Update: Henrys Creek Fire now 81% contained; 52,972 acres

Update 8/29/2016 7:00 a.m.: Fire managers said the Henrys Creek Fire didn’t increase in acreage on Sunday. They now report it is at 81% contained and 52,972 acres.

They also reported, “The Caribou-Targhee National Forest Henrys Creek Fire Emergency Area, Road and Trail Closure put in effect on 25 August, 2016 will be rescinded effective today, 29 August 2016, at 6 AM. The incident commander for the fire feels that suppression efforts to date have reduced the need of this closure for public safety. Forest Supervisor Garth Smelser supports this decision and will rescind the order.”

Update 08/28/2016 10:37 am: The crews working on the Henrys Creek Fire made solid progress Saturday increasing the estimated containment to 68 percent.

There’s now 462 personnel working on the fire.

Update 08/27/2016 10:45 am: The crews working on the Henrys Creek Fire made solid progress Friday increasing the estimated containment to 55 percent.

There are now a total of 443 personnel working the fire. Crews are using direct attacks on the fire lines to slow its progress.

Update 08/26/16 11:00 am: The Henry’s Creek fire is estimated at 52,511 acres and is 37 percent contained.

350 personnel are assigned to the fire, which is now being managed by Great Basin Team 7. The cause of the fire is probably human and is still under investigation.

The fire has potential to increase Friday due to outflow winds. Gusts to 20 mph are expected.

Original Story: According to the Great Basin 7 incident commander Tony DeMasters, the Henry’s Creek Fire has grown to to 52,233 acreage overnight. Which is about 9,000 acres of growth. The fire is roughly 30 percent contained at this point.

Wind is a primary concern for the firefighters. Demasters said dry brush fuel conditions and the winds coming from the north and west are feeding the fire.

They’re using a helicopters to carry water to the support line to help extinguish the fire on the edges.

Due to the wind firefighters have encountered a number of spot fires, fires started by flying sparks or embers.

DeMaster’s said they expect the winds to pick up this evening.

“With upcoming winds the fire can get bigger, we have 350 people working on putting out this fire,” DeMasters said.

The threat of the fire moving east because of winds into the Fall Creek area is a concern for DeMasters.

“And then the winds tomorrow will start switching around to the South West and then it will start pushing the fire to the North East, back towards Highway 26. There’s a lot of back country there,” DeMasters said.

DeMasters said he expects the fire to grow by a thousand more acres.

“It’s because the amount of open fire line that we are trying to get resources too. It’s very rugged and inaccessible,” DeMasters said.

There will be a community meeting about the fire Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Ririe LDS Church, 14061 N 130 E. Fire managers will be present to discuss the fire and answer community questions.