Powerline fire now 85 percent contained

Firefighters are expecting minimal fire activity and progression on the Powerline fire about 20 miles southwest of Pocatello today. As of Thursday morning, the fire was estimated at 57,151 acres and was about 85 percent contained. 468 personnel are assigned to the fire. Officials estimate full containment of the fire by midnight Saturday. The fire is believed to be human-caused, but the exact cause is still undetermined. It started around 8:30 p.m. August 4. Rain fell on the fire yesterday and the remaining heat of the fire is likely hidden deep in fuels beneath pinyon, juniper, and other trees and shrubs within the fire lines. Plans call for firefighters to continue to secure the perimeter of the fire, especially near structures. They will work to secure large areas of unburned fuel within the fire lines and work into areas with difficult access. Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon but is expected to be slightly less than the area saw Wednesday. Winds are expected to remain light and from the southwest.