Day 1: Evacuation order still in effect for Big Rock Fire; more residents told to standby

LATEST UPDATE

As of 11 p.m., the Big Rock Fire is still burning actively and aggressively. It’s burning in juniper, sagebrush, and dry grass. This fire has dangerous shifts in direction and intensity.

The public must avoid the area for its own safety and to allow the movement of fire fighting equipment.

Evacuations remain in place for homes, businesses, and campgrounds from the Heise bridge to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, according to a news release from Jefferson County.

At this time, food and water donations are not needed, but cash contributions to the American Red Cross, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) of East Idaho, or Chaplains of East Idaho are appreciated.

At 8 p.m., the fire had burned more than 200 acres, but the fire has grown significantly larger. Accurate mapping will take place in the daylight, officials said Friday night.

Active structure protection of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure is ongoing.

More than a dozen agencies are on the scene, including Central Fire, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and many local mutual aid partners.

The fire is zero percent contained.

UPDATE

Residents along South Snake River Road, north of the Snake River and up to 10000 South are being being told to prepare for evacuation as of 10:30 p.m. Friday. If you live in that area, be ready to leave immediately.

For those evacuating from the Heise area due to the wildfire, the American Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon has set up an evacuation shelter at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 14061 North 130 East in Ririe.

Due to the fast-moving Big Rock fire in the Heise area, the South Fork Canyon will be closed to boaters from Conant Boat Access to Byington Boat Access. Conant Boat Access will be closed for downstream travel but open for upstream travel.

Upstream travel from Byington Boat Access is Closed. Downstream travel from Byington is open. Fulmer and Wolf Flats are both closed for boating and camping. Any boaters currently camping in the South Fork Canyon will be allowed to take out at Byington Boat Access.

ORIGINAL STORY

HEISE — A large, fast-moving blaze ignited in the foothills near Heise on Friday evening.

The Big Rock Fire was reported at about 5:30 p.m. in the foothills north of Kelly Canyon Road and east of Heise.

Evacuations of homes and campgrounds have been ordered between Heise and Kelly Canyon Resort. Residents north of the Snake River between Heise Hot Springs and east to the Y at Kelly Canyon should evacuate. Additionally, those on Forest Service Road extending north up to East 12000 should leave now, according to the Madison and Jefferson County sheriff’s offices.

For those evacuating from the Heise area due to the wildfire, the American Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon has set up an evacuation shelter at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 14061 North 130 East in Ririe.

Staff at Heise Hot Springs tell EastIdahoNews.com the resort has been evacuated of staff and patrons. Roads to Heise and Kelly Canyon are closed and will remain so until it is safe to reopen them.

Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire officials report the blaze is at least 200 acres in size, and a large plume of smoke can be seen rising from a heavily wooded, hilly area near Kelly Canyon Road.

Fire officials say structures are threatened.

Firefighters from Bonneville, Madison and Jefferson counties are responding to the fire, which is impacting all three counties. Federal agencies are also responding.

Officials are advising the public to stay away from the area.

EastIdahoNews.com will update this story as more details are available.