Hayden Fire 83% contained

LEADORE, Idaho (KIFI) - The Hayden Fire has been mapped at 24,489 acres acres and is burning in steep and difficult terrain with spruce/subalpine fir containing a heavy dead/down timber component.

The fire started on July 19 and is located in the Lemhi Range, 18 miles west of Leadore, Idaho.

The fire is 83% contained, and the cause is undetermined. 

Fire activity on the Hayden Fire has decreased due to several days of periodic measurable rain showers and cooler temperatures. However, dry and windy conditions are expected to increase in the next several days. These conditions could elevate fire potential.  

Firefighters are utilizing this time to secure firelines, increase containment, begin suppression repair, and patrol for new fire activity. During firefighting operations, primary and contingency lines were established by crews and heavy equipment down to bare mineral soil to contain the fire and stop it from spreading. 

Local forest resource advisors are identifying and providing guidance for appropriate measures to repair lines and areas where fire operations occurred. Fire crews and equipment are working to return and restore the soil, vegetation, and areas to as close to normal as possible. Repairing these areas reduces or eliminates erosion and sedimentation, while protecting water quality and habitat for animals and threatened fish species.  

Members of the Great Basin Incident Management Team 4, community leaders, and agency representatives will be on hand to provide an overview of fire suppression activities and answer questions Wednesday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. following the City Council Meeting at Leadore Community Center, 206 S Railroad Street. The event will also be streamed via Facebook Live on the Salmon-Challis National Forest page. 

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the local agencies and Incident Management Team, has identified evacuation zones. Please visit the Lemhi County at www.lemhicountyidaho.org for a map and explanation of the zones. 

For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Salmon-Challis National Forest has enacted an area closure around the Hayden Fire.  A map and description of the closure area can be found at HERE.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction. For more information, visit the Salmon-Challis National Forest’s Alerts and Notices.