(Boise) –Strong work by all fire personnel increased the containment level to 80% on the Mile Marker 73 Highway 55. Today, crews will continue to cold trail and mop up the fire edge in order to prevent any further growth. Emphasis will be on the northeast perimeter where hazard trees are being removed and small hotspots are being located and lined to ensure they are out. An Initial Attack Group has been identified in order to rapidly address any new fires starting in and around the fire area.
As resources begin fireline repair and removing equipment from secured areas of the fire, motorists may encounter higher numbers of fire vehicles and people working on or near the highway. Please use extra caution and reduce speeds if you encounter them. Additionally, drivers should be aware of rocks and debris on the highway. The terrain is steep and rocky, and crews have reported that rocks and vegetation on the steep slopes have become unstable due to fire activity and may roll down slope.
Management of this fire is changing from the Type 1 Great Basin Incident Management Team to a local interagency Type 3 Team. This will bring the number of resources in line with the needs of the fire and provide cost effective fire suppression. The Type 3 team will inbrief with the current team today July 29, 2018 at 6:00 pm. The official transfer of command is planned for Monday morning July 30, 2018 at 6:00 am.
The fire weather forecast today continues to call for hot and dry conditions with temperatures in the upper 90s and single digit humidity, which will increase the potential for a fire activity. Any source of ignition can and will ignite a wildfire, so ensure trailer chains are not dragging to cause a spark and any hot material is disposed of properly.
The Boise County Sheriff's Office is still anticipating opening the Jerusalem Road for travel today at 1800.
THIS WILL BE THE LAST UPDATE PRODUCED BY THE GREAT BASIN TYPE 1 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
