Firth evacuations ordered as Lavaside Fire grows to nearly 1,200 acres
FIRTH, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 4/23/2021 8:30 a.m. The Bureau of Land Management reports approximately 100 firefighters from across southeast Idaho will be staffing the fire Friday.
They will be reinforcing and extending containment lines while providing continued protection to structures in the fire area.
At this time, the Lavaside Fire is estimated at 1,192 acres. The majority of which is privately owned land.
The current estimated containment is 25%, with full containment anticipated on April, 24 at 6 p.m.
BLM said the fire burned actively Thursday night until the early morning hours at which time fire activity moderated.
UPDATE 4-22 8:30 p.m. -- BLM says the Lavaside Fire is mapped at 1,192 acres on predominately private land. Sixty firefighters are working aggressively on the fire. They reported strong winds from the south pushed the fire north creating an extreme fire danger. The fire is 25% contained and they estimate the fire to be controlled on Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m. The fire is burning in thick brush, cottonwood, and juniper trees along the Snake River.
UPDATE 4-22 4:15 p.m. --An evacuation center for people threatened by the fire is being established at the AWJ Elementary School, at 765 N. 600 East.
Sheriff Rowland says there are evacuations on 700 N. from 550 E. and River Road.
Rowland says he can't force them to leave. He can just give them notice.
Residents can go to AWJ Elementary School.
BLM says firefighters are aggressively engaging the fire to protect structures.
The fire is estimated at 500 acres and is west of Firth & visible from I-15.
BLM asks you refrain from spring burning activities.
4-22 3:10 PM-Residents living near the Lavaside Fire are being advised to evacuate the area as winds continue to push the fire out of control.
Bingham County Sheriff Craig Rowland said officials are trying to evacuate the entire town of Firth to the west side of Highway 91.
Firefighters were asking area schools to be cleared by 3:30 p.m.
Several additional fire units are being dispatched from fire departments around the region.
UPDATE 2:30 p.m. The Bureau of Land Management reports evacuations are occurring.
The fire is running north. It west of Firth & visible from I-15.
#LavasideFire #BLMIFDFire #FireYear2021
— Bureau of Land Management Idaho Fire (@BLMIdahoFire) April 22, 2021
*UPDATE 04.22.21 2 p.m.: EVACUATIONS occurring. Contact Bingham County Sheriff for more information. Fire is running north.* Fire is west of Firth & visible from I-15. pic.twitter.com/XsvISnqwXx
ORIGINAL: After battling the Lavaside Fire into the night, the Bureau of Land Management reports the fire is now estimated at around 190 acres.
Fire activity had slowed Thursday morning, but activity is expected to pick up as winds increase into the afternoon.
The fire is estimated to be 25% contained, with full containment projected for Saturday at 6 p.m. It is burning in thick brush, cottonwood, and juniper along the Snake River.
There was some early threat to structures in the area, but BLM said none are threatened at this time.
Firefighting efforts are being challenged by thick stands of juniper, willow, and cottonwood vegetation.
A 20-person handcrew will be assigned to the fire this afternoon to assist with saw work and mop-up.
