Ross Fork Fire Daily Update 

September 17, 2022

Fire Information: Email: 2022.rossfork@firenet.gov

Phone: 208-329-6044 daily from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sawtooth National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ll7iJz55hnI Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8375

Containment: 41%

Cause: Lightning

Acreage: 37,781 Acres

Location: Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho

Fuel Type: Timber Litter/Timber/Short Grass

The Sawtooth National Forest has reduced the closure for areas surrounding the #RossForkFire on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Fairfield Ranger District. Public lands and roads east of Highway 75 and north of Cabin Creek Road, including Pettit Lake, are now open, but Alturas Lake and other areas remain closed for firefighter and public safety. The order and a downloadable map are available on the fire’s Inciweb site at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/8375/71996/.

The fire is now considered 41% contained but many areas continue to smolder and firefighters are still working along many roads. For your own safety and the safety of fire crews, please stay out of those areas that remain closed.

Scattered showers brought precipitation to the Ross Fork fire yesterday. This moisture makes flashy fuels such as grasses and pine needles less susceptible to burning. Heavier fuels—large logs and trees—will continue to burn as they are less influenced by changes in humidity. Despite recent rains, the forest is at a record-low fuel moisture level for this time of the year. Smoldering fuels may re-ignite if fuels dry out sufficiently. Although the forest closure has reduced in size, areas burned by wildfire are dangerous. Hazardous conditions in burned over areas may involve weakened and falling trees and limbs, hidden stump holes, loose rock, and hot smoldering ground. If you plan to visit the forest this weekend, ensure your own safety and protection by staying clear of locations that have burned over.

An aerial reconnaissance was conducted yesterday and several intense heat sources continue to be detected in Jake’s Gulch, Vienna Creek, the West Fork of the Big Smoky Creek, Frenchman Creek, and near the headwaters of the Salmon River. All active heat sources were within the fire perimeter. Smoke will be seen in areas where the fire is still active.

Crews will continue to mop up, conduct chipping operations, and patrol the fire area. As traffic and visitation increases over the weekend, be cautious around firefighters and crews as they continue to perform essential duties along Highway 75 and forest roadways. Highway 75 remains open.

An improperly disposed of campfire was reported and discovered 8 miles northwest of Ketchum. A local engine assigned to the Ross Fork Fire responded to the Lower Baker Fire and it is contained and out. Please review fire restrictions and ensure all campfires are completely extinguished after use. Firefighters also responded to a second fire yesterday in the Wood River Valley near Ohio Gulch. Check https://www.facebook.com/woodriverfirerescue for more information.

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands implemented fire restrictions for the Sawtooth North Zone. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sawtooth/alerts-notices for updates.

EVACUATIONS:  All areas that had evacuation areas have been reduced to “READY” status. Any areas within the forest closure are not open to the public, unless private property can be accessed without using forest roads inside the closure. Visit https://www.blainesheriff.com/152/Sheriff for more information. 98ew0

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED:

Personnel

592,

Hand Crews

14,

Engines

22,

Helicopters

4

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/Sawtooth and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest