Sheep Fire Update - September 9 - 2 PM
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 26,000 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: Plume dominated fire activity have been observed throughout the day. Since 8:30 a.m. this morning significant signs of the fire runs as well as plume dominated fire activity have been observed. The northeastern flank of the fire perimeter have reached the John Day Mountain area, evacuation of the John Day and Slate Creek drainage have been ordered since 8:30 a.m. Residents in Florance Basin area are being notified of the evacuation. Point to point structure protection remains as the first priority for this area.
Closures: Current road closures are as follows: Starting at the Forest Service boundary for all roads: Road 2025- Delmedge Ridge to Four Corners/Free Use Point. Road 221-closed from Free Use Junction south to Salmon River Road. Road 354 - closed. Road 441 starting at Mile Post 5, just above the last residence is closed. Road 309 - closed from Buck Meadows to Road 221.
Planned Action: A Type I team is ordered for the fire and will be in-briefing, Monday September 9.
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.
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