Public urged to avoid Ammon Foothills fire area as traffic hinders Firefighters

AMMON, Idaho — Local emergency crews are currently on the scene of a grass fire burning in the foothills southeast of Ammon. While the immediate threat to nearby homes is currently limited, law enforcement stresses that unnecessary traffic is hindering firefighting efforts.

Multiple units are currently on the scene. According to Hayli Egbert, Public Information Officer for the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD), an IFFD Battalion Chief is in command as their crews work with the Bonneville County Fire District and BLM to combat the blaze.

"Crews are getting a handle on the fire, and there are units positioned for structure protection as a precaution," said Egbert.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, a large plume of smoke visible across the region has attracted a significant amount of unnecessary traffic, blocking narrow roads and preventing large fire apparatus from accessing the area of the blaze.

In a press release, Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office directed anyone "who doesn’t need to be in the area of 65th S. and Highwillow Ln./Packbridge Ln. and East of 45th E at Ledgerock Drive (Upper Southeast area of Comore Loma Subdivision)" to avoid the area to prevent operations from being hindered. 

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.