Lava Flow Fire Update

For Immediate Release: August 03, 2017, 3:30 p.m.  

Contact: Kelsey Griffee, kgriffee@blm.gov, 208-521-8709

Lava Flow Fire Update

Twitter: @BLMIdahoFire
(#LavaFlowFire & #BLMIFDFire)

Start Date: Reported 8/2/2017

Location and Jurisdiction: 5 miles south of Atomic City, ID, BLM

Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 20,500 acres

Percent Contained:  No estimated containment

Structures Threatened:  No immediate threat to structures.

Fuels and Terrain:  Tall grass intermixed between the lava flows

Fire Crews/Resources: 10 engines, 3 dozers, 3 water tender, 5 single engine air tankers, 2 handcrews, 1 heavy air tanker, 1 very large air tanker, and 2 helicopters (100 personnel)

Evacuations:  None in effect at this time.

Closures:  None.

Summary:  The Lava Flow Fire has continued to burn actively through the day. The fire is consuming tall grasses, a product of the wet spring. This gnarly landscape of lava rock makes direct attack by firefighters difficult making air resources the lead tactic in combating the blaze. Firefighters have been working to secure fuel breaks as a way to corral the fire. To do this they have been burning out the vegetation between gravel roads and the main fire (this can be seen in attached photos). This evening firefighters will continue working to slow the fire’s progress.

Photos taken by Austin Catlin during burning operations to secure the Stage Road