Single Publication

Summary: Storms moved through the area on July 24th which resulted in multiple lightning caused fires across the Boise National Forest. The fires are in steep and rugged terrain which makes access for ground resources challenging. A priority for both fires is to provide for firefighter and public safety.

Great Basin Team 7, a Complex Incident Management Team, under the command of Mike Johnston took command of the West Mountain Complex at 6:00 a.m. today which includes: Boulder, Wapiti and Bulltrout Fires on the Boise National Forest and the Wolf Creek Fire on the Payette National Forest. All fires are using a full suppression strategy to manage these lightning-caused fires.

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior:  Yesterday morning both fires received precipitation with temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s accompanied by high humidities. Today, temperatures will be in the 70’s with relative humidities in the in the 30% range with terrain driven winds. Both fires are burning in Lodgepole pine, spruce and subalpine fir with some short-range spotting and isolated torching of trees. Sagebrush and grasses in the higher elevations are still holding onto spring moisture and not yet receptive to fire. 

Actions: Numerous firefighting crews are in the area and providing support to both fires. Numerous aerial resources are assisting through water drops, and logistical missions aiding suppression and burnout operations. 

Wapiti Fire: Incident personnel have structure protection plans and equipment in place and the focus is to keep the fire from moving to the east.  

Bulltrout Fire: Resources are preparing to continue burnout operations along the north-west edge of the fire towards No Name Lake. This allows firefighters a good opportunity to engage the fire at strategic locations minimizing the risk for spotting. 

Important Information: For the Bulltrout Fire, the Boise and Salmon‐Challis National Forests have issued a closure order effective immediately for roads, trails and lands encompassing the Bulltrout Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. This closure includes Forest Roads 579, 582 and several others. There are no disruptions in access to the Boundary Creek Boat Launch.  NFS Road #579 is open in its entirety from Highway 21 to NFS Road #568 to the Boundary Creek Boat Launch. Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. Additional information about these closures can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7 

For the Wapiti Fire, the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests have issued a closure order effective immediately for roads, trails and lands encompassing the Wapiti Fire. The closure was enacted to protect public safety and support fire suppression activities. The closure affects interior travel on several National Forest System (NFS) roads such as NFS Grandjean Road (FS 524) and the Warm Springs Air Strip. Additional information about these closures can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2u8v3pf7  

The evacuation of the Grandjean area and the Sawtooth Lodge remains in place and incident management team is in close coordination with the Boise County Sheriff’s Office. 

Both fires are adjacent to Highway 21 which is a popular travel route in Central Idaho. With the influx of vehicles in the area from fire and support personnel, please use extreme caution when traveling along Highway 21.