By Dana DuGan
Several fires are burning around the perimeter of the Wood River Valley, though none are threatening the Valley at this time.
As of press time Tuesday, the Pioneer Fire near the town of Lowman has increased to 64,351 acres, with 28 percent containment. There are currently 1,603 people working on the fire, including 43 crews, 11 helicopters, 63 engines, eight dozers, 21 water tenders and six masticators.
On Monday, firefighters successfully contained a small start north of Lowman called the Ridge Fire. The Idaho Transportation Department cleared hazardous trees along Highway 21 from Idaho City to Lowman.
Highway 21 between Lowman and Idaho City reopened to public travel Tuesday morning, and Boise County has lowered the evacuation notice for Lowman back to a Level 1. Drivers should use caution through the fire area because fire crews are still working along the highway.
Highway 17 from Lowman to the Danskin Boat Launch and all Forest Service roads within the Boise National Forest closure area will continue to remain closed.
A spokesperson for the Boise National Forest said the Pioneer Fire is burning in timber, grass and understory – a layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest – about half a mile from Lowman. The fire is currently burning in the Deadwood Creek drainage area and moving west.
On Saturday, Aug. 6, a lightning storm went through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, starting another wildfire.
Located six miles west of Stanley, the Dry Creek Fire has decreased to approximately 730 acres. Type 3 Incident Commander JW McCoy is managing the fire. The Stanley Lake area was immediately evacuated. Also closed are nearby campgrounds and trails.
On Sunday, Aug. 7, firefighters aided by aerial resources were able to strengthen lines and prevent any growth around the perimeter of the fire. As of Monday, the fire was 20 percent contained and the estimated date to contain the fire is Aug. 15 and controlled, approximately Sept. 15. The Rough Fire, also ignited by lightning on Sunday, is about 14 miles northeast of Lowman in subalpine fir and short grass.
Highway 21 from Stanley to 10 miles north of Lowman is open. A pilot car will assist vehicles through the fire area.
The Twin Falls District Bureau of Land Management and Carey Rural Fire Department also responded to a new wildfire early Sunday morning near the BLM fire station in Kimama.
The Mac Rae Fire was reported to South Central Idaho Dispatch around 3:37 a.m., and is approximately 11,000 acres, burning in grass and brush. The fire is currently staffed with 10 engines, two water tenders, two dozers, eight overhead and several aircraft.
Firefighters say it should be under control this week.
However, continuing hot, dry conditions and very high fire danger has prompted officials with the Sawtooth National Forest, Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District and the State of Idaho to place restrictions in Twin Falls, Cassia, Camas and Blaine County, and parts of Custer County.
Stage I restrictions include those areas north of Highway 20 into the Stanley Basin, east of Highway 26 and west of Hill City, prohibits fires, campfires or camp stoves in areas other than designated recreation sites with approved fire structures. Stage I also prohibits smoking in open areas except sites that are free of flammable materials with a radius of at least three feet of barren soil or in developed recreation sites.
These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
For more information about Stage 1 fire restrictions visit: www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html
With the fire season well underway, the placement of these restrictions is intended to keep visitors to public lands safe as well as prevent the catastrophic effects of wildland fire. If you plan a visit to public lands in these areas, check with the Sawtooth Ranger District offices, the Twin Falls District BLM or the Idaho Department of Lands for the latest information. You can also check the status of the fires by going to the Sawtooth National Forest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sawtoothnationalforest.