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Dry, hot conditions prompt fire restrictions Fire conditions across the region are in the high or extreme category and fire suppression and management agencies, as well as land management agencies have placed restrictions on the use of fires in various areas. Burn permits Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) and Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) offices in the regions have suspended issuance of burning permits until further notice. C-PTPA said with the continued windy afternoons, high temperatures and sparse rainfall during the month of August the moisture content of live and dead woody materials is decreasing. A spark, ember or other ignition source that touches this material is virtually certain to start a wildland fire. Due to all these conditions, burn permits have been suspended for burn barrels, yard waste, logging slash and etc. Chris Gerhart, IDL, added that, on the south side of the Clearwater River where they have responsibility, campfires are allowed only in improved rings. Even those in improve rings are not encouraged. In addition, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued a ban on all open burning in Idaho County due to air quality concerns. Dworshak Reservoir
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a news release that campfires must be completely extinguished between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Dworshak Reservoir lands until further notice. "Visitors should take extra precautions not only with campfires, but also with other sources of ignition, such as cigarettes, vehicle exhaust systems and even charcoal briquettes," said Mike Deitrick, park manager for the Corps. "Visitors also should carry a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher to quench their fires." Wildfire managers at C-PTPA requested the temporary fire restrictions due to the very dry conditions. The restrictions include all developed and mini campgrounds. Clearwater National Forest Due to active fires, there are access restrictions to some areas of the Clearwater National Forest. A special area restriction is in place due to the Black Canyon Face Fire on the North Fork District. National Forest Development Road 250 is closed to public entry, except for motorized through traffic. There is no stopping for fishing, sightseeing or other recreational activities. The area encompasses 1/4 mile on each side of FS 250 Rd. from Elizabeth Creek (mile post 56.8) to Fix Creek (mile post 59.4)
A temporary closure has been put in place on Forest Service Road 360 from the Junction of Road 111 to Elk Summit just south of the Powell Ranger District due to the Cedar Fire. The temporary closure will be in place until further notice. Contact the Powell Ranger District at 208-942-3113 for further information. Devils Fire on the Powell Ranger District has also prompted a temporary closure of a portion of the Lolo Motorway (FS Road 500) between Saddle Camp (FS Road 197) and Doe Creek Road (FS Road 566). This closure will also be in place until further notice. For current information about fires on the Clearwater National Forest, see the web site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/fire/zone_fire.htm. Window on the Clearwater will provide updates on fire conditions and restrictions. |
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| Window on the Clearwater P.O. Box 2444 Orofino, ID 83544 208-476-0733 Fax: 208-476-3407 |