EIIFC FIRE
UPDATE AUGUST 21, 2016
Idaho
Falls, ID – Several small fires ignited this weekend as temperatures slightly
increased. The majority of smoke affecting the valley is drifting in from
several large wildfires burning throughout the western states, including western
Idaho, California and western Wyoming. A map is attached depicting the fires burning
in western Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park.
The
Rattlesnake Island Fire was reported
August 20, burning eight miles east of Heise Hot Springs, on an island located
on the South Fork of the Snake River. Bonneville County provided EIIFC
assistance by jetboating several firefighter crews to the island to extinguish
the flames. The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is currently under
investigation. It is mapped at 4.1 acres. Crews expect to reach containment later
this afternoon with an estimated control time of 6:00 p.m.
The
lightning-caused Kyle Canyon Fire
was reported August 20, burning nine miles northeast of Howe, Idaho. One engine
was dispatched to the area and quickly contained the .1-acre fire.
Crews
are making significant headway on the 265-acre Toponce Fire, burning 16 miles east of Chubbuck, Idaho. The
Incident Commander reports that the fire is 80% contained. Fire behavior is minimal
with smoldering and occasional single tree torching. Several handcrews, engines
and air resources continue to work hotspots. Approximately 151 personnel are assigned
to the fire.
Several
small fires, including the Carrot, Lanes Creek, Black and Big Elk Fires
continue to burn on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF). No significant size increase has occurred on
any of these fires since the last update. After carefully considering impacted resources
and analyzing predicted fire behavior and spread, the CTNF will manage theses
fires to allow fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem.
Naturally-occurring fires can increase forest health and provide many benefits
to both wildlife and vegetation. Fire managers will continue to reevaluate
strategy and tactics and modify as necessary. An inciweb page was created for
the Carrot Fire as closures are in place for the area. More information is
available at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4973/.
Wildfire
updates and fire prevention tips are available on www.IdahoFireInfo.com. One less spark means
one less Idaho wildfire.
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| Fires Burning in Western Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park |
