UPDATE: Work continues on fully containing the Grape Creek fire near Elba. In updated information from the Sawtooth National Forest helicopters dropped water on hot spots in both the Grape Creek and Green Creek drainages. The fire has kept within the perimeter and not spread in size.  Fire crews are fairly close to full suppression and mop up of the Grape Creek drainage. So far the blaze has not reached the Independence Lakes, but it is a possibility later in the week. A Type 3 team is working on the fire now and will shift to a Type 4 team that will monitor the fire burning in the Green Creek Drainage.

According to Minidoka District Fire Management Officer, Matt Ginder, “the fire will continue to be staffed with a fire crew and helicopter and will take action where safe to do so, but the fire is not being actively suppressed in the Green Creek Drainage due to concerns for firefighter safety in the steep and rocky terrain and heavy, dry timber and vegetation.” People may see more smoke later this week as it warms up and dries out.

Earlier story: 

ELBA, Idaho (KLIX) A Mini-Cassia Area fire has been slowed by cooler temperatures and higher humidity, but officials expect fire activity to pickup as warmer temperatures move in.

According to information released by the Sawtooth National Forest the Grape Creek fire was stalled by weekend weather and kept it at around 1,580 acres. Firefighters are preparing for the fire to become more active in the next several days.

“The fire received less than 1/10 of an inch of rain yesterday, and the concern today and over the next few days is the wind and warm up. We’re definitely not done with the fire,” stated incident commander trainee, Dave Collins.

Crews will keep working on suppression and mop up work on the Grape Creek drainage. Trails in the area will be used as a contingency line near Independence Lakes to keep the fire in check. The fire has burned near, but has not reached Independence Lakes.

The areas south of the lakes south of NFS Road #548 are still closed. Fire officials will consider opening Logger Springs Road later this week. The Independence Lake Trail will remain closed until the fire is extinguished.

FireGrapeCreeK_SawtoothNationalForest
Grape Creek Fire, Sawtooth National Forest
loading...

More From News Radio 1310 KLIX