DAY 5: Additional crews called in to help fight Big Rock Fire as it continues to burn
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HEISE – The Big Rock Fire continues to burn on Tuesday, but officials say the blaze has continued to hold behind the established fire lines.
According to the U.S. Wildfire Service – Great Basin, the fire is currently burning at 2,204 acres and remains 0% contained.
Officials say the slight reduction in acreage from 2,482 to 2,204 is due to more accurate mapping.
Currently, 250 personnel are working on the fire. As of Tuesday, there have been no injuries to firefighters or the public, and no residences have been lost.
RELATED | Day 4: Firefighters hold the line of Big Rock Fire; homes spared from destruction
“(Tuesday’s) operational plans are to reinforce the lines on the hill north of Kelly Canyon, secure the South Snake River Road going to the west of Cress Creek trailhead, and working nearby hotspots where fire is still active,” says a Facebook post from USWFS Great Basin. “Crews say that the infrastructure at Cress Creek trail remains intact, including the bridge.”
As of 9 a.m. on Monday, officials say crews have “been briefed on (Tuesday’s) assignments, eaten a hot breakfast, picked up their lunches, and are headed up the hill.”
Two helicopters were assigned on Tuesday to help with bucket drops across the fire area.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures should continue to be milder with a high near 79 degrees and a low of 53 degrees at night. Officials expect a west wind at 6 to 9 mph, with gusts up to 18 mph.
EVACUATIONS:
READY – Level 1 – Evacuation Order:
Only South Snake River Road residents/property owners may pass road closures to access and check properties. Roads remain closed to everyone else; please continue to avoid the area.
Heise, Kelly Canyon, Wolf Flats, and Table Rock remain closed. Follow responder instructions.
As of Saturday evening, the emergency evacuation shelter at South Fork Elementary School is closed.
Area Closures:
The Bureau of Land Management – Idaho has issued a temporary closure of BLM-managed lands, roads, campgrounds, and trails along the South Fork Canyon, including all river camping between Conant and Byington Boat Accesses, Kelly Island, Wolf Flats, Warm Springs, and all dispersed sites along River Road.
The Idaho Department of Lands has issued a temporary closure of the endowment lands in the Kelly Canyon block south of Moody Creek due to the Big Rock Fire. The Caribou Targhee National Forest has implemented an area closure associated with the Big Rock Fire.
This closure is in place to ensure both public safety and firefighter safety as crews continue to work in challenging conditions.
This is a developing story and may be updated as more information is available.
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