Lightening Fire Keep Payette Fire Crews Busy

Lightening storms late last night and today ignited 11 new fires on the Payette National Forest, all less than an acre in size. Localized rain provided some relief to initial attack crews who were busy from 2:00 pm until midnight last night putting out fires. Helitack crews, smokejumpers, engine and hand crews were called to put out fires in areas near McCall as well as remote areas on Cuddy Mountain and in French Creek. Crews on the West Zone also assisted rural fire departments in fire suppression efforts on state and private land.

Today was a red flag warning for lightening and crews are on alert to watch for “holdover fires” as increasing winds are predicted over the weekend which could re-ignite smoldering hot spots.