North Heglar Fire prompts evacuations near Power County
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AMERICAN FALLS — Firefighters made progress overnight on the North Heglar Fire, which has burned at least 700 acres in Cassia County and prompted evacuations in areas near the blaze.
According to USWFS Idaho – Great Basin, the fire was reported around 3 p.m. Wednesday about four miles east of Heglar Canyon. It is burning primarily on private land but has threatened nearby U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management property.
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The fire showed active behavior, including torching and running, on Wednesday evening. Resources assigned to the fire included six engines, two dozers, an air attack plane, six large air tankers, a helicopter and a hand crew. Firefighters transitioned to a unified command with the Raft River Fire Protection District.
As of Thursday morning, fire activity was minimal, according to an update from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS). Crews were assessing conditions to determine priorities for the day’s firefighting operations.
Dozer lines have been constructed around the north and south ends of the fire, and officials said both areas were “looking good” Thursday morning. Fire progression on the western side has stopped as fire activity diminished.
Crews planned to continue strengthening and connecting containment lines Thursday while using ground and aerial resources as conditions allow. Protecting threatened structures and other resources also remains a priority.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. As of early Thursday afternoon, officials believed the blaze has remained in Cassia County.
“The last I was advised, the fire has not reached Power County,” Sheriff Kasey Kendall told EastIdahoNews.com.
Cassia County officials ordered evacuations for the Mill Flats and Donkey Canyon areas as a precaution. Campers in the Rockland area between Houtz Canyon and Sheep Canyon were also advised to leave immediately.
Officials warn that fire conditions can change rapidly and urged residents and visitors to check with local emergency management officials for the latest evacuation information.
Kendall encourages people to check out USWFS Idaho – Great Basin on Facebook for more information on the Hegler fire and other area fires.
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