OROFINO – After being initially reported at 40 acres yesterday afternoon, the Old Ahsahka Fire quickly grew to about 300 acres due to dry fuels, steep terrain, and spotting up to a ¼ mile. Aggressive response from ground and air firefighting resources stopped the additional spread of the fire on the west side. Overnight the fire still experienced active burning. The fire is 0% contained and structures in the area are threatened. No evacuations have been issued but Clearwater County Sheriff’s office is working with residents for their safety.
Today efforts will focus on the east side of the fire and attempt to establish a direct fire line. There are currently about 100 people on this fire. This includes 3 hand crews of 20 people each, 8 helitack personnel, 2 smokejumpers, 2 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tender, and 1 type 3 helicopter. Additional air resources may be called as needed but may be limited due to heavy smoke.
The North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered and will be in-briefed tonight to take command of the fire.
Cooperating agencies are the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Idaho Department of Lands, US Forest Service, Orofino Fire Department, Sunnyside Fire Department, and Clearwater County Sheriff.
Additional information can be found on the IDL webpage at www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management #IDLfireinfo #OldAhsahkaFire2023
