in place for areas within the North Fork Fire District in Idaho.
· As of 7:45pm, August 29, 2012, evacuation zones E, F and I are now under LEVEL 3. (Homes along Highway 93 between Hull and Sheep Creek and both sides of the highway, and homes in the Hull, Hughes and Sheep Creek drainages). Residents are strongly advised to leave their property immediately as there is an immediate threat to life and safety. As necessary and in order to ensure the operational ability of emergency response vehicles,the Lemhi County Sheriff will use all reasonable means to evacuate residents from the area.
· Evacuation zones G and H are under LEVEL 1. (Homes along Highway 93 north of Sheep Creek through Lost Trail Pass on both sides of the highway, and homes along Dahlonega Road). Residents are warned that current or projected threats from hazards associated with the fire are severe. This is the time for preparation, precautionary movement of persons with special needs, movement of mobile property and pets and livestock.
· Evacuation zones A, C and D remain under a PRE-LEVEL 1 ALERT. (All homes south of Copper Gulch) This level is intended to allow residents time to make preparations in the event that any one of the evacuation levels needs to be implemented. Safety and readiness of residents is our highest priority and it's never too early to begin planning and making arrangements.
· The existing LEVEL 3 Evacuation for Indian Creek within area B remains in effect. All other homes within Area B are under a Pre-Level 1 Alert.
Highway 93 remains open at this time!
Residents that depart the area are asked to stop by the North Fork Fire Station to leave their name, address, and contact information for the Sheriff. This information will help the Sheriff's Department in determining how many residents remain in the area. Residents that depart a Level 3 evacuation area will only be allowed to return to their property by showing identification and proof of ownership. Families will not be allowed to reoccupy their homes until authorized by the Lemhi County Sheriff.
Evacuation Shelter Information: The Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church. This shelter will provide sleeping, meal, and shower accommodations. For those evacuating with travel trailers, the Lemhi County Fairgrounds, off Highway 93 on Diamond Creek Road, has trailer hookups and will accept horses. For other locations accepting horses, please contact the Fire Information Center at 208-865-2207, which is located at the North Fork Fire Station.
Remarks: Yesterday, the Mustang Fire moved to the east in the area of Malfunction Junction and is moving east and south of Indian Creek. It is also well established in the head of Hull and Hughes Creeks, while is continues to spread to the north and northeast further into Montana toward Johnson Creek and Hughes Creek, Montana. Over the next 24 hours, the Mustang Fire is expected to continue to spread east toward the Highway 93 corridor. Within 48 hours, the fire is expected to reach the Gibbonsville area in Idaho, and the Hughes Creek area in Montana. The Lost Packer Fire on the west side of the complex continues to spread northeast toward Swet Creek and has reached the Blackie Foster cabin along the Salmon River beyond Lantz Bar. The Idaho National Guard has been mobilized to assist with transportation and check point security. An advanced party of the National Guard arrived at the ICP yesterday, while the main body of guardsmen is scheduled to arrive today.
Structure preparation in North Fork through Gibbonsville area is continuing to take place on both sides of the highway. Structure protection is continuing to be implemented in Hughes Creek, Montana and structure protection plans are being evaluated for the Lost Trail Pass ski area.
For information on the National Forest road, trail and area closures, visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/closures/3100/.
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