Rabbit Foot Fire reaches 5 percent containment
UPDATE 8/22/18: A community meeting is scheduled regarding the lightning-caused Rabbit Foot Fire at the Challis Middle School, 721 E. Main Ave. Challis Idaho, August 23, 2018 beginning at 6:00 pm.
Firefighters were once again able to be fully engaged working on the fire without restriction Tuesday.
The radio problems that have been hampering operations did not materialize and, in an effort to avoid any further slowdowns, the entire communication system has been replaced with new equipment.
Temperatures will bounce back into 70’s and humidity will start to drop, drying fuel. Skies will start to clear and winds will develop from the S/SW rotating to W/NW fut staying 10 to 18 mph. Thunderstorms are possible that will produce erratic outflow winds and lightning.
Stage One fire restrictions remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and State lands.
Fire-related area closure orders remain in effect and have expanded in response to the new fire growth. You can view the fire restrictions and area closures HERE.
The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Department will continue to notify residents regarding level 1 and level 2 pre-evacuations. Please contact the Sheriff’s department for any questions related to evacuations at (208) 756-8980.
UPDATE 8/21/18: The lightning-caused Rabbit Foot Fire, 22 miles N. of Challis, has burned 34,518 acres and is now five percent contained.
Fire behavior was minimal due to cooler temperatures and higher fuel moistures Monday.
Firefighter engagement on the fire was limited because of predicted extreme weather and persistent radio communication problems. Technical experts tested the entire system without a definitive solution and are planning a complete replacement this morning.
At this point, the majority of indirect line has been completed due to the hard work of the firefighters and favorable weather conditions.
Temperatures will bounce back into 70’s and humidity will start to drop, drying fuel on Tuesday. Skies will start to clear and winds will develop from the south and west reaching 10 to 18 mph.
Stage One fire restrictions remain in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and State lands.
Fire-related area closure orders remain in effect and have expanded in response to the new fire growth. You can view the fire restrictions and area closures HERE.
The Lemhi County Sheriff’s Department will continue to notify residents regarding level 1 and level 2 pre-evacuations. Please contact the Sheriff’s department for any questions related to evacuations at (208) 756-8980.
