Lake Channel Fire in Power County grows to 1,500 acres; BLM takes command
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AMERICAN FALLS — Multiple aircraft were dispatched Thursday morning to battle the Lake Channel Fire near Massacre Rocks as the Bureau of Land Management assumed command of the wildfire according to American Falls Fire Chief C.J. Sweeney, who was assessing the scene.
Sweeney told EastIdahoNews.com he will provide an update as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, Power County Sheriff Kasey Kendall said the latest information released by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin Unit 3-East Idaho and the BLM Idaho Falls District is the most current update available.
Lake Channel Fire summary
The lightning-caused wildfire is burning north of Interstate 86 just west of Massacre Rocks in Power County. As of Thursday morning, it was estimated at approximately 1,500 acres with very active fire behavior. Containment and control estimates were not yet available.
The fire is burning primarily in grass and brush and is being driven by gusty, shifting winds in steep, inaccessible terrain. Several structures remain threatened.
Ground resources assigned to the incident include multiple fire engines, dozers, water tenders and overhead personnel. Mutual aid is being provided by the U.S. Forest Service’s Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the American Falls Fire Department, the Power County Sheriff’s Office and other partner agencies.
Fire officials continue to urge the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency crews to work safely. They also remind drone operators that unauthorized flights over the fire are prohibited because they affect aerial firefighting operations.
Some farm and ranch residents were placed on evacuation notice Wednesday night into Thursday morning as the fire spread rapidly.
“There was a moment of panic when we were awakened by our daughter’s call that we might have to evacuate,” said area resident Tammy Ramsey. “We started packing as we watched the fire grow and thankfully shifted away from our homes. It looked like lava flowing. It was scary and beautiful all at once. We had to open gates and cut fences so the cows could escape. Today will be spent searching for them, gathering them up and figuring out where they can graze now.”
For Lake Channel Fire updates, follow: USWFS-Great Basin on Facebook.
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