Idaho Falls, ID—Several fires are burning in southeast Idaho, each requiring a unique management strategy. Fire officials expect activity to increase on several fires and prescribed burns over the next few days due to low humidity and higher temperatures. However, a cooling trend is predicted to arrive on Wednesday bringing cooler temperatures and possible moisture.
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Big Elk Fire |
Mile Marker 1 – The Mile Marker 1 fire started today, 11 miles south of Malad on I-15. Several resources responded and contained the fire to 2 acres by early this afternoon.
Tincup – The Tincup fire was detected on July 30, approximately 30 miles northeast of Soda
Springs near the Grays Lake Wildlife Refuge. The lightning-caused fire is now 81 acres, burning in
rugged terrain within the Caribou Mountain Range. Historically, fire has played an important role in
the environment by acting as a natural disturbance agent. With this natural ignition, Caribou-Targhee
National Forest (CTNF) managers plan to reduce heavy fuel loading, stimulate aspen regeneration
and increase plant diversity. Information on the Tincup Fire will be updated weekly on inciweb at:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6489/.
Springs near the Grays Lake Wildlife Refuge. The lightning-caused fire is now 81 acres, burning in
rugged terrain within the Caribou Mountain Range. Historically, fire has played an important role in
the environment by acting as a natural disturbance agent. With this natural ignition, Caribou-Targhee
National Forest (CTNF) managers plan to reduce heavy fuel loading, stimulate aspen regeneration
and increase plant diversity. Information on the Tincup Fire will be updated weekly on inciweb at:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6489/.
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Boone Fire Activity as seen from Squirrel Meadows near Ashton |
Fall Creek Aspen Restoration Project Prescribed Burn- Burning operations continue on the Fall Creek Aspen project, which is located near Palisades Reservoir between 4th of July and Commissary Ridge. As of August 29, 800-acres have been completed. By increasing aspen stands and enhancing vegetation diversity and composition through this prescribed fire effort, the IDF&G, CTNF and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation seek to improve big game habitat. Fire managers will continue to evaluate conditions with the intent to continue actively burning through Sept. 6 should weather conditions allow. The Forest and IDF&G is aware that a small portion of Hunting Unit 66 is affected between 4th of July and Commissary Ridge. However, the majority of the area is still open to archery enthusiasts. For public safety the CTNF strongly advises individuals to stay off trail 262 (along 4th of July Ridge); trail 017 (along Commissary Ridge); and trail 260 (which connects 4th of July to Commissary). For more information contact the Palisades Ranger District at 208-523-1412.
St. Charles Prescribed Burn – The St. Charles Prescribed Burn project kicked off last week. The St. Charles project is located approximately eight miles west of St. Charles, ID. Fire officials are using hand ignition methods to eliminate dense fuel loading in a controlled manner. Additional resource objectives include using fire as a method to regenerate aspen stands to promote wildlife habitat and increase plant diversity. For more information, please contact the Montpelier Ranger District at 208-847-0375.
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Big Elk Fire Location |