Wildfire Alert: Billy Creek Fire – Current as of 12:00 PM PT on 7/7/2024

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 07/07/2024 12:40 PM MDT

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Fire Incident Information - Email Header

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location: Off the Snake River near the Idaho/Washinton Border

Start Date: 7/3/2024.

Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 3169 acres

Completion/Containment: 10%

Resources: 132 Total Personnel; 2 Dozers; 2 Helicopters; 5 Hand Crews; 3 Jet Boats

Key Message:

Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson took command of the Billy Creek Fire at 6 am this morning.

Current Status:

Incoming fire personnel supported the initial response resources by engaging in suppression work along the north and south flanks, scouting the fire area and preparing a plan to protect both structures along the Snake River corridor and other critical values in the fire planning area. Incident managers met with local fire, law enforcement, and land management agencies to identify and prioritize all critical values as a first step in building a durable, risk informed suppression strategy. The outgoing Type 3 Incident management team has successfully used retardant, water drops, and direct suppression tactics to limit fire growth. The availability of crews and resources has been good due to light fire activity in the Northern Rockies early this season. Given the steep terrain and the forecasted hot, dry weather coming this week, the fire continues to present a significant challenge to the resources on the ground.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Maximum daytime temperatures are increasing and likely to hover around 100 degrees F for the foreseeable future. Higher winds than expected were observed yesterday. Winds are expected to be variable between 5 and 15 miles per hour. Minimum humidities are expected to be between 13 and 23 percent.

Closures and Evacuations:

There are no closures or evacuations at this time.

20240707BillyCreekFireUpdateApproved.pdf

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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