(Lewiston, ID)
Location: Off the Snake River near the Idaho/Washington Border
Start Date: 7/3/2024. Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3185 acres
Completion/Containment: 49%
Resources: 134 Total Personnel; 2 Dozers; 1 Helicopters; 3 Hand Crews; 1 Jet Boats
KEY MESSAGE:
Containment increased from 33% to 49% yesterday. Fire personnel are now confident that North, South and West sides of the Billy Creek Fire are secure enough that the fire will not grow in these areas.
CURRENT STATUS:
The eastern edge of the fire area is the last unsecured portion of the Billy Creek Fire. This eastern edge includes the steep and rugged terrain of the Snake River Canyon. Last night, fire crews flew an Unmanned Aerial System (AKA Drone) equipped with a heat-sensing infrared camera over the perimeter and found two previously undetected hot spots. Today, fire managers will develop and begin implementing a plan to deal with these areas of heat and manage the final portion of the fire.
Additionally, structure protection resources will patrol and monitor structures along the Snake River corridor, and crews will conduct suppression repair activities at higher elevations.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Tomorrow trends warmer and drier again with terrain driven winds. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect through Wednesday, July 10th in the fire area. A breakdown of the ridge pattern is expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening. Fire behavior analysts expect brushy fuel moisture to decrease and become more receptive to fire spread in the coming weeks.
CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:
There are no closures or evacuations at this time.