Firefighters Battle 700-Acre Gaston Fire Near Aberdeen

ABERDEEN, Idaho (KIFI) — Wildland fire crews are actively battling the fast-moving Gaston Fire, which exploded to an estimated 700 acres overnight in eastern Idaho.

The fire was first detected around 8:42 p.m. Saturday via satellite hotspots on NOAA’s Wildland Fire Data Portal. It is burning approximately seven miles southwest of Coffee Point and 12 miles northwest of Aberdeen.

As of midnight, the fire remains active in high-grass and brush, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS). Firefighting efforts have been hindered by gusty winds and rugged terrain.

Firefighters from the USWFS Great Basin Unit 3 (East Idaho/Idaho Falls) are on scene alongside multiple partner agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service (Caribou-Targhee National Forest) and Aberdeen Fire Department. Both ground and overhead personnel are actively on the scene.

Fire crews currently estimate full containment by 10 p.m. Sunday. A timeline for full control of the fire remains unknown.

Wildland Fire Crews emphasize that public and firefighter safety is their top priority, urging people to stay clear of the area to allow crews room to work. Authorities also issued a strong warning against operating personal drones in the area.

"IF YOU FLY, WE CAN’T. Remember that if you fly a drone over a fire, critical operations get suspended," states the post.