Sheep Fire Evening Update September 10, 8:00p.m.
Incident: Sheep Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/10/2012
Start Date: September 6, 2012 Issue date: September 10, 2012
Cause: Human, under investigation Location: 7 miles north of Riggins, near Lucile, ID
Current Size: Approximately 18,000 acres Containment: 10%
Sheep Fire Information Phone Number: 1-877-599-7716 and 1-877-608-4027
Resources Assigned: The Eastern Montana Type 2 Incident Management Team, directed by Incident Commander Stan Benes, is managing the Sheep Fire. A new Northern Rockies Type 1 IMT, lead by Doug Turman and Wally Bennett, will assume command of the fire on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. 26 engines, 5 helicopters, 6 crews, 3 dozers, and 11 water tenders are assigned to the fire (approximately 276 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered. The Incident Command Post has been established at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Work was concentrated along the southwest and western side of the fire today. Crews built lines preparing for potential burnout operations. The northeast and eastern portions were unstaffed. Air observation reported there was moderate growth toward the Slate Creek lookout. The south end of the fire is fairly secure, with crews utilizing the road system to contain the fire.
Night shift, consisting of crews and engines will be working along both John Day and Slate Creek Roads, continuing structure protection.
Planned Actions: Crews and engines will actively patrol the fireline tomorrow and continue to build hand and dozer lines along the northwestern perimeter, where the fire is backing down towards Highway 95. The northeast corner of the fire remains active in heavy fuels. Fire operations reported heavy smoke along the eastern edge. Visibility in this area was limited. Firefighters are working to catch a couple of hot spots along the southern edge, tying firelines into the existing road system. Night shift operations will continue tomorrow night.
Evacuations: The John Day Creek drainage and Old Adams road is under evacuation. 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 burned 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. Rocky Bluff campground to Salmon River road.
The BLM has issued a closure to all boating for the Salmon River from the Lucile boat ramp downriver to Twin Bridges for public health and safety until further notice.
Fire officials are working with logging personnel to protect their equipment. An operation is also underway to help ranchers locate and remove livestock in the area.
Weather: Red Flag Warning for strong southwest winds with gusts to 30 mph is still in effect until 11:00 p.m. tonight.
Remarks: Motorists are urged to use caution, resist stopping at pull-outs and drive slowly along Highway 95 from Lucile, ID 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 and several local volunteer Fire Departments
The fire is listed on Inciweb: www.inciweb.org
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