For Immediate Release:
July 31, 2017, 4 p.m.
Contact: Kelsey Griffee, kgriffee@blm.gov, 208-521-8709
Idaho Falls District Fire Updates
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#WildhorseFire & #BLMIFDFire)
(#WildhorseFire & #BLMIFDFire)
Wildhorse Fire
Start Date: 07/30/2017, reported 3:30 p.m.
Location and
Jurisdiction: 6 miles South of Big Southern Butte about 35 miles west of
Blackfoot, ID, BLM
Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 26,848 acres, growth mainly due to accurate
mapping
Percent
Contained: Containment
estimated for 7/31 at 10 p.m., dozer line is around a most of the fire
Fire Behavior: The fire was active
this afternoon when 20 mph wind gusts stirred up heat within the fire
perimeter, which then burned islands of unburned vegetation within the fire
perimeter
Structures Threatened: No immediate threat to
structures.
Fuels and Terrain: Burning in grass and
sage brush.
Fire
Crews/Resources: 8
engines, 4 dozers, 1 water tender, 10 air tankers
Evacuations: None in effect at this time.
Closures: None.
Summary: Minimal fire activity this morning helped
firefighters secure the large fire perimeter. Fire growth is due in part to
wind gusts of 20 mph this afternoon and more accurate mapping. Active fire
behavior was seen this afternoon in areas within the fire perimeter that
contained unburned vegetation. Retardant drops were made to keep fire activity
within the fire perimeter that is mostly surrounded by dozer line. Retardant drops
were made by seven single engine air tankers and three heavy air tankers.
Mine Canyon
Start Date: 07/30/2017, reported 3:30 p.m.
Location and
Jurisdiction: Mine Canyon, 8 miles SW of Hawkins Reservoir, BLM
Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 10 acres
Percent
Contained: No estimated
containment at this time
Fire Behavior: Minimal fire
behavior, difficult terrain is slowing firefighters
Structures Threatened: No immediate threat to
structures.
Fuels and Terrain: Burning in grass and
sage brush.
Fire
Crews/Resources: 8
smokejumpers, 2 Type-1 handcrews, Type-3 helicopter (assisting with crew
shuttles and supply needs)
Evacuations: None in effect at this time.
Closures: None.
Summary: Smokejumpers and two
hotshot crews, Snake River and Fort Apache, were brought in due to the
difficult terrain. There has not been any fire growth as of this release.
Deer Creek II
Start Date: 07/31/2017, reported 3:30 p.m.
Location and
Jurisdiction: 3 miles NW of Thayne, WY,
Caribou-Targhee NF
Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 1/10 acre
Percent
Contained: Contained at
3:30 p.m., expected control for 4 p.m.
Fire Behavior: No active fire
behavior