Wildfire Alert: Old Ahsahka Fire - Current as of 10:00 AM PT on 8/20/2023

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 08/20/2023 11:02 AM MDT

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Fire Incident Information - Email Header

FIRE INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE-UPDATE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

8/20/2023, 10:00 AM PT

Old Ahsahka Fire Grows to 300 Acres

(Orofino, ID) – After being initially reported at 40 acres yesterday afternoon, the Old Ahsahka Fire quickly grew to about 300 acres due to dry fuels, steep terrain, and spotting up to a ¼ mile. Aggressive response from ground and air firefighting resources stopped additional spread of the fire on the west side. Overnight the fire still experienced active burning. The fire is 0% contained and structures in the area are threatened. No evacuations have been issued but Clearwater County Sherrif’s office is working with residents for their safety.

Today efforts will focus on the east side of the fire and attempt to establish direct fire line. There are currently about 100 people on this fire. This includes 3 hand crews of 20 people each, 8 helitack personnel, 2 smokejumpers, 2 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tender, and 1 type 3 helicopter. Additional air resources may be called as needed but may be limited due to heavy smoke.

The North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will be in-briefed tonight to take command of the fire.

Cooperating agencies are the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Idaho Department of Lands, US Forest Service, Orofino Fire Department, Sunnyside Fire Department, and Clearwater County Sherrif.

Additional information can be found on the IDL webpage at www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management  #IDLfireinfo #OldAhsahkaFire2023

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CONTACT:  

Jonathan Luhnow 

208-334-0233, fireinformation@idl.idaho.gov 

About IDL Fire: Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management (IDL Fire) in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, are responsible for fire suppression and prevention on more than 9 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL Fire focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL Fire protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!

· Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions

· During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law

· Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil

· Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires - so you don’t spark a fire

· Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire

· Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire

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For the most current information about wildfires on land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-news-feed/.

Idaho Department of Lands in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, provides fire suppression and prevention on more than 9 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

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