Pioneer Fire Update for Saturday, August 20th

Acres:  87,818                Containment:    50%             Personnel:  1,810

Resources assigned includes 43 crews, 13 helicopters, 87 engines, 

                 8 dozers, 35 water tenders, 7 masticators

The Pioneer Fire advanced to the southwest from the Jackson Peak area and is now approximately 4 miles northeast of Pioneerville.  Evening and early morning wind, dry conditions, and terrain continue to present challenges for suppression efforts. Fire resources continue to provide structure protection ahead of the western flank of the fire, including Pioneerville. 

Fire activity on the northern head of the fire was minimal yesterday.  Vegetation reduction work continues along Clear Creek Road as a fire break in the Deadwood River drainage.  Masticators are being used to clear vegetation along the roads. 

Highway 17 is now open.  Drivers are asked to use caution as rocks, debris and trees continue to fall into the road from the burned hillsides.  Firefighters continue to work in the area. 

Along the eastern perimeter, fire growth has been slowed by rain earlier in the week.  Fire will continue to consume unburned fuel between the fire perimeter and the old Trapper Ridge burn scar.   

Dry conditions will continue through Sunday with wind coming predominantly from the northwest.  

Evening downslope winds from the east continue to direct the fire spread. Smoke from the fire may impact Lowman, Garden Valley, Stanley, Idaho City, and Boise at times.

A Level 2 evacuation order remains in place for residents along the South Fork Road, east of Grimes Pass Road.  All properties in the Lowman area and Pioneerville are under a Level 1 evacuation order, except along Forest Road 582 (Bear Valley Road) which is in Level 2 evacuation status for the Long Creek summer homes area.

This fire is likely to continue to pose a challenge to suppression efforts for an extended period. Extremely steep terrain, wind and other weather events as well as high temperatures and very low humidity levels affect suppression efforts.

Details on the Pioneer Fire Area Closure can be found at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices and at inciweb.nwcg.gov.

Information is also available at https://www.facebook.com/Pioneer-Fire-682201165260518/ or email questions topioneerfire2016@gmail.com. 

SMOKE INFORMATION – Idaho smoke information can be found at https://idsmoke.blogspot.com

FIRE RESTRICTIONS – Please check fire restrictions at http://www.idahofireinfo.com/