Multiple fire agencies respond to fire north of Wendell

Bureau of Land Management firefighting crews and several other agencies have been working to stem the spread of a fire since about noon today.

The fire, being called the Salvage Fire, is three miles north of Wendell. Wendell Rural Fire Department, Gooding Rural Fire Department, along with 11 Twin Falls District BLM engines, two dozers, two water tenders, seven overhead, three Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT), one heavy air tanker, one air attack, one lead plane, and one helicopter. The wind driven fire is approximately 1,773 acres at this time.

The aircraft were able to knock down most of the active fire on the south side with several retardant drops. Engine crews, with the help of the dozers, are working to create and secure the fire lines along the west and east sides. Crews were able to tie the north side of the fire into the Gooding Canal.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, and BLM investigators are on scene. The estimated containment is tomorrow, June 25th at 8:00 p.m.; with an estimated control of Sunday, June 26th at 8:00 p.m.