Salmon‐Challis National Forest Fact Sheet Media Contact: Amy Baumer (Public Affairs Officer); 208‐756‐7853 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/ : @salmonchallisnf Facebook: @salmonchallisnf

BOUNDARY FIRE UPDATE AUGUST 31, 2021 The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7795/ Date of Detection: August 10, 2021 Current Size: 4,731 acres Completion: 70% Location: 2 miles west of Boundary Creek Boat Launch; Middle Fork Ranger District; Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Cause: Lightning/Natural Fuels: subalpine fir, spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine. Resources on Fire: 35

Type II Type I Engines Crew Helicopter 1 1 2

Fire activity was moderated yesterday in comparison to Sunday. On the southern portion of the fire, fire is backing down the Boundary Creek drainage. Fire is now established in the Morehead Creek drainage burning to the north. The fire in Morehead Creek has burned into the 2018 Prospect Fire and fire spread is minimal. The point protection strategy firefighters are using continues to be a success as impacts to the values at risk in the fire’s vicinity remains minimal.

Today, firefighters will continue to evaluate the fire’s progression and monitor growth towards Morgan and Sulphur Ranches. Crews will work to secure the fire’s edge on the saddle near Boundary Creek Boat launch to minimize impacts to the infrastructure in that area. Firefighters will continue with a point protection strategy to protect values at risk. Values at risk are defined as property, structures, physical improvements, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure, and economic, environmental, and social values such as the Middle Fork River corridor. Crews are on site at Sulphur Creek Ranch, Morgan Ranch, and Boundary Guard Station. Smoke is drifting into the area from fires in and Oregon. Smoke from the Boundary Fire will remain visible from the community of Stanley and the surrounding area if the drift smoke from other fires to the west disperses.

WEATHER: ...GUSTY WINDS WITH LOW HUMIDITY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING...Winds increase this afternoon and evening with low humidity persisting. Gusts over 30 mph are expected from early afternoon through sunset. Low humidity will remain in place through most of this week, including poor overnight recovery within thermal belts. At the moment, any push of monsoon moisture should remain south and east of the central mountains.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Boundary Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04‐13‐21‐015. “The Salmon‐Challis National Forest is coordinating with stakeholders and taking into full consideration the impacts to hunting season and Middle Fork of the Salmon River trips,” said Heath Perrine, Challis‐Yankee Fork/Middle Fork District Ranger, “Public and firefighter safety is the number one priority for the Boundary Fire.” For a description of the closure area and map please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7795/65277/. Salmon‐Challis National Forest river staff are communicating with boaters with upcoming launch dates to inform trip leaders of the situation.

The 2021 fire season started with high temperatures and low fuel moistures. More recently, temperatures have been cooler, and areas of the Forest have received some precipitation. Even with the recent weather, fuel moistures remain low. The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the HIGH fire danger for the Salmon‐Challis National Forest. Stage 1 fire restrictions were rescinded but caution is still advised. Ensure your campfire is dead out. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.

Nationally, there are 64 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 50 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression. Information on wildfire smoke can be found at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/ and https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Forecast and select Idaho Falls Region, Salmon is located in the dropdown menu.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.

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