Single Publication

Middle Fork Complex Update
Monday, September 2, 2024

Fire Size: 56,806
Completion: 14%
Total Resources: 934

Community Meeting
A community meeting is scheduled for today Monday, September 2nd, at 6 p.m. at the White Barn Building, near 85 Severance Road, Garden Valley, Idaho. The Incident Commander, key team members, and Boise National Forest representatives will provide updates on the fire and answer any questions. 

Weather and Fire Behavior
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today. The inversion that had a modifying effect on the fire the past few days has lifted and will be replaced by high winds accompanied by thunderstorms. These storms may produce strong outflow winds, small hail, and lightning. Fire behavior analysts are expecting very active fire behavior today, with spotting and torching likely as winds increase. 

Operations
Crews continue to focus their efforts on structure protection in the Silver Creek and Boiling Springs areas near the Bulldog Fire. Moderate fire behavior allowed them to continue building an indirect containment line towards the Rattlesnake trail system. There was some growth on the eastern side of the fire in the Lightning Creek drainage while the west side of the fire remains secure and under observation. 

Successful operations on the southwestern side of the Nellie Fire and near Deadwood Reservoir may prove beneficial in advance of the problematic weather. Firefighters working day and night shifts have observed no additional fire activity or growth along the Highway 17 corridor. At Deadwood Reservoir, crews established a direct fire line east of the lake, connecting it to the Bearskin and Pioneer fire scars. They are making good progress building direct line on the western side of the lake and on the peninsulas, as well. 

Fire is moving into the Pioneer and Bearskin fire scars on the eastern and southern sides of the Deadwood Reservoir. Crews have focused on constructing lines into previous fire scars. Fire spread and growth slow down when it enters a previously burned area, which gives firefighters more options for management and control. Incoming Red Flag weather will put the last few days of preparation to the test.  

When the inversion lifted late yesterday, air operations resumed. Helicopters bolstered efforts on the southwestern side of the Deadwood Reservoir yesterday afternoon. One Type 1 and two Type 2 helicopters supported crews with water drops.  

Closures
The Boise National Forest has issued Order Number 0402-06-60, effective August 23, 2024. Highway 21 is closed from the Sourdough Lodge in Lowman to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough Lodge and Warm Springs Airstrip. For additional information, visit https://511.idaho.gov/

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)
A TFR is in effect over the fire area. It is illegal for the public to fly drones over or near wildfires due to the risk of accidents and interference with firefighting efforts.