Firefighters are making steady progress in containing two significant wildfires in central and north central Idaho. The Bench Lake Fire in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest is now 23% contained, up from 13% earlier this week. This improvement is credited to the hard work of fire crews and the use of helicopters and scooper planes.
Currently, 468 firefighters are battling the Bench Lake Fire, which has grown slightly to 2,595 acres. The fire started on July 11, about eight miles south of Stanley. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Fire crews have been successful in reducing heat in the northwest portion of the fire using portable pumps and hoses, and they have completed important handlines.
Custer County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through CodeRed online or by texting CUSTER to 99411. Visitors can also register for alerts via IPAWS, the national emergency notification system.
In response to the fire, officials have issued an expanded emergency closure for the Redfish Lake recreation complex, including the lodge, roads, trails, trailheads, and campgrounds. However, Highways 21 and 75 remain open. Crews are also working to remove dense vegetation on Decker Flats Road and around the Sawtooth National Forest Stanley Ranger Station and fish hatchery, where they have made significant progress in eliminating hazardous fuels.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Issued in Central Idaho
Due to extreme fire danger from fuel and weather conditions, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now in place for the Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area. This includes parts of Custer County north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and a portion of Lemhi County that is not federally designated as wilderness. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is excluded from these restrictions.
Under these restrictions, fires are only allowed within owner-provided fire structures in designated recreation areas or on private land. Campfires are permitted only in metal or concrete fire pits in designated recreation sites. Smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles, buildings, designated recreation areas, or areas cleared of flammable materials that are at least three feet in diameter.
These restrictions apply to national forest land boundaries in the Sawtooth and Cassia zones in the Sawtooth National Forest. Campfires are only allowed in designated recreation sites with metal or concrete fire pits, not in dispersed camping areas.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will also take effect in the Payette Fire Restrictions Area starting Friday at 12:01 a.m. These restrictions will remain until October 1 unless lifted earlier by officials. They apply to the Payette National Forest, Idaho endowment lands, private lands in central Idaho, and the Bureau of Land Management’s Cottonwood Field Office.
Amid the high wildfire potential, officials are urging the public to be cautious when outdoors. Fireworks are banned on forests and rangelands in Idaho during the closed fire season, which lasts until October 20. This ban also applies to federal lands.
The early issuance of fire restrictions in July is unusual for central Idaho land management agencies, as these typically come into effect in August. Due to prolonged high temperatures and very dry wildfire fuels for this time of year, fire managers are warning of a potentially very active fire season. They are encouraging central Idaho residents and visitors to be aware of the “Ready, Set, Go” fire evacuation systems put in place by local law enforcement agencies.
The Texas Fire, burning east of Kendrick in Latah County, is now 70% contained, up from 60% earlier this week. Firefighters have been monitoring and patrolling the fire to address areas of heat as needed. Around the entire fire perimeter, they have completed initial mop-up operations, which involve extinguishing or removing burning material.
Due to the extended hot and dry conditions, much of the fireline has been supported by water systems like pumps, sprinklers, and hoses. As of now, 189 firefighters are still on the ground, but this number is expected to decrease significantly in the coming days as resources are redirected to other large fire incidents.
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Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are also in place for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area, covering all federal, state, state endowment, private forestland, and rangeland property in the area. The Texas Fire, which started on July 15, was caused by humans.
