Lightning caused wildfire burns 100 acres causing thousands of dollars of crop loss
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UPDATE
UCON — After an intense thunderstorm passed through eastern Idaho Thursday evening, sparking a fast-moving wildfire, fire crews have brought the blaze under control.
According to a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, crews were dispatched at around 8:45 p.m. to a grain field near 129th North where a fire began after lightning struck in the area.
IFFD, Ucon Fire Department and Central Fire District responded to the fire, bringing the fast-moving blaze under control. Along with fire apparatus, two tractors were also used to create a fire break to help stop the fire’s progression.
The release states that because the fire occurred in a grain field, the IFFD estimates the crop loss at $100,000.
During the fire, IFFD acknowledge the efforts of local farmers who assisted fire crews by using tractors to create a fire break to protect nearby buildings and land.
“The crop loss is significant and represents a difficult setback for those who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Our thoughts are with the impacted farmers as they work through the aftermath of this incident,” the release states.
IFFD wants to remind community members that with the dry conditions in the area—along with the heat—lightning can quickly ignite dry vegetation. Those who see any signs of smoke or fire should call 911.
ORIGINAL STORY
UCON — A fast-moving wildfire appears to have ignited during a thunderstorm on Thursday evening between Ucon and Rigby.
The fire, which has not yet been given a name, started just after 9 p.m. near East 145 North and North 25th East, just north of Ucon in Bonneville County.
The size of the fire is not yet known, but surrounding agencies are on scene, and working to extinguish the blaze.
EastIdahoNews.com has reached out to fire officials for comment and will update as we learn more.
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