Mustang Complex Update 09/03/12
Incident: Mustang Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/3/2012
Fire Information: 208-865-2207
E-mail: scnf.fire.info@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
Start Date: July 30, 2012 Cause: Lightning
Current Size: 230,293 acres Containment: 16%
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: 950 personnel, including 13 hand crews, 77 engines, 5 dozers, 10 water tenders, and 2 helicopters.
Forecast: Drier air has moved into the region and relative humidities are 10 to 15 percent lower this morning than this time yesterday. With today's forecast including wind gusts up to 25 mph, relative humidity in the lower teens to single digits, and a Haines Index of 5, rapid fire growth is anticipated. The inversions presently in place that are inhibiting fire growth in the morning hours are forecast to breakup in the 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. timeframe.
Remarks: Yesterday, the fire grew about 15,000 acres to a total size of 230,293 acres; however, many of these acres burned include a mosaic of lower intensity, understory burning. The Mustang Complex's fire footprint now covers almost 360 square miles. The most pronounced growth occurred in the southeastern portion of the fire where upwards of two-mile runs were observed during the prime burn period near Ulysses, south of Indian Peak. The fire was also very active along portions of the easternmost fire perimeter and continues to burn in the upper drainages of Hull and Hughes Creeks. Overall, the IR flight indicated the fire is hottest along its eastern perimeter. On the southwest side of the complex bordering the Salmon River, the Lost Packer Fire and Mustang Fire have connected at one point. Similarly, last night's IR flight indicated that the Lost Packer Fire and Cabin Springs Fire have burned together. Along the Salmon River Road east of Corn Creek, rocks and other fire debris have been rolling down onto the roadway through the night. The road remains open; however, travelers should be aware of debris on the road and drive with caution. A road grader is being assigned to this three-mile section of the road to clear debris that continues to accumulate on the road.
Evacuations: Evacuations continue for areas within the North Fork Fire District in Idaho. The current evacuation orders and map for the Mustang Complex can be found on Inciweb (http://inciweb.org/). The Idaho National Guard is providing 24/7 check point security in evacuated communities.
Contingency Work: The contingency work along the Highway 93 corridor is nearing completion. The three contingency groups are continuing work to improve and test the mitigation actions already implemented. Such actions may include the testing of pumps, hose lay and sprinkler operations to ensure the system has no leaks and that sprinkler heads are properly oriented in relation to the structures on the property. Contingency work is also nearing completion in Montana's Hughes Creek community and 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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