Crews continue to battle five large wildfires in Idaho –- which, in total, have burned over 68,697 acres.
The Highline Fire and the Goat Fire are burning in the Payette National Forest, some 25 miles northeast of Warren.
The Highline Fire started by lightning on July 28 and is currently 84,619 acres, officials say.
The Goat Fire is 818 acres. Trail and area closures in effect.
Fire crews’ efforts will likely be helped by cool temperatures in the area, with numerous rain and snow showers possible through early Friday morning.
The Bearskin Fire, burning in the Boise National Forest, was started by lightning and is some 20 miles northeast of Lowman. It’s estimated at 30,144 acres.
Area closures are still in effect.
Fire officials are addressing concerns for firefighter safety and the lack of resources already committed to large fires over the northwestern United States, many of which are threatening communities.
Most work on the Bearskin Fire is completed. Only a small workforce of local engines and crews remain, engaged in mop-up and monitoring to ensure the fire does not escape containment -- and to conduct firing operations if needed.
Smoke in the area may linger for weeks, fire managers point out. They could even flare up, as interior hot spots ignite.
The Ibex Fire is burning in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It is some 20 miles west of Challis, and is currently 17,256 acres.
Officials say the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain.
It’s being closely monitored and point protection is in place.
Recent cooler temperatures, precipitation, and lower relative humidity have led to minimal fire activity over the past few days. Experts indicate these weather trends will continue, allowing fire managers to safely engage in rehabilitation efforts.
The fire will not be officially contained until a season-ending event (such as snow) covers the fire area for an extended period of time.
Fire and smoke may still be visible from the fire, and the Custer Motorway (Forest Service Road #070). The Motorway remains open to all traffic. If you’re traveling in the area, be prepared to encounter traffic slow-downs associated with the fire.
The Honeymoon Fire is burning in the Salmon-Challis National Forest on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
The lightning-caused fire is estimated at 1,860 acres, and is burning in grass and heavy timber, reports say.
The fire is about one mile northwest of Sulphur Creek Ranch in steep, inaccessible terrain. The fire is being allowed to burn -- its natural ecological role in the environment, while providing for firefighter and public safety.
For more information about closures in any of the areas listed, you can go to: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5426/[links.govdelivery.com]
