Sheep Fire Evening Update - September 8 - 9:00 PM
Incident: Sheep Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/8/2012
Start date: September 6, 2012 Contact: Mariah Leuschen, Asano Otsu
Phone: (208) 839-2113
Cause: Human caused - under investigation
Location: 7 miles north of Riggins near Lucille, ID
Current Size: Approximately 1000 + acres Containment: 0%
Community Meeting: A public meeting is scheduled at the White Bird IOOF Hall (149 River Street, White Bird, ID) at 3:00 p.m. Sunday September 9.
Resources Assigned: The Eastern Montana Type 2 Incident Management Team, directed by Incident Commander Stan Benes, assumed command of the Sheep Fire on Saturday, September 8 at 6:00 a.m. Four engines, four helicopters, five crews, and miscellaneous overhead are assigned to the fire. Additional resources are being ordered. The Incident Command Post and has been established at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Fire remains most active in southeast flank of Sheep Gulch. Today high temperatures and low humidities generated active fire behavior. Moving ground fire with group torching was observed throughout the afternoon. Hotshot crews built handline on the southern flank tying into existing roads. The west side along Highway 95 has mostly burned out in the grass and was patrolled today. Air support including multiple heavy air tankers and single engine aircraft dropped retardant along with helicopters dropping water on hot spots.
Planned Actions: A spike camp will be established at Chair Point Lookout on September 9. Crews will continue to construct direct and indirect firelines and burnout where necessary. A contingency line is being developed on the north side of the fire and engines will continue to patrol along the western flank of fire running next to Highway 95.
Weather: A weak cold front will develop over the fire vicinity Saturday night with increasing clouds in the morning. Poor relative humidity recovery is expected on the fireline overnight. Temperatures tomorrow will be 85 - 90 degrees with humidities between 10 - 15%. Winds will be south in the a.m. switching to west and northwest into the afternoon with gusts to 10 mph. Slight thunderstorm activity is possible.
Remarks: Motorists are urged to use caution and drive slowly along Highway 95 near Lucille, ID continuing north to the Incident Command Post (ICP) near the Slate Creek Ranger Station. Heavy fire and aircraft traffic will be working along the river corridor near Lucille. River recreationists are asked to avoid using the Lucille boat pull-outs after 4:00 p.m. to reduce congestion and interference with fire suppression operations.
Cooperating Agencies: Bureau of Land Management Cottonwood Field Office, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands Payette Lakes Area, Idaho County Sheriff, USFS Salmon River Ranger District.
This fire is listed at www.inciweb.org
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