Author: KIFI

Par Kermani

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Crews are making progress on the Big Rock Fire near Heise, with containment reaching 22% Wednesday morning.

The fire remains at 2,199 acres with 278 personnel assigned to the incident.

Fire officials said the Big Rock Fire continues to stay within its existing perimeter, with crews achieving partial containment along the northern flank above Cress Creek. Overall fire activity has also decreased.

Crews are continuing to reinforce and widen fire lines north of Kelly Canyon and on state endowment lands to the north. Firefighters are also working to secure South Snake River Road and Heise Road while moving farther uphill to remove hazardous trees and extinguish hot spots.

Although active fire behavior has decreased, officials said heat and smoldering material remain throughout the burned area, with some juniper trees occasionally torching.

One helicopter is assigned to the fire Wednesday afternoon to assist with bucket drops.

Crews are also inspecting the Cress Creek Trail to remove hazards and determine what repairs may be needed.

Firefighters thanked the community for its continued support and understanding as crews work to secure more of the fire’s perimeter Wednesday.

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Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is joining attorneys general from 16 other states in calling on Congress to pass the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act”. The legislation that would expand states’ ability to investigate and prosecute Medicaid recipient fraud.

“Every year, criminals steal billions from a program meant to protect our most vulnerable citizens by lying their way onto Medicaid rolls,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Federal law currently ties investigators’ hands unless the fraud comes from a provider, letting recipient fraud go unchecked.”

Labrador joined South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and other state attorneys general in a letter urging the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Senate Committee on Finance to pass the Stop Fraud in Medicaid Act.

Under current federal restrictions, State Medicaid Fraud Control Units can use federal funding to investigate and prosecute fraud committed by Medicaid providers, but not fraud committed by Medicaid beneficiaries or recipients.

The proposed legislation would expand that authority to include recipient fraud.

“The STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act gives Idaho and other states the authority to run down beneficiary fraud with the same force we already use against dishonest providers,” said Labrador “I will keep fighting to protect this program for the Idahoans who truly need it.”

According to the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reported that Medicaid Fraud Control Units recovered $4.64 for every dollar spent by states and the federal government during fiscal year 2025.

Nearly $2 billion was recovered through criminal and civil cases during that fiscal year, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Those convictions also resulted in 900 individuals and entities being excluded from federal health care programs.

Supporters of the legislation argue expanding the authority of state Medicaid Fraud Control Units would help states recover additional taxpayer money and protect the Medicaid program from fraud.

Attorneys general from Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia signed onto the letter.

More information on medicaid fraud can be found at idaho.gov.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)— Federal and state agencies will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions across central and eastern Idaho starting this Friday, August 7. The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Department of Lands ordered the restrictions due to very high fire danger and dry conditions on rangelands and forested lands.

The restrictions are intended to decrease the chance of preventable human-caused wildfires on federal, state and private lands.

Other participating agencies include the Fort Hall Agency BIA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation. According to fire management officials, the order applies to forestland and rangelands at all elevations.

In central Idaho, the restrictions cover portions of Custer County north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The order also applies to all lands in Lemhi County that are not designated as federal wilderness.

Areas under restriction in eastern Idaho include the Big Desert, Caribou and Centennial zones. These zones encompass lands in Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, Oneida and Teton counties.

Under the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on state and federally managed or protected lands, roads, and trails:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site and in a permanent concrete or metal fire ring, or on private land, and only within an owner-provided structure.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

The following are exemptions to the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

Persons using fire fueled solely by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels. Such devices, including propane campfires, may be used only in an area cleared of flammable material.

Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

All land within a city boundary is exempted.

Other exemptions unique to each agency.

Private landowners may use fire structures on their own land if the improvement is made of permanent metal or concrete. Such structures must have a clearance of 10 feet on all sides that is free of any flammable vegetation. This exemption does not include metal fire pans. Private landowners are also permitted to use charcoal or propane barbecues on their own property if the coals are disposed of properly. Devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels, such as propane campfires, are allowed if used in areas cleared of flammable material.

Other exceptions include persons with a written permit for a prohibited act and those using stove fires that feature a chimney at least five feet long and a spark arrester with a maximum mesh screen opening of one/four inch.

Metal fire pans are permitted within a quarter-mile of several river segments, including the Salmon River, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Selway River. Fire pans are also allowed on the Snake River from Hells Canyon Dam to Lewiston and on the South Fork of the Snake River from Palisades Dam to Mike Walker Boat Access. These pans must be made of durable metal, measure at least 12 inches by 12 inches and have a three-inch lip. Users must elevate the pans to prevent scorching the soil and must carry out all ash in a sealed container.

The restrictions will remain in effect until fire management officials determine there has been a significant change in fire danger.

Officials advise visitors to check with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the BLM Idaho Falls District or the Idaho Department of Lands for specific local updates before traveling.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Kids crawled through police cruisers, jumped on motorcycles, explored a Bear Cat, and learned about tasers at the Idaho Falls Police Department’s National Night Out celebration Tuesday at Tautphaus Park.

The event offered kids and adults an opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women putting their lives on the line every day to serve and defend our community.

“When policing was first invented, they were on foot. They walked the neighborhood. They knew everybody. They knew their kids. They knew their lives. They knew their struggles, and it was community policing,” said Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson. “That’s what we’re striving to be more like, so that there’s a more intimate relationship, because that allows us to get the bad people and put them in jail and serve the the folks of Idaho Falls, make it safe and make a positive difference.”

Members of the community were able to interact with officers, tour vehicles, watch a drone, and check out special police equipment like the Bomb Squad’s robot.

They also came face to face with Skadi, the department’s highly-trained, bomb-sniffing dog.

Officers from patrol, the bomb squad, dispatch, Crime Scene Investigators and SWAT team were on hand to answer questions and have fun with the community.

“We’ve got K9s – so bomb-sniffing, drug-sniffing dogs, apprehension dogs – drones, motorcycles, fingerprinting, even drinks and hot dogs,” said Deputy Chief Jeremy Galbreaith.

Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday “Idaho Falls Community Policing and National Night Out Day.”

“The one word for community policing to always hold onto is trust, because it’s about building the trust between the police and citizens,” said Idaho Falls City Council President Jim Francis. “When they trust each other, it’s a proactive way of preventing crime, and that’s the most important thing to get to.”

The city is divided into four beats, he explained, allowing officers to build relationships with local residents, and come to know the region and organizations that operate there.

“When the public has a concern or they know something’s going on that can be headed off before it gets bad, then they go to somebody they trust,” Francis said. “They know, because it’s an officer who’s there on a regular basis and often you can head it off before it becomes a serious problem.”

National Night Out is all about building those relationships of trust. The event is held the first Tuesday of every August.

The celebration provides an excellent opportunity to thank those in police uniforms who keep us safe and serve with honor, courage, integrity, trust and excellence every day.

“To enforce the law, you have to be courteous and also educate the public on what it is that the law is all about,” Galbreaith said. “So it’s a partnership more than anything else.”

A young man sticks his head out of the Bear Cat Tuesday at National Night Out.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little and Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke met with local business owners in Idaho Falls on Tuesday, discussing the opportunities and challenges that come with eastern Idaho’s continued growth. During the panel, they also discussed pressing issues facing the state.

One of the biggest topics of discussion was how Idaho Falls can continue to grow without losing the small-town feel that has long attracted residents and businesses.

The state leaders discussed ways to support economic development while maintaining the qualities that make communities across eastern Idaho unique.

“I think people that move here are chasing the mystique that we have laid the foundation for decades. And we have we have done it right here. We live in a beautiful part of a world. We have a great backdrop,” Bedke said.

Water issues

Water issues were another major topic during the luncheon.

“We largely did not have a winter last year. And and if we have another winter like that, then we’re going to stress as a system. We live out West and you get a run of years that are droughts and we call it ‘droughts’. But we need to start calling them ‘normal’,” Bedke said.

Wildfire season and public safety

With wildfires already impacting parts of eastern Idaho this summer, attendees also asked about the state’s response to fire season.

Last month, the governor declared a fire disaster emergency in parts of Idaho due to intense wildfire activity.

RELATED: Gov. Little declares fire disaster emergency, deploys Idaho National Guard to Big Grass Fire

“The federal resources are really strained. The fires in Oregon, Washington, Utah and Colorado, there are just a lot of fires, and this is always the time of year. I’ve been around for a long time, and the month of August is always our top month for fireman,” Little said.

With wildfires burning across eastern Idaho, Little said the state is in a strong position to respond.

“We’re kind of in pretty good shape. It’s the BLM and the Forest Service that really kind of tapped out right now, so we’ve deployed some of our state resources from northern Idaho down into the other areas,” Little said. “We got a new fire station. We call it ‘Cottonwood’, which is southeast Idaho. They’re working on that fire there… We’re really fortunate that we have state resources in this part of the state for that fire [near] Rigby.”

Immigration enforcement

The two leaders said they have maintained regular communication with federal officials and believe immigration remains one of the most significant issues facing both Idaho and the nation.

“I think it’s very close in this Congress to bring some closure to the to the immigration issue, at least that’s what he (President Donald Trump) keeps telling me every time we see him. But it is a huge issue,” Bedke said.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

HEISE, Idaho (KIFI) — As crews continue working to put out hot spots near Heise Hot Springs, the Big Rock Fire remains within its existing perimeter.

“I really think we have to give a huge round of applause to all of our firefighters, because they really did protect structures,” Jefferson County Public Information Officer Kimberly Murphy said. “I mean, some of those fires came really close to those property lines, but they were able to keep all the campsites, all of the buildings themselves. They really limited the damage in this fire, which is really impressive.”

Currently, there are no visible or active flames on the mountain, only puffs of smoke, charred debris and rocks that are scalding to the touch.

Although there are no visible flames, the fire is still listed at 0% containment by Watch Duty. However, containment does not necessarily indicate whether a fire is actively burning.

“When a fire is contained, that means there’s no fingers or branches or anything that could spark a fire again,” Murphy said. “And right now, there are some areas of green within these canyons and such that could ignite again. And so that’s why we can’t say that fire is contained at that point. But it’s not growing today.”

Fire crews are working to cut and remove debris from the area. With more than 200 personnel assigned to the fire, officials are asking anyone who does not have access to property in the area to stay away and give crews room to work.

Jefferson County is also reminding property owners not to return to their property until they have been given explicit permission to do so.

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Hadley Bodell

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) – As potential data centers continue to dominate conversation in Eastern Idaho, the Bannock County Board of Commissioners enacted a temporary moratorium on Thursday, July 30, pausing acceptance of data center permit applications. The moratorium will last 180 days, completely stopping review of any data center proposals within county jurisdiction.

According to a press release sent by Bannock County public information officer Emma Iannacone, the temporary pause will give the Planning and Development staff the time required to research and craft ordinance that aligns with county preferences. This will include creating an entirely standalone data center ordinance, “designed to protect natural resources, energy infrastructure, utility ratepayers, and community character across the county.”

“I realized we didn’t have an ordinance governing data centers,” said Jeff Hough, Chairman of the Bannock County Commissioners. “That meant we didn’t have the ability to control what size of data center came to our community.”

It also meant that, before the moratorium went into effect, the county would have no legal authority to say ‘no’ to a data center proposal on Bannock County land. They wouldn’t be able to deny a conditional use permit request, and Hough said this is why it was imperative to immediately put a moratorium in place so they have the legal basis to deny applicants.

The Board of Commissioners also emphasized that county jurisdiction does not include the City of Pocatello, as the battle for a data center through Lex Developments continues within city limits. The moratorium includes strictly land within unincorporated county jurisdiction.

“We want to look at the pros and cons of it and the locations, and present those findings to the Planning and Development Council,” Hough said. “Then, the public hearing process is in place to give the public opportunity to speak out on whatever the commission decides at that point in time.”

Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist explained in a June 2026 interview that Pocatello City Code did not thoroughly or distinctly include data center regulations for land use, making the permitting process with developers complicated. Bannock County is acting proactively to finalize a rewrite of the Land Use and Development Ordinance (LUDO).

“I would be lying if I said the situation in Pocatello didn’t influence some of this decision,” Hough said. “We would like some of the cities to participate in our council because obviously, it’ll come to them as well. So if we can all work together to come up with something that works for us collectively and individually, that’ll be the hope of that committee to help out.”

Hough said data centers were not included in that ordinance, and this 180-day pause will allow staff to address data centers directly. Bannock County will have LUDO public hearings to hear from the public about data center regulation expectations. The county stressed that public input is an invaluable part of the rewriting process and residents will have opportunities to speak on data centers and provide feedback before any new regulations are official.

“It gives us the opportunity to decide what works for Bannock County. Rather than being held up against the wall, [like] Pocatello might’ve been, we’re trying to avoid that and be proactive,” Hough said. “We like to say we’re open for business, but the right kind of business and the right size. We need to make sure that we protect who we are and our resources with everything that we do.”

Bannock County has also launched a dedicated website for residents to track updates and review drafted materials. Residents may also find opportunities for public input and announcements on the page, found HERE at bannockcounty.gov/datacenter.

Bannock County also stated data centers present a “unique land-use, resource, and infrastructure considerations.” The Planning and Development staff is focusing on major community concerns including water consumption, energy use, noise levels and zoning suitability.

“With what’s going on in Pocatello, there are data centers looking around, trying to find some opportunities,” Hough said. “With the energy resources that we have here in Bannock County, we’re a good candidate for that.”

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Par Kermani

UPDATED: 4:50PM

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little has ordered U.S. and State of Idaho flags in Twin Falls County to be lowered for the victims of Saturday’s shooting that left three people dead.

“The people of Idaho stand with the residents of Twin Falls and all those affected by Saturday’s unspeakable tragedy. Teresa and I continue to pray for the victims, their families, the first responders, and the entire community. The State of Idaho is committed to standing alongside local leaders for as long as needed by providing law enforcement resources, behavioral health services, and other support to help the community heal and recover. We are grateful to the courageous first responders and public servants who answered the call with professionalism and compassion,” Governor Little said.

Flags will remain lowered until sunset Monday, Aug. 10.

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Authorities have identified the three people killed in Saturday’s shooting in Twin Falls.

The victims were identified as:

Ashley Garibay, 23, of Stockton, California

Dale Schultz, 66, of Salt Lake City, Utah

Christopher Claunch, 59, of Hagerman, Idaho

The Twin Falls Police Department said the names were released after the Twin Falls County Coroner’s Office completed identification procedures and notified next of kin.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, friends, coworkers and community members grieving this unimaginable loss,” the department said in a statement.

Police Chief Matthew Hicks said the department’s primary concern is supporting the 10 immediate families directly affected by the shooting.

“These families are experiencing an unimaginable loss or injured family member, and they deserve compassion, privacy and every available measure of assistance our department and partner agencies can provide,” Hicks said.

A Family Assistance Center has been established at Sawtooth Elementary School, 1771 Stadium Boulevard, to help victims, survivors and family members receive information and support.

The center will be open Tuesday, Aug. 4, and Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Available resources will include the American Red Cross, mental health support, Crime Victims’ Compensation, spiritual care and other victim assistance services.

Victims and family members may also request and collect personal items left at the scene. The FBI has established a victim information form for people seeking assistance from victim specialists or requesting personal belongings.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Prosecutor’s Office, Twin Falls County Coroner’s Office, FBI and other local, state and federal agencies.

Authorities said additional information will be released when it can be shared without compromising the investigation or the privacy of those affected.

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Par Kermani

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — One of the moose recently spotted wandering around Idaho Falls has been safely captured and will be relocated back into the wild.

Idaho Fish and Game and Bonneville County Animal Control captured the young male moose after finding him in a resident’s backyard near the Idaho Falls Zoo.

Officials tranquilized the moose before removing him from the backyard.

Idaho Fish and Game and Bonneville County Animal Control officials load a tranquilized moose into a truck before relocating and releasing it back into the wild.

The moose will be released back into the wild, although officials did not disclose where the animal will be relocated.

The capture comes after several recent moose sightings around Idaho Falls.

Idaho Fish and Game says moose can sometimes wander into lower-elevation residential and urban areas. Officials remind people who encounter a moose to keep their distance and never approach the animal.

RELATED: Why are moose wandering into Idaho neighborhoods?

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