Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests issue area closure

KAMIAH - As a precautionary measure during extensive and severe fire activity, the Forests have issued an area closure prohibiting "human entry" into lands managed by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, with the exception of the Palouse Ranger District.

Many of the widespread wildfires on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests made significant runs Saturday, pushed by gusty winds and low relative humidities.

"The weather conditions that materialized today were even worse than predicted," said Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Cheryl Probert. "I am extremely concerned about the safety of the people, communities and firefighters that may be in the paths of these rapidly-spreading fires."

"I understand this will be inconvenient for some people, but our priority is public safety. We will evaluate the situation on a day-by-day basis, but it will take a significant change in weather to improve our fire situation."

Probert requests that all visitors re-locate to lands outside the Forests away from fire activity, and that all prospective visitors find alternate locations away from the closure area.

National forest system roads can be used to exit the Forest. For state and county road information, contact the local sheriff's office and Idaho Department of Transportation.

Fire managers are in the process of evaluating the spread of area fires and will provide revised acreage updates Sunday.

Closure notices related to fire activity are posted at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nezperceclearwater/home. Click on the "Fire Information" icon at the top of the page.