Caribou-Targhee National Forest Fire Updates

Caribou-Targhee National Forest Fire Updates

Lightning tracked across southeast Idaho the past week igniting multiple wildfires on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Fire crews responded quickly to the new starts and are actively engaged in full-suppression actions and utilizing risk-based tactics. 

More lighting is forecasted over the next few days. Please take precautions while enjoying your public lands. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across eastern Idaho. Remember possessing or discharging fireworks, incendiary ammunition, steel core ammunition, and exploding targets are illegal on public lands. Help prevent human caused wildfires.

Rocky Top Fire 

• Located approximately 11 miles northwest of Swan Valley, Idaho.
• 3.2 acres
• Lightning
• Fire resources – Incident Commander is assigned and evaluating resource needs
• Fire behavior is smoldering and creeping. Due to the steep rocky terrain and extreme risk to firefighter safety, both Full Suppression and a Confine strategies are in place. The confinement strategy within the planning area ensures firefighter safety while allowing direct engagement to create a high probability of protecting values at risk. 

Rim Trail Fire 

• Located approximately 13 miles northeast of Tetonia, Idaho.
• 27 acres
• Lightning
• Fire resources – 3-Engines, 2-Dozers, 2-Handcrews, 1-Type 1 Helicopter. 1 additional handcrew ordered.
• Closure in effect for Forest Roads 658, 809, 813. Forest Trails 002, 010, 013, 015
• Fire behavior is Smoldering, Creeping, Isolated Torching, and Spotting. The helicopter is providing water bucket drops in support of ground resources. 

Toponce Fire

• Located approximately 9 miles northeast of Inkom, Idaho.
• 11 acres
• Lightning
• Fire resources – 3-Engines, 2-Handcrews, 1-Type 2 Helicopter with Rappel Crew, 1-Type 1 Helicopter
• Fire behavior is smoldering, creeping, isolated torching, and spotting. Helicopters are providing water bucket support to ground resources. 

Chicken Fire

• Located approximately 11 miles east of Swan Valley, Idaho. 1 mile north of Upper Palisades Lake
• .10 acres
• Lightning
• Fire resources – 1-Type 3 Helicopter with Crew
• Fire behavior is smoldering and creeping and burning in steep terrain with excessive overhead snags. The helicopter is providing water bucket drops to support firefighters on the ground.