WHERE THE FIRES ARE BURNING
Are structures threatened? No, most of the fires are burning in remote areas. Firefighters have extinguished or otherwise protected nearby buildings.
Are campgrounds open? Yes. No evacuations have been ordered.
Is this a good fire year? The fire season began later this year because of high moisture content in forest vegetation. Over the past five years, an average of 45,000 were already burned in the Boise National Forest by Aug. 1st. This year, just 24 acres had been.
IDAHO'S FIRES
The Rattlesnake fire was burning 1,000 acres in the Nez Perce National Forest about 30 miles west of Darby, Mont. The fire is zero percent contained.
The Cabin Creek fire was burning 5,494 acres in the Payette National Forest about 35 miles west of Cobalt. The fire is zero percent contained.
The Rush Creek fire was burning 1,435 acres six miles southwest of Taylor Ranch.
TALK TO A RANGER
Cascade Ranger District, (208) 382-7400
Emmett Ranger District, (208) 365-7000
Idaho City Ranger District, (208) 392-6681
Lowman Ranger District, (208) 259-3361
Mountain Home Ranger District, (208) 587-7961
25 small blazes are reported after overnight storms. Check for updates before visiting forests
Fire danger is high in the Boise and Payette national forests, and visitors should check where fires are before heading out.
Fire managers sent small teams of three and four firefighters to 25 new fires Friday morning as numerous lightning strikes ignited dry grass and timber from Idaho City to Atlanta.
The number of fires reported from overnight thunderstorms grew to 25 in the Boise National Forest on Friday.
Lightning late Thursday night and Friday ignited 11 new fires on the Payette National Forest, all less than an acre in size, officials said.
But fire experts said it could be worse.
This time last year, nearly 200,000 acres of Boise National Forest were in flames. As of Aug. 1 this year, just 24 acres had burned. And most of the fires ignited by the most recent storm were less than an acre.
Both ground vegetation and trees have higher moisture content this year, and that has helped push the fire season later, Olsen said.
He also said rain from passing storms has kept fires small enough to give crews time to get to the scene.
The most recent fires were scattered across the Idaho City and Mountain Home ranger districts. Firefighters were on the scene of one fire near Atlanta Thursday night.
Olson said fires are staffed based on their threat to people and property, but at least three of the new fires were in remote locations where fire managers are considering allowing them to burn to help maintain forest health.
But hikers, fishermen and other adventure seekers should be cautious this month.
"August is a critical fire month, and the forest has 40 percent of its fires in that month," Olson said. "The public is encouraged to be careful with campfires and other flammable material during this high fire-frequency month."
Backcountry travelers are advised to check in with local ranger districts for updated fire status and conditions.
David Kennard: 377-6436
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