US Forest Service — Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests
Current Weather
Fire Growth Potential
Fire Weather Forecast
Incident Overview
Inciweb information was updated: 12 months ago
The Midnight Fire on the Salmon River Ranger District is approximately 179 acres, 38% contained and located about 10 miles southeast of Clearwater, Idaho. The fire is being managed by a Wyoming Type 3 team.
Significant firefighting traffic is expected to continue through the week on Forest Service Roads (FSR) #244, #284, and #1852 as resources continue to contribute to the suppression effort.
Heavy equipment is being utilized to construct contingency line on FSR #1853 and #1855, and in Peasley Creek drainage area FSR #469 to #648.
A fire camp is established near McComas Meadows (Camp 58) to support the ongoing suppression efforts.
There are no road or area closures associated with this fire, but the public is urged to avoid these areas for the safety of all.
Basic Incident Details
Current Situation
Decadent Subalpine Fir with dead and down component from previous wildfires
Spotty burn with interior islands. Reburn potential in cured brush. Fire behavior is described as minimal, creeping and smoldering.
Planned Outlook
48 hours: Thunderstorms expected to arrive Friday with the potential for gusty outflow winds and lightning.
12 hours: Fire activity expected to increase throughout the day as warm temps and low RH, along with northerly winds a concern. Single tree torching with spot fire development is likely.
12 hours: Low relative humidity and moderate temperatures will result in active fire behavior. With fine dead fuel moistures at 3
24 hours: Increased cloud cover and cooler temperatures will reduce the potential for fire spread on Friday. Northwest winds will limit most fire spread to backing along the western flank. Single tree torching may occur, but spotting should be minimal.
48 hours: Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity will significantly limit fire movement in fine dead fuels. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and will be the most likely source of fire spread. Spotting should be minimal. Winds will shift to out of the east shifting the primary direction of fire spread.
72 hours: Sunday will be the peak of the cooling trend with lower maximum temperatures and high relative humidity. This will suppress fire behavior substantially, though expect burning to persist in heavy fuels. Surface fire spread should be limited to creeping and smoldering activity. Expect wind to shift to out of the south changing the primary direction of fire spread.
72 hours: Fire growth will remain minimal through the weekend but will begin to increase Monday. Fire behavior will remain low and slow in surface fuels, but more heat will be present in heavy fuels. Winds will shift back out of the west.
