1. Forest Fires: Yep, it was a wet winter and spring this year but things are drying out up in the mountains. Forest fires and wildfires are a real threat now and it’s good to stay informed if you’re heading into the Boise National Forest in the next 2-3 months. Where do I get this information?

• – The US Forest Service “Latest Detected Fires” Map: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/current.php?sensor=modis&extent=conus&type=fireweather
• – Northwest Visual Satellite Animation: http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/west/nw/flash-vis.html
• – NOAA Smoke Detection Map: http://www.firedetect.noaa.gov/viewer.htm

Why get surprised when heading into the mountains and forest…right?

2. Closed: NFS Road 579 off Highway 21 will be closed from August 8th – August 19th, 2011. This is updated information that changes the dates of the closure of this popular road called “The Stanley Road”.

Here is a map of the approximate location of the closure

View Larger Map

– Read the full story here: Media Advisory: Temporary Closure of Forest Road 579 from August 8 through August 19

3. Burnt Dogs: Guess it happens. Owners of dogs let them get a little too close to hot springs. The National Forest Service has been getting some calls about dogs dying from bad burns when they stray into the hot springs in the Lowman, Idaho area.

I really don’t know what to say or think about this? Read the NFS article and make your moral judgment or not. Dog Owners Need to be Careful in Hot Springs

Thanks,