Big Rock Fire crosses containment lines overnight, forcing mandatory evacuations
UPDATE: AUGUST 2, 8:00 AM
MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Firefighters continue to battle extreme conditions on the Big Rock Fire on Sunday as a Red Flag Warning fuels critical fire behavior across the region.
After more than doubling in size to 2,400 acres Saturday afternoon, the wildfire breached containment lines shortly after midnight, threatening nearby structures. The sudden shift forced deputies to evacuate all residents along South Snake River Road from Heise to 10000 South.
“Deputies worked through the night evacuating homes in the affected area,” the Madison County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a Sunday morning update.
As of Sunday morning, the Jefferson and Madison County Sheriff’s Offices have issued the following evacuation orders:
GO – Level 3 – Evacuation Order:
All homes and campgrounds north of Heise, extending north to Lyons Creek Road/10000 South and east to 7000 East, just west of Luthy Meadows. The Level 3 (GO) evacuation order for the Heise area north of the Snake River remains in effect, including residences that are North of the Snake River from Heise Hot Springs and East to the Y at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218, extending North up to East 12000. South Snake River Road from Heise to 10000 South
SET – Level 2 – Evacuation Warning:
Table Rock and Wolf Flats Campground areas.
An evacuation shelter is open at the LDS Church located at 14061 N 130 E, Ririe, ID. For up-to-date information on evacuations and whether you are in the “Ready, Set, or Go” zones, click HERE.
UPDATE: 11:00 PM
MADISON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Firefighters continue to battle the fast-moving Big Rock Fire west of Ririe Saturday night, after high temperatures, low humidity, and strong gusty winds led to extreme fire behavior in the afternoon. As of 11 PM, the burned area has doubled in size and is now estimated at 2400 acres, according to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Crews are operating under an aggressive full-suppression strategy to protect nearby communities, homes, recreation areas, and critical infrastructure. However, the USWFZS reports that resources are being stretched thin due to extreme behavior.
Fire pressed containment lines near several homes Saturday afternoon, but firefighters successfully defended the structures with no reported residential losses.
While crews diverted to protect threatened homes, the fire spread to the southwest towards Cress Creek, and to the northeast, reaching Idaho Endowment lands south of Moody Creek. The fire also spread small spot fires to the east across Little Kelly Canyon and into Kelly Canyon. Fire managers are developing strategies along Kelly Canyon Road to protect the Kelly Canyon Resort and adjacent lands to the south and southeast, states the USWFS.
Dangerous Conditions to Continue SundayWildland crews are bracing for another difficult day. Fire officials warn Sunday will bring another day of extreme fire weather as the National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning, citing high winds and scorching temperatures in the high 90s.
The USWFS emphasized that once winds pick up, their primary priorities will remain firefighter safety and the protection of lives, structures, and critical infrastructure.
Current Evacuation OrdersThe Jefferson and Madison County Sheriff’s Offices have issued the following evacuation orders:
GO – Level 3 – Evacuation Order:
All homes and campgrounds north of Heise, extending north to Lyons Creek Road/10000 South and east to 7000 East, just west of Luthy Meadows. The Level 3 (GO) evacuation order for the Heise area north of the Snake River remains in effect, including residences that are North of the Snake River from Heise Hot Springs and East to the Y at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218, extending North up to East 12000.
SET – Level 2 – Evacuation Warning:
Table Rock and Wolf Flats Campground areas.
READY – Level 1
Residents along South Snake River Road, north of the Snake River and up to 10000 North.
An evacuation shelter is open at the LDS Church located at 14061 N 130 E, Ririe, ID. For up-to-date information on evacuations and whether you are in the “Ready, Set, or Go” zones, click HERE.
UPDATE: 2:15 PM
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has released an updated evacuation mandate placing residents on South Snake River Road from Cress Creek to 10000 South in READY status.
Residents living in that area are being directed to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. For updates and the latest evacuation information, click HERE.
UPDATE: 11:25 PM
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — The evacuation shelter for residents affected by the Big Rock Fire has been relocated to South Fork Elementary School, 7163 S. 2000 W. in Rexburg, where those impacted can access a safe place to stay, meals, water, information and recovery support. All services are free.
ORIGINAL:
(KIFI) — Firefighters continue to battle the fast-moving Big Rock Fire west of Ririe on Saturday morning after it tore through 1,000 to 1,200 acres overnight.
The fire, which broke out around 5 p.m. Friday in the Heise area, is being met with an aggressive full-suppression strategy to protect nearby communities, recreationists, homes, and critical infrastructure.
According to a morning update from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) Great Basin Unit 3 – Idaho Falls, heavy machinery and engine crews worked through the night to build containment lines and lit defensive backfires around all known structures. Fortunately, no structures have been lost.
Firefighting ProgressPer the update, crews worked overnight to build defensive lines in the following areas:
Southern Flank: Firefighters burned out a containment line along the southern road to protect homes, the Heise Hot Springs Resort, 7N Ranch, and the Snake River corridor. Northern Bench: Bulldozers and tractors constructed lines along the top of the northern bench to hold the fire’s northward expansion. Eastern Flank: According to the USWFS, operations remain challenging due to steep, rocky terrain. Hotshot crews are working on the ground constructing line in the Little Kelly area, supported by water-dropping helicopters and air retardant tankers.
USWFS warns that Saturday will present critical weather challenges. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for August 1, due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong gusty winds. Fire crews warn these conditions could lead to significant fire activity and growth where containment work has not been completed.
“Firefighters are working this morning to establish as much containment line as possible before the temperatures and winds increase this afternoon,” states the update. “Once the wind begins, officials will prioritize firefighter safety and the protection of communities, structures, and critical infrastructure.”
EvacuationsThe Jefferson and Madison County Sheriff’s Offices have issued the following evacuation orders:
GO STATUS: The Level 3 (GO) evacuation order for the Heise area north of the Snake River remains in effect, including residences that are North of the Snake River from Heise Hot Springs and East to the Y at Kelly Canyon and Forest Service Road 218, extending North up to East 12000. SET STATUS: Residents along S. Snake River Road, north of the Snake River and up to 10,000 South, are now in SET status.
“Deputies are actively evacuating residents as the fire continues to move northwest,” states the update. “…Please remain alert, monitor official updates, and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate if you are directed to leave.”
An evacuation shelter is open at the LDS Church located at 14061 N 130 E, Ririe, ID. For up-to-date information on evacuations and whether you are in the “Ready, Set, or Go” zones, click HERE.
All roads going to Heise and Kelly Canyon are closed and will remain closed until it is safe to reopen them.
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