Trinity Ridge Fire update, Sunday lightning strikes spark new fires
Update from the Boise National Forest:
Over the weekend, the heavy smoke slowed down the Trinity Ridge Fire, but according to the Boise National Forest, once the smoke inversion lifted early Sunday, fire activity increased in the unburned area between Featherville and Rocky Bar.
A large smoke column developed with the hotter afternoon temperatures, but the fire did not cross the area that was burned out last week adjacent to Featherville.
The fire has moved to 1.5 miles west of West Warrior Peak. Crews are completing handline along the ridge near Black Rock campground. Firefighters are at Swanholm Lookout and the Hermada Mine area.
On the east flank, fire line was initiated along Fairview Creek, but the fire spotted across it, and burned south toward the ridge between Fairview and Wagontown Creeks. Crews and dozers began line construction on the ridge between the creeks.
Seven new lightning-caused fires have been reported since last night on the Boise National Forest. All are being staffed today. There have been no containment issues to date. Three are 20 miles east of Idaho City, and one is 18 miles east of Lowman.
The new 220 acre Twin Springs fire which broke out late Saturday 3 miles west of Twin Springs in the Middle Fork Boise River drainage is expected to be fully contained by noon tomorrow.
Thunderstorm cells did cross the fire area with wind gusts above 20 mph which increased fire activity north of Featherville. Thunderstorms are still possible this evening and overnight. Over the next couple of days, warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels will challenge firefighters’ efforts.
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