Salmon, Idaho (KMVT-TV) - The Mustang Complex Fire continues to burn with 11% being contained. At this moment, 196,451 acres have burned. The fire has burned along the main Salmon River to the north and west of the community of North Fork. Right now 800 personnel are working the fire, officials say. The fire started from a lightning strike on July 30, 2012. Here is the official word from the forest service about evacuations. Yesterday evening, the fire actively burned around Indian Peak and breached the fire line along Butcherknife Ridge. Fire has reached the upper levels of Hughes Creek, Idaho. The Mustang Fire is continuing to spread to the northeast in and around Hull and Hughes Creek, Idaho and further into Montana toward Johnson Creek and Hughes Creek in Montana. Over the next 24 hours, the Mustang Fire is expected to continue to spread east toward the Highway 93 corridor and north towards Thunder Mountain. Within the 48 hours, the fire is expected to reach the Gibbonsville area in Idaho, and the Hughes Creek area in Montana. The Lost Packer fire on the west side of the complex continues to spread northeast toward Sweet Creek and west along the Salmon River beyond Lantz Bar. Structure preparation in the North Fork through Gibbonsville area is continuing to take place on both sides of the highway. Structure protection is being implemented in Hughes Creek, Montana today, and is being evaluated for the Lost Trail Pass ski area today. Holding and mop-up operations are taking place in Indian and Sage Creeks.

Evacuations are currently in place for areas within the North Fork Fire District.
As of 7:45pm, August 29, 2012, evacuation zones E, F and I are now under LEVEL 3. (Homes along Highway 93 between Hull and Sheep Creek and both sides of the highway, and homes in the Hull, Hughes and Sheep Creek drainages). Residents are strongly advised to leave their property immediately as there is an immediate threat to life and safety. As necessary and in order to ensure the operational ability of emergency response vehicles, the Lemhi County Sheriff will use all reasonable means to evacuate residents from the area.

Evacuation zones G and H are under LEVEL 1. (Homes along Highway 93 north of Sheep Creek through Lost Pass Trail on both sides of the highway, and homes along Dahlonega Road). Residents are warned that current or projected threats from hazards associated with the fire are severe. This is the time for preparation, precautionary movement of persons with special needs, movement of mobile property and pets and livestock. Highway 93 remains open at this time! Residents that depart the area are asked to stop by the North Fork Fire Station to leave their name, address, and contact information for the Sheriff. This information will help the Sheriff’s Department in determining how many residents remain in the area. Because of the evacuation, the California Interagency Incident
Management Team 5 is now under Unified Command with the North Fork Fire District, and the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Department. Evacuation Shelter Information: The Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church. This shelter will provide sleeping, meal, and shower accommodations. For those evacuating with travel trailers, the Lemhi County Fairgrounds, off Highway 93 on Diamond Creek Road, has trailer hookups and will accept horses.