Critical resources brought in to fight Henry’s Creek Fire as blaze grows to over 25,000 acres

IDAHO FALLS — Firefighters continue to battle active flames on the Henry’s Creek Fire six miles east of Idaho Falls. A recent recon flight depicts the fire at 25,000 acres. Agency officials expect that number to grow as crews are seeing active fire behavior on large portions of the perimeter. The fire is over 17 miles long running from the Black Hawk subdivision to the Ririe Reservoir.

The rough terrain is making dozer and ground access difficult, but crews continue to make progress. The Henry’s Creek Fire is considered the number two fire in the Eastern Great Basin, which allows us the ability to pull critical resources from the region to our area. Air resources including air attack, Single Engine Air Tankers, Helicopters and Super Scoopers are providing much needed assistance.

Bonneville County is at capacity with donations from the local community and asks that those who wish to donate to the community in this time of need contact their local Red Cross, churches or other volunteer organizations.

Private landowners who need to get into the closure area are asked to contact Bonneville County at 208-529-1200 to coordinate those efforts. The Sheriff’s Office has been working with ranchers to relocate cattle that may be impacted by the fire. We appreciate the patience of landowners as extended attack continues.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office continues to enforce the previous closures and once again requests individuals stay away from firefighting operations. Several individuals are accessing the fire area from backroads; this presents large safety concerns especially with the erratic fire behavior crews are experiencing.

Cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Joint Statement from the Idaho Falls Fire Department and Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Falls District:

There are pockets throughout the Henry’s Creek and BlackHawk areas that are not covered by the BLM, Idaho Falls Fire Department or the Bonneville County Fire District. Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to a small 4-acre fire on Saturday evening. On Sunday, smoke was reported near the same area. Due to strong winds, dry fuel and low humidity, the fire spread rapidly and the BLM, IFFD, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding departments were called in at that time to assist. At no point during the Sunday operations did the Incident Commanders turn away any local fire departments who came to help. Fire personnel have been very appreciative of private individuals who have coordinated their efforts to safely fight the fire on private lands. Tankers, planes, and additional equipment steadily arrived throughout the day on Sunday and Monday and positioned themselves tactically to fight the rapidly growing fire. The fire is now being managed as a Unified Command between the Bureau of Land Management, Bonneville County Sherriff’s Office and Idaho Falls Fire Department. Additional crews arrived this morning, and a type 2 crew will arrive tonight to assist.