Aircraft attack Bedrock Fire until visibility prevents flights

Thursday morning and early afternoon aircraft attacked the Bedrock Fire until visibility was limited by smoke, while ground crews also worked to put out the fire.

Overnight, 11 engines provided structure protection. Friday, 6 hand crews, 16 engines, 7 water tenders and 5 dozers are working to suppress the fire which is estimated was estimated at 7,000+ acres with no containment Thursday. Some structures have been lost and an assessment is being done Friday on that part of the incident.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, the Type 2 Rocky Mountain Blue Team will shadow the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Bureau Type 3 Team, and then assume command of the fire at 6 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, Aug. 16.

Air quality in the vicinity is reported to be "very unhealthy", with the Air Quality Index measuring 251 at 5 a.m. PT. Nez Perce County Emergency Management encourages individuals to remain indoors as much as possible.

The Bedrock File is located near Lenore, Idaho, on the north side of U.S. Highway 12 between Lewiston and Orofino (approximately 26 miles east of Lewiston and 16 miles west of Orofino) in Nez Perce County (46.531 latitude, -116.6 longitude). The Idaho Department of lands established an incident command post in Orofino.

Planned actions

The fire is being attacked on three fronts by Division Alpha on the west side of the perimeter, Division Whiskey across the northeast corner, and Division Golf covering the remainder of the southern boundary just north of the Clearwater River. Resources are deployed across all divisions Friday, with a primary focus on protecting structures in the community between the southern edge of the fire and the river. Fire managers will also watch for strategic opportunities for containment in the deep canyons flanking the northeast corner of the fire. As another priority, personnel will inventory residences and other structures burned in the fire.

Evacuations and closures

On Friday at 9:45 a.m., Sheriff Bryce Scrimsher confirmed an emergency order for evacuations in Lenore. Those in the area on River Rd. from Bedrock Rd. to Lenore Grade, Lenore Grade, Sunnyside Bench Rd. to Cooks Grade, Cooks Grade, Cooks Hollow and all lanes branching from these roads are placed in "Go" (Level 3 evacuation) and must evacuate.

The remainder of Lenore remains on "Set." In addition, the North Rim of Bedrock Canyon including portions of Parks Rd., Davis Rd., Tarbet Rd., South Rd., Driscoll Rd., Zero Point Rd., and McIver Rd. are in "SET" (Level 2 evacuation).

Areas south of Southwick Rd., the towns of Leland and Southwick, are in "READY" (Level 1 evacuation).

Hanks Grade, Cooks Grade, Sunnyside Bench Rd. and part of Cream Ridge Rd. are restricted to resident traffic only.

The Clearwater County Fair Board is opening the livestock barn in the Orofino city park to animals needing a safe place to evacuate. They have hay, straw and water. Please call or text Dennis at 208-790-2795 to make arrangements.

Fire Restrictions

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

There is a TFR in place for air space over the Bedrock Fire. For detailed information about the TFR visit https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_5867.html. Remember, temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. "If you fly, we can't!" Flying a drone in restricted air space is illegal.

Primary and cooperating agencies

The Idaho Dept of Lands is the primary agency on this incident and extends thanks for the tremendous support provided by the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office, Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, Orofino Fire Department, City of Kamiah Fire-Rescue, Wheatland Fire Protection District, Lewiston Fire Department, Moscow Volunteer Fire Department, Deary Volunteer Fire Department, Troy Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Kendrick Volunteer Fire Department, Sunnyside Rural Fire District, and Big Canyon Fire District.