Fire crews gain more ground on Whitetail Loop Fire

AHSAHKA -- Crews continue to construct and reinforce fireline on the Whitetail Loop Fire with containment now listed at 15 percent.

More than 200 personnel are assigned to the fire with ground forces working on both hand and dozer line. The fire is mapped at 450 acres.

Weather Wednesday brought higher temperatures, lower humidity, and winds out of the west. These conditions had the potential to increase fire activity in the afternoon as fuels dry from morning moisture.

Work Wednesday in the southern portions of the fire, is focused on mopping up and cold-trailing (the process of extinguishing hot spots and checking for any remaining heat by hand). Wednesday morning, an Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with an infrared camera was flown over the fire area to search for pockets of heat in the interior of the fire. By locating these heat sources, firefighters can more efficiently attack potential for flare ups. Aviation resources remain available for water drops to cool interior heat.

On the northern portion of the fire, crews reinforced and plumbed firelines bringing water up the grade to cool the fire perimeter and work toward interior heat.

Evacuations remain in effect. The Clearwater County Sheriff will contact evacuated residents when it is safe for them to return home. The following roads remain closed for firefighter and public safety: Whitetail Loop, Old Ahsahka Grade, Turkey Run, and Summit View.

Big Eddy Marina and Viewpoint Road are open to the public. Please be aware that fire crews will still be in the area. Use caution when accessing these areas.

Additional updates will be posted to the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Information page https://www.facebook.com/IDLFireInfo/ and Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7122/.