Lava Trail Fire: Spread halted on 91-acre blaze west of Idaho Falls, but the fight isn’t over

News Team

UPDATE — 12:30 PM, August 7:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As of 10:30 p.m. on August 6, firefighters successfully stopped the spread of the Lava Trail Fire, which burned 91 acres west of Idaho Falls. The fire is not yet fully contained, and crews will continue to work on extinguishing hot spots over the next several days.

Multiple agencies responded to the fire, including the Idaho Falls District BLM, Idaho Falls Fire Department, Bonneville County Fire, U.S. Forest Service – Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the BIA, and the Idaho National Laboratory.

While the highway closure has been lifted, fire officials warn that smoke may still be visible and could impact the road. Drivers are asked to slow down and use caution in the area to ensure the safety of the crews working to put out the remaining fire in the lava flows.

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Transportation Department has confirmed the lanes are blocked in both directions along Highway 20 from US-26 to the Bingham/Bonneville County line as crews work to battle the Lava Trail Fire. According to the Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire website, the blaze has now grown to an estimated 110 acres.

Drivers are being advised to use alternate routes and expect delays.

ORIGINAL:

ARCO, Idaho (KIFI) — A wildfire is currently burning along Highway 20 between Idaho Falls and INL. The call came in around 3:47 p.m., according to Chris Burger with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The fire is burning south of the highway and is currently estimated at 15 acres or more, according to Watch Duty. Crews from the BLM, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Forest Service, along with Idaho Falls Fire, are all on the scene.

Drivers in the area are reporting that Hwy 20 West of Idaho Falls has been closed due to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. This is a developing situation, and Local News 8 will provide updates as they become available.

Click here to follow the original article.