Woodtick and Norton fires continue to grow

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) - The lightning caused Woodtick Fire has burned 5,538 acres, and the lightning caused Norton Fire has burned 420 acres.

On Thursday, the fire areas experienced thunderstorms in the afternoon, receiving a good amount of precipitation, with 0.28 inches recorded in the Woodtick Fire area. Showers and thunderstorms continue to be anticipated throughout the weekend as a very moist monsoonal flow will bring wetting rains, significantly decreasing fire behavior. Fire behavior was minimal, and although both fires have received and expect moisture throughout the weekend, these showers will not entirely extinguish the fire. Even though wet conditions are present, fire still has the potential to spread. It will stay active in isolated spots around the uncontrolled fire edge, especially in areas where dry pockets of fuel under canopy cover shelters from moisture. It will take a season-ending event to extinguish these fires entirely. This event includes sustained lower temperatures, shorter burning periods, increased relative humidity, shorter sunlight duration, and significant moisture.

As fire activity results in a slow rate of spread and low intensity, it provides ecological benefits by removing lowgrowing underbrush, cleaning the forest floor of debris, opening the canopy to sunlight, and nourishing the soil. This will reduce competition for nutrients allowing established trees to grow stronger and healthier and reducing fuels that cause a high-intensity fire. However, structure protection remains the primary focus for both fires, and fire managers continue to monitor fire activity and look for opportunities to take action if needed.

Woodtick Fire

Friday will be the last shift for some firefighting resources in the Meyers Cover and Camas Creek area as they complete their assignment. As wetter conditions continue to be present and structure protection objectives are met, fire managers do not plan to backfill these resources. Equipment and supplies will continue to be staged in the area if needed for future action.

Norton Fire

As the incoming weather is expected for continued thunderstorms, firefighters will be ready to respond to new starts if needed. The fire is generally smoldering and creeping due to sparse fuels, topography, and weather with minimal fire activity. Fire managers continue to monitor fire activity using the cameras that were previously installed several days ago and will take action if conditions warrant a change in tactics.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

A TFRs remain in effect over both fire areas. More information can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration website at: https://tfr.faa.gov.

Evacuations for Woodtick

Evacuation orders issued by the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office remain in effect for residents at Camas Creek. For more information, go to: https://bit.ly/LemhiCountyEvacs.

Closures

Two closures remain in effect on the Woodtick Fire. To view the orders in their entirety and other information regarding the fires, please refer to: https://bit.ly/WoodtickFireClosure.