2 cabins burn as Henry’s Creek Fire spreads to 17,000 acres
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UPDATE 8:30 a.m.
The following is an update from the Bureau of Land Management
IDAHO FALLS — Firefighters convened at the Incident Command Post (ICP) off Ammon Road at 6:00 a.m. to outline today’s operational tactics for the Henrys Creek Fire. A rough estimate places the fire at over 17,000 acres. A recon plane will be in the sky around 8:30 a.m. to provide a more accurate mapping of the fire.
The fire made a major push towards the northeast last night, jumping Meadow Creek, approximately six miles south of Highway 26. Jefferson County Central Fire District joined firefighting efforts by providing assistant with structure protection. Idaho Falls Fire Department confirms two cabins were lost last night but no injuries were sustained.
The fire is being managed as a Unified Command between the Bureau of Land Management, Bonneville County Sherriff Department and Idaho Falls Fire Department. A type 2 team has been ordered. The Red Flag warning expired this morning and fire officials are hoping lighter winds and cooler temperatures will reduce fire activity and assist them in containing more of the area. Crews will focus on enhancing the western and eastern fire perimeters.
The Bonneville County Sheriff Department continues to enforce the previous closures and once again requests individuals stay away from firefighting operations. Several near misses occurred on the roads last night as cars continued to drive up Lincoln Road and Highway 26 to get views of the fire.
Fire investigators continue to investigate the cause of the fire but have determined that it was a result of human activity as no lightning was in the area at the time of ignition.
Wildfire updates and fire prevention tips are available on www.IdahoFireInfo.com. One less spark means one less Idaho wildfire.
Boating is off-limits at the Ririe Reservoir including Blacktail Park and the Juniper Campground.
UPDATE 1:00 a.m.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office released the following:
The fire burning around the Ririe Reservoir toward Hwy 26 is still being worked on by fire personnel. Notifications of residents have all been made at this time and it will be monitored through the night. Deputies and Search and Rescue Units will be in the area as well.
Further updates will come later this morning.
UPDATE 9:40 p.m.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office released the following:
Residents along the area of the Meadow Creek Rd on Hwy 26 to the east need to be aware of a fire traveling fast from the Blacktail Area East and North through Meadow Creek toward Hwy 26. This is a continuation of the Henry’s Creek Fire that has been fast moving with high winds.
Residents are asked to monitor conditions and news alerts.
ORIGINAL STORY
IDAHO FALLS — Firefighters continue suppression activities on the Henry’s Creek Fire (formerly referred to as the Blackhawk Estates Fire) as it burns approximately seven miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The fire is estimated to be over 10,000 acres and continues to grow, propelled by dry fuel, high temperatures and gusty winds.
“Weather has been a major concern on this fire,” said Bureau of Land Management Incident Commander Cory Berkebile in a news release. “The Red Flag warning for winds today hampered our firefighting efforts.” Extreme gusts drove the fire northeast at an increased rate of speed. The fire jumped the Bone and Sunnyside intersection late this afternoon and is pushing towards Willow Creek.
Bonneville County has issued evacuation notices to individuals living in the Sunnyside/Bone area down to Kepps Crossing.
The Bonneville County Sheriff Department has asked individuals to stay away from the fire so firefighting operations are not impeded.
The following areas are closed:
- Intersection of Bone and Lincoln
- East Sunnyside from Crescent Drive
- Ririe Reservoir, including Blacktail
- Tex Creek
- Meadow Creek
- Fall Creek Road
- Long Valley Road
Structures are threatened at this time but none have been lost. No injuries have been reported. Numerous resources are fighting the blaze including federal, county and city engines. Skeleton crews will remain on scene during the night to try to make headway on the fire before temperatures and winds increase tomorrow.
Several drone intrusions were reported in the area yesterday. While flight operations were not suspended, drone interference is becoming a significant issue on wildfires. For the safety of our firefighters, keep drones out of fire zones. Several additional air resources will be on scene tomorrow to assist ground resources so it is even more imperative that drones stay out of the area.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and currently under investigation.
Wildfire updates and fire prevention tips are available on www.IdahoFireInfo.com. One less spark means one less Idaho wildfire.
