Fire near Tetonia expected to be contained by Friday night

The Idaho Department of Lands and Teton Co. Fire and Rescue released the following information.

TETONIA, Idaho (Idaho Department of Lands News Release) - Firefighters continue to work toward total containment of the fire. 100% containment is expected by 7 p.m. tonight.  Containment of a section of fire is determined when firefighters no longer have to worry the fire might move. It might be contained by a fireline, road or some natural factor that will prevent fire movement.

The fire has not grown in size since yesterday, moderate fire behavior is expected today with creeping and smoldering in the cottonwood understory.

Today they plan to complete the hose lay for structure protection and continue with mop-up on the interior of the fire perimeter.

Crews have completed a dozer line on the north side of the fire, constructed a saw line on the east flank along the creek bed, and patrolled and mopped up along Flintlock Road.

The weather is expected to include calm winds, 72° high temp, with cloud cover in the afternoon, which should not pose a problem with firefighting efforts.

There are currently 35 personnel on the fire including 4 engines and 1 20-person hand crew.  A Type 2 non-federal 20-person hand crew will relieve the Palouse Hand Crew tomorrow.

Cooperating agencies include Idaho Department of Lands, Teton County Fire & Rescue, the Palouse Hand Crew, USDA Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Initially, there were six structures threatened, however, there were no evacuations ordered, and no structures burned.

The plan is to continue with mop-up efforts and transition to a single engine by Monday to monitor the fire.

Another release will only be sent if circumstances drastically change.

Date of Origin: October 9, 2024
Location:  5 miles southwest of Tetonia, ID
Estimated Size: 100 acres
Containment: 60%
Cause: Under Investigation

TETONIA, Idaho (KIFI)- (Update 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024) — 3000W Fire Update: Firefighters made good progress yesterday on improving containment lines, taking down hazard trees within the fire perimeter and putting in additional containment lines. Some resources have been released and sent to other priority fires. Work will continue today with the remaining resources. Weather remains consistent over the weekend with warmer than normal temps, low humidity and the pesky breezy conditions. Fuels are extremely dry. Currently the fire still sits at 100 acres and 60% containment. The partial road closure on 3000W has been lifted and traffic is back to normal in the area. You will see and smell smoke in the area of the fire throughout the weekend. TCFR is already receiving requests to activate burn permits. We are asking for some patience. We would like to have this fire buttoned up before we allow residents to begin burning. SO, lets remain vigilant over the weekend. We are forecasted for a change next week with cooler temps and some moisture.

TETONIA, Idaho (KIFI)- Update 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024) Reported from the Teton County Search and Rescue Facebook: 3000 W Fire Update: Fire Managers met this morning to review night operations and refine a plan for firefighting efforts for today. This fire is being managed as an interagency effort between TCFR, Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Idaho Dept. of Lands based on ownership. Currently the fire is holding at 100 acres and is 40% contained. Firefighters made good progress overnight improving containment lines. The fire is burning primarily in grass and a mature stand of cottonwoods. The shallow rooted cottonwoods are burning and toppling in the interior of the fire area and are posing an extreme risk to firefighter safety. Our #1 objective is public and firefighter safety. With these conditions, we can expect smoke in the area as we carefully work toward full containment, which will take multiple days. There is a partial road closure of 3000W to allow firefighters room to safely move equipment. Unless conditions drastically change, we will provide an update this evening. At time of this report, there are 8 structures threatened. There has been no damage to structures or losses. There is no significant threat to the community of Tetonia at this time. Weather is predicted to be similar to yesterday with warm temps, low humidity and breezy conditions.

TETONIA, Idaho (KIFI) – (Update 8:13 p.m.) From the Teton County search and rescue Facebook "At approximately 1:05 this afternoon, Teton County 911 received a report of wildfire approximately 1 mile south of Tetonia off N 3000 W, or across from the Tetonia fairgrounds. TCFR units arrived on scene to find a fire actively burning in grass and cottonwoods. Initial size estimated at 5-10 acres spreading rapidly. There were approximately 10 primary structures threatened. Crews prioritized protecting structures and notifying residents. Attention then turned to attacking the fire. Mutual Aid resources were requested as part of a multi-county Eastern Idaho Mutual Aid plan, US Forest Service, Jackson Fire and EMS and Teton County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management. At this time, there are roughly 50+ personnel working to contain the fire and structure protection remains in place. There is a voluntary evacuation notice for the immediate area. Forward progress of the fire has been halted. Fire is estimated at 40 acres. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night."

(5:40 p.m.)A brush fire near Tetonia has fire crews on the scene 

Local News 8 received calls this afternoon reporting a fire.

We confirmed with the Teton County Fire District that while there is a brush fire, they can't give us an exact location except to say it is near Tetonia, and fire crews are on the scene.