Fire crews work throughout the night securing containment lines on the Telegraph Fire

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Contact: EIIFC Fire Information, 208-497-5934

Fire crews work throughout the night securing containment lines on the Telegraph Fire

Facebook: Idaho Fire Info
(#TelegraphFire & #BLMIFDFire & #CTNFFire)

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Crews worked throughout the night to secure containment lines on the Telegraph Fire, which ignited late in the afternoon on July 8^th. The fire occurred approximately 20 miles west of Idaho Falls north of Highway 20 on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Pushed by high winds and dry vegetation, the fire quickly burned onto Idaho National Laboratory (INL) lands. No INL buildings or power lines are threatened.

Quick response by several fire departments and air resources limited fire growth. By midnight, dozers from the INL and BLM  had constructed line around the entire fire. INL crews worked throughout the night and were relieved by additional crews early this morning. An aerial flight of the fire mapped it at 2,154 acres. Incident Commanders estimate the fire is now 50% contained and anticipate that number will increase throughout the afternoon. Full containment is expected by 8:00 p.m. today.

“Fire behavior is minimal this morning,” said IC Farron Kunkel. “Our strategy today will be to strengthen containment lines to withstand the anticipated wind event expected this afternoon.”

This morning federal crews tied in with INL operations and will continue to mop up hotspots and bolster the existing containment lines. Air resources are on standby at the Pocatello Tanker Base if needed.

This human-caused fire is still under investigation. The public is encouraged to take extra precautions as they recreate this summer as hot weather and dry vegetation make for prime fire conditions. Take time to make sure your vehicle is well maintained and that nothing is hanging or dragging along the road. Don’t let your summer go up in smoke.

*Photos will be posted at Idaho Fire Info Facebook*

Telegraph Fire from the air the evening of July 8