Big Bear

## Big Bear Fire Report - July 28, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Big Bear Fire was ignited by lightning on July 9, 2025, in the Krassel Ranger District of the Payette National Forest in Idaho. **Size and Containment**: As of July 24, 2025, the fire had grown to approximately 8,955 acres. Recent reports from July 20, 2025, indicated the fire had reached 6,363 acres. As of July 16, 2025, the fire was reported to be 11,220 acres and 75% contained. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is primarily burning in timber with grass and understory. In the last 72 hours, fire activity has been observed moving into the Bruin Creek drainage and Hot Springs Meadow. The fire has been backing its way down towards the Salmon River. Firefighters have been utilizing wildland tactics to provide structure protection. **Containment Efforts**: Containment has been reported at 75% as of July 16, 2025. Firefighters have successfully defended the Arctic Creek Lodge and River of No Return Lodge using point protection tactics. Pumps and sprinklers have been set up at both lodges as a precautionary measure. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** No specific evacuation orders or warnings have been reported in the last 72 hours for the Big Bear Fire. Information regarding shelters is not readily available. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** Information on specific road closures related to the Big Bear Fire is not detailed in the provided search results. However, the U.S. Forest Service is coordinating with multiple national forests regarding potential impacts on the Salmon River corridor for rafting outfitters and permit holders. **For more information, visit:** * **Payette National Forest:** Information on forest closures and fire activity can typically be found on the official Payette National Forest website. (Specific URL not provided in search results) * **Inciweb:** For comprehensive information on large wildfires, Inciweb is a primary resource. (Specific URL not provided in search results) * **Idaho Fire Map:** The Idaho Department of Lands provides an interactive map for wildfire information. ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Structures Impacted**: Firefighters have successfully provided structure protection for the Arctic Creek Lodge and the River of No Return Lodge, with pumps and sprinklers in place. **Injuries and Fatalities**: No injuries or fatalities have been reported in connection with the Big Bear Fire itself. However, there was a separate incident in Idaho on June 30, 2025, where two firefighters were killed and one was critically wounded during an unrelated wildfire response near Coeur d'Alene. **School and Business Closures**: No school or business closures have been reported in relation to the Big Bear Fire. **Notable Impacts**: The fire is burning in the Frank Church Wilderness area. **Safety Concerns:** **Power Outages**: No power outages have been reported in connection with the Big Bear Fire. **Water Safety**: No specific water safety concerns have been reported. **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions**: General information on fire restrictions in Idaho can be found through the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Restrictions Finder. **Air Quality**: Smoke from wildfires can impact air quality. Residents in affected areas should monitor local air quality reports. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: As of July 16, 2025, the fire was 75% contained. Continued efforts are focused on managing the fire's progression and protecting critical infrastructure. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: The weather forecast for Idaho indicates a chance of rain and variable cloud cover over the next several days. There is a possibility of thunderstorms, which can bring lightning that could ignite new fires. Winds are expected to be light to moderate. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The Big Bear Fire was caused by a lightning strike. **Weather and Climate**: Climate change is a significant factor in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States. Factors such as increased heat, extended drought, and a "thirsty atmosphere" contribute to drier fuels, creating conditions conducive to fire. In Idaho, rising temperatures are desiccating fuels earlier in the summer, and warmer springs lead to earlier snowmelt, effectively extending the fire season. These conditions, combined with natural weather patterns, create a higher potential for wildfire ignition and spread. ### For more information, visit:** * **Idaho Department of Lands - Idaho Fire Map:** [https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-maps/](https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-maps/) * **Inciweb:** [https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/) * **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [https://www.nifc.gov/](https://www.nifc.gov/)

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