Red Flag conditions continue Monday; firefighters wrapping up Horse Butte, Lake Channel fires
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ABERDEEN — The Horse Butte and Lake Channel fires appear to be well under control as of 10 a.m. Monday morning, but fire conditions in eastern Idaho remain critical.
The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag warning between 2 and 9 p.m. Monday for the following counties: Bonneville, Madison, Fremont, Teton, Clark, Butte, Bingham, Cassia, Blaine and Power.
Humidity will drop under 15 percent, and scattered thunderstorms, some without rain, are expected throughout the region. Winds gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected alongside the storms. Lightning strikes combined with dry and abundant fuels can lead to rapidly spreading fires, NWS officials say.
Lightning caused several wildfires Saturday afternoon, including the Horse Butte Fire near Aberdeen, and the Lake Channel Fire near Raft River.
The Horse Butte Fire grew to nearly 9,500 acres before firefighters got a handle on it late Sunday. The fire is now 80 percent contained and smoldering, with full containment expected by Monday evening.
The Lake Channel Fire grew to more than 8,200 acres, but by Monday morning it was 100 percent contained, and firefighters were mopping up.
The fires destroyed grassland and brush but did not impact any manmade structures.
For a complete weather forecast, visit www.eastidahonews.com/weather.
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