No containment yet, but firefighters see progress at Rabbit Foot fire

Firefighters are still struggling to gain an upper hand on the Rabbit Foot fire north of Challis.

As of Thursday, the fire was estimated at 29,075 acres and zero percent contained.

However, interagency fire center officials said progress is being made on implementing a full suppression strategy to contain and confine the fire.

Using equipment that can rapidly cut and stack standing trees, a contingency line along the fire’s western flank is almost complete. Hand crews are working in the Moyer Basin to connect the fire to the 2011 Salt Fire. Firefighters say the change in fuel type will help slow or stop the fire’s progress.

A low pressure weather system is moving into the area, which could create some isolated thunderstorms with limited rain but potential for lightning. Wind gusts could get as high as 50 miles-per-hour.

The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office is closely monitoring the situation and will notify residents if Level 1 or Level 2 pre-evacuations are ordered.