Boise Fire Grows to 11,426 Acres, Crews Brace for Incoming Storm

The Boise Fire, which has been burning in Northeastern Humboldt County and into Siskiyou County since August 9, 2024, has now expanded to 11,426 acres and with recent favorable weather finally has 7% containment. Continued mild weather allowed firefighters to make progress on containment efforts, focusing on holding and improving lines around critical areas such as Orleans, Pearch Creek, Short Ranch, and Le Perron. Crews also built handlines south of Orleans Mountain Road and re-opened lines from previous fires to the south and east as contingency measures.

Firefighters are concentrating on containing the fire at its active eastern edge, aiming to keep the fire’s footprint as small as possible. These efforts will continue today as long as weather conditions remain favorable.

However, a fast-moving weather system expected to pass through the area today is raising concerns. The system could bring thunderstorms with gusty outflow winds, which have the potential to drive erratic fire behavior. While the fire has not shown significant growth in recent days, the incoming storm could change that, making the situation more volatile. Additionally, heavy localized rain is expected, which may lead to debris flow and flash flooding. Fire command says, “While a lighter rain overnight is expected to follow today’s storm, this weather event is not anticipated to put the fire out, and crews will be prepared to work quickly after it passes to take advantage of wet conditions.”

Quick Facts:

• Acres: 11,426
• Containment: 7%
• Detection Date: August 9, 2024
• Cause: Under investigation
• Crews: 28
• Engines: 60
• Dozers: 10
• Helicopters: 15
• Total Personnel: 1,078
• Fixed Wing: Available as needed

Operational Update:

Firefighters continue to improve and hold lines around Orleans, Pearch Creek, Short Ranch, and Le Perron, build handlines south of the Orleans Mountain Road, and re-open contingency lines from previous fires. Crews remain focused on containing the fire’s active eastern edge and minimizing its spread.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

The approaching storm could bring thunderstorms and gusty outflow winds, which may exacerbate fire behavior. Heavy localized rain is possible, raising concerns about debris flow and flash flooding. While a lighter rain is expected overnight, it will not be enough to extinguish the fire. Crews will remain vigilant and ready to take advantage of the wet conditions.

Evacuation Information:

Map and Info: Click here.

Earlier:

• Humboldt Co. Sheriff Issues Evacuation Orders and Warnings for Boise Fire
• Boise Fire Explodes Overnight to 915 Acres, Structures Threatened, Evacuations Ordered
• Boise Fire in Northeastern Humboldt Grows to 1,621 Acres
• Boise Fire in Northern Humboldt Balloons to 2,933 Acres Today
• Boise Fire Expands to 3610 Acres and There Is 0% Containment
• Boise Fire Forms Pyrocumulus Cloud This Afternoon
• The Boise Fire Continues to Create an Impressive Smoke Column From Many Angles
• Humboldt County Sheriff Issues Evacuation Order and Evacuation Warning After Boise Fire Grew Rapidly
• Boise Fire Near Orleans Prompts Air Quality Advisories and Smoke Impacts Across Northern California
• Boise Fire Quieter But Still Adds Almost 2500 Acres in the Last Day
• Six Rivers National Forest issues Boise Fire closure order
• Boise Fire Continues to Affect Air Quality in Humboldt and Trinity Counties; Improvement Expected with Incoming Storm
• Boise Fire Poised to be the 11th Largest Fire in California This Year