Grangeville, ID – The Jones Creek Fire is burning east of the Snake River on public lands administered by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, about seven miles north of Pittsburg Landing. The fuels in the area are composed of primarily grass, with timber stringers. It was reported early in the morning on September 4th, 2022. The cause is under investigation.
Status: Firefighters have increased containment to 90%. The fire has not gained acreage in several days. Northwest Team 7 will transfer command of the incident back to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest this evening at 8 p.m. This will be the last update issued by NW Team 7.
Yesterday two crews and an engine continued structure protection around the High Range cabins on the north edge of the fire. On the eastern perimeter crews continued mop-up and cold trailing to secure the fire’s edge. Cold trailing means firefighters search for hidden heat and move along the fire’s edge leaving cold ground behind them. Firefighters assessed structure protection needs at Pittsburg Landing, and patrolled the Snake River at the eastern edge of the neighboring Double Creek Fire to watch for spots across the river. Firefighting equipment that is no longer needed was retrieved from the fire.
Today: Dozers are staged at Pittsburg Landing if needed to reinforce fire lines. The fire has burned to the Snake River along the western edge. There is no immediate threat to river travel or boating facilities. River users are asked to remain aware of the status of both fires. Firefighters continue repairing dozer and hand lines where the fire’s edge is cold. Repair involves creating diversions to direct rain water off of fire lines to prevent erosion and restore natural drainage patterns. Firefighters and two engines will continue structure protection work near the High Range cabins. Retrieval of firefighting equipment will continue today. Weather: As a ridge of high pressure strengthens over the area, warm and dry conditions will continue through today and early next week, with very low relative humidity, temperatures into the low 90’s and light, variable winds from the south and southeast.
Smoke: Along with the much larger Double Creek Fire burning west of the Snake River, this fire has periodically filled the Snake River Canyon with smoke. Today expect smoke to be trapped in the valleys as stable conditions develop.
Closures/Restrictions: As of August 5th, 2022, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has entered fire restrictions that prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within designated campfire rings at a developed recreation site.
Evacuations: 25 homes in the Getta Creek and Deer Creek areas remain in a Level 1 “Get Ready” status.
With high temperatures and very low humidity, any ignitions can become dangerous fire very quickly. There is a lot of fire season ahead of us. Please do all you can to prevent new fires.
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