Fire causes more campground closures

The South Barker Fire above Pine and Featheville, which the forest service is allowing to burn as part of its forest health management plan, had grown to more lthan 24,000 acres as of Thursday morning and triggered some significant changes in areas being closed due to the fire.

The Sawtooth National Forest has issued a new road, trail, and area closure for the safety of firefighters and the public in area surrounding the South Barker Wildland Fire Use Incident and will remain in effect until further notice. The closure includes Forest Road 227 from Featherville to Boardman Creek. The Boardman Creek trail will remain open.

A Boise National Forest closure order for public safety is pending for Forest Service Roads 135 and 138.

For specific Closure information, refer to www.inciweb.org, or contact the Fairfield Ranger District Office. The map attached to this story shows the area where the closures are taking place

The fire, triggered by lightning more than two weeks ago, continues to have some growth due to the increased winds. The fire continues to be active in Lower Willow Creek, Stevens Gulch, Van Gulch, and Camp Gulch, spreading south toward Forest Service Road 227. Fire behavior has increased from the previous day in the lower elevations in the South Fork Boise River drainage, due to strong winds.

Wednesday's fire behavior was active in the sage and grass fuel type with intermittent torching. Spotting and short crown runs in the timber stringers continue.

Smoke from the fire is affecting several communities. Data from the air quality monitor in place at Pine can be viewed 24 hours a day at: http://www.satguard.com/USFS/fleet.aspx, then click "Pine, ID."

Crews will be keeping the fire in check and preventing it from backing into drainages adjacent to private property and Forest Service structures. Some preventative measures have been implemented around the structures in the South Fork Boise River Ranch. The active fire is approximately one mile from the private property and is being closely monitored, forest officials said Thursday.