Sheep Fire Daily Update - September 15, 8:00 AM
Incident: Sheep Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/15/2012
Start Date: September 6, 2012 Issue date: September 15, 2012
Cause: Human, under investigation Location: 7 miles north of Riggins, near Lucile, ID
Current Size: Approximately 24,761 acres Containment: 24%
Sheep Fire Information Phone Number: 1-877-599-7716 and 1-877-608-4027
Community Meeting: Next Community Meeting is on Sunday, September 16, at White Bird IOOF Hall.
Resources Assigned: The Northern Rockies Type 1 Incident Management Team lead by Doug Turman is managing the incident. Assigned resources include: 35 engines, 7 helicopters, 15 crews, 5 dozers, and 9 water tenders (approximately 648 personnel). The Incident Command Post is located at the White Bird Rodeo Grounds.
Current Status: Firefighters made great progress yesterday. On the northwestern edge of the fire, dozer lines were completed to connect with Slate Creek Road, and crews successfully completed about a half mile burn out west of Jewitt Gulch to level out the fire line. Structure protection is in place for Slate Creek Drainage. On the eastern perimeter access was limited due to poor visibility, steep terrain and other hazards, and the perimeter expanded towards Deadhorse Creek. The southwestern boundaries were patrolled and mopped up; crews recorded GPS readings to plan future actions. Active fire behavior was observed along the southern border. Most of the perimeter line around the spot fire in the Pete Ready Creek area was successfully completed. Fire was active overnight near Slate Creek, firefighters kept it within planned containment lines.
Planned Actions: Continue to gain containment and slow down fire advancement. Scouting access locations and reconnaissance of the eastern perimeter is of precedence. Red flag warning is issued for today due to low relative humidity and high winds especially at ridge tops. Firefighter and public safety remains the priority.
Closures: Current road closures are as follows on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest: The restricted area begins at the Forest Boundary at Forest Road 2025, east to Forest Road 243, and east along Forest Road 243 to the junction of Forest Road 221 at Four Corners. From the junction of Forest Road 221 and 243 south to Rocky Bluff Campground. From Rocky Bluff Campground south along the Wilderness Boundary to the Salmon River (T24N, R4E, NE ¼ Section 3). From Carey Creek west along the Salmon River and Forest Road 1614 to the Forest Boundary near Island Bar (T24N, R2E NW ¼ Section 18), and north along the Forest Boundary to Forest Road 243.
The BLM has issued a closure to all boating on the Salmon River from the Lucile boat ramp downriver to Twin Bridges for public health and safety.
Weather: Partly cloudy and slightly cooler temperature is expected for today. Relative humidity continues to be low, contributing to extreme fire behavior weather. Northwest winds may pick up in the afternoon.
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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