Weather: High temperatures today ranged from around 80 to the mid 90s, humidity dropped to 15% on the ridges, and winds were westerly at 5 to 15 mph on the ridges. Tomorrow, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms with dry lightning and associated high outflow winds. Fire weather concerns are increasing with hot, dry weather on Friday and a cold front bringing increasing winds on Saturday.
Today’s actions: The Lolo Hot Shots built hand lines from Social Corner toward the Lochsa River and dozers worked to contain a small spot fire on the northeast side of the Jay Point Fire. Firefighters also worked to build hand line on the Tom Beal Road to Social Corner.
Tomorrow’s plans: Hand crews will work on constructing a fire line from Social Corner to the river while heavy equipment will improve the Tom Beal Road as well as roads to the east of the fire to be used as contingency lines. Engine crews will continue to provide protection for structures near the Powell Ranger Station and the Lochsa Lodge. Work will include installing hose lays and supporting firing operations if needed. In addition to ground forces, a Chinook helicopter, which can deliver about 2,000 gallons of water per drop, will be utilized if conditions allow.
Smoke Concerns: Air quality continues to be unhealthy. For more information on current air quality conditions, visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ andhttp://app.airsis.com/USFS/fleet.aspx. For information about mitigating smoke related health hazards, visit http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/p/smoke-and-health.html
Closures: Significant Forest area and Selway River closures are in effect because of wildfire activity. Closures are listed at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices. Closures may change, so check back regularly.
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