For Immediate Release:
August 06, 2017, 9 a.m.
Contact: Kelsey Griffee, kgriffee@blm.gov, 208-521-8709
Powerline Fire
Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#PowerlineFire & #BLMIFDFire)
(#PowerlineFire & #BLMIFDFire)
Pocatello, ID—The Powerline Fire burned aggressively through the night
moving from Fort Hall Indian Reservation lands towards the northeast and east
crossing onto Caribou-Targhee National Forest lands. The fire is now west of
Kinport Peak, having moved past the Bannock County line. Fire managers estimate
the fire at 30,000 acres in size. The fire is human-caused and is currently
under investigation.
The fire continues to actively burn northeast, working its way up western
facing slopes and is approximately 4 miles southwest of Pocatello. The fire is
burning in grass, sage brush and juniper.
Firefighters worked through the night protecting several structures from
the 35-40 foot flame lengths. Fortunately, no additional structures were lost
during last night’s fire fight. For evacuations and closures contact county law
enforcement.
Firefighters will be working in the Michaud Creek area on the north end of
the fire to keep the fire from entering Trail Creek. They will also be working southeast
of the fire in Crystal Creek.
Multiple firefighting resources are assisting in containment of this
fire. There are currently 22 engines, 6 water tenders, 5 dozers, and 2
handcrews on scene. Air resources are based out of Pocatello Tanker Base and
will be supporting the fire today. Additional resources have been ordered.
Brook Chadwick’s Type II Great Basin Incident Command Team are arriving
today and will begin the command transition process. For more information until
the team takes command, contact Fort Hall Department of Public Safety,
208.237.0137.
Firefighters have all the amenities they need and do not need donations.
We appreciate the public’s thoughtfulness. If the public wishes to make
donations, please donate to entities like the Red Cross or Wildland Firefighter
Foundation.
Remember wildland fire aircraft fly low and fast. Drones pose a serious
threat to pilot’s safety. Flying drones or UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) near
a wildfire is illegal. Drones can shut down air operations. If you fly, we
can’t!
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Photos taken by BLM
Engine Captain Austin Catlin
