Sheep Fire Daily Update - September 12, 8:00 AM
Incident: Sheep Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/12/2012
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 21,670 acres Containment: 15%
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 6:00 p.m. Wednesday September 12.
Resources Assigned: The Northern Rockies Type 1 IMT, lead by Doug Turman, assumed command of the fire today at 6:00 p.m. 50 engines, 5 helicopters, 6 crews, 5 dozers, and 10 water tenders are assigned to the fire (approximately 501 personnel). Additional resources are being ordered as needed. The Incident Command Post has been established at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Firefighters continued to construct hand and dozer lines to secure the perimeters. The fire's southwest boundary along Highway 95 is in patrol status and contains the majority of the 15 % containment area. Protecting structures within the John Day and Slate Creek drainages is a priority. Lines were constructed and secured to the Nut Basin Road (Road 441) from the John Day drainage. One hand crew, engines and helicopters fought a small spot fire about 6 miles north of the northeastern perimeter. Operations continue to contain and isolate this 5 to 8 acre spot fire. Night operations focused on patrol and mop up, and provided point to point structure protection.
Planned Actions: Fire crews will continue to patrol, mop up and construct lines to secure the fire's perimeter. Structure protection remains as a priority. Key cultural resources, especially along the southern portion will be protected. Firefighters will be felling snags and mitigating other objects compromising safety as soon as possible. The burn out operations east of Fiddle Creek will be secured onto Rd 263 (north of Fiddle Creek.)
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 high pressure system is slowly building, keeping the conditions stable for the next few days. Weather is on the warming trend and is expected to be back to much warmer conditions by Friday. Temperature along the valley is expected to rise to around 80 degrees while the higher elevation fireground will remain at about mid 70's. Relative humidity recovery will be poor due to the dry conditions.
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
###
