Update: Poorman Prescribed Fire (June 8 at 10:00 a.m.)
Firefighters did not conduct any ignition operations on the Poorman project yesterday, June 7. Crews focused on patrolling control lines and monitoring areas with higher smoke production. All control lines remain secure, and no fire has moved outside the project boundary.
Dry winds and steady sun continued to dry out thicker duff in Station Creek, especially under the heavier forest canopy. This caused an increase in smoldering activity yesterday afternoon and overnight. Firefighters completed targeted mop‑up work in these areas to reduce smoke and will continue addressing hot spots in Station Creek today.
Smoke may be visible in Garden Valley over the next several days, with much of today’s smoke coming from smoldering logs, heavy fuels, and pine‑needle litter within Station Creek. Smoke impacts to residents and roadways are expected to decrease quickly in the coming days.
A weather system is moving in, with rain expected overnight June 8 into mid‑morning June 9. Forecasts call for 0.10–0.25 inches, with the possibility of higher amounts under thunderstorms.
The area closure, including the Station Creek Trail, remains in effect through June 10 at 4 p.m. It may be lifted earlier if conditions allow firefighters to safely reopen the area.
For questions about the Poorman Prescribed Fire, call 208-861-3465
Background
The Poorman Prescribed Fire is a 2,692‑acre fuels‑reduction project designed to lower the risk of high‑intensity wildfire near the communities of Crouch and Garden Valley. This area has been successfully treated with prescribed fire in the past, including the late 1990s and again from 2010–2012.
This project is one of several active forest management efforts on the Boise National Forest to reduce wildfire risk and support firefighter safety. In spring 2026, seven prescribed burns were successfully implemented across the Boise National Forest.
Ignitions for the Poorman Prescribed Fire took place over four days from late April through early May. Firefighters have worked daily to patrol the control line to reinforce it against any nearby fire activity that could possibly threaten it. The fire has been meeting treatment objectives, consuming pine needles, downed logs, brush, and some grasses. However, unusually dry weather in May has led to smoke lingering in the Garden Valley area longer than anticipated.
Current Situation
Due to ongoing dry conditions and continued smoke impacts, firefighters are taking additional steps to reduce fuels and shorten the duration of smoke in the area:
• Perimeter work: Beginning June 2, firefighters widened the existing handline around the project boundary by carefully burning grasses along the edge. This work was completed on June 3 and further reduces the likelihood of fire moving outside the project area.
• Interior burning: Firefighters will be burning remaining grasses inside the project area starting June 4, with work expected to continue for up to four days. This may temporarily increase smoke but will help reduce future smoke production and speed up the overall clean‑up period.
Going Forward
This InciWeb site will be updated regularly while the prescribed fire is being patrolled. For questions about the Poorman Prescribed Fire, call 208-861-3465
CLOSURE AREA
There is a temporary area and trail closure from June 1-10, 2026. Details can be fount at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/boise/alerts/poorman-prescribed-fire-temporary-closure
