8 Mile fire now 75 percent contained

The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center is projecting full containment of the 1,016 acre 8-Mile fire, five miles southeast of Soda Springs on Monday.

Two single residences and three other structures were destroyed.

Firefighters said the fire was burning on private land, but threatening Bureau of Land Management and forested lands in the region.

While fire managers said there was minimal chance for growth, they were taking precautions.

There are eight engines, two dozers, and two 20-person hand crews assigned to the fire along with air support from airplanes and two helicopters. Fire equipment from Caribou, Bear Lake, and Franklin counties also responded.

Although the cause of the fire is still officially under investigation, the Caribou County Sheriff’s Office said it was started by sparks from a welder used to repair a damaged metal mailbox.

The sheriff’s office has lifted all evacuations and closures in the area.