New fires reported Wednesday
UPDATE: 9 a.m.
The size of the “Blue Creek” fire has been down-sized. Originally mapped at 400 acres, it was reassessed at 88 acres Wednesday morning. Difficult access impeded fire suppression efforts, but firefighters have constructed line around 80% of the fire Wednesday morning.
31 firefighters are assigned and expecting gusty winds and some isolated thunderstorms this afternoon.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Idaho Falls District Bureau of Land Management firefighters are battling the new “Blue Creek” fire about 10 miles west of Dubois. It was estimated at about 400 acres in size Tuesday night.
Firefighters reported moderate fire behavior. No structures are threatened. Five engines and a dozer were assigned to the fire.
Three new lightning-caused fires were reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest Tuesday.
The “Beartrap” fire was called out Tuesday at three-tenths of an acre. It was located about 3 miles north of North Fork.
The “Black” fire was reported Tuesday and estimated at one-half acre. The fire is located west of Morgan Creek summit, about 33 miles southwest of Salmon. Four firefighters are assigned to the fire.
Firefighters reported good progress towards containing the “Vader” fire. Crews used water bucket drops from helicopters to help douse hot spots near the fire Tuesday.
The “Furnace” fire was reported Monday and estimated at one-tenth of an acre Wednesday. It is near Camas and Furnace Creeks, about 40 miles southwest of Salmon. Four firefighters are assigned to that fire.
