KAMIAH, ID—On Wednesday, a large storm system moved through north-central Idaho, starting many new fires. Since the passage of this storm, firefighters from all local agencies and additional contracting resources have been extremely busy responding to new starts all over the region.
From the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests:
Currently, there are 12 confirmed starts on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest across the Salmon River, Red River, Moose Creek, and Lochsa-Powell Ranger Districts. All of these new fires were caused by the recent lightning. Fire management officials are diligently working on prioritizing resources to high priority fires that have potential risk to communities and critical values. At this time, most of the new fires on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are being kept small not threatening immediate critical values. Firefighters are still in the process of actively locating some reported fires as visibility has been severely impacted by the smoke from recent large fire activity in Oregon. Smoke may be visible from multiple fires in the area, such as the Gwen and River Fires on Idaho Department of Lands and Nez Perce Tribe management grounds.
Air quality is currently ranging from the “Moderate” to the “Unhealthy” categories of the Air Quality Index (AQI). To track regional air quality, visit the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or the Idaho Smoke Blog. Follow AQI health recommendations and review AQI Basics.
Please visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ for the latest information on all wildfire incidents in your area.
Today’s temperatures are slightly lower than the previous week’s low- to mid-100s, and has potential to decrease throughout this weekend to the low-90s. Fire Prevention Specialist, Jim Wimer comments on how decreasing temperatures does not correlate to decreased fire risk: “The slightly cooler temperatures are definitely welcome, but the actual fire danger has not decreased with that temperature. Lots of precipitation is really what it takes at this point to level off the existing fire danger.” Wimer also add that “Even though there was some good rain that accompanied these storms, it was not nearly enough to bring much relief since we have been dry for well over 30 days in most areas now”.
At this time, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place for all tribal, state, private, and federally managed lands across the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area.
The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on their own land, and only within an owner-provided fire structure.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/ for a detailed map and current information regarding fire restrictions, or contact your local land management office.
More information will be released as it becomes available. For questions, please call the Nez Perce-Clearwater Fire Information Line, 208-935-6134. For details on large fires across the region, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
