Fire crests Tie Canyon in Teton Basin Ranger District

UPDATE: 8/24/16 9:15 a.m.

The Tie Canyon fire was estimated at 890 acres Wednesday morning.

The fire was reported around 6:15 p.m. Monday just off Highway 31 on Pine Creek Pass. The fire was burning under Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines.

6 engines and a 5-person fire team were actively working to fight the fire in steep terrain. The proximity of the BPA power lines has restricted the use of air based fire retardant drops.

Teton Basin District Ranger Jay Pence said the fire grew to within 2 to 3 miles of Victor overnight. It is approaching subdivisions in the Pine Creek area.

The fire topped Tie Canyon into the vicinity of the Coal Mine Fork of Little Pine Creek. The movement of the fire prompted Teton County, Idaho and the city of Victor to issue a Level One Evacuation warning Tuesday night. (Details are printed below)

The big concern Wednesday morning was for the power lines. People were advised that regional power outages were a possibility. But, so far, it is not necessary for people to reduce electrical use.

Meanwhile, the district is monitoring the very small Black fire in the Black Canyon area along the South Fork of the Snake River.

Pence said the Carrot Fire in the Jedidiah Smith Wilderness area is being monitored for resource benefit. And, he said the fire is expected to ultimately improve vegetation and wildlife habitat in that area.

UPDATE: The following is a press release from Teton County and the City of Victor:

The United States Forest Service, Teton County Idaho, Teton County Sheriff Office, and the City of Victor are closely monitoring a wind driven 870-acre forest fire in Tie Canyon located on Pine Creek Pass. The fire has spotted across and east of the Upper Rainey Creek Road. An area closure is in effect, as are road closures for Tie Canyon Road 252 and Upper Rainey Creek Road 253. The United States Forest Service is planning to close the Black Grove Trail 047, the Power Line Trail 321, and the Blanchard Ridge Trail 014. Highway 31 may close if the fire shifts towards it.

Because power lines are in the vicinity of the fire, regional power outages may occur. At this time, it is not necessary for citizens to reduce electrical use.

A Level One evacuation order has been issued to residents and property owners south of 10000 South, east of Highway 31, and west of 1000 West (Pole Canyon Road) in addition to Hidden Waters Subdivision.

Finally, it is critical that people do not fly drones near the forest fire.Any drone intrusion halts all fire suppression operation and substantial fines will be issued.

LEVEL 1: A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

LEVEL 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

LEVEL 3: A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE

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Original Story: 20 to 25 firefighters have been dispatched to the Tie Canyon fire near Highway 31 north of Swan Valley on Pine Creek Pass. That is about 9 miles southwest of Victor.

The fire was estimated at about 300 acres. It started around 6:15 p.m. Monday and expanded Tuesday. Investigators said it was probably human-caused.

Five engines and a 5-man fuels crew has been assigned to the fire, which is burning in rugged forest land.

Because of Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines, it is difficult to run retardant flights over the fire area. BPA was working with firefighters to protect those lines.

Closures have been ordered for Forest Roads 252 and 253, the upper Rainey Creek and Tie Canyon Roads. Other closure orders are expected.