Firefighters continue progress as mop-up operations expand on Greer Fire

GREER - Firefighters assigned to the Greer Fire experienced a quiet overnight operational period, with night shift resources patrolling containment lines and monitoring for any changes in fire activity.

Early Tuesday morning, Idaho Department of Lands personnel conducted an infrared (IR) drone flight to identify pockets of residual heat. The imagery will allow firefighters to systematically target hotspots, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mop-up operations. There has been no change to the fire's acreage or containment overnight - 338 acres, 35% contained.

Tuesday's operations will continue to focus on mopping up and securing containment lines. As firefighters meet mop-up objectives and verify that heat has been removed from the fire's edge, containment is expected to increase.

Firefighters equipped with bladder bags, backpack water tanks used to extinguish hotspots, will continue searching for pockets of heat along the fire's perimeter. Much like ensuring a campfire is dead out, crews apply water, stir the ash, and check each hotspot until it is cold to the touch.

Forecasted thunderstorms may bring gusty, erratic winds to the fire area Tuesday. While recent fire behavior has remained minimal, wind can uncover buried embers by blowing ash away, exposing them to oxygen and receptive fuels. Firefighters will remain vigilant, monitoring for any rekindles and taking immediate action as needed.

As more sections of fireline are secured, crews will continue transitioning from active suppression to mop-up operations while beginning to backhaul equipment from completed portions of the fire.

Firefighters continue working in steep, hazardous terrain and appreciate the ongoing support from the Greer community. The encouragement shown by local residents and the public boosts morale during the arduous tasks of mop-up and cold trailing.

State Highway 11 remains open to one lane of traffic with a pilot car escort provided from the continued assistance of the Idaho Department of Transportation. Motorists should expect delays and remain alert for firefighters, heavy equipment and changing road conditions. Please reduce speed and follow all traffic signs and directions from personnel.

Recreationists on the Clearwater River are asked to avoid the confluence of SH-11 and U.S. Highway 12 while aviation resources are supporting firefighting operations. When aircraft are scooping water, please move safely to the shoreline and do not impede flight operations. Delays in aviation operations can affect firefighting efforts on the ground.

There are currently no evacuations. The public is encouraged to stay informed and avoid the fire area to allow firefighters and equipment to operate safely.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.