NEWS RELEASE

Salmon Interagency Dispatch Upper Columbia - Salmon Clearwater District BLM Salmon - Challis National Forest Rural Route 2, Box 600 Salmon, Idaho 83467

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Salmon Fire Information Center (208) 756-5283
 
 

Clear Creek Fire Update – August 5, 10:00 P.M.

 

 
 
 

The Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment under the command of Colonel Mark Callihan arrived today to help weary firefighters battling the Clear Creek Fire 12 miles of Salmon, Idaho.  They will assist in constructing fireline after completing two days of field training.
 
 

The fire area is now estimated at 102,380 acres.  Although weather conditions were cooler over the last couple of days, lack of personnel and equipment prevented firefighters from taking full advantage of favorable conditions.  Little rain was received, and lightning from scattered thunderstorms yesterday evening started two new fires in the fire area.  They were attacked today.
 
 

The fire continues to back into Trail Creek drainage.  Crews and dozers are progressing with line construction, to prepare for possible burnout operations that will provide structural protection of mining and historic structures.
 
 

An engine was involved in a rollover accident on Beaver Creek Road.  Three firefighters were transported to the hospital in Salmon.  Two were treated and released, and one was held for observation.
 
 

Highway 93 between Lost Trail and Missoula was closed in the evening for burnout operations.  Travelers are advised to call 1-800-226-ROAD (toll free) for current status.  There is no estimate of when normal highway traffic will resume.
 
 

Further updates will be distributed as information becomes available.  Fire maps are available at the Salmon-Challis National Forest office on Highway 93 south of Salmon.  For additional fire information please call:  208-756-5283 or log on to the Salmon-Challis National Forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r4/sc/fire2000.
 
 

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