Sheep Fire Daily Update - September 11, 7:00 AM
Incident: Sheep Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/11/2012
Start Date: September 6, 2012 Issue date: September 11, 2012
Cause: Human, under investigation Location: 7 miles north of Riggins, near Lucile, ID
Current Size: Approximately 20,770 acres Containment: 10%
Sheep Fire Information Phone Number: 1-877-599-7716 and 1-877-608-4027
Community Meeting: A community information meeting is scheduled at the White Bird IOOF Hall (149 River Street, White Bird, ID) at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday September 11.
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 today at 6:00 p.m. 26 engines, 5 helicopters, 6 crews, 3 dozers, and 11 water tenders are assigned to the fire (approximately 376 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered. The Incident Command Post has been established at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Night shift, consisting of crews and engines completed additional work last night in John Day and Slate Creek drainages. The northwestern perimeter continues to back 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.
Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to construct lines and secure the perimeters. The southwestern edge of the fire along Highway 95 will be in patrol status. Structure protection continues in Slate Creek and John Day Creek drainages. Fire officials are scouting the northeastern corner for opportunities to hold the fire in this area. The southeastern corner remains unstaffed; fire supervisors will take a reconnaissance flight if smoke conditions allow. Firefighters will work to contain a couple hot spots along the southern edge, tying firelines into the existing road system. Engines will respond to the spot fire located in the Pete Redding drainage, to the north of the main fire's edge.
Evacuations: The John Day Creek drainage and Old Adams road are 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: A cold front is moving through this afternoon, keeping the temperature cooler at 75 80 degrees. The Salmon River valley floor will hold the smoke due to an inversion until this afternoon. Winds will be lighter from the northwest.
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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