Payette National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Payette National Forest

Contact: Laura Pramuk (208) 634-0784, cell (208) 634-6945

Date: August 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Frank Church Wilderness Fire Update

There are three wildfires burning in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness at this time.  The Cabin Creek Fire has remained at about 5,500 acres for the last week and fire managers predict little to no growth in the fire in the next two days. The Cabin Creek fire is located about 11 miles from the intersection of Big Creek and the Middle Fork.
The Rush Creek Fire has also maintained its size of 1,435 acres due to recent rain and lower temperatures. It is located directly northwest of Shellrock Peak, about 14 miles from the Middle Fork.  No smoke was observed on either fire during the last over flight. The Cabin Creek Fire is being managed for point protection. The Rush Creek Fire is being managed for a combination of point protection and resource benefit.

The Westy Fire began on August 11 and is currently 125 acres.  It could make short uphill runs in the next few days, but is smoldering and creeping through grass and heavy timber at the present time.  This fire is being managed for resource benefit.  The Westy Fire is located on Rush Creek, about 6 miles from the Cabin Creek Fire. 

No ground personnel are assigned to these fires.  Fire staff are monitoring the fires and conducting periodic over-flights to monitor the progression of the fires and to be on the look-out for potential values at risk.  None of these remote wilderness fires are threatening homes or communities. Current temperatures are moderate but are predicted to increase over the weekend.

The public should call District Ranger headquarters before traveling to these areas for the latest fire updates. 

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