Day 2: Big Rock Fire grows to 2,400 acres with zero containment as night falls on Saturday
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LATEST UPDATE:
As of 11 p.m. Saturday, the Big Rock Fire has doubled in size, and grown to more than 2,400 acres with zero containment. The fire remains extremely fast moving, and erratic, according to latest information from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Fire pressed the containment lines near some houses this afternoon, but no residences were lost. However, two minor structures have been destroyed.
While crews diverted to protect threatened structures, the fire spread both to the southwest towards Cress Creek, and to the northeast, reaching Idaho Endowment lands south of Moody Creek. The fire also spotted east across Little Kelly Canyon and into Kelly Canyon.
Resources were stretched thin by the extreme fire behavior experienced on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday will be another extreme fire weather day. The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning for gusty winds, high temperatures, and low humidity, which could again result in significant and extreme fire activity and growth.
EVACUATIONS:
GO – Level 3 – Evacuation Order:
- All homes and campgrounds north of Heise, extending north to Lyons Creek Road/10000 South and east to 7000 East, just west of Luthy Meadows.
- The Level 3 (GO) evacuation order for the Heise area north of the Snake River remains in effect, including residences that are North of the Snake River from Heise Hot Springs and East to the Y at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218, extending North up to East 12000.
SET – Level 2 – Evacuation Warning:
- Table Rock and Wolf Flats Campground areas.
READY – Level 1
- Residents along South Snake River Road, north of the Snake River and up to 10000 North.
An evacuation shelter is open at South Fork Elementary School, 7163 South 2000 West in Rexburg, where those impacted can access a safe place to stay, meals, water, information and recovery support. All services are free.
Camping and recreation closures have also been issued for BLM-managed lands in the South Fork Canyon corridor and Idaho Endowment Lands south of Moody Creek.
UPDATE
At approximately 4:30 p.m. Saturday, all homes and campgrounds north of Heise, extending north to Lyons Creek Road/10000 South and east to 7000 East, just west of Luthy Meadows, are now under an evacuation order.
Residents north of the Snake River between Heise Hot Springs and east to the Y at Kelly Canyon should have already evacuated the area. Additionally, those staying on Forest Service Road extending north up to East 12000 should also be gone.
Fire is threatening the area. Leave immediately. Do not delay or attempt to remain in the area.
Residents or campers in and around the Table Rock Campground along Forest Service Road 217, Wolf Flats Campground and camping areas along the Snake River from the “Y” at the Table Rock Road intersection back to the Kelly Island Campground and Heise area should be prepared to evacuated if needed.
Additionally, residents and campers east of the “Y” intersection past Burns Creek to the dead end at Blacks Canyon are also advised to exit the area.
An evacuation shelter is open at South Fork Elementary School, 7163 South 2000 West in Rexburg, where those impacted can access a safe place to stay, meals, water, information and recovery support. All services are free.
UPDATE
As of 2 p.m. Saturday, the Big Rock Fire had exceeded 1,200 acres, and was zero percent contained, according to Central Fire Chief Nic White.
All evacuation orders are still in place, and roads near the Heise, 7N and Kelly Canyon resorts remain closed.
About a dozen structures are still threatened, but firefighters have erected defenses around those homes.
Officials believe the fire will grow this afternoon due to extreme fire conditions, and it continues to burn in a westwardly direction.
Due to the expected expansion, the American Red Cross has relocated its evacuation shelter. The shelter is now open at South Fork Elementary School, 7163 South 2000 West in Rexburg, where those impacted can access a safe place to stay, meals, water, information and recovery support. All services are free.
Madison County has placed residents on South Snake River Road from Cress Creek to 10000 South in READY status. Those living in that area should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Residents north of the Snake River between Heise Hot Springs and east to the Y at Kelly Canyon should have already evacuated the area. Additionally, those staying on Forest Service Road extending north up to East 12000 should also be gone.
The cause of the fire has not been officially determined, although White says lightning may have been involved. The fire ignited about 5:30 p.m. Friday.
UPDATE
The American Red Cross has relocated the evacuation shelter for residents affected by the Big Rock Fire.
The shelter is now open at South Fork Elementary School, 7163 South 2000 West in Rexburg, where those impacted can access a safe place to stay, meals, water, information and recovery support.
All services are free.
ORIGINAL STORY
HEISE — The Big Rock Fire near Heise grew to an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 acres on Friday night following hours of active and aggressive fire behavior.
An accurate aerial mapping of the area is still pending as of 9 a.m., and the size of the fire may change.
Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire spokeswoman Juley Smith says that thus far, there does not appear to be any damage to structures. Fire lines have been built along roadways protecting areas, such as Heise Hot Springs and the 7N Ranch Resort. Structures are still considered threatened despite protective measures.
All evacuation orders are still in place. The American Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon has set up an evacuation shelter at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 14061 North 130 East in Ririe.
The fire moved in a westwardly direction Friday night, but that could change on Saturday due to extreme fire weather conditions. Ground and aerial crews continue to work on the fire.
RELATED | Evacuation order still in effect for Big Rock Fire; more residents told to standby
Saturday’s weather is highly conducive for the rapid spread of wildfires. There is currently a heat advisory, and a red flag warning in effect throughout most of eastern Idaho.
“It’s basically hot, dry and windy,” National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew McKaughan said. “Fire spread could be problematic for any existing or new fires that start today.”
Temperature highs are expected at over 100 degrees Saturday, and humidity is expected to drop into the single digits. Wind speeds of between 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected.
Temperatures will drop on Sunday, but wind speeds will increase.
EastIdahoNews.com will update this article as more details are released.
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