Thirty New Fires Start in Idaho Forest

BOISE, Idaho (KTVB) – Nearly 30 new lightning-caused fires sparked in the Boise National Forest over the weekend, according to spokesman Dave Olsen. Olsen credited a strong and organized attack for keeping them under control.

Meanwhile, he says three new small fires are also being fought as of Monday morning. “Initial attack forces doing an exceptional job, and the coordination to place the right amount of assets at these widely scattered and remote fires has led to the success to date,” said Bob Shindelar, Boise National Forest Fire Chief.

Here's the details, according to Olsen: The majority of fires have not exceeded one acre. The largest is the 50-acre Grape Fire about 10 miles northwest of Prairie.

That fire has been contained.  Rainfall from the multiple days of thunderstorms varied from virtually none, to short intense downpours, providing only minimal help.

Low visibility due to the smoky haze from fires in other western states has limited fire lookout detection, but aerial detection added another tool to locate new fires quickly.