Red flag warning carries throughout the weekend
A red flag warning is in effect Saturday through Sunday because of hot and dry weather, which could mean the Rabbit Foot Fire could expand half a mile.
The fire has grown to 7,558 acres and as of Saturday is still at zero percent containment.
The temperature be at 87 degrees on the fire with a relative humidity. Winds will increase about 15 mph, with some gusts up to 30 mph.
Friday’s weather warmed up the fire, which pre-heated fuels for Saturday’s fire behavior.
On Friday, 175 firefighters were able to return to spike camp, where the fire is closer to access. Incident managers had originally closed a spike camp several miles south of the Rabbit Foot fire Thursday night due to heavy smoke forecasts.
The fire spread up towards the Morgan Creek Summit, to Weasel Creek and then towards Mink Creek. However, the fire did cool and stop when it reached the sage brush in the east.
Saturday, helicopters and crews will be working to the northwest, to check on the fire’s movement. Crews will work to secure the two spot fires close to Morgan Creek summit.
Firefighters are making every effort to keep the 055 Road open for public access by removing flammable fuel. Contingency indirect dozer lines are being constructed on the east side.
Stage One Fire Restrictions went into effect Saturday morning. That means people will not be able to build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire or stove outside a fire structure that is provided by the Forest Service within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. There will also be no smoking outside an enclosed vehicle or building.
Exemptions to this order are:
Persons with a permit specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. Persons using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuels. Persons using a stove fire (as defined in this Order). Persons smoking while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Temporary flight restrictions for non-incident aircraft, including drones, was expanded to the north and east Thursday as a precaution and remains in effect for Saturday.
