Telegraph Fire grows to 2,154 acres
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - UPDATE 7/9/20 11:10 a.m. Crews worked throughout the night to secure containment lines on the Telegraph Fire, which ignited late in the afternoon on July 8.
This human-caused fire is still under investigation.
An aerial flight of the fire mapped it at 2,154 acres.
The fire occurred approximately 20 miles west of Idaho Falls north of Highway 20 on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Pushed by high winds and dry vegetation, the fire quickly burned onto Idaho National Laboratory (INL) lands.
No INL buildings or power lines are threatened.
By midnight, dozers from the INL and BLM had constructed line around the entire fire.
INL crews worked throughout the night and were relieved by additional crews early Thursday morning.
Incident Commanders estimate the fire is now 50% contained and anticipate that number will increase throughout the afternoon.
Full containment is expected by 8:00 p.m. Thursday.
“Fire behavior is minimal this morning,” said IC Farron Kunkel. “Our strategy today will be to strengthen containment lines to withstand the anticipated wind event expected this afternoon.”
UPDATE: 8:30 A.M. THURSDAY: The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center estimates the Telegraph Fire grew to 1,537 acres. Firefighters expect to contain it by 8 p.m. Thursday.
Original Story:
Fire crews are responding to two separate fires along Highway 20 Wednesday night.
The Corral fire is estimated to be 10 acres in size -crews are engaging in mop up efforts. Fire officials anticipate this fire will be contained at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night.
The Telegraph fire is estimated to be 700 acres.
Several responders are on scene including engines from the INL, BLM, Bonneville County and Caribou Targhee National Forest. The fire is operating under unified command with joint incident commanders from the INL and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Moderate winds are pushing the fire northeast but are anticipated to dissipate this evening
Two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATS) are ordered along with air attack and a type 3 helicopter.
