Single Publication

Bluff Creek Complex

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Fire Information 208-557-8813 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idipf-bluff-creek-complex 

July 29, 2024

Idaho Panhandle Type 3 Incident Management Team

Incident Commander Brian Hicks and Incident Commander Trainee Bryce Barth

Location:  The fires are burning along both sides of the Bluff Divide, approximately 13 1/2 miles southeast of Avery, ID; five and a half miles west of Gold Creek Campground; and approximately two miles northwest of Junction Ridge.

Start Date: 7/25/2024                                   Cause: Lightning                          Size: 530 acres 

Completion/Containment: 0% 

140 Total Personnel:

1 Engine

3 Type 2 Hand Crew

2 Interagency Hotshot Crews

6 Heavy Equipment

1 Water Tender

2 Falling Modules

Key Message:  

The eastern portion of the Dominion Point Fire saw increased fire activity yesterday, in the late afternoon. Four large airtankers dropped retardant on the eastern edge to check fire growth on the ridge while firefighters work to gain access on that side. Aircraft continue to be prioritized regionally and nationally, where priority is tied to values at risk, and risk to life and home always take precedence. 

Current Status: 

The Bluff Creek Fire consists of four different fires: Junction Fire, East Fork Fire, Dominion Point Fire, and Buffalo Fire. As of last night, the Junction Fire increased to 275 acres; the East Fork Fire increased to 25 acres; the Dominion Point Fire increased to 230 acres; and the Buffalo Fire has remained around 1/10th of an acre. All available resources are engaged in suppression, working on these fires based on priority order. Due to the immediate threat to values at risk, including private industry timberlands, active logging sales, and equipment, the Junction Fire and the East Fork Fire remain priority

Yesterday, fire activity increased on the southwestern portion of the Junction Fire. A Type 1 helicopter assisted suppression actions, dropping water on areas experiencing higher fire activity. Both handline and dozer line were constructed from the area of active fire behavior towards East Fork. Heavy equipment continued to improve road systems along the west portion of the Junction Fire, allowing for improved access and reinforcing holding features near the fire. 

On the East Fork Fire, one hotshot crew and two felling modules engaged in direct suppression tactics along the northeast portion of the fire. Today, another hand crew will assist with direct fireline construction. The Dominion Point Fire is burning in very steep, rocky terrain, with numerous snags that are burning out and coming down. Crews and equipment are being utilized to hold the fire’s western edge as it backs down to National Forest Service Road #509. The Buffalo Fire remains around less than an acre and is currently unstaffed due to priority fire resource allocation. 

WEATHER

Temperatures today will be cooler, ranging from 74-82 valleys and 66-76 mountains. Relative Humidity is slightly increased, ranging from 40%-55%. Winds will continue to be breezy, with potential for gusts up to 20 mph in the valleys/lower slopes and 25 mph on ridges/upper slopes. Today will be partly sunny, with a chance of rain in the later morning and early afternoon, as well as a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Closures and Special Messages

Closure orders are in place to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe firefighting efforts and access. Specific closure information and maps are posted on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-closures/idipf-bluff-creek-complex and https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices as they are implemented. 

The Bluff Creek Complex closures include the following roads and area:

• CLOSED:
  • Order Number: # 01-04-04-24-005 (Bluff Creek Fire Road Closure)
    • Forest Development Road 509 beginning at its junction with County Highway 50 and concluding at its intersection with Forest Development Road 201.
    • Forest Development Road 1258 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 509 concluding at its intersection with Forest Development Road 201. 
    • Forest Service Development Road 1956F beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 509 and concluding at its unction with Forest Development Road 3338.
    • Forest Development Road 322 beginning at its junction with Forest Development Road 201 concluding at Conrad Peak.
  • Order Number: # 01-04-04-24-006 (Gold Flat Area Closure): Gold Flat undeveloped campsite located 8.6 miles North on Forest Development Road 218 from Red Ives Cabin. Gold Flat undeveloped campsite is located within Section 23 and 24 in T16N, R30W. The area Gold Flat undeveloped campsite comprises approximately 6.2 acres bordered by the St. Joe River on the West and Forest Development Road 218 on the East.

At this time, a TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION is in place for 27NM SE KELLOGG, Idaho near MULLAN PASS VOR/DME (MLP). No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered, including drone pilots. 

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