Cooperative Smoke Management

 

News Release – Cooperative Smoke Management

Date: August 18, 2020

Prescribed fire is an important tool for both the forestry and agricultural communities. Fire benefits the ecosystem by decreasing or slowing diseases, stimulating growth, and reducing the potential for severe wildfires. Prescribed burning only occurs when it is allowed by fire and smoke management authorities.

Smoke is a byproduct of all sources of fire. Therefore, when managing smoke, a number of factors are considered to determine if prescribed fire will be allowed.  These include:

§  the number of fires burning or planned in the area

§  the amount of smoke already in the airshed

§  the current and projected weather and air quality conditions

§  coordination between agencies and other landowners that conduct and/or manage prescribed fire

§  this year, managers are also considering the potential for smoke to exacerbate individuals’ health challenges related to the novel coronavirus

It’s important to know that local and regional fires affect air quality. Smoke can travel long distances, so fires in other areas can impact our air. Our agencies work together to manage smoke from prescribed fire and share information with the public. 

For all smoke comments and concerns, call the following number:

Smoke Hotline: 1-800-345-1007

For updates on air quality, wildfires, and prescribed burning in our area, visit:

·         Idaho Smoke Information Blog: idsmoke.blogspot.com

·         MT/ID Airshed Group Prescribed Burning Map: mi.airshedgroup.org/current-burns

·         Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests - Fire Information:

o   Website: bit.ly/NPCFireInfo

o   Social Media: www.facebook.com/NPClwNFs | www.twitter.com/NPClwNFs 

Agency Contacts:

Johna Boulafentis, Nez Perce Tribe Air Quality, 208-843-9381

Kevin Chaffee, Idaho Department of Lands, 208-935-2141

Dan Fogleman, Bureau of Land Management, 208-962-3245

Philip Hagihara, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 208-799-4370

Jeff Handel, Nez Perce Tribe Forestry and Fire Management, 208-843-2827

Hank Heusinkveld, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, 208-702-2389

Issac Hull, Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, 208-476-5612

Seth Morphis, Montana Idaho Airshed Group, 406-329-3524  

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Bear Creek Fire

The Bear Creek Fire continues to burn in timber but there hasn't been much growth since yesterday. The Forest Service reports that smoke is visible over a large area including the Lemhi Valley and the area surrounding Salmon. Meteorology suggests that Salmon could see early morning impacts in the next couple days. 

Today and tomorrow could also see some haze beginning in the Lemhi and Birch Valleys. Beginning tomorrow, the Upper Snake River Plain could also start seeing haze. It's hard to predict very far out but there is some potential for the Middle Snake River Plain and Lower Snake River Plain to see haze by Monday.

In fact, there are enough fires burning in and around the state that most areas are likely to experience some occasional haze. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mild Idaho wildfire season so far

We're about halfway through the month and we still haven't seen a jump in the number significant wildfires. There have been a number of smaller incidents triggered by lightning but most are contained here in Idaho.

A couple days ago, a wildfire started near the Idaho-Montana border in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Lemhi Pass. Currently, the fire is around 4,000 acres in size and growing. Yesterday's update from the Forest stated there were local smoke impacts. They report extreme fire behavior.

Keep those fingers crossed for a mild season and stay safe!

Current Wildfire Outlooks for August and September

There have been a few wildfire starts here and there in Idaho but no big significant fires in timber yet. The National Interagency Coordination Center has put out their updated Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlooks for August and September.