Clearwater Complex Fires - 9 a.m.
Release Date: Aug 26, 2015
Facts at a Glance
Size: 47,260 total acres
Date Started: 08/10/2015
Percent Containment: 60%
Personnel Assigned: 628
Equipment: 40 engines, 1 dozer, 22 water tenders
Cause: Lightning
Aircraft Assigned: 6 helicopters
Cooperating Agencies: Idaho Department of Lands; U.S. Forest Service; Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association; Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho Counties; Nez Perce Tribe; City of Kamiah; Idaho Transportation Department; Idaho State Patrol; Lewis County Sheriff’s Office; Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office; Idaho County Sheriff’s Office; and nine rural fire departments.
Weather: Winds will remain calm, 4 – 7 mph in valleys and 6 – 15 mph along the ridgetops. The smoke is expected to stay in the area. The temperatures will be in the mid-80s and low 90s, with relative humidity between 14 and 22 percent. After 2pm, the warm and dry conditions will favor dry lightning thunderstorms.
Yesterday’s Actions: On the Clearwater Complex, firefighters had a productive day and continued securing control lines around the perimeter of the fire. They worked on hot spots on Tupper Road, south to Incendiary Creek and secured control lines near Beaver Slide Road and the Kidder Ridge Road. On the Jay Point Fire near Powell, Idaho, the smoke lifted and caused active burning on the eastern flank. The fire nearly doubled in size and is estimated to be 3000 acres.
Today’s Plans: For the Clearwater Complex, firefighters will continue to hold and secure the firelines. They will work to mop up within 100’ of all control lines. Crews are also prepared to switch from mop up to initial attack if fire activity increases. If the smoke lifts, air operations are prepared to conduct bucket drops on hot spots. On the Jay Point Fire, crews will conduct firing operations along the ridge and continue protecting structures in Powell.
Smoke Concerns: Air quality continues to be unhealthy. For more information on mitigating smoke related health hazards, visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/.
Evacuations: A Level 2 evacuation remains in effect for Lolo Creek Road - Hidden Valley Lane. Three Mile Road and Four Mile Road are still at Level 1. The areas east and north of the Clearwater River in Idaho County remain at level 1.
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