Rabbit Foot firefighters battle flames and the weather
UPDATE: 9:25 a.m. 8-13
The fire, 22 miles north of Challis, was estimated at 15,767 acres Monday morning. There are now 568 firefighters on the fire.
A new fire management team is on duty and will begin to do some structure assessment work at a relatively long distance away from the fire. The team says that is being done as a contingency measure for future planning.
ORIGINAL STORY: 8-13
Firefighters were forced to retreat to a safer location after the Rabbit Foot fire overran planned control lines Sunday.
A strong, dry cold front moved through the fire area, bringing 18 mile-per-hour winds with gusts to 35 miles per hour.
The fire was active everywhere, spreading north between Moyer Lake and Opal Lake west of Taylor Mountain and east of Panther Creek.
According to the incident management team, “crews are removing hazard trees, installing hose and sprinkler systems to help protect subdivisions, ranches, historic buildings and resources up to several miles from the active fire as a precaution. Three helicopters supported suppression efforts, as allowed by smoke and expected gusty conditions. Helicopters can safely work in up to 30 mph winds, depending on gusts.”
The Type Two Incident Management Team is transferring command to a Type One team Monday.
The lightning caused fire is now estimated at 10,015 acres and is zero percent contained. 502 firefighters are battling the fire, which is burning in dead standing trees, grass, and brush. There are 8 20-person fire crews, 30 engines, 5 dozers, 8 water tenders, and 4 helicopters.
