Maze Fire fully contained as scorching heat settles over eastern Idaho
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REXBURG – The Maze Fire burning seven miles west of Rexburg is now 100% contained.
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service posted the update on its Facebook page Tuesday night around 9:15 p.m. It was fully contained around 6 p.m.
RELATED | Fire line holds 1,579-acre Maze Fire as crews press for full containment
The 1,579-acre blaze started Monday around 3:45 p.m. west of Rexburg on U.S. Bureau of Land Management property near Beaver Dick Park and the Unified Sportsmen’s Club shooting range at 9029 West Idaho Highway 33. As of Wednesday morning, firefighters have not yet determined a cause.
The flames quickly spread, prompting the early evacuation of the gun range. An evacuation order later went into effect for those living on 6000 West north of West Highway 33. The evacuation order was lifted just before midnight on Monday.
On Tuesday, firefighters said homeowners were still on alert to be prepared to leave if circumstances change. No further evacuations have taken place as of Tuesday night.
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Air and ground crews from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management remain on scene Wednesday, as well as the USWFS, U.S. Forest Service, Madison Fire Department and multiple cooperating agencies.
“Crews continue to hold and reinforce containment lines, while also extinguishing any remaining hotspots,” the USWFS reports.
In an email to EastIdahoNews.com Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Pocatello said temperatures throughout eastern Idaho will increase through the weekend and will be 10-15 degrees above normal.
“By Sunday, daytime high temperatures could be nearing 100 degrees across the lower elevations — about 10-15 degrees above seasonal averages,” meteorologists say. “Beyond the next week or so, temperature outlooks call for above-normal temperatures continuing through the balance of July.”
There will be very little relief overnight. For the forseeable future, the NWS says overnight temperatures will also be higher than normal and are not expected to cool things down significantly.
“There is a 60-70% chance of above-normal temperatures continuing through the end of July,” forecasters predict.
Mild wind may accompany the heat. The NWS is forecasting isolated thunderstorms in parts of eastern Idaho Wednesday morning, but not in the area near the Maze Fire.
The dry, hot conditions pose a greater risk for wildfires. The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center indicates fire danger on Wednesday is high. Fire officials are urging people to be responsible and avoid doing anything that could start a fire.
With the heat building over the next week, forecasters are urging the public to be prepared. Make sure your air-conditioning and fans work. Stay hydrated and take care of family members.
Additional information is included in the graphics below. For the latest conditions and a complete seven-day forecast in your area, click here.
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