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Idaho wildfires diminish in number, but not acreage

Fire activity report from the
National Interagency Fire Center,
as of Friday, Aug. 31

National preparedness level: 5 (maximum)
Active fires: 32
Acres: 1,548,376
New fires: 3
WFU (Wildland Fire Use) fire: 4
WFU acres: 92,159

Update: Aug. 31, 2007

Fire discussion: Fire activity remains moderate throughout the West with only three new large fires reported. An Area Command Team continues to assist with the Idaho fires on the Boise and Payette National Forests where the large fires and complexes burn actively. Firefighters are predicted to get some help from some favorable cooler conditions next week.

Weather discussion: Scattered thunderstorms are predicted over Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana today. Gusty winds are also predicted from the northern Sierras to Idaho and Montana. Hot weather will continue throughout all of the western states. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are predicted over some to the southeastern states.

Source: National Interagency Fire Center

The Idaho Transportation Department provides information about road closures on-line at 511.idaho.gov or dialing 5-1-1.

Visit the Boise National Forest website for fire restriction information.

Visit the Payette National Forest website for fire restriction information.

NEW Greys Creek (Payette National Forest): 2,200 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is burning 13 miles south of Council. Rapid fire spread was reported with torching and spot fires. Structures are threatened and evacuations are in order.

Castle Rock (Sawtooth National Forest): 46,231 acres at 66 percent contained. This fire is three miles west of Ketchum. Moderate fire activity was reported. Evacuations remain in effect.

Information: Call (208) 726-7811.

Bridge (Clearwater National Forest): 39,500 acres at zero percent contained. This fire is 45 miles southwest of Missoula. Fire behavior included crowning and spotting.

Information: Call (208) 942-3113 or visit the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch web site.

Cascade Complex (Boise National Forest):242,709 acres at 26 percent contained. This complex of two fires is 16 miles northeast of Cascade. Communities, cultural sites, and historical cabins remain threatened.

Information: Call (208) 632-2810. For information on road closures, contact the Valley County Sheriff at 208-382-7150

East Zone Complex (Payette National Forest): 217,263 acres at 10 percent contained. This complex is made up of three fires, 25 miles northeast of McCall. The Secesh, Warren, and South Fork communities remain threatened and voluntary evacuations are in order.

Information: Call (208) 634-1890 or visit the Payette National Forest website.

Rattlesnake (Nez Perce National Forest): 102,212 acres at 20 percent contained. This fire is 25 miles south of Elk City. Structures are threatened. Backing fire and torching were observed.

Information: Call (208) 842-9225 or visit the Grangeville Interagency Dispatch website.

Shower Bath (Salmon-Challis National Forest): 130,784 acres at zero percent contained. These three fires are located 18 miles northwest of Challis. Structures, historic cabins, and cultural sites remain threatened. Creeping and smoldering were reported.

Information: Call 208-861-1568.

WFU: Krassel Complex (Payette National Forest): 72,868 acres. This Wildland Fire Use (WFU) complex is being managed to accomplish natural resource objectives. It is located four fires is 44 miles northeast of Yellow Pine. Active surface fire was reported. Structures are threatened.

Information: Call 208-634-0983 or visit the web site.