Idaho Department of Lands Fire Update

Monday July 12, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2021, 4:00 pm (MT)

Idaho Department of Lands Fire Update 7-12-21

(Boise) – Lightning storms with multiple strikes have resulted in fires in north and north central Idaho. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Timber Protection Association firefighters are fighting numerous fires. This is an update on fires being handled by IDL and CPTPA.

Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA) had two new Initial Attack fires yesterday evening.  One was under the temporary flight restriction put in place by Northern Rockies Team 6 Type 2 IMT. They facilitated initial attack for the fire and CPTPA resources assisted.

Canada Hill Fire

This 18-acre fire started in the City of Orofino and burned into the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). At one point the fire threatened 75 structures, but they are no longer threatened. The fire was stopped, and control lines were constructed last night with the help of 23 aircraft, 7 engines, 2- Type 2 hand crews, and 1 private dozer. Today, 2 hand crews and 2 engines are on scene mopping up.

Johnson Creek Fire- Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA)

A reconnaissance flight has determined this fire is currently 240 acres. The Johnson Creek fire is located northeast of Elk River. A Type 3 Incident Commander and engine module is working the fire. Preparations for protecting the communication site has been completed. And crews are improving access to the fire.

Armstrong Fire- Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA)

The Armstrong Fire is near Butte, west of Headquarters and the town of Pierce.  It is currently burning at 60 acres. Fire crews have been able to put a fireline around much of the fire despite the steep terrain and lack of resources.  There is currently a dozer and a 5-person crew on site.

 Too Kush 2 – IDL Maggie Creek Forest Protective District

This fire is located about 2 miles east of Kooskia grew to 1,150 acres, but growth is due to burnout acres within our containment lines.  Today fire will increase to approximately 1300 acres when the burnout on the east flank is completed.  The plan is to keep the fire to 1300 acres and mop-up the perimeter for 100 feet. Fire crews are mopping up along the top and down the west flank to secure the fire edge.  The fire is being managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander with 58 people working on the fire including:  2-Type 1 helicopters, 2 dozers, 6-Type 6 engines, 2 -Type 4 engine and a water tender.  Eastern Gold Type 2 IMT will take the fire over Tuesday morning.

Big Horse Fire – IDL Maggie Creek Forest Protective District

The Big Horse Fire has been held at about 40 acres and crews continue to mop-up and hold the fire edge.  Fire is now being managed by a Type 4 Incident Commander.  Eastern Gold Type 2 IMT will also manage this fire. It is burning at the top end of Big Horse Canyon near Kooskia, on very steep terrain in timber on the edge of agricultural land. There are currently 43 personnel working on the fire which includes hand crews.

Fire resources are spread thin, and with the threat of additional lightning storms throughout the week across the state, drought conditions, and High to Extremely High Fire conditions throughout the state, many regions are considering fire restrictions. Recreation has risks during extreme fire conditions. We ask that the public avoid any outdoor activity that could spark a human-caused fire.

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#IDLfireinfo

 

Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

CONTACT: 

Sharla Arledge

208-334-0233, fireinformation@idl.idaho.gov

 

About IDL Fire: Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management (IDL Fire) in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, are responsible for fire suppression and prevention on more than 6 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL Fire focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL Fire protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland. The map below shows the different Forest Protection Districts in Idaho.