Bear Creek fire contingent being downsized
SALMON, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK)-UPDATE: Two roads that had been closed to help with fire-fighting will be opened effective at 12:01 a.m. MT Saturday.
They are:
Forest Road #60185 Warm Springs Road FROM Lemhi Pass north TO a point 3.6 miles in distance along Forest Service road #60185 Warm Springs Road (T19N, R25E, NE ¼ of section 2).
Forest Road #60013 Agency Creek Road FROM Lemhi Pass TO the intersection with Forest Service Road #60068 Copper Queen Mine Road. Hunters and others should be aware that there may still be fire fighting
and other emergency equipment on forest roads.
The Bear Creek fire, 29 miles east of Salmon, is now 75% contained, according to the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center.
The fire was mapped by infrared photography at 11,634 acres overnight. There are 170 personnel assigned to the fire as the organization is downsized. Resources, including one helicopter, that are no longer needed are being released for use at other fires. Â
Fire behavior is expected to be low to moderate Friday, but there is still potential for residual heat and fire activity.Â
The majority of firefighting resources will be focused on completing suppression repair and rehabilitation. Northern Rockies Team 5 will officially transfer command back to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest on Monday.