Idaho military veteran dies in chopper crash, blaze just 10% contained
By Eric Valentine
Just days after flags across the Gem State were lowered to half mast in honor of the Idaho military veteran who lost his life in a helicopter crash fighting the now 37,000-acre Moose Fire, officials declared an ‘extreme’ fire danger level for Central Idaho. A ranking of extreme means the region can see a small fire turn deadly and long-lasting quickly. With the fire now just 17 miles north of Salmon and only 10% contained, the latest news suggests the worst could be yet to come.
For Thomas Hayes, 41, of Post Falls, Idaho, and Jared Bird, 36, of Anchorage, Alaska, the worst for them and their loved ones already occurred. Both men died last Thursday from injuries they sustained when their CH-47D Series Chinook helicopter crashed in the Salmon River. Both men were military veterans and considered highly experienced pilots. Firefighting officials are predicting the following over the next few days:
24 hours—High spread potential to the south and east due to northwest winds. Potential impacts to Highway 93, private property, and municipal watershed for the City of Salmon. Several drainages at head of fire also have a NW to SE drainage alignment which helps vector the winds in this direction. Active surface and crown fire due to continued hot, dry conditions.
48 hours—High spread potential to the south and east due to northwest winds. Potential impacts to Highway 93, private property, municipal watershed for the City of Salmon, and power transmission lines to Blackbird Mine. Several drainages at head of fire also have a NW to SE drainage alignment which helps vector the winds in this direction.
72 hours—30% chance of thunderstorms. Possible dry lightning. Potential for strong outflow winds to create extreme fire behavior and long-range spotting.
The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, excluding the Frank Church River of No Return and Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness. Under the current fire danger restrictions, campfires are allowed only in recreation sites within metal/concrete fire pits. In addition, unmanned aircraft systems should not be flown near or around wildfires on National Forest System Lands. To learn about Forest Service policy regarding unmanned aircraft systems visit www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/unmanned-aircraft-systems/faqs.
“Be cautious out there! Should you start a wildfire, even if it’s by accident, you could be held liable for damages and firefighting costs,” the U.S. Forest Service said. “If you are in an area where campfires are allowed, if you light it, be prepared to fight it. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant change in fire danger.”
Need to report a wildfire?
Please call Central Idaho Dispatch Center at (208) 756-5157 or 911 as soon as possible.
Need to keep track of the Moose Fire?
The Salmon-Challis National Forest page on Facebook has regularly updated information. Go to Facebook.com/salmonchallisnf for more information.