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Great Basin Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of managing the Tenmile and Middle Fires at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Both fires ignited after lightning moved through the area on September 7.

Tenmile Fire:

Fire behavior remained active within the Tenmile Fire area yesterday, mainly on the southwest and east/ southeast sides. Vegetation remains critically dry and there is a potential for increased fire activity today. Additional resources, ranging from aircraft, bulldozers, hand crews, and engines, are arriving to continue to support suppression efforts. Crews on the ground continue work on scouting and constructing containment lines to stop the fire’s progression.

A priority for firefighters is to protect values at risk such as private property and adjacent communities, communication facilities, historic resources, critical habitat for federally protected species, and recreation facilities.

Today will be mostly sunny with some smoke impacts. Fire managers expect higher temperatures today along with some smoke dispersal. These conditions could increase fire behavior. Visibility will be restricted by smoke this morning, with the inversion lifting midday. It is forecasted to be partly to mostly cloudy Monday through Wednesday with higher humidity levels which may reduce favorable burning conditions and mitigate fire behavior.

Middle Fire:

The Middle Fire, burning in the West Fork of Rapid River/Jackley Mountain Area on the New Meadows Ranger District, remains at 54 acres. There has been minimal fire activity on the Middle Fire over the past day.

Potential fire spread is reduced due to sparse fuels and natural barriers, but there are preparations underway in case fire activity increases. The steep and rocky terrain limits the use of firefighters on the ground, but aircraft will be utilized as needed for any areas showing increased activity. 

Air Quality: Smoke will remain visible in the surrounding communities and the air quality index is rated as unhealthy. People within sensitive groups should consider avoiding physical outdoor activity.

Closure:  For the safety of firefighters and the public, an emergency fire area closure order is in effect. The complete closure order, including a full description of the trails, roads, and areas closed and an accompanying map, is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/8401/.