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Summary: The Wapiti and Bulltrout fires resulted from a lightning storm on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.On July 31st an incident management team was delegated the West Mountain Complex which includes the Boulder, Wapiti and Bulltrout Fires on the Boise National Forest and the Wolf Creek Fire on the Payette National Forest. All fires are using a full suppression strategy to manage these lightning-caused fires. Due to the tireless work of crews and the arrival of some moisture the Bulltrout fire has reached 15% containment. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority for fire managers. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior:  Beginning yesterday, weather is trending warmer and drier across all fire locations. Relative humidity will be in the 20% range and temperatures will be in the 80-90° range on the fires. Record high temperatures are expected across Eastern and Central Idaho on Friday. Both fires experienced minimal growth yesterday with the arrivals of moisture to the area. There is still isolated torching in the heavy timber, especially the subalpine fir.  

Actions: Firefighting crews are in the area and providing support to both fires. Aerial resources are assisting through water drops, and logistical missions aiding suppression and burnout operations. 

Wapiti Fire: Tomorrow crews will begin structure assessment around the Sawtooth Lodge and create a plan for structure protection. This includes setting up hose lays and pumps to route water to the location. The fire has been receiving consistent suppression support from aerial resources which has been an important component since the terrain is quite steep and access is challenging. 

Bulltrout Fire: On the northwest corner of the fire, crews are removing snag trees and expect to have a handline completed by end of the day. Hose lays in areas of the fire have allowed crews to go direct with their efforts and get water on the fire. Air operations are not utilizing retardant due to proximity to waterways due to the presence of threatened and endangered fish species. 

Important Information: For the Bulltrout Fire, the Boise and Salmon‐Challis National Forests have issued a closure order effective immediately for roads, trails and lands encompassing the Bulltrout Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. This closure includes National Forest System (NFS) Roads #579, #582 and several others. There are no disruptions in access to the Boundary Creek Boat Launch.  NFS Road #579 is open in its entirety from Highway 21 to NFS Road #568 to the Boundary Creek Boat Launch. Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. Additional information about these closures can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7 

For the Wapiti Fire, the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests have issued a closure order effective immediately for roads, trails and lands encompassing the Wapiti Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. The closure affects interior travel on several National Forest System roads such as NFS Grandjean Road #524 and the Warm Springs Air Strip. Additional information about these closures can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7  

The evacuation of the Grandjean area and the Sawtooth Lodge remains in place and incident management team is in close coordination with the Boise County Sheriff’s Office. 

Both fires are adjacent to Highway 21 which is a popular travel route in Central Idaho. With the influx of vehicles in the area from fire and support personnel, please use extreme caution when traveling along Highway 21 and give the firefighters space to work.