Mesa Fire Update - August 11th

PUBLIC MEETING -- TODAY, AUGUST 11, 7:00 P.M., Council Elementary School                                                                              FIRE UPDATE:   Yesterday’s high in Council was 105, breaking the record temperature of 103 degrees for August 10th. Engines and handcrews continued to hold and secure the northeastern perimeter by removing burning materials near the fire edge. After a successful 350 acre burnout operation in Cookhouse Gulch, crews have been working to achieve containment with the assistance of helicopter water bucket drops. Engine crews completed a hose lay along the 200 Road in preparation for potential firing operations this evening if conditions are favorable. Today, crews continue to work interior hotspots within the northeast and southeast portions of the fire in an effort to further secure the line. Several engines will continue to patrol the western flank of the fire.

A red flag warning has been issued by the Mesa Fire Incident Meteorologist between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. today due to the consecutive days of low humidity and increased winds. A dry cold front will move through today resulting in strong southwest winds of near 15 mph with gusts of over 30 mph possible. Incident resources will focus efforts on holding the fire given the potential for increased fire behavior. Forecasted weather after today is more favorable for containment efforts.

Please use caution when traveling in the area and be aware of fire traffic.

 

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect over the entire fire area. Remember, temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones), so if you fly, we can’t!

 

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Central Idaho, including the Payette National Forest, is under Stage I Fire Restrictions. For more information please visit: http://www.idahofireinfo.com/search/label/Payette

 

UPDATED CLOSURE: An updated Forest Closure Order is in effect (#0412-524) for areas within and surrounding the Mesa Fire.

For more information visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6041/45447