Lightning ignites regional fires

Lightning ignited several small fires in southeast Idaho this week.

On Salmon-Challis National Forest, the “Shady” fire was reported Wednesday night about 2 miles east of Seafoam Guard Station in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the Middle Fork Ranger District. Two engines and a wildland fire module will be assigned to the fire today. Because of snags, heavy fuel, and fire behavior, no action was possible Wednesday night.

Fire crews were dispatched to three small fires on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

The “Indian Creek” fire is located 3 miles southwest of Inkom. It was estimated at 60 acres. Five engines, a helicopter and a dozer were dispatched. It is 50% contained and crews are securing fire line and mopping up today.

The “Gardner” fire is estimated at 10 acres about 10 miles south of Malad in the Samaria Mountains. A helicopter, engine, and a 10-person crew were dispatched. It was expected to be contained Wednesday night.

And, a fire engine was dispatched to the “New Canyon” fire about 5 miles southeast of Malad Summit. It was estimated at one-tenth of an acre.