Crews have reached 42 percent containment on a wildfire that’s been burning for the past two weeks south of Riggins.
The Rattlesnake Creek Fire has torched nearly 4,400 acres of grass and timber near mile marker 184 along Highway 95, though no structures have been destroyed.
Rattlesnake Creek Fire
On Sunday, firefighters patrolled the northern and eastern containment lines, and continued to mop up and secure the western perimeter. On the southern portion of the fire, crews improved lines and began construction of a contingency line south of Camp Creek, in case the fire progresses southward past current containment lines. Structure protection is being assessed in the Hillman Basin and Boulder Creek areas.
Monday, personnel continue to improve the retardant and indirect handline on the southwestern portion of the fire as burnout operations may be necessary, while managers are burning out small areas of the southern area to further secure lines. Residents in the North Pollock, Whitewater Wilderness Ranch Estates, and Pinehurst areas remain in pre-evacuation status.
Meanwhile, a fire on the northern portion of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest has been put out. The Graves Peak Fire, located a half mile southwest of St. Joe Lake near the borders of the Idaho Panhandle and Lolo National Forests, was extinguished Sunday at 35 acres, with crews staying in the area to monitor and mop up hot spots.
Elsewhere in Idaho, the Mesa Fire just southeast of Council has scorched 34,000 acres of tall grass, brush and timber. Nearly 500 personnel have the blaze about 50 percent contained, and Highway 95 remains open through the area.
In central Idaho, the Sharps Fire near Bellevue spread over the weekend, due to gusty winds, as it continues to grow into the Sawtooth National Forest. The fire covers some 64,000 acres at about 44 percent containment. (USFS)
