Fire Update Craig Mountain Complex

Saturday, July 22, 2017, 9:00a.m. For Immediate Release (208) 502-1166 Facts at a Glance Size: Corral Creek: 1,826 Acres Date Started: 07/15/2017 Percent Containment: Corral Creek: 85% Powerline: 38,698 Acres Powerline: 10% Personnel: 611 which includes 5 Type 1 (Hot Shot Equipment: 14 engines, 12 dozers/water Cause: Lightning crews), 14 Type 2 hand crews, and various support tenders, and 2 Skidgens personnel. Aircraft Assigned: 3 Type 1 helicopters and 2 Type 2 Cooperating Agencies: Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, and 2 Type 3 helicopters. Additional aircraft available Idaho Fish and Game, US Forest Service, Nez Perce Tribe, Lewis County Sheriff’s from Grangeville, Coeur d’ Alene, and Missoula Office, Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Nature Conservancy

The Craig Mountain Complex includes the Corral Creek fire and the Powerline fire. The Corral Creek and Powerline fires have now merged due to successful burnout operations and to secure the fire perimeter. Both fires are burning in grass and brush in steep, rough terrain. The Corral fire is located between Corral Creek and China Garden Creek drainages, with the Snake River on the southern perimeter. The Powerline fire is located between Wapshilla Creek and Deer Creek, south and southwest of Winchester, Idaho. Mike Almas’ Northern Rockies Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing the incident.

Firefighter, aviation, and public safety continues to be the number one priority. Recreationists accessing the Salmon and Snake rivers will see active fire above and near beaches. Hazards that could be encountered are rocks and rolling debris and helicopters dipping from the river drainages. Although no closures exist along either waterway, fire managers encourage recreationists to access locations outside of the active fire area and continue down or upstream away from helicopter dip sites.

Using a combination of hand and aerial firing operations, yesterday firefighters safely conducted burnout operations to the east and south of the Corral Creek fire perimeter and east of the Deer Creek drainage. This strengthened and secured the fire perimeter. Burnout operations will be completed today west of Wapshilla Ridge. Yesterday’s cooler temperatures, northerly winds, and increased humidity created favorable conditions for firefighters to successfully implement burnout operations along Wapshilla Ridge and southeast of the Corral Creek fire.

High pressure will build over the fire area today. Temperatures are expected to increase, with little to no wind for today and tomorrow. Rain is anticipated Monday into Tuesday bringing needed moisture to help fire suppression efforts.

There is a potential threat to 12 residences and cabins near an Idaho Department of Fish and Game work station but no structures have been lost nor were there any evacuations of local residents. Structure protection crews have mitigated potential problems to secure these dwellings.

Road Closures & Special Announcements: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cottonwood Field Office has issued a temporary emergency closure order for the Eagle Creek Road, from the intersection of Zaza Road to the Salmon River due to fire suppression activities and to ensure public health and safety. Recreationists floating the Salmon River will not be able to exit at Eagle Creek. The next take out location is at Heller Bar.

Lewis County Sheriff’s Office will be closing public access to the affected fire area at the intersection of Hoover Point and Soldier Meadows roads. Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office will be closing public access to the fire area at the intersection of Deer Creek and Zaza roads.

Residents and landowners will be identified and allowed access from both closures.

Idaho Fish and Game has also closed the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area 30 miles south of Lewiston. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. Members of the public who fly drones over or near wildfires threaten the safety of firefighters and the effectiveness of wildfire management operations. If you fly, we can’t.

For more information: Information for the Craig Mountain Complex can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5376/, by phone at (208) 502-1166, or on Facebook at Craig Mountain Complex fire. Questions can also be emailed to [email protected]. The current Fire Danger level is Very High. There are no fire restrictions at this time, but recreationists are reminded to use caution with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark. Never leave campfires unattended. Pour water and add dirt to your campfire until your campfire is cold. Remember: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

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