Artesian Fire Update

News Release

DATE: August 18, 2018 8:00 p.m.

CONTACT: Katie Gorby, kgroby@fs.fed.us, 208-497-7270

Artesian Fire Update

Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire

Facebook: Idaho Fire Info
(#ArtesianFire)

Start Date: 08/18/2018 11 a.m.

Location and Jurisdiction: Highway 33 Mile Marker 62, 3 miles east of Sage Junction. (Private & BLM lands)

Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: estimated 1900 acres

Percent Contained: containment estimated, August 19

  

Fire Behavior: Creeping and smoldering with intermittent flair ups.

Structures Threatened:  Yes, one ranch a ½ mile south of the fire potentially threatened.

Fuels and Terrain:  Burning in grass and brush, flat ground.

Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 6 brush truck, 4 tenders (BLM, USFS, Central Fire District, Hamer VFD, Roberts VFD) and 3 dozers. 2 single air tankers, 1 heavy air tanker, 1 helicopter, 2 Fire Bosses and a very large air tanker. Madison Fire Department, Ucon Fire Department and Ammon Fire Department ordered for structure protection.

Evacuations: All evacuation will be handled by Jefferson County Sheriff as necessary.

Closures:  No closures.

Summary: The Artesian Fire has grown to 1900 acres. The line is holding in the South. There are some interior pockets still goings. They are working to keep those interior pockets from sending up embers and igniting fires over the line. As of right now they are focusing on holding and securing the fire line.