Lake Channel Fire grows to nearly 2,500 acres in Power County
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AMERICAN FALLS — The lightning-caused Lake Channel Fire in Power County has grown to nearly 2,500 acres, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District.
The fire, burning west of Massacre Rocks and north of Interstate 86 and the Snake River, is now estimated at 2,497 acres. Fire officials said the increase reflects growth west of Thursday’s fire perimeter, as well as more accurate mapping of areas that had already burned within the existing perimeter.
RELATED: More resources deployed as Power County’s Lake Channel Fire continues to burn
Crews continue working to reinforce existing containment lines and construct new fire lines around areas where the fire spread on Thursday.
Ground resources include engines, dozers, hand crews and water tenders, while multiple helicopters are drawing water from American Falls Reservoir to cool hot spots and support firefighters on the ground.
Matthew Rose, spokesman for U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin Unit 3-East Idaho, said Idaho’s infamous shifting winds make battling wildfires especially challenging.
Strong, shifting winds are expected to test containment lines again on Friday afternoon and evening. The fire is burning primarily in grass and brush and continues to exhibit active fire behavior, including running and spotting.
As of Friday morning, the fire was estimated to be 30% contained. The blaze continues to threaten structures, though no new evacuation orders have been announced.
“We estimate having the fire fully contained by Saturday night,” Rose said.
For updates on the Lake Channel Fire and other area fires, follow: USWFS Idaho – Great Basin
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