Sheep Fire Evening Update September 9, 6:00p.m.
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 and 1-877-608-4027
Cause: Human, under investigation
Location: 7 miles north of Riggins, near Lucile, ID
Current Size: Approximately 13,974 acres Containment: 0%
Community Meeting: A public meeting is scheduled at the White Bird IOOF Hall (149 River Street, White Bird, ID) at 7:00 p.m. Monday September 10.
Resources Assigned: Five Handcrews, 9 engines, 9 helicopters, 1 dozer, 8 water tenders, (Approximately 236 personnel). Additional resources are incoming and have been ordered. The Incident Command Post is located at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Fire is actively burning with intermittent crown fire. Significant growth was observed last night and today. Since 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning fire runs as well as a plume dominated fire was observed throughout the day. The northeastern flank of the fire perimeter has reached the John Day Mountain area and is approximately 1/2 mile west of Slate Point Lookout.
Evacuations: The John Day Creek drainage is under evacuation and the Slate Creek drainage and Florence Basin has been given preliminary notifications. Point to point structure protection remains the first priority for this area. One commercial mining building has been lost by the fire.
Closures: Current road closures are as follows on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest: Starting at the Forest Service boundary for all roads: Road 2025- Delmedge Ridge to road 243 and further to 221. From Four Corners Road 221- 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. Night operations will be on shift Sunday night with point to point structure protection above Hwy 95 east, as well as along the John Day Creek and Slate Creek drainages.
Weather: Poor humidity recovery is expected over the fire Sunday night and a Red Flag warning is issued tomorrow starting at 11:00 a.m. until midnight. High winds of 20 - 30 mph are expected tomorrow with a westerly cold frontal passage. Fire growth potential is high. Tempurtures are expected at 75-80, relative humidity at 15-20%.
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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