U.S. Forest Service personnel are keeping tabs on a couple of fires burning on the Nez Perce National Forest.

On the Red River Ranger District, the holdover Porcupine Fire apparently started south of the Magruder Road near the intersection with Forest Road #285. Since it was reported Monday morning, it has grown to an estimated 800+ acres and jumped the road to the north. The fire is moving generally northeast toward Green Mountain and somewhat easterly toward Poet Creek campground.

Officials are currently processing formal “road closures” of the Magruder Road from the 505 Trail near Mountain Meadows clear to Nez Perce Pass at the Montana border. One of the fires on the east side is also threatening the roadway. In the meantime, by reason of emergency authority, Forest Service personnel are turning people back now and are evacuating people already on the road.

The Porcupine Fire is staffed and four type 2 crews (20-persons each) and five type 6 engines have been ordered. A Type 3 incident commander is currently being briefed at the Red River Ranger District office.

On the Clearwater Ranger District, the Blue Ridge Prescribed Burn Area closure is in effect to provide for public safety due to prescribed fire activity and falling tree hazards. The closure area begins at the intersection of Johns Creek and the Frank Brown Trail, travels east up Gilmore Creek to the junction of road #1875 and Frank Brown Trail, then south on the trail to Sourdough Peak, then west on Driveway Trail.

Meanwhile, on the Clearwater National Forest’s Powell Ranger District, the Storm Wildland Fire Use Fire is currently 80+ acres. The fire is located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and continues to send smoke into Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley.