Fire danger continues to rise on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest as crews work to suppress a pair of active wildfires.
The Midnight Fire on the Salmon River Ranger District is approximately 350 acres and is located about 10 miles southeast of the small town of Clearwater near the Elk City Wagon Road. Crews are working to establish containment lines, and are being assisted by aerial resources. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) being established over the entire Midnight fire area for the safety of the aviation resources on scene.
A local Type 3 Incident Command Team is being established and will assume command of directing firefighting operations. Heavy firefighting traffic is expected to continue through the weekend on FS Roads #244, #284, and #1852 as more resources arrive and continue to contribute to the suppression efforts. Additionally, a fire camp may be established near McComas Meadows.
Meanwhile, The Little Bear Fire on the Powell Ranger District has slowly grown to around 176 acres and is located about ten miles southwest of Powell near the wilderness boundary.
A type 3 Organization has been established for this fire and current operations consist of structure protection efforts for a nearby pack-bridge. Fire managers expect to implement a trail closure for the section of FS Trail #213 between its junction with FS Trail #49 and Bear Mountain Lookout soon.
Current fire danger across the Grangeville Dispatch Area ranges from MODERATE to VERY HIGH and will likely keep trending higher with forecasted hot and dry weather.
