Big Rock Fire update: Containment reaches 54% as crews reinforce fire lines

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) - Firefighters continue making steady progress on the Big Rock Fire, with containment increasing to 54% as crews work to secure fire lines and eliminate remaining hot spots.

The lightning-caused wildfire, which started one week ago on July 31, is now mapped at 2,142 acres. Fire officials say the slight decrease in acreage is the result of more accurate mapping, not a reduction in the burned area.

More than 305 personnel remain assigned to the incident, where an aggressive full-suppression strategy continues to protect nearby communities, homes, critical local businesses and other resources at risk.

According to fire managers with the US Wildfire Services, the fire remained within its existing perimeter Thursday and overnight. Crews made additional containment gains on the northern flank above Cress Creek while continuing work east toward state endowment lands.

Although overall fire activity has diminished, firefighters say significant heat remains beneath the surface throughout the burned area. Smoldering root systems, burning snags and occasional torching juniper trees continue to pose challenges as crews transition into the mop-up phase of the incident.

Firefighters are now working deeper inside the fire perimeter, locating and extinguishing hidden hot spots while reinforcing containment lines north of Kelly Canyon and near state endowment lands. Additional engines have also arrived to assist crews as they focus on securing Heise Road, Kelly Canyon Road and South Snake River Road in hopes of eventually restoring public access.

Crews are also removing hazardous burned trees and expanding defensible space around homes where smoldering vegetation continues to threaten structures. Officials say the southern portion of the fire near the road corridors remains uncontained.

Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, officials report no firefighter or public injuries and no residences have been lost since the fire began.

Hot, dry weather remains a concern

Friday's forecast calls for sunny skies with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-90s, relative humidity between 12% and 16%, and light winds shifting from the southeast in the morning to the west during the afternoon.

Fire managers say with no rain expected, and even hotter temperatures forecast for the weekend, extinguishing lingering hot spots could be more difficult.

Closures remain in effect

Officials continue to urge the public to stay away from the fire area while suppression efforts continue.

The following areas remain closed:

• Cress Creek
• Heise
• Kelly Canyon
• Stinking Springs
• Wolf Flats
• Table Rock

Several public land and recreation closures also remain in effect across the area.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has lifted its temporary closure for river camping at designated campsites along the South Fork Snake River Canyon between the Conant and Byington boat accesses. However, camping remains closed at Kelly Island Campground, Wolf Flats, Warm Springs and dispersed campsites along River Road.

Trail closures also remain in effect, including the Cress Creek Nature Trail, Stinking Springs Trail and other hiking and biking trails in the Kelly Canyon and Heise areas.

Fire officials ask residents and visitors to continue following evacuation notices, obey road closures and avoid entering the fire area while crews work to fully contain the wildfire.

The Big Rock Fire is being managed through a multi-agency response that includes the U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, local fire departments, sheriff's offices, emergency management agencies and numerous local partners. Fire managers also thanked the community for its continued patience and support as crews work to strengthen containment in the coming days.