| Highline Fire | |
| Reference: | [1] |
| Date: | – |
| Location: | Payette National Forest, Idaho, United States |
| Coordinates: | 45.494°N -115.233°W |
| Pushpin Map: | USA Idaho |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location of fire in Idaho. |
| Area: | 84619acres |
| Cause: | Lightning and thunder storms |
The Highline Fire was a wildfire in Payette National Forest, 23 miles east of Warren, Idaho in the United States. The fire was reported on July 29, 2017. The cause of the fire was lightning. The fire burned 84619acres and was contained in August 2017. The fire closed access to many parts of Payette National Forest, including three airstrips. The Highline was accompanied by the nearby Goat Fire, which was burning in the same region, at a smaller acreage.
The Highline Fire was started by a lightning strike on July 28 around 7:00 PM in the Payette National Forest, specifically the Krassel Ranger District, within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
By August 18, the fire had expanded to 10991acres, burning mainly within old fire scars from a 2000 fire. Crews focused on letting the fire "play its natural ecological role...to the greatest extent possible while protecting the known values of risk." They took actions to suppress the fire regarding protecting property or life, including guard stations, Idaho Fish and Game structures. Historic structures under threat include Stonebraker Ranch and cabins, outbuildings and the Chamberlain USFS Airport at the Chamberlain Guard Station. At this time, the Chamberlain USFS Airport was closed.[2]
As of August 20, fire crews had begun evaluating structure protection at Root Ranch. The fire had burned 18393acres by the evening.[3] By August 23, the Goat Fire had begun, burning 41acres alongside the Highline in the same area. Protection of the Cold Meadows Guard Station began.[4] The first day of September brought additional protection for additional areas and structures, including those located along the Salmon River, including lodges, campgrounds, bridges, cabins and guard stations.[5]
By September 5, the fire had grown to 67942acres, with the accompanying Goat Fire growing to 480acres. Both fires remain at zero containment with the goal of letting them run their natural course. The Cold Meadows USFS Airport was closed due to poor runway conditions.[6] As of September 10, the fire was burning 82133acres and was at zero containment. The fire made its way to the Rock Rabbit Lookout, which survived.[7]
The Chamberlain Airstrip was closed for several months.[8]