Hot temps push Trestle Creek Complex to over 6K acres

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HOPE — As expected, dry and hot conditions over the weekend brought an increase in fire activity on the Trestle Creek Complex, fire officials said Monday. 

Located 4 miles north of Hope, the fire has now burned 6,051 acres and is 5% contained.

While the conditions resulted in the fire's growth, control lines on the fire's western and southern flanks are performing as expected, said Jess Harvey, public information officer for the Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team 3 overseeing the complex.

In addition to containment efforts on the western and southern flanks, Harvey said crews also are keeping a close eye out for spot fires

"We are continuing to build the fire break line along the western-most side of the fire with equipment and inserting crews to build line in steeper locations along the south side," Harvey said.

The northern end of the fire along Trestle Creek saw some spotting, moving the fire a little further north. The mastication — or mulching of forest fuels — along the roads and previous preparations has been successful in helping slow the fire's movement," he said.

"Crews are closely monitoring that and directly engaging where possible," Harvey added.

Crews have been working the southern-most edge of the fire along Trestle Creek, he said. In addition, they have checking the hose lays and pumping systems in the area.

"They will continue to test them to make sure everything is ready in case they are needed in the coming days," he said.

A Type 1 helicopter with a bucket has been assigned to the fire, which now has 135 personnel assigned to the Trestle Creek Complex. In addition, there are three hand crews, 11 engines, two dozes, three feller bunches, two excavators, a forwarder, a masticator and three water tenders.

Harvey said a predicted cold front is expected to push across the fire area late Tuesday into evening, bringing along more breezy winds. The breezy conditions are expected to turn into a northerly flow Wednesday bringing cooler temperatures, he said.

Smoke and haze are not expected to start clearing until after the cold front passes.

To the north, Idaho Department of Lands crews have responded to what is being called the Jay Peak Fire, located east of Naples. The fire, located east of Naples, is estimated at 12 acres.

Quick efforts kept the fire from expanding even in the hot and dry current conditions, IDL officials said in a press release.

Fire officials closed Trail Creek Road at the end of the county road to the public due to safety concerns. No structures are threatened, they said.

IDL has one engine, one dozer, one excavator, a skidgen and two hand crews working to suppress the fire. One type 1 and 1 type 2 helicopter are assisting with suppression efforts.

The fire is currently 0% contained and is burning in heavy downed timber. The rocky and steep terrain makes it difficult for firefighters to access. Crews are optimistic for the cooler weather and expected rainfall tomorrow.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and it is currently under investigation. The fire was first reported on Sunday at about 5 p.m.

For information on fire restriction, the "Ready, Set, Go" evacuation program, Idaho Firewise and more, go online to idahofireinfo.com/. For up-to-date information on smoke, go online to fire.airnow.gov/.