Wildfire Alert: BILLY CREEK FIRE – Current as of 10:05 AM PT on 7/09/2024

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 07/09/2024 11:10 AM MDT

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Fire Incident Information - Email Header

Billy Creek Fire – Update

Idaho Department of Lands

July 9, 2024, 10:05 AM PT

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

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

Start Date: 7/3/2024. Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 3185 acres

Completion/Containment: 49%

Resources: 134 Total Personnel; 2 Dozers; 1 Helicopters; 3 Hand Crews; 1 Jet Boats

KEY MESSAGE:

Containment increased from 33% to 49% yesterday. Fire personnel are now confident that North, South and West sides of the Billy Creek Fire are secure enough that the fire will not grow in these areas.

CURRENT STATUS:

The eastern edge of the fire area is the last unsecured portion of the Billy Creek Fire.  This eastern edge includes the steep and rugged terrain of the Snake River Canyon.  Last night, fire crews flew an Unmanned Aerial System (AKA Drone) equipped with a heat-sensing infrared camera over the perimeter and found two previously undetected hot spots. Today, fire managers will develop and begin implementing a plan to deal with these areas of heat and manage the final portion of the fire.     

Additionally, structure protection resources will patrol and monitor structures along the Snake River corridor, and crews will conduct suppression repair activities at higher elevations.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Tomorrow trends warmer and drier again with terrain driven winds. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through Wednesday, July 10th in the fire area. A breakdown of the ridge pattern is expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening. Fire behavior analysts expect brushy fuel moisture to decrease and become more receptive to fire spread in the coming weeks.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:

There are no closures or evacuations at this time.

Fire Information Email: 2024.billycreek@firenet.gov

Fire Information Hotline: 208-901-7230

7am-9pm

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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