Sharps Fire grows to 38,360 acres, 21 percent contained

The Sharps Fire near Bellevue has grown to 38,360 acres and is 21 percent contained. The fire was caused by exploding targets about 6 miles east of Bellevue on Sharps Canyon Road on Sunday afternoon.

Fire managers made progress Tuesday on a perimeter line along the southern flank but said fire behavior will be active Wednesday and continue to burn through heavy downed fuels. Continual gusty winds are expected, which may push the fire further to the north.

The Carey Fire Department provided protection for structures in the Muldoon Ranch area. Some power poles in that area were compromised and de-energized. Based on that fire behavior overnight, fire managers will implement a night shift to secure and patrol a perimeter line.

On Wednesday, firefighters hope to secure fire lines on the south end.

A community fire information meeting is set for 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Carey School. Incident Commander Beth Lund will provide an update on firefighting activity.

There are some new closure areas. Quiqley Road is now closed at the mouth of the canyon where the pavement ends. Slaughterhouse Creek is also now closed where the pavement ends. Those roads are closed to restrict access into the fire area where crews are working. The Forest Service has also closed Cove Creek Road, 1.5 miles from East Fork Road.

—-

July 31, 2018: Although the Sharps Fire near Bellevue moved north onto the Sawtooth National Forest, fire lines are holding on the southwest portion of the fire. It is estimated at 35,000 acres.

Authorities say somebody shooting an exploding target on Sunday started the fire that’s burning in grass and timber.

New road closures are in place. Quigley Rd. is now closed at the trailhead where the pavement ends. Slaughterhouse Creek Rd. is now closed where the pavement end. These roads are being closed to restrict access into the fire area where crews are working.

The Forest Service has closed Cove Creek Rd 1.5 miles from East Fork Rd.

The public is asked to stay out of all these areas and allow emergency personnel to focus on fighting the fire.

The Great Basin National Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of firefighting efforts at 6 a.m. Tuesday and set up a command post at the Carey school.

According to the command team, crews are concentrating on building fire line and securing the south end of the fire today. Crews were working to improve fire lines around the southeast corner of the fire to prepare for dozer lines to be constructed.

Air support will be used to help.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for the Little Wood Recreation Area campground and all residences on Little Wood Reservoir Road and Flat Top Road north of the reservoir. High Five Recreation sites are evacuated and still closed to the public.

Pre-evacuation notices are still in place for Fish Creek Road. Residents should prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.