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 6, 10:00 P.M.

The Clear Creek Fire jumped the fire line and traveled east across the ridge from Trail Creek drainage into Arnett Creek.Firefighters were pulled off the line and moved into safe zones.A combination of steep terrain, upslope winds, and extremely dry fuels caused the increased fire activity.The fire lines at Napias Creek and Moccasin Creek are holding.The lightning-caused spot fire in Pine Creek was contained today.

At the south end of the fire, helicopters helped hold the fire line.Tomorrow feller-bunchers (specialized logging equipment) and dozers will continue to build line from Blackbird Mountain to Blackbird Mine.The total fire area is now estimated at 103,440 acres.

Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Corps Regiment, who arrived yesterday from Camp Pendleton, CA, began intensive field training today.When the 26 Marine crews complete their training, they will assist in fire fighting efforts.A crew consists of 20 people.

Highway 93 between Lost Trail and Missoula was closed at 3 p.m. when the Maynard Fire on the Bitterroot National Forest, MT flared up and jumped the road.Travelers are advised to call toll free 800-226-ROAD (7623) for current status. There is no estimate of when normal highway traffic will resume.

In the River of No Return Wilderness, 10 lightning fires have merged into seven.The fires range in area from 3 to 863 acres.Although the fires are not staffed due to a shortage of personnel, some structures threatened inside the wilderness are protected.A special team ordered to handle the wilderness fires is expected to arrive on Tuesday.

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.

=end=