Idaho Fire Update

BOISE, Idaho – Cooler temperatures, light winds, and cloud cover have aided firefighters on the three active wildfires in and around the Boise National Forest today.

The Grayback Fire which is located approximately 2 ½ miles south of Idaho City remains at 15-20 acres in size. The hand line that was constructed overnight has held through much of the day. The fire continues to burn mid-slope in a dense forested area where the crowns of the trees are touching each other. Due to the close proximity of this fire to Idaho City and the amount of fuel surrounding the fire it continues to be the highest priority fire for the Boise National Forest. No structures are threatened at this time.

The Mores Fire near Pilot Peak grew slightly to 66 acres during the day. Crews continue to make progress digging hand line and laying out hose lines across portions of the fire. Due to the fact the fire is at high elevation and has burned in a spotty fashion leaving lots of patches of unburned fuel the fire will take several days to fully control. The Pilot Peak Road (Forest Service road 380) is closed from the junction of State Highway 21 to Colter Summit and the Bear Run Road (Forest Service road 314) is closed from the junction of Forest trail 680 to the Pilot Peak Road. Forest trail 690 is also closed. No structures are threatened.

The Grape Fire is now estimated to be 175 acres and continues burning in the steep terrain south of Arrowrock Reservoir an area that was burned as part of the 1992 Foothill Fire. The fire has made several small runs through the grass slopes up the ridge throughout the day as fire fighters work to try and flank the blaze. Runs like these are expected due to the steep topography and light fuels. No structures are threatened.

The northern part of the Boise National Forest, around Deadwood Reservoir, has received lightning this afternoon and more is expected across the Forest throughout the evening hours.

-Boise National Forest