Single Publication

Limepoint and Cliff Mountain Fires

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Contact Fire Information: 208-992-3032

or 2024.limepoint@firenet.gov

Limepoint: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-limepoint-fire 

Cliff Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-cliff-mountain https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest/

Cool and dry weather continues today after yesterday’s thunderstorms. Both fires did receive some rainfall, but it was not a wetting rain. Firefighters will continue to check the fireline for hazards that appeared after yesterday’s erratic wind. On the north side of the fire near Lockwood Saddle embers blew from the main fire and started several small fires adjacent to Sheep Rock Road which was being utilized as fireline. Firefighters were able to secure the small fires with support from helicopter water drops and by constructing handline around the fires. Crews will continue working the area and cooling any hotspots.   

Containment has increased near Oxbow in the south, Hells Canyon Road to the west, and on the eastern side near Wildhorse Canyon, resulting in fire managers feeling confident that the fireline is secure in these areas. 

Calmer weather enabled firefighters to safely return to the firefighter camp to the north near Horse Mountain. On Monday, the firefighters were temporarily moved from their camp to a second camp in Bear ahead of erratic wind and lightning. Being back in the Horse Mountain camp allows crews to be closer to their work in the most active part of the fire.  

Incident Commander Steve Shaw said, “Coordination between the incident management team, the Payette National Forest, and community has worked well.” Shaw acknowledged, “There is still plenty of work to be done on this fire, but we have good momentum.” 

The Cliff Mountain Fire started by lightning on July 25th in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area just east of Hells Canyon Dam. It is 1,108 acres with 20 percent containment, burning mostly in wilderness. No smoke was observed yesterday, and no personnel are assigned. Aviation continues to actively assess the fire. 

Evacuations: Cuprum is at a Level 2 (SET) evacuation level, per the Adams County Sheriff. Bear and Wildhorse are in a Level 1 (READY) evacuation. For your safety and the safety of firefighters, please stay away from the fire area. Only residents and property owners are allowed in the area until further notice. 

Closures: The Payette National Forest issued a Forest Closure to protect public safety and includes, but is not limited to, the following recreation areas: Big Bar, Black Lake, Sheep Rock, Kinney Point and Horse Mountain Lookout. Huckleberry Campground is inaccessible due to county road restrictions. For more information, about the closure visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-limepoint-fire. County roads within the Forest Closure area are accessible to firefighters and local residents only. Forest Road 454, which runs along the Snake River is open, but please drive with caution due to rolling debris. 

Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Payette National Forest and all state, private and BLM lands in the fire area. Under these restrictions, campfires are allowed only in recreation sites within metal fire pits. Fires of any kind are not allowed in any dispersed camping areas.