More resources deployed as Power County’s Lake Channel Fire continues to burn
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AMERICAN FALLS — Additional firefighting resources have been deployed throughout the day as crews continue battling the lightning-caused Lake Channel Fire west of Massacre Rocks in Power County.
Matthew Rose, a spokesman with the United States Wildland Fire Service, said that off-road fire engines, dozers, air attack aircraft, Type I and Type II helicopters, and scooper planes have been working the fire throughout the day.
Ground crews include multiple fire engines, dozers, water tenders and overhead personnel. Assistance is being provided by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, American Falls Fire Department, Power County Sheriff’s Office and other partner agencies.
RELATED: Lake Channel Fire in Power County grows to 1,500 acres; BLM takes command
The wildfire was still estimated at about 1,500 acres Thursday afternoon, though Rose said that figure is expected to change once crews can more accurately assess the burn area.
“Fighting fire at night is so deceptive,” Rose said. “The fire has grown, but we don’t know exactly how much. The wind has shifted a lot, and it’s difficult to assess the country.”
The fire is burning in grass and brush north of Interstate 86 in steep, rugged terrain west of Massacre Rocks. Gusty, shifting winds have contributed to active fire behavior, and several structures remain threatened.
Despite the challenging conditions, Rose said there are currently no evacuation orders. If conditions don’t change, officials expect the fire to be fully contained by Saturday morning.
Officials continue to ask the public to avoid the area so firefighters can work safely. They also remind drone operators that unauthorized flights over the fire are prohibited because they can interfere with aerial firefighting operations.
For Lake Channel Fire updates, follow: USWFS Idaho – Great Basin on Facebook
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