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NEWS RELEASE |
Salmon Interagency Dispatch Upper Columbia - Salmon
Clearwater District BLM Salmon - Challis National Forest Rural Route 2, Box 600
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Beebe (208) 756-5283 or Kent Fuellenbach (208) 756-5145
Clear
Creek Fire Update – July 26, 2000 5:00
PM
Fire crews worked hard today to hold and secure line on all divisions of the 52,500-acre Clear Creek Fire east of Panther Creek in Lemhi County. Firefighters battled low humidity and increased afternoon winds in timber, brush and grass fuels. Extremely steep and rocky terrain continues to slow handline construction.
Fire officials expect the fire, which is 30-percent contained, to move south towards Big Deer Creek. Spot fires remain a concern as fuel moistures are expected to remain low.
Fire crew and public safety remains a primary objective for fire officials. A portion of the Salmon River Road remains closed as well as nearly 300,000 acres surrounding the blaze. Many fire crews are nearing their mandatory 14-day limit and fresh replacement crews are beginning to arrive, with more ordered. The 14-day limit protects firefighter safety. Currently, more than 900 people are assigned to this incident.
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.
Reminder - Southern Idaho national forests are still under a fire restriction order. Restricted activities include building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
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