Firefighters Respond to Pat Canyon Fire

IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Around 1:30 on Sunday afternoon, July 26, the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center received information from dispatchers in Lincoln County, Wyoming, of a fire on the southeast slope of Black Mountain on the Palisades Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Two wildland fire engines responded and the fire was controlled and out by 4:30 p.m. The Pat Canyon Fire only burned about 1/10th of an acre in grass and timber.  It was allegedly started by an ATV rollover off the Black Mountain Road.

So far in 2015, EIIFC fire resources have responded to 29 fires locally which have burned a total of 300 acres. While this number is significantly below average, 21 of the fires, 72%, have been human-caused. And today’s incident underscores the existing fire danger in eastern Idaho despite the recent rain and cooler temperatures. Simple actions like doublechecking tow chains and maintaining spark arrestors can prevent wildfires. Residents and visitors should exercise caution and carry a fire extinguisher or water and a shovel while recreating on public lands.

 

One less spark means one less wildfire.