Sheep Fire Daily Update - September 9, 7 AM
Incident: Sheep Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/9/2012
Start Date: September 6, 2012 Issue date: September 9, 2012
NEW Fire Information Phone Number: 1-877-599-7716
Cause: Human, under investigation
Location: 7 miles north of Riggins, near Lucile, ID
Current Size: Approximately 1,614 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. Ten engines, 4 helicopters, 5 crews, 2 water tenders and miscellaneous overhead are assigned to the fire. (Approximately 150 personnel) Additional resources are being ordered. The Incident Command Post has been established at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Fire remains most active in on the eastern flank of Sheep Gulch. Fire personnel expect active fire behavior today due to poor humidity recovery, high temperatures and wind shifts. On Saturday, group tree tourching was observed throughout the afternoon as the fire moved up the ridge between Sheep Gulch and Crawford Creek. The west flank of the fire, along Highway 95 has mostly burned out in the grass and will be patrolled today. Air support including multiple heavy air tankers and single engine aircraft dropped retardant, along with helicopters dropping water on hot spots throughout Saturday.
Planned Actions: Hotshot crews continue to construct direct handline where possible and indirect handline where necessary for potential small burnout operations on the ridgeline above Crawford Creek moving east. Crews along Sheep Gulch continue to determine the most direct approach for handline in the eastern portion of the fire. On Saturday, a spike camp was established at Chair Point Lookout to aid travel time to the southeast of the fire. An additional contingency line is being developed on the north side of the fire.
Weather: A weak cold front will be over the fire vicinity throughout Sunday with increasing clouds throughout the day. Poor relative humidity recovery was experienced overnight on the fireline. Temperatures 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 Lucile, 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 Lucile. River recreationists are asked to avoid using the Lucile 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.
The fire is listed on Inciweb: www.inciweb.org
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