Ibex forest fire continues to grow near Challis

Although fire activity was minimal over the weekend, higher temperatures and lower relative humidity helped the “Ibex” fire on the Salmon-Challis National Forest grow to about 1,490 acres early this week. An early flight confirmed the fire was burning in the head of McKee and Cottonwood Creeks, as well as Ibex Creek. Smoke from the Ibex fire and others in the region was drifting into Challis and other valleys in the area Tuesday. Fire managers expect the Ibex fire to continue to grow with continued hot and dry weather for the next 7 to 10 days. The fire was discovered at around 3:45 p.m. on July 24. It is 11 miles west of Twin Peaks Lookout and was burning in sub-alpine fir and lodgepole pine on the Middle Fork Ranger District. One helicopter and 10 firefighters are assigned to the fire.