07/16/2014 5:00 PM Pittsburg Fire Update

Pittsburg FireUPDATE

July 16, 2014 5:00 PM

Fire Information: 360-915-3821
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3965
email: pittsburgfire2014@gmail.com



Incident Summary: The Pittsburg Fire is located in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) on
the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The fire is located on the Idaho side of the Snake River in Hells
Canyon north of Pittsburg Landing between Jones Creek and Big Canyon Creek, and is currently burning
on, or threatening federal, state, and private lands. The lightning cause fire started on July 13; the
current size estimation is over 7,100 acres. Most of the fire activity yesterday occurred on the High Ridge
creek on the North side of the fire on Idaho Department of Lands and Bureau of Land Management lands
towards the Snake River.

The fire is burning mostly in grass. As of 6 AM today, the fire is being managed by Washington
Interagency Incident Management Team #1, Bob Johnson Incident Commander.

Events: Two public meetings are scheduled to provide fire updates. On Thursday, July 17, a meeting
will be held at the Oddfellows Building in White Bird at 7 PM. On Friday, July 18, a meeting will be held
at Salmon River High School in Riggins, at 7 PM in the Old Band Room.

Planned Actions Today: Public and firefighter safety will be the top priority. Incoming resources will
gather information from initial attack firefighters and scout the fire, install communications systems, and
develop a suppression plan. Firelines that have been constructed will be strengthened, and new lines
will be constructed where possible.

Weather Outlook: High pressure will continue to build in the area, and a warming and trying trend is
expected. Winds will be terrain driven, increasing in the afternoon. Low humidity and high temperatures
(104-109) will continue to influence fire behavior.

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuations in place. Incident managers are working closely with
Idaho County Sheriff; the Sheriff will make any decisions regarding evacuations and notify effected
residents.

Resources at Risk: Significant attention is focused on the resources at risk in this area. Cultural and
historical sites, threatened and endangered species, as well as valuable wildlife habitat and grazing
lands are located within the fire area. Fire officials are working closely with Resource Advisors from the
cooperating agencies.

Cooperating Agencies: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest,
Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho County