Weather conditions challenge Rabbit Foot firefighters

Anyone living near or affected by the Rabbit Foot Fire is invited to a Community Meeting Wednesday night at the Challis Middle School Auditorium.

The Great Basin Incident Management Team #3 (GBIMT) says the meeting will feature the Incident Meteorologist and predictions for fire-fighting weather and how the team’s Planning Operations Section Chief plans to deal with it.

Both the Incident Commander and a representative of the Salmon-Challis National Forest will make presentations and take questions.

The incident meteorologist is calling for a “notable” weather event this weekend. A high pressure system will dominate, bringing higher temperatures, lower humidity, and unpredictable winds. The potentially record-setting high pressure system could significantly impact firefighting strategy.

The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Challis Middle School at 721 East Main Avenue in Challis.

As of Tuesday night, the fire was estimated at 2,611 acres with zero percent containment.